10 Books and Motivational Quotes for Women to Help you Out of a Rut

I’ve been feeling stuck in a rut lately. With all the demands of stay at home life, 24/7 parenting, homeschooling, work as an entrepreneur, worrying about friends and family, and trying to fit in some me time, I don’t have much fuel left in my tank. When this happens, I give myself a day or two to rest, and then I pick up a few favorite motivational quotes or book and read a chapter or two.

Reading motivational quotes is also something I love to do. If you follow me on Instagram, everyday I share on my Stories a famous quote written by  famous visionaries, entrepreneurs, activists, or other people that just refused to give up or quit.

Motivational Quotes for Women:

Here is a list of 20 motivational quotes for women that will help light a fire under your you-know-what. Afterwards, I’ve listed 20 motivational books that I turn for a pick me up when I need it, make sure to read the entire post!

1. I don’t know if I’d say I’m strict. I’d rather say I’m consistent with my expectations – Marta Karoli, Gymnastics Coach
2. Sometimes you just have to put on lipgloss and pretend to be psyched – Mindy Kahling, Comedian
3. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel – Maya Angelou, Writer
4. I believe the choice to become a mother is the choice to become one of the greatest spiritual teachers there is – Oprah Winfrey, Media Mogul
5. Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value – Albert Einstein, Inventor
6. Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail – Charles Kettering, Inventor
7. Pressure is a privilege – Billie Jean King, Tennis Legend
8. Everyone thinks of changing the world, yet no one thinks of changing oneself – Tolstoy, Writer
9. Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says “I’ll try again tomorrow.” – Mary Anne Radmacher, Writer
10. Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work – Thomas Edison, Inventor

Motivational Books for Women

Here is a list of 20 motivational books to spark some fresh ideas. And sometimes we all just need a little motivation to get us up and going.  I’ve included a range of books from a variety of perspectives and disciplines. All selections are designed to motivate and assist in becoming the best one can be, whether that is a parent, an entrepreneur, or a more highly functioning and productive person. For most of us, we must, and want to be, a combination of all these things.

For the most part, people strive to live the best life they can. They wish to impact others in a positive way, and contribute something to the world, whether it be a productive employee or conscientious parent. This selection of books has a variety of inspiration to offer. At the very least, each of these titles will provide you with thought provoking content, and I guarantee some stimulating dinner party conversation topics!

The 5AM Club – Robin Sharma

Many great business titans and other people of notable accomplishments start their days before the sun rises. Clarity of mind and purpose occurs during this magical hour when productivity is at its peak. I’m no business titan or great, though I am known for sending off text messages at 4:30 in the morning, as getting up early is one of the only ways I can get uninterrupted work done with two young children at home. And I’ve got to say, there is something to it. I get more done in those few hours than I do all day. Like anything, trying new things can be hard, though challenge yourself to join the 5AM Club and be amazed at how quickly you progress towards your goals.

Dare to Lead – Brene Brown

Great leaders don’t have all the right answers, they know how to ask the right questions. Whether you’re a parent, or a business executive, a teacher, or a volunteer at your community Church, we are all leaders in some capacity. By learning how to be brave and ask the tough questions, leaders are better able to identify the real challenges and then formulate solutions. We all want to be understood and valued, and I found reading this book really drove that point home. When leading others, by being open to sharing your own weaknesses and where you need help, people will most often surprise you, and go to extraordinary lengths to help meet objectives.

The Road to Character – David Brooks

Sometimes external successes are not in alignment with our core values that lie centered at our hearts. Strong inner character that aligns with our goals can assist us in looking at the bigger picture. Taking examples from well known historical figures, both female and male, these individuals stayed steadfast to their values, and never deviated from their objectives. In today’s world when there are so many things competing for our attention, yet we must remain “on brand”, I found this an interesting read, and it gave rise to a question I asked myself.  What are my core values that I must remain true to in all situations?

