10 Book Recommendations From Sweat Trainer Britany Williams

Whether you’ve set yourself a reading goal for the year, have an audiobook addiction or can’t get to sleep without reading a few chapters, Sweat Trainer Britany Williams will have a book recommendation for you.

Brit’s a big fan of non-fiction, with a bookshelf that’s jam-packed with everything from self-development favourites to best-selling memoirs from some of the world’s biggest names.

Take a look through her go-to recommendations to find your next great read!

Atomic Habits by James Clear

James Clear’s Atomic Habits is a favourite amongst the Sweat Community (Sweat member Cara loved it so much she was on her second read when she shared her week of workouts with us for ourHow I Sweatseries!) and it’s a book Brit highly recommends.

It’s all about helping the reader improve their life through small behaviour changes, while telling the stories of inspiring people such as leading CEOs and Olympic gold medalists.

Brit’s not alone in this recommendation - fellow Sweat Trainer Sara Colquhoun is also a fan!

Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

Brit was gifted this book by endurance athlete David Goggins from her in-laws, describing it as a “freaking amazing” read.

Tackling a diverse range of topics including physical abuse, racism and Goggins’ time in the U.S. Armed Forces, Can’t Hurt Me recounts Goggins’ life while encouraging the reader to master their mind and defy the odds.

There’s even a passage from the book that Brit says sums up her own life philosophy, with David Goggins discussing his work ethic and how he organises his week, writing: “It means scheduling your life like you’re on a twenty-four-hour mission every single day.”

Wolfpack by Abby Wambach

While it’s not a long read (Brit listened to the audio version and it only took her an hour!), this book will make an impact! “If you are a woman, if you identify as a woman, if you’re a father or mother of women - read this book,” says Brit.

Written by American soccer legend Abby Wambach, it’s inspired by the commencement speech she gave to Barnard College graduates in 2018 and galvanises women to unleash their power, come together and emerge victorious.

Fellow author Elizabeth Gilbert (of Eat, Pray, Love fame) is also a fan, saying she would follow Abby onto any battlefield.

“I would follow her not because she is a bold leader (although she is one), but because she leads from BESIDE women, not from AHEAD of us.”

The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins

Robbins’ book was named Audible’s 2017 Book of the Year in the self-development category, offering readers “the fastest way to change your life.”

In this book, Robbins explains the power of the five-second decision, sharing her simple, research-backed tools with her reader.

“The secret to changing your life isn’t knowing what to do - it’s knowing how to make yourself do it.”

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown

Brit is a HUGE Brene Brown fan, recommending everything she writes, but The Gifts of Imperfection is a standout favourite.

“This book is an invitation to join a wholehearted revolution,” Brown writes on her website. “A small, quiet, grassroots movement that starts with each of us saying, ‘My story matters because I matter.’.”

First published in 2010, this guide to living a wholehearted life has sold over 3 million copies.

Like Mel Robbins, Brit says Brown is one of her go-tos for inspiration.

“Any time I need motivation, an uplifting message or simply the feeling that I’m not alone in my feelings, I check out podcasts, books, or simply the social media accounts of either of those women.”

Drop The Ball by Tiffany Dufu

All about achieving more by doing less, Brit recommends this book for any woman (especially mums!) who is overwhelmed balancing her professional and personal life.

Part memoir and part manifesto, Dufu’s book is all about finding power and success in every area of your life by letting things go.

Educated by Tara Westover

This memoir from academic Tara Westover got a 10/10 from Brit AND secured a spot on former President Barack Obama’s summer reading list in 2018.

From her depictions of early life preparing for the End of Days in Idaho to the vivid descriptions of her brother’s violence and her story of first entering the education system in college and coming across events like the Holocaust for the first time, you can’t help but feel your mind expand when reading Tara’s story.

“Even though the story is very singular and unique, there’s this deep underlying message about the pressures to fulfil your family’s needs before your own,” Brit says.

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

Brit says that McConaughey’s memoir Greenlights is one of her favourite books of all time - but she’s not sure if she would feel the same way if she hadn’t listened to the audiobook.

“Listening to Matthew McConaughey tell his life story just blew my mind,” she says, describing her fellow Texan as an immaculate storyteller.

“Listening to inspirational nonfiction audiobooks while going on daily walks completely changed the start to my days,” Brit says, if you’re looking for some inspiration about when and where to get stuck into this one.

“Not only does he have a great voice for audiobooks, he has a unique way of storytelling that makes you reflect on your own life.”

Deep Work by Cal Newport

Offering the reader rules to encourage focused success in a distracted world, Brit recommends this book for people who need practical tips on how to focus on the work they really need to accomplish.

Newport, a computer science professor at Georgetown University, writes about the intersection of culture and digital technology and explores work ethic, distraction and rules for transforming your mind in Deep Work.

Will by Will Smith

While Brit does warn she found the first half of the book a little slow, she definitely recommends this memoir from Will Smith that had her in constant stitches.

“I came in with really high expectations and those expectations were met,” she says, once again recommending this one as an audiobook.

“It’s the sort of book that you need as an audiobook as you need to hear him tell his story.”

Need more recommendations?

Looking for other ways to level up your daily walks with a great podcast, improve your bedtime routine with a new read or simply entertain yourself on your rest day? We rounded up the Sweat Trainer’s go-to book and podcast recommendations.

What’s your favourite book? Let us know in the comments.