Listening to an audiobook is an entirely different experience from reading a physical copy. Sure, the content is the same and the message is the same. What’s different is the emotional connection a narrator can bring to the work.

While reading an inspiring or motivational book is uplifting on it’s own, I’ve found that when the content is paired with the author’s narration of their own message, it can feel like you’re getting a personal pep talk from a close friend!

6 Audiobooks For When You Need a Pep Talk

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

My favorite line: “The universe buries strange jewels deep within us, and then stands back to see if we can find them.”

This is not the first or the last time I will tell you how amazing this book is! I re-read it last month for a reading challenge, this time listening to the audio version. It was exactly the kick in the pants I needed in the creativity department! Gilbert combines her personal philosophy on creativity work with antidotes and quote from other creative greats to remind us not to take our creative endeavors quite so seriously.

 Laugh it Up! by Candace Payne

My favorite line: “When Comparison calls, Joy doesn’t answer the phone.”

This is the book that gave me the idea for this post. Candace is a regular person, who stumbled into viral fame simply by doing something silly and speaking her truth. Even before her moment with the Chewbacca mask, she was taught, and recognized  the power of making time for play, even in adulthood. This book is about how though she may have lost her way at times, Candace always realized joy was in her life. It’s a fun read, inspiring us to do the little things every day that light us up and bring joy.

You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero

My favorite line: “You are responsible for what you say and do. You are not responsible for whether or not people freak out about it.”

Much like Big Magic, I’ve talked about this book a lot and will again. Jen Sincero’s work gives me messages I had read previously, but this time in the language I speak. She’s straightforward and determined to not allow her reader to continue along in life believing their own bullshit. Here in her first book, Sincero reminds us that we are the only person in charge of our life. Then she breaks it down and teaches us how to break through our own restrictions to live better each day.

Yes, Please! by Amy Poehler

My favorite line: “You have to be where you are to get where you need to go.”

In her first memoir, Poehler also gives us a bit of a guide to life. She shares her experiences through hilarious anecdotes and inspirational phrases. Hearing her life story in her own voice truly shows her good character. It also reminds us that it is possible to be successful while striving to do the right thing and be true to ourselves.

What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey

My favorite line:  “There is one irrefutable law of the universe: We are each responsible for our own life. If you’re holding anyone else accountable for your happiness, you’re wasting your time. You must be fearless enough to give yourself the love you didn’t receive.”

Each month in her O Magazine, Oprah has shared life lessons she’s learned in her “What I Know For Sure” column. In this collection, her thoughtful columns have been been revised, and are presented as essays organized by theme: joy, resilience, connection, gratitude, possibility, awe, clarity, and power. Oprah gives us a glimpse into her heart and mind, while guiding us to live our best lives.

 

G’Morning, G’Night! by Lin Manuel Miranda

My favorite line: “You are so loved and we like having you around.”

Lin-Manuel Miranda has long inspired his Twitter followers with words of encouragement at the beginning and end of each day. Here, he has collected some of his best Tweets into a sweet, motivational book. A perfect listen if you need a quick lift, Miranda brings his kindness and positivity to the narration. 

*Bonus Recommendation*

While it’s not an audio book, I also highly recommend the Peptalk Motivation app. It’s basically sections of motivational speeches set to music. There are playlists curated for specific intentions, to psyche you up in the morning, or before an athletic performance or big meeting. While I use the free version, you can upgrade to a Premium paid subscription that offers even more variety and other features.

Is there a book you turn to when you need a pep talk? It doesn’t have to be audio. I’d love to hear which books inspire you, and where you turn to for motivation!