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Bring on the cooler weather and the snuggly weekends! While I love a beach read, nothing beats a snuggly Sunday on the couch with some coffee and a new book. As the year winds down (seriously can’t believe it is almost 2017!), many of us are starting to think about what we’ve accomplished and what our future holds. In the last year, I’ve found an appreciation for books that motivate me. See below for some of my favorites.

1| The Defining Decade by Meg Jay

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This is the book that makes you take a deep breath and say “It’s not just me.” As a young adult, I find myself constantly criticizing my work life, my love life, and my fun life. This book taught me that I’m definitely not alone and gave me perspective. This well-researched book is well worth if you feel like you’ve been doubting yourself. Once you read, you’ll be more sure, more understanding, and more accepting.

2 | Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg

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I wrote a review on Lean In a few months back but wanted to include it again here as I constantly quote my girl Sheryl. As a woman working in social media, Sheryl is obviously a role model as COO of Facebook. However, she is much more than a powerful woman at a powerful company. Her empathy and resilience is what inspires me most. The book reports on everything from work-life balance to standing up for yourself. One quote I constantly replay in my head is, “Sit at the table.” Almost every week as I find myself just going with the flow at work, I say “Sit at the goddamn table, Marie” to keep myself engaged and valued.

3 | Thrive by Arianna Huffington

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This is the book that started it all. After reading this baby, I was inspired to continue to read books that motivate me to be better at work and in life. Arianna Huffington writes about her personal transition from an over-worked mom of two to a well-balanced woman. She speaks about the power of well-being, wisdom, and wonder and how each should be present in your work and personal life. What does this mean, it means taking walking meetings to get mid-day exercise or keeping your phone in another room while you sleep to avoid answering e-mails before bedtime.

4 | Smarter, Faster, Better by Charles Duhigg

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This has been my latest inspiration as I read this book over the summer as a recommendation from one of my most inspiring coworkers. This book covers everything goal setting to decision making, essential skills when growing in the corporate world. A little more than two years into the workforce has me challenging myself with things I could have never imaged when I first started. This book has helped me focus those challenges and make them relevant to the everyday work I produce.

I’m always looking for new book recommendations. Especially if they are in the same vein as the ones above. Any suggestions for a growing young professional?