5 Audiobooks to Help You Level Up in 2026

The start of a new year brings fresh possibilities. Whether you’re diving in with big goals or simply setting new intentions, audiobooks can bring inspiration and practical advice to every aspect of your life.

To help you stay focused and energized, Spotify’s audiobook editors have curated a selection of self-help and motivational titles. From optimizing your health to embracing your authentic self, here are five picks to help turn your New Year’s resolutions into lasting habits.

By Adam Grant Narrated by Adam Grant and others

Bestselling author Adam Grant offers a new framework for raising aspirations and exceeding expectations. Through research and real-world examples, Grant sets out to prove that progress depends less on how hard we work and more on how well we learn.

By Casey Means, MD with Calley Means Narrated by Casey Means, MD

Dr. Casey Means explores the idea that many modern health conditions share a common root: our metabolic function. She explains how the body’s ability to create and use energy affects long-term wellbeing, offering a look at how everyday choices can support healthier cells at any age.

Written and narrated by Rob Volpe

Empathy can feel scarce, but it’s a skill that can be cultivated. Brand strategist and thought leader Rob Volpe draws on thousands of interviews to illustrate his “five steps to empathy,” offering actions we can take to build a strong and reflexive empathy muscle.

By Zanna Keithley Narrated by Amanda Stribling

Author and poet Zanna Keithley guides us on a path of self-improvement, mindfulness, and personal development. Chapter by chapter, Keithley’s affirmations and reflections encourage us to trust our inner voices and embrace our authentic selves.

Written and narrated by Ryan Holiday

In the final installment of his Stoic Virtues series, philosopher Ryan Holiday focuses on wisdom: the foundation of all other virtues. Drawing on stories of ancient and modern figures, he explores how to listen more than we talk, think with nuance, question assumptions, and learn continuously.

Discover more motivational titleson Spotify.