how to choose books that align with your personal goals

Picking the right books can feel like trying to solve a puzzle where all the pieces look the same. But once you crack the code…

Okay, so you know that moment when you’re staring at your bookshelf or scrolling endlessly through Kindle, trying to figure out what to read next? And suddenly, every book looks like The Right One? Then you pick one, read a few pages, and realize it’s not really speaking to you—at all. Story of my life.

The thing is, picking a book should be about you—what you need right now, what’ll move the needle in your life, even if it’s just by a tiny bit. It’s not about reading the “must-read” book everyone’s raving about on Instagram. Please don’t. It’s about finding something that aligns with where you’re headed—whether that’s professionally, personally, or just creatively.

We all have goals, right? Some of us want to level up in our careers, others just want to be more creative (without totally burning out), and some are just trying to feel better—mentally, emotionally, all the things. Books can help with that. Fiction is great for expanding your mind and stirring up those creative juices. Non-fiction is perfect for learning new skills or getting a solid reality check. Even self-help can be useful, the Wild West of advice—you just have to find the ones that give you real, actionable stuff, not just motivational fluff.

Before I get ahead of myself, here’s the deal. From the examples that I gave so far, it’s kinda obvious that, if you want to grow creatively, fiction is your go-to; if it’s your career you’re focused on, dive into non-fiction; and if you’re on some personal transformation journey—whether it’s finding more peace, getting more organized, or figuring out your purpose—self-help books can be gold… if you pick the right ones.

But you can also do the opposite—and here’s where it gets interesting. I’ve found that some interesting creative ideas I had for fiction have come from the most unexpected nonfiction books. Imagine reading a biography or doing a deep dive into a historical event, and suddenly, a plot or a character idea just hits you. In another perspective, picture yourself reading a novel that can spark something in you to write nonfiction. I remember reading a speculative fiction novel that dealt with real-world themes of memory and technology, and it made me want to explore those same themes in an essay. Sometimes the lines blur, and the books you don’t expect to be relevant end up giving you the most surprising ideas.

So, in sum… fiction can open your mind to possibilities you didn’t know existed. Non-fiction can help you take real steps toward your goals. And both can lead you to opposite ideas or just make you better at being you—but only if you’re smart about what you choose.

At the end of the day, no book is going to magically change your life (sadly), but if you pick the right ones, they can definitely point you in the right direction. Just be intentional. Pick books that actually mean something to you and what you’re working toward.

So, what are you reading right now? Are your books lining up with your goals, or are they just sitting there looking pretty? Let me know—maybe we’ll swap recs.