11 Books That’ll Inspire Your Next Bold Move
Sometimes you don’t need another how-to guide—you need a reason to leap. These books are fire starters. They’re not just about thinking big, but about acting big: writing that pitch, quitting that job, launching that business, speaking your truth, or choosing the road that actually scares (and excites) you the most.
1. The Art of Possibility
📖 By: Rosamund Stone Zander & Benjamin Zander
What’s it about?
A conductor and a therapist team up to show how reframing the way we see the world opens up… everything. Packed with stories, mindset shifts, and musical metaphors, this book is part philosophy, part playbook.
Why it’ll spark a bold move:
It gently dismantles your limiting beliefs and invites you to live in a world of “what if?” instead of “what is.” Pure possibility fuel.
2. Big Magic
📖 By: Elizabeth Gilbert
What’s it about?
Creativity doesn’t belong to the chosen few. Gilbert argues it’s for everyone—and the only thing stopping us is fear. She teaches how to approach creativity with curiosity, not pressure.
Why it’ll spark a bold move:
This book feels like getting permission to start that wild project you’ve been keeping in the “someday” folder. Less perfection, more play.
3. Originals
📖 By: Adam Grant
What’s it about?
Grant dives into how nonconformists move the world. From procrastinators to rule-benders, it’s a data-packed celebration of those who zig when everyone else zags.
Why it’ll spark a bold move:
You’ll realize you don’t have to be fearless to take a leap—you just need to see things a little differently. A great read if you’re sitting on a “weird” idea.
4. You Are a Badass
📖 By: Jen Sincero
What’s it about?
A hilarious, no-nonsense pep talk from your inner hype woman. Sincero blends personal stories, spiritual sass, and real-world advice to help you ditch self-doubt and go after what you want.
Why it’ll spark a bold move:
This book doesn’t whisper—it yells (lovingly). If you’ve been playing small, it’ll wake up the part of you that’s tired of waiting.
5. Grit
📖 By: Angela Duckworth
What’s it about?
Talent matters—but not as much as perseverance. Duckworth explores how passion and persistence are the real keys to success, backed by tons of research and inspiring case studies.
Why it’ll spark a bold move:
It reminds you that you don’t need to be the best—just committed. Perfect if you’re considering a leap that’ll take time to pay off.
6. The Icarus Deception
📖 By: Seth Godin
What’s it about?
We’ve been told not to fly too close to the sun—but Godin says the real risk is flying too low. He argues that we’re all artists, and hiding your work is the most dangerous move of all.
Why it’ll spark a bold move:
This book challenges the “safe path” narrative and dares you to put yourself out there. A must-read if you’re sitting on something creative.
7. Die With Zero
📖 By: Bill Perkins
What’s it about?
A finance book that tells you to stop hoarding your time and money—and start living. It’s about front-loading joy, prioritizing experiences, and making bold life decisions… now.
Why it’ll spark a bold move:
If you’ve been delaying your dreams in the name of “someday,” this book might change your timeline forever.
8. The Creative Act: A Way of Being
📖 By: Rick Rubin
What’s it about?
Rubin, legendary music producer, drops meditative, mind-expanding wisdom on what it means to make something—and to live a creative life.
Why it’ll spark a bold move:
You’ll walk away believing creativity isn’t just something you do—it’s who you are. That shift alone can change everything.
9. The Mountain Is You
📖 By: Brianna Wiest
What’s it about?
Self-sabotage isn’t the enemy—it’s just your past trying to protect you. Wiest dives deep into emotional transformation and how to get out of your own way.
Why it’ll spark a bold move:
Because sometimes, the boldest move is healing first. This book will give you the clarity and self-trust to stop stalling and start climbing.
10. Shoe Dog
📖 By: Phil Knight
What’s it about?
The wild, risky, all-in journey of building Nike from nothing. Knight pulls back the curtain on the chaos, doubt, and relentless grit it took to build a global brand.
Why it’ll spark a bold move:
It’s messy, it’s honest, and it proves that bold moves often look like near-disasters—until they don’t. Super inspiring if you’re on the edge of launching.
11. The Practice
📖 By: Seth Godin (again, because he’s that good)
What’s it about?
Godin lays out the case for showing up every day, doing the work, and trusting the process—even when you don’t see results right away.
Why it’ll spark a bold move:
It turns boldness into a habit. No more waiting for inspiration—this book teaches you how to move, create, and lead like it’s your job (because it is).
Bold moves aren’t reckless. They’re intentional, scary, and often exactly what’s next. These 11 reads won’t just push you out of your comfort zone—they’ll make you excited to leap.
