13 Books to Help You Keep Your Resolutions in 2015

Now that it's 2015, those of us who have been itching for a fresh start are very relieved. Of course, you could pick any day of the year to begin anew, but it's so much easier when everyone else is in the same boat on January 1.

But January isn't the easiest time to keep resolutions. All month, we walk around like miserable zombies suffering from S.A.D., we're hungry because of our new healthy eating plans, tired from the early morning workouts, and stressed because although it's exciting to work towards ginormous goals, it's also frustrating until progress becomes obvious.

So before there's even an inkling of resolution abandonment, let's put in some safeguards to prevent that from happening this time around. This is the year to be as awesome as you've always wanted to be. And by reading the following 13 books, you'll be so inspired and motivated and just... happy that you'll keep those resolutions until the boxes can officially be checked.

Ready, set, read:

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

The incredible story of Louis Zamperini's life and all of the spectacular ups and downs he experienced throughout. After reading what he endured to get to the Berlin Olympics, then during World War II, and then stranded out in the open ocean, you won't be able to justify any excuse to skip that early a.m. workout.

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

This book is basically every resolution you've ever had dressed up with clever execution and moving wisdom. Think of Gretchen Rubin as your life coach this year and you will, at the very least, end up happier.

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

Her courage is contagious, her survival is miraculous, and she almost met her end because she chose to defend basic human rights for women in her country of Pakistan. Malala represents everything good that we want to become, and all of the potential that we have deep within and she will help you reach that potential with her unshakable bravery.

How to Win at Shopping by David Zyla and Eila Mell

Written by two fashion experts, this book speaks to shopaholics and shopaphobes alike. Everyone probably has at least one money or fashion-related resolution, and this handy guide (out at the end of the month!) will take care of every shopping need imaginable, while coaching you on how to save tons of money in the process. Jackpot!

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Essentially the YA version of Groundhog Day, this book is about a teenage girl who dies one night and wakes up each morning with the another chance to live that same day all over again. If your very last day were to come in 2015, how would you live it? Before I Fall will give you the boost you need to live this year regret-free.

Oh, The Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss

This is a classic, and really nobody carries the power of persuasion like Dr. Seuss, so for a fresh start, it doesn't get any better than this book. He disarms you with silly rhymes and just when you've written it off as a cute kid's book... BOOM. He inspires the bejesus out of you to the point where you feel capable of anything.

Happy is the New Healthy by Dave Romanelli

There's no better time than 2015 to start learning how to relax, let go, and enjoy life, right? Clearly from the cover, that's what this book promises to deliver. Well, lifestyle and wellness guru Yeah Dave does just that, by approaching this transformation with the mantra that happiness leads to health, and not the other way around.

Wild by Cheryl Stayed

At the beginning of any journey, even resolutions, you probably feel nervous, scared, and that the odds are stacked against you. That's how Cheryl Strayed felt before her courageous solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. The book is amazing and will keep you hooked and eagerly awaiting the next obstacle. And after you finish the book, go see Reese Witherspoon in the film adaptation.

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

It's an oldie but a goodie, and we could all use a little help in the spirituality department, figuring out exactly what that side of ourselves looks like, and how to get in touch with it. If enlightenment is somewhere on your resolutions list, this book will help you knock that one out.

#GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso

The Founder and CEO of Nasty Gal didn't land in that position by following a standard path. In fact, Sophia Amoruso's life has been anything but. She's brilliant, raw, and her story will make you want to build the job you've always wanted from scratch.

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

Katniss takes on ruthless killers, an evil president, a corrupted government body, and horrific inequality in order to achieve peace for her people. And she does it all with a healthy fear that makes her a hero who is truly human. Feeling her fear radiate through the pages of this series and then following her through each life-threatening fight makes you want to be just like her when you take on anything that you feel ill-equipped to handle.

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Daniel Kahneman is Nobel Prize-winning economist, as well as a brilliant psychologist. He understands the inner workings of the mind and everything that leads us to making decisions. Learning the way your own mind operates will help you reach the finish line of your resolutions, and will help you avoid any typical behaviors that have previously contributed to failures.

Quotable Book

If all else fails, and none of the above books give you the push required to get all of your 2015 goals met, then this book will surely do the trick. Because who can resist a compilation of motivational quotes? Nobody can. Also? It would look all kinds of awesome on your coffee table.

Image: Kat/flickr