The first Saturday of the new year can be a lot of things: It can feel like the continuation of a very long week or the start of something really special. Whether you’re easing into 2026 or rushing off to reach your goals, it’s a good time to pause before committing to a resolution.
A former manager once told me that reading books is the ultimate achievement cheat code, since most people pretend they don’t have the time and thus miss out on a lot of expertise. As we go into 2026, here are the books on my desk to help me get off to a good start.
For productivity: Robin Sharma’s “The 5 AM Club” drills into the morning routine and how you can use it to jump-start your day.
For creativity: I’ve read Rick Rubin’s “The Creative Act” twice, and I’ll start my year with it again. You will be inspired to see the world as it doesn’t already exist after reading this one.
For mental discipline: Nate Zinsser, the director of West Point’s Performance Psychology Program, details how confidence is actually a skill that can be learned in “The Confident Mind.”
For fun: You can’t go wrong with any Jasmine Guillory read, but “The Proposal” is a good one to escape into while you’re cozying up by the fire or enjoying some winter sun.
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