The War of Art
Name the force that keeps you from your real work, then beat it by showing up every day.
Motivation
Motivation comes and goes; what matters is what you do when it's gone. These books range from high-energy calls to action to research on what really drives people.
Pick one up when you feel stuck, when you need a push, or when you want to understand why you lose steam.
- 34 books
- 8 authors
- 3 reading paths
If you read only one
Our essential picks in motivation.
The War of Art
Steven Pressfield
Name the force that keeps you from your real work, then beat it by showing up every day.
Can't Hurt Me
You've only tapped a fraction of what you're capable of. A raw memoir with challenges for the reader.
Big Magic
Live creatively alongside fear. Warm encouragement from the author of Eat Pray Love.
Born to Run
An adventure story about the Tarahumara runners of Mexico and the joy of running.
Do Hard Things
Real toughness isn't about acting hard. It's about experiencing discomfort and choosing how to respond.
Drive
Carrots and sticks don't motivate people for creative work. Autonomy, mastery and purpose do.
Endure
A science journalist explores what limits human endurance, and how the mind shapes how far we can go.
Feel-Good Productivity
Productivity works better when it feels good. Energize, unblock and sustain your work by making it more enjoyable.
Grit
Talent matters, but sustained passion and perseverance often matter more. How grit grows and how to cultivate it.
Keep Going
Ten short lessons for sustaining a creative life, from routines to taking walks.
Make Your Bed
Start each day with one small win, and keep going when it gets hard.
Peak Performance
Stress plus rest equals growth: the science of sustainable high performance.
Shoe Dog
The candid story of building Nike, from selling shoes out of a car to a global brand, with every near-disaster along…
The Alchemist
A fable about following your dream, and what you learn along the way.
The Last Lecture
A dying professor's moving reflections on achieving childhood dreams and living well.
The Obstacle Is the Way
What stands in your way can become the way forward. Stoicism applied to setbacks.
Awaken the Giant Within
Change your decisions, beliefs and questions, and your life changes with them. A high-energy, all-in-one guide.
Never Finished
David Goggins's follow-up: the battle for self-mastery never ends.
No Excuses!
Self-discipline is the key to success in every area of life, and it can be built one choice at a time.
Relentless
The trainer of elite athletes describes the relentless mindset behind extraordinary performance.
The 5 Second Rule
Count 5-4-3-2-1 and move before your brain talks you out of it. A simple trick for everyday courage.
The Champion's Mind
A sport psychologist's practical advice for thinking like a champion, in sport and in life.
The Compound Effect
Small, smart choices made consistently over time create big results. A motivating reminder that there are no shortcuts.
The Greatest Salesman in the World
A short parable about a camel boy who becomes a great salesman by living by ten ancient scrolls.
Authors in motivation
Suggested reading paths
Build Unbreakable Discipline
Turn good intentions into dependable daily action, even on the days motivation disappears.
Master Your Habits
Understand how habits work and build routines that stick without relying on motivation.
Find Greater Purpose
Discover what gives your life meaning and start shaping your days around it.
Other categories
- Habits and Discipline 41
- Productivity and Focus 37
- Mindset and Psychology 54
- Confidence and Self-Esteem 26
- Leadership 52
- Entrepreneurship 31
- Money and Financial Literacy 29
- Relationships 35
- Communication 35
- Emotional Intelligence 46
- Personal Growth 77
- Purpose and Meaning 53
- Creativity 25
- Decision-Making 39
- Health and Wellbeing 47