As we approach the end of the year, it can be a great time to reflect and think about goals for the year ahead. For New Year's resolutions, self-improvement and fitness are the common choices for most people.

This year, I’m not sure that I’ll set resolutions, but I am going to try to do a few things differently. First, of all, I’d like to make sure to take some time for myself and I’m going to start with one hour a week. Doable, yet not overwhelming.

Second, I’m going to read more. I love reading but have put it on the back burner since having a baby and committing to grad school and work. I’ve got my initial list for the year at the bottom of this post.

Here are a few of my favorite books of all time for self-improvement and reflection.

1. Gifts of Imperfection

This one is always on my “must read” list. It’s by bestselling author, Brene Brown and is a wonderful read filled with activities for self-improvement, insightfulness, and reflection. I like to revisit this one once a year to remind me of all the valuable points.

2. Daring Greatly

This is another one by Brene Brown. After becoming certified in her work The Daring Way, I have come to love everything about this. It’s such valuable information and has great insight into looking inward. It also takes a deep dive into shame, perfectionism, and resilience.

3. Art of Possibility

I had the privilege to read this book during my professional coach training. Reading it sparked creativity in me and around my perspectives in life. It encouraged me to look at situations and my day-to-day life with a new lens – something that can be very difficult to do. It brings up ideas and offers new approaches to ordinary scenarios. An all-around great read for opening your mind to new possibilities!

4. Eat, Pray, Love

I’m sure many of you have read this, but if you haven’t, go get it. I found that this book put me in a mindset to reflect. It also brought me to desire a higher quality of life - one that included great food, travel, flexibility, and freedom.

Also, here’s what I’m aiming to read over the holiday break (assuming I can read more than a page at a time without falling asleep)…

5. Start With Why

I spent much of this year thinking about this topic. This book is based on a popular Ted Talk and really has an insightful way of helping everyone to think about their purpose and how it applies to work and life. I've heard about this countless times throughout my career so I am looking forward to reading it in detail.

6. Braving the Wilderness

This is Brene Brown’s fifth book. I have started it and it’s got all the wonderful goodness that the first four did. Helpful. Research-based. Actionable.

7. Better Together

This is a book I’m excited to read. I’m excited about it because I know the author and also because of the topic. The book addresses gender equality in the work place. In this book, the author, Jonathan Sposato addresses how businesses of all types can thrive with women leaders and that more women should be in these positions. He details what can be done tactically by businesses to accomplish the goal. Overall, I love the topic and can’t wait to read some of the ways in which we can all do more to move the needle in this area.

Here's to a solid 2018 of self-improvement and personal growth!

What are some books you would add to this list?