The poet Joseph Addison>1. 'Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less'
By Greg McKeown
What can you let go of in your life to be happier?
In his book, McKeown, a leadership and business strategist, teaches readers the secret to achieving success without burning out: Get very clear>2. 'Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving'
By Celeste Headlee
This>3. 'Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life'
By Henry Cloud
If you're a people-pleaser who has trouble saying "no," this book is for you.
Psychologist Henry Cloud explores the science behind setting boundaries in order to help readers unlearn the guilt that prevents them from setting limits in their lives. He also offers tools and talking points to better manage your boundaries.
"'Boundaries' is a good how-to guide for people who don't know how to set boundaries," Ballesteros says. "It also reminds you that you're not responsible for the way people respond to your boundaries, and that it's okay if certain limits upset people – which is a message a lot of people need to hear."
4. 'High Performance Habits: How Extraordinary People Become That Way'
By Brendon Burchard
Making the decision to change your life can feel empowering, but taking the steps to do so can often lead to confusion, overwhelm and fear. You might ask yourself: "Where do I start?" or "Is this right?"
Burchard, a performance coach, spent three years and close to $1 million studying high achievers to determine the six habits everyone should adopt to optimize their personal and professional lives.
"It's a great combination of engaging stories and proof of how developing these habits made these people more effective," Ballesteros says. Some of Burchard's tips include demonstrating courage, recharging throughout the day and setting clear steps to achieve goals.
5. 'Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones'
By James Clear
Commitment is the biggest challenge Ballesteros sees people run into when they decide to incorporate a new healthy habit into their life.
Clear's best-selling guide, "Atomic Habits," explains how to use small changes to achieve big results. It also talks about how to overcome a lack of motivation and how to get back on track when you fall off course.
But most importantly, Ballesteros says, it reveals the secret to getting a habit to stick: Tie the habit to your identity.
"Sometimes you have to be willing to fully identify as a person that does that habit, like reading or walking every day, in order to make it happen in such a busy world," she says. "The right habits can help you become the person you want to be."