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind – Yuval Noah Harari

If you are into sociology and history, this book will blow your mind. Seriously, it explains so much about why things are the way they are in our contemporary world, starting way back when humans were still primitive beings. A master work study on the sociological evolvement of humans, this is a book I have saved on my shelf for an eventual reread. There is actually a part two available, Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow that’s on my reading list. This book got me so excited, and really put things in perspective. When you consider the evolution of man and womankind, along with the hardships those before us experienced, suddenly things don’t seem as difficult in life. And believe me when I say there are so many interesting revelations in this book that you will have enough dinner party and small talk conversation starters to last for the next year!

Untamed – Glennon Doyle

What if each of us learned to tune out the voices around us, to unlearn the conditioning that has created certain expectations for women? What if we allowed ourselves to act on our dreams, to pursue things that made us happy? To set boundaries, go with our instincts, and follow those gut feelings? Might we feel happier in our minds, our bodies, our hearts? The body knows when one is telling itself lies, and not living according to our truest intentions and desires can cause physical and mental illness. Author Glennon Doyle has undergone numerous transformations in her life, and each time she goes deeper, asking questions that many of us are afraid, or even unaware of, to ask ourselves.

Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable – Tim S. Grover

Are you ready? I mean, really ready, to go after your goals relentlessly? This book might turn you into a goal getting machine, and there will be no looking back my friend.  Author Tim S. Grover has coached hundreds of greats in sports and business, including the late Kobe Bryant. He has shown them how to never give up, how to thrive under pressure, how to fight back when one is “under attack”. He has taught them how to be absolutely relentless in pursuit of their goals, and how even, when a victory seems impossible, how to fight back and win. Once you know what unwavering perseverance looks like, and you taste it, you can never go back.

The Woman I Wanted to Be – Diane von Furstenberg

I will read any and all books written about characters in the fashion industry, because, well, I’m obsessed! This biography does not disappoint, as von Furstenberg shares all. In a world where many women are taught to rein in their desires and ambitions, the flamboyant designer goes all in, and after, what she wants in life. She spills all, from her business successes and failures, to the romantic opportunities that made her feel like a woman. She also shares her battle with cancer, and numerous other tidbits I didn’t know about the talented designer. Diane von Furstenberg is an icon, and her honesty and wisdom is candid and refreshing, not to mention empowering.

The Minimalist Home – Joshua Becker

There is something very gratifying about purging unnecessary items from one’s home and life. It gives us a sense of control, and afterwards, it gives us the time and space to realize and act on our larger goals and aspirations. Less clutter means more time for our families, more time for ourselves. With a family of his own, Becker is a master at minimalist living in the sense that he and his family only keep items that fulfill a purpose, and meet a need. A minimalist life is not just about ridding oneself of stuff, it’s about clearing mental clutter so there is more room for productivity and fulfillment in one’s life. Reducing clutter does not have to be a daunting task. My favorite tip was to challenge yourself to remove 3-5 things from your home each day. It was actually a lot of fun!

The Untethered Soul – Michael A. Singer

This New York Times Best Seller is one that I could return to again and again for inspiration. What would life be like if you could shed any feelings of limitations and could truly feel at peace in the world? Start your inner journey here. Our consciousness is what gives us life, yet it also has the ability to shackle us. Learn to harness your inner energy by letting go of painful thoughts that no longer serve. Once one has the ability to remove feelings of negativity, personal energies can be used to fulfill our greater dreams and wishes, while living in peace and freedom of the soul.

Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well Lived, Joyful Life – Bill Burnett & Dave Evans

Everything in your life, in this world for the most part, has been designed. Designed by engineers, designed by nature. There is a plan and reason for why things are the way they are. Why shouldn’t your life be any different? What are the components you need to design a joyful life that has meaning for you? The authors Bill Burnett and Dave Evans shows us how design thinking can assist us in building the life we most desire. It is never too early or too late to implement this kind of thinking. Perhaps the only failure in life is settling for one that makes us unhappy. There are actions you can take to design your meaningful life. Get started!

If you liked these Books and Motivational Quotes for Women, you might enjoy Ways to Feel More in “Control” of Your Life