January 2025 Book List: The 5 Books I Revisit Every Year 📚

As we step into 2025, I’m excited to share one of my favorite traditions: revisiting the books that inspire, challenge, and ground me every single year. These five books aren’t just great reads—they’re trusted companions, filled with wisdom that evolves as I grow. Each time I revisit them, I uncover new insights and actionable takeaways that push me to be better.

This year, I’ve even added a new book to the mix, one that has already proven transformative. Plus, I’ve included a section of honorable mentions—books that have deeply impacted me, even if they’re not part of my annual rotation. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into the reads that make me who I am.

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1. Let Them! by Mel Robbins — NEW

Synopsis:
This book has been an absolute game-changer for me, especially during the holidays—a time when family and friends can unintentionally (or intentionally) push all the wrong buttons. Mel Robbins introduces two simple ideas that have completely shifted how I handle these moments and, honestly, how I approach relationships overall.

The first is the concept of pausing when someone is about to trigger you and saying, either to yourself or even out loud, “Let them.” Those two little words are surprisingly powerful, reminding me that I don’t have to control, fix, or manage anyone else’s behavior. I can just let them be who they are and stop wasting my energy trying to change what I can’t control.

The second idea is where the magic happens: after saying “Let them,” you turn the focus inward and say, “Let me.” This phrase empowers you to take control of your own actions and responses. Whether it’s deciding to stay calm, walk away, or address the situation with grace, it’s about focusing on the one thing you can control—yourself.

Why I Revisit It:
During the holidays, when emotions are high and old patterns resurface, these two simple tools became my go-to strategies. They helped me keep my peace, avoid unnecessary conflict, and focus on what’s truly important. This book is more than a mindset shift—it’s a guide to stronger relationships and a calmer, more centered life.

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2. Level Up by Rob Dial

Synopsis:
This book is all about crushing fear, taking bold actions, and realizing just how resilient and adaptable we are as humans. Rob Dial breaks fear down to its core: most of the things we’re scared of have less than a 4% chance of actually happening. Once you see fear for what it really is—an untruth—it loses its grip on you.

Dial shifts your mindset by comparing life’s challenges to a video game: obstacles aren’t insurmountable—they’re just puzzles for you to figure out and conquer. When you think of life this way, it’s easier to take action, even when it feels scary. Because as scary as action might be, living with regrets is far worse.

Why I Revisit It:
Last year, this book motivated me to take on challenges I would’ve avoided. It reframed fear and gave me the confidence to face it head-on. The idea that life’s obstacles are just “levels” to overcome in the game of life makes everything feel more attainable—and it’s helped me keep pushing forward.

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3. Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod

Synopsis:
Hal Elrod’s Miracle Morning is a timeless guide to owning your day by starting it with intention. The idea is simple but powerful: seize the morning, and you seize the day. The book introduces the “SAVERS” framework—Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, and Scribing—as key practices to create a morning routine that sets you up for success.

But here’s the kicker—the new expanded version dives deeper into a critical but often overlooked aspect: how to set yourself up for an amazing morning by prepping the night before. Elrod emphasizes that your evening routine has a direct impact on how you start the next day.

Why I Revisit It:
Every time I read this book, I find new nuggets of inspiration. This year, I’m focusing on evening prep—because how you end your day directly impacts how you begin the next one. Miracle Morning reminds me that small changes in how I spend the first and last 60 minutes of my day can have a huge ripple effect on everything else.

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4. Atomic Habits by James Clear

Synopsis:
James Clear’s Atomic Habits is the ultimate guide to creating lasting change through small, consistent actions. It’s not about grand, sweeping transformations; it’s about focusing on getting 1% better every day. From habit stacking to designing your environment for success, Clear gives you practical, actionable tools to build better habits and break bad ones.

Why I Revisit It:
Last year, this book helped me break down professional projects into manageable chunks. This year, I’m doubling down on that momentum, using Clear’s strategies to tackle big goals one step at a time.

One of my favorite takeaways is the message about identity: instead of just focusing on actions, imagine who you want to be and reverse-engineer the habits that person would have. Each small action you take casts a “vote” for the person you’re becoming. That shift—from focusing on tasks to focusing on identity—has been a game-changer for me.

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5. The Go-Giver by Bob Burg & John David Mann

Synopsis:
This parable redefines success as how much value you provide to others. Through the story of Joe, an ambitious professional, the book introduces the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success, which highlight the power of generosity, collaboration, and a giving mindset.

Why I Revisit It:
One of the most pivotal lessons I’ve learned from this book is that success isn’t just about giving—it’s also about being able to receive. As a natural giver, this was eye-opening for me. The analogy Burg and Mann use is brilliant: just like breathing, you can’t just exhale (give); you also need to inhale (receive).

This book has taught me to embrace the value I bring to others and to be open to receiving that value in return. It’s transformed how I approach relationships and success, reminding me that generosity creates a ripple effect that comes back to you and then some.

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Honorable Mentions

These books may not be part of my annual reread list, but their insights have had a lasting impact on my life.

1. Natural Meditation by Dean Sluyter – A simple, practical guide to finding peace and mindfulness in everyday life.
2. Indistractable by Nir Eyal – A toolkit for regaining your focus and eliminating distractions in a hyper-connected world.
3. Mind Hacking by Sir John Hargrave – A humorous yet practical guide to rewiring your brain and breaking bad habits.
4. Getting Things Done by David Allen – The classic productivity system for organizing tasks and reducing stress.
5. Unstuff Your Life by Andrew Mellen – A practical and refreshing approach to decluttering your physical and mental space.

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Wrapping It All Up

As we embark on 2025, I’m reminded of how much these books have shaped my life and my mindset. They’re more than words on a page—they’re tools for growth, resilience, and action.

I hope this list inspires you to revisit your favorite books or pick up something new. Wishing you a year filled with growth, clarity, and all the success you deserve. Let’s make 2025 the best year yet—one step, one habit, and one book at a time.

Cheers to an amazing year ahead 🥳