It’s not weak to admit that you lack motivation right now. Yes, sure, social media and toxic positivity have made it so we feel instantly ashamed and overwhelmed when we aren’t operating at our peak. But that’s largely bullshit. Identifying that you need a push, and then seeking that push – even if it takes you a long time to find it – is the strongest and most mature thing you can do at any age.
As such, we’ve rounded up three of our favourite books for when we’re feeling a bit meh, whether it’s about our health and fitness or our state of mind.
The Untethered Soul
Michael Singer
For Anyone Fighting Their Demons
Michael Singer must have had a horrible life. Details on his past are out there, but I haven’t yet looked into his personal story. What I have done is read his exceptional, award-winning book The Untethered Soul multiple times throughout my life.
As a trauma survivor, it’s helped me process and talk to myself in ways other books have not. This is because of Singer’s uncanny ability to craft incredible metaphors that resonate deeply. And resonate effectively. The man’s gift for expression is powered by his relentless compassion and wisdom. This book is not like a hug. It’s like someone holding you through the inevitable pain and genuinely wanting you to live a better life.
It Starts Today
Jono Castano
For Anyone Fighting Procrastination
Jono Castano is a celebrity fitness trainer and founder of popular Sydney gyms acero in Kensington and Martin Place. I’m sure you’ve seen the countless headlines Daily Mail has posted up about him before, because while he’s also a social media influencer, the guy is one of the most well-known and respected fitness trainers in the country. And for good reason.
Not only has he helped celebs like Rebel Wilson and Richard Branson post up impressive before-after results, but he’s also penned a book about everything he has learned about motivation, fitness, mindset and health over the years. And he has done so in a very uncomplicated, intelligible way that’s accessible to everyone.
There are so many videos and books out there that are designed to pump you up and help start you down the path of health-conscious fitness. But not everyone resonates with everyone. The best books are the ones that have a better chance at really resonating with a great number of people. I feel this is one of those books. It could be the best $30-ish dollars you’ve ever spent.
Multiamory: Essential Tools for Modern Relationships
Jase Lindgren, Dedeker Winston, Emily Sotelo Matlack
For Anyone Trying To Date In 2024
Dating sucks. I know that attitude is the primary reason for failure in said department but in this day and age, everyone’s ex partner is somehow a narcissist and we’ve gone from WebMD’ing our physical ailments to WebMD’ing other peoples “personality traits” (personality is stable traits over contexts and time, not what someone said at dinner once). It’s… not good.
It’s well documented that walking on eggshells is what causes resentment and anxiety in any community. Given we’re all like super progressive and stuff now; that should no longer be the case, right? Wrong. The culture wars and a steadfast dedication to being super, super, super progressive with zero room for negativity means that almost every facet of online and offline life is now a sea of eggshells. Step on the wrong one, that WhatsApp group is going to convince him/her/they to ghost the absolute hell out of you with zero remorse. Disposability culture, baby! WhatsApp groups (some, accurately, call it the “board of directors”) can morally justify absolutely anything these days as long as there’s a funny meme to be shared, a personal anecdote to base generalised (usually gendered) advice on, maybe a Netflix character to tie an archetype too, and an ally to help you protect your self-image.
But there’s a glimmer of hope. We have to look back to a more timeless set of boundaries and rules around dating (that said, every couple is an individual dynamic and should create their own rules). Something a bit more research-based, because as I like to say, “things always end up the same, because everyone thinks the same”. While human nature is incredibly dynamic, modern relationships can be outrageously predictable. Get ahead of the game by actually reading solid advice that isn’t coloured by zeitgeisty gender bias and personal grievances. This isn’t a podcast bestie or an Instagram reel; it’s solid advice from intelligent, empathetic people.
