This one’s for all of you out there either in a job you loathe, or unemployed and searching desperately for a job that sets your heart on fire. The good news is that the ability to find a career that you love is really just a matter of time.
That said, your quest is dependent on a few key things, such as your motivation, your ingenuity, and your ability to think introspectively about your current processes for achieving those hard-sought career dreams. If you’re lacking in any of these areas, try turning to the experts!
Below are four books that have proven time and time again to inspire Millennials (or anyone) toward progress.
1. #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso
It should really come as no surprise to see this trendy bestseller top the list of our must-read Millennial books, but there’s good reason for the craze surrounding the small pink tome. Sophia’s book is packed with modern tips and tricks that speak to the dream-career-searching demographic, and if it seems like it was written just for you as you devour the book page by page, it practically was—in fact, don’t be surprised if you end up underlining the majority of the book!
It’s full of the kind of sass and techy verbiage that any 20- or 30-something guy or gal (give or take 10 years) can relate to. The best part? This book is accompanied by an organic community filled with free inspiration and camaraderie—just search the book’s hashtag title to tap into this extension of the #GIRLBOSS movement.
2. Yes Please by Amy Poehler
OK, so maybe this one didn’t set out to pave the way for Millennials looking to land the career of their dreams, but Amy Poehler unintentionally did just that.
The book is, first and foremost, an ebbing and flowing testimony of the comedian’s life, but it won’t be long before you, too, are reading between the lines of her story and filling in the blanks with your own. Yes Please is hilarious, appealing, and inspiring in such an understated way that other made-for-the-self-help-section books just can’t match.
As soon as you slurp up those last few words of the book, you’ll be ready to jump head first into the rush to make your own dreams come true. If Amy can do it, you can, too!
3. The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciplines Into Massive Success and Happiness by Jeff Olson
So often our inability to make progressive moves (in both life and work) comes down to a lack of motivation and confidence. How many of you can relate to the daily battle with your snooze button, thinking, “Just 15 more minutes?” Or, how often have you put off a project because the deadline is still several days away?
Well, in his book, Jeff Olson teaches us that making just a few small changes in our daily lives can have a mighty impact on what we are able to achieve and accomplish. If you’re looking to give your quest for the perfect career a major edge, pick up The Slight Edge so that you can learn how.
4. The Creative Habit: Learn it and Use it For Life by Twyla Tharp
Whether you’re jonesing for an artistic career or something more in line with the applied sciences, this book on creative habits will put you in the right frame of mind to get there. Filled with actionable tips for tapping into your creative side, this book by Twyla Tharp is a must-read for anyone hoping to fill their time wisely between your ho-hum job and dream career.
It’s at once inspirational and informative, paving the way for your mind to develop new and innovative strategies for getting ahead—in life and in your job. You’ll be surprised by what you and your creativity are capable of, and Twyla gives you the tools to put your imagination properly into play.
Add these four books to your bookshelf, and prepare to find the motivation you’ve been missing to start that sprint towards a career that you love. On your marks, get set, go!
This article was originally published on Career Contessa. It has been republished here with permission.