Igniting the Creative Spark: My Favorite Mindset Books I Read in 2025

While reading fiction is my favorite pastime, I also enjoy reading books on writing craft and mindset. This year, I took a deep dive into mindset as I set out to start my own book coaching business (best decision ever!). These are the books I found most inspiring from a shifting mindset perspective. As writers, a negative attitude can derail any writing project, which is why having coping tools to keep your mindset positive is so important. Arguably, a positive mindset is equally important as having strong writing skills.

I encourage you to give at least one of these books a read or listen (the audio versions are great) to keep your mindset strong heading into 2026.

Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead

This was my favorite book on mindset that I read this year. I loved listening to the author, Tara Mohr, narrate this book. As someone who has perfectionist tendencies, I found her suggestions to put ourselves out there before we feel ready to be equal parts terrifying and thrilling. The point? If you wait until your message or idea is “perfect,” you’ll never share it because perfection is a myth. We learn from trial and error. Easier said than done, but it’s a mindset I’ve fully embraced this year and one I plan to continue embracing in 2026.

Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose

I listened to this book by Martha N. Beck, but I’d like to get a hard copy of it because she includes some interesting exercises to try. A friend recommended this book, and I’m so glad she did! I have anxiety tendencies, and this book provided tangible ways of tapping into curiosity to release anxiety and invite creativity. She focuses on the neuroscience behind anxiety, which makes so much sense since our bodies feel our emotions. This is an excellent read for anyone else who finds themselves trapped in anxiety spirals and is looking for a positive way out.

The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About

You’ve probably heard of this one by Mel Robbins, but there’s a reason; it really is so good. I highly recommend listening to this book as Mel has such a conversational and authentic tone when she speaks. And speaking to me, she was! Especially as a mother, I’m continuously working on letting my boys be so they can learn for themselves. By doing so, I free up more time and mental energy for myself, allowing me to get into the creative writing flow more easily.

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

Written by James Clear, this is a book I’d heard about for years but finally sat down to read. It’s excellent as it reiterates the concept that small, daily habits lead to big results. The analogy to writing a novel couldn’t be clearer. The only way to finish your novel is to consistently visit your manuscript and engage with your characters and story. If you keep at it, you will eventually finish your novel. You don’t have to write daily if that doesn’t work for you. Developing a routine is essential, though, if you want to make steady progress.

The Power of Positive Book Coaching

While I’m a voracious reader and love to learn at my own pace, I also love the joy and “aha” moments that come from having a positive teacher. That’s the kind of creative energy I bring as a book coach. I love helping others push past their self-doubt to accomplish their dream of not only writing a novel, but actually finishing it.

If you’re looking for someone who will encourage you to do your best work and pull you out of those ruts you sometimes find yourself in, I’m here for you. Learn more about my coaching services here.

And before you go, let me know: what are some of the best books you read in 2025 that ignited that creative spark?

A man with his arms outstretched, looking out at a rising sun.