Lifestyle
13 non-fiction books that will help you find your passion
What would you do if you didn’t have to work every day? As we approach retirement, that’s a question that many of us face – these books will help you find the answer.
By Allison Tait
Whether you love your job or hate it, there’s no doubt that it creates purpose in your day. So what happens when it’s gone? If you’re someone with a passion for fishing or gardening or building model cars, chances are you can answer that question easily.
But what if you’re not? How do you work out what your passion might be when your life has been full of work and kids and other tasks?
Rather than waiting for the first day of retirement to figure out what you’re going to do with the rest of your life, now’s the time to start finding out and, as they do so often, books can help.
Here are 5 books to guide you through the process of finding out what you want, and 8 books to inspire you to try something new, from birdwatching to tracing your family history.
Find out what you want
‘The Let Them Theory’ by Mel Robbins
What would you do if you didn’t care about what other people thought? In this record-breaking book, NY Times-bestselling author Mel Robbins uses two words – ‘Let Them’ – to help you learn to focus on what really matters to you.
‘Purposeful Retirement: How to bring happiness and meaning to your retirement’ by Hyrum W. Smith
Described as a ‘next level’ retirement book, Purposeful Retirement aims to show you how to find drive, meaning and motivation outside of your career and move from work to a satisfying phase full of new possibilities.
Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles
Equal parts inspiration and comfort, this international chart-topper has helped people all over the world find their purpose and lead happier lives. It’s a gentle, inspiring read that explores the Japanese philosophy of ikigai, described by the authors as “the happiness of always being busy”. It blends wisdom, science, and cultural insight to help you find joy in everyday life. As well as a guide to help you find your passion, it’s also a beautiful reminder to live every day with thoughtfulness and intention.
From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life by Arthur C Brooks
This is an uplifting, practical guide to navigating the transition from professional success to a more fulfilling and meaningful later life. A Harvard professor and social scientist, Brooks offers insightful advice on shifting from ambition to deeper fulfilment, showing how true happiness comes from connection, wisdom and service.
The Pivot Year by Brianna Wiest
This book is structured as a daily guide to follow for a year, nudging you to rethink, reset and rediscover your passion. If you’re craving purpose but feeling stuck, this wise book might just give you the gentle (but firm) push forward you need.
Then try something new
‘Be a Birder: My love of birdwatching and how to get started’ by Hamza Yassin
Part memoir, part practical guide, this book by UK-based wildlife cameraman, TV presenter and lifelong birder Hamza Yassin will unlock the joy of birdwatching for you. Then it’s time to get a copy of The Australian Bird Guide and start in your own backyard.
The Australian Bird Guide will also come in handy.
‘Globetrotting: Writers Walk The World’, introduced and edited by Duncan Minshull
Walking is a low-cost, high-reward activity that can be done anywhere, anytime, as demonstrated in this wonderful collection of writing by more than fifty ‘walker-writers’ who have traveled the world’s seven continents by foot. Includes pieces from Mark Twain, William Boyd, Edith Wharton, Helen Garner and many more. A beautiful hard-back edition, it will inspire you to pull on your favourite walking shoes.
‘What the trees see: a wander through millennia of natural history in Australia’ by Dave Witty
We walk past trees every day, but do we really see them? And do they have something to tell us? The mallee box by the twelfth hole of North Adelaide Golf Course evokes a time when Adelaide was clothed in mallee scrub and desert senna. Brisbane's remnant blue gum, growing by the botanic gardens, indicates a time when the city was once jungle. What will the trees teach you?
‘The Family History Book: How to trace your ancestors in Australia’ by Cassie Gilmartin and Shaun Gilmartin
If finding out where you come from is one of your goals, this is the book for you, taking you through the steps of researching and building a family tree, using a range of sources. Filled with tips and tricks, it will help you unlock the story of your past.
‘The Natural Gardener’ by Richard Unsworth and Nicholas Watt
Do you love the idea of having a beautiful garden but wilt at the thought of weeding and mowing and trimming hedges? In this book, garden designer Richard Unsworth offers advice on creating a more ‘naturalistic’ garden that will reconnect with nature and, with the right choices, require less maintenance from you.
‘Make every day creative: Art anyone can do’ by Marion Deuchars
Getting in touch with your creativity is a brilliant way to bring purpose and beauty to each day, and this book by celebrated illustrator Deuchars features more than 100 projects and ideas to get you started on the journey to discovering what you love.
‘Cast Catch Release: One woman’s search for peace and purpose by the water’ by Marina Gibson
This memoir about one woman’s journey into a passion for fishing also traces the epic migratory journey of the Atlantic salmon and it’s fight for survival against the odds. One of the world’s best-known female anglers, UK-based Gibson has written about what it means to find peace and purpose in the great outdoors.
‘The Australian Beekeeping Manual’ by Robert Owen
Now in its third edition, this comprehensive reference for both novice and experienced beekeepers in Australia covers everything you need to get our own hive started – and keep it healthy. If you love the idea of keeping bees, start with this detailed, accessible book.
Allison Tait is a bestselling author, dedicated reader and co-founder of the Your Own Next Read and Your Kids Next Read Facebook groups. Find her on Instagram.
All book images sourced from Amazon, used with permission. Citro may receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using the links in this article.
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