Reading books on health, mental wellness, financial planning and psychology can bridge the gap between visionary goals and reality.

“Atomic Habits” by James Clear

This book is very popular with over a million ratings on Goodreads, averaging a 4.3 star rating, and for good reason. James Clear offers practical advice backed by research on how small habits create major life changes. To start off the new year, Clear makes it possible to achieve that list of resolutions with realistic, daily changes.

“The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle

In college, it is easy to focus on what’s ahead. Assignments, exams, internships, travel, graduation and jobs all loom in the distance. Consistently living in the future can hinder being grateful for and enjoying what’s happening right now. This book encourages living in the present moment through a spiritual and mindfulness framework.

“The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control” by Katherine Morgan Schafler

If you have ever had the thought, “I might be a perfectionist,” this book is for you. Psychotherapist Katherine Morgan Schafler breaks down the different versions of perfectionism — it’s not always hyper-organized rooms. The book does not give solutions on how to “fix” perfectionism, but how to take the desire for the ideal and apply it constructively in school, work and everyday life.

“Good with Money” by Emma Edwards

Emma Edwards is a financial behavior expert, and her book taps into the emotional and psychological drivers behind spending. The book does not shame spending, but instead strives to give readers a healthier relationship with money. It’s a great read for those hoping to create a sustainable budget and start building smart spending habits early.

“Tiny Beautiful Things” by Cheryl Strayed

This collection of honest, relatable advice columns and essays tackles subjects such as love, identity, loss and the realities of being human. Even for the simplest questions, Cheryl Strayed offers expansive and philosophical responses.

“Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert

Calling all creatives, “Big Magic” is a reinvitation into curiosity and artistic passions. Elizabeth Gilbert’s book is perfect for readers in search of a creative outlet, encouraging self-expression and risk-taking. It’s a wonderful pick to help find a new hobby and foster self-discovery instead of scrolling on a screen.

“Why We Sleep” by Matthew Walker, PhD

This book presents a sleep scientist’s case for why sleep is essential for energy, memory, mental health and immune functions. Matthew Walker offers actionable advice to improve sleep quality. College students are known for wonky sleep schedules, and those five hours a night are likely to have an impact on overall health beyond just feeling groggy during that 8 a.m. class.

“Everything I Know About Love” by Dolly Alderton

Previously an advice columnist for “The Sunday Times,” Dolly Alderton took all that she had seen and experienced in early adulthood to create this memoir. Alderton explores friendship, self-discovery, relationships and growing up in a humorous and occasionally heartbreaking manner.

“The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins

This motivational book, written by widely acclaimed speaker and podcaster Mel Robbins, boils down happiness and mental freedom to two words: let them. In a direct and research-backed approach, the book discusses how focusing on the thoughts and actions of others over your own wastes energy that could be poured into your life, happiness and goals.

“The Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achor

In an output-focused society, happiness is often left to the wayside. However, positive psychology researcher Shawn Achor argues that happiness is actually what leads to success, resilience and productivity. The book places mental wellbeing as a top priority, helping readers find fulfillment in the process, not just the outcome.

“101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think” by Brianna Wiest

If you are hoping to read something short yet impactful every day, this collection of essays is for you. With essays that range from a 5-minute to a 30-minute read on topics such as redefining success and emotional intelligence, Wiest offers digestible insights that will leave readers thinking about habit building, personal growth, productivity, human connection and more.

“Happy Place” by Emily Henry

For readers who doze off at the thought of nonfiction, there are fictional options that have similar life lessons with themes of growth and finding yourself. One example is “Happy Place” by powerhouse author Emily Henry. While the book is a romance novel at heart, it captures the pains and joys of nostalgia, friendships, growing up and finding a true home.

Picking up a book designed to boost creativity, productivity or healthy habits is a smart way to start the new year for continued encouragement and advice to fulfill resolutions past January.