Have you ever heard the right words that feel like they were meant just for you? Almost as if the universe handed you a sign. In that instant, everything clicked. You felt clarity and a sense of direction.

But what if you haven’t felt that? In this fast-paced, digitally-driven era, finding guidance that cuts through the noise can be overwhelming—and let’s be honest, frustrating. Luckily, there’s a timeless remedy that doesn’t require endless scrolling: Books.

As 2025 unfolds, you’re likely looking for some inspiration to help guide you. What is it that you’re needing to hear to start your year off on the right foot? These titles might whisper the words you’ve been waiting for.

Head to your local library—online!—by downloading the Libby app and Kanopy app to borrow these titles for free.

Books

Mental Health

Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty
🎧 Audiobook

Jay Shetty spent years practicing as a monk, and now he’s sharing all that wisdom in a guide designed to help you live a calmer, more meaningful life.

Physical Health

Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker
🎧 Audiobook

Did you know sleep is one of the most important parts of life and so often overlooked? This book unpacks 20 years of cutting-edge research to reveal why sleep matters, so you don’t have to lose any over it!

Finances

Get Good with Money: Ten Simple Steps to Becoming Financially Whole by Tiffany the Budgetnista Aliche
🎧 Audiobook

No matter your goals, this ten-step guide will help you find peace, security, and harmony with your money.

Career

Nobody Cares About Your Career: Why Failure is Good, the Great Ones Play Hurt, and Other Hard Truths by Erika Ayers Badan
🎧 Audiobook

Whether you’re a first-time job seeker or seasoned professional, this ultimate playbook from the first CEO of Barstool Sports is all about mastering the skills and strategies to thrive in the workplace in 2025.

Relationships

How To Know a How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks
🎧 Audiobook

Are you planning to foster a deeper connect with someone in your life? This practical, heartfelt guide reveals the art of truly understanding another person.

Films

Watch your way to better health and happiness by diving into this collection of powerful films on Kanopy that can guide you into your best year yet.

Practicing Mindfulness
2011 | 12hr 29min

Meditation offers lasting benefits for your physical, mental, and emotional health! This 24-lesson film series will walk you through guided exercises, principles, and techniques to help you feel the difference.

Indistractable
2021 | 42min

Struggling with follow-through? Nir Eyal, a behavioral design expert, has a four-step plan to help you stick to your commitments and get results.

Burnout
2023 | 59min

Say goodbye to stress! This simple, science-based plan is all about helping you reduce stress and feel your best.

*Title availability may vary by library & region.

RELATED READ: 9 self-improvement book & film pairings to achieve your goals this year