Ah, January. The month when goal-setters and self-improvers everywhere commit to new habits. Gyms are bursting with good intentions. Kale and Kombucha fly off the shelves. But if you’re looking for the kind of self-improvement that will stick with you for longer than a few months, and dare I say, have the potential to change your life, allow me to recommend, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.  

When this Unsanctioned Book Influencer finds herself recommending books in her daily life, at least a half a dozen times she recommends The Artist’s Way. If you’re looking for a practice that will change the way you approach creativity and you’re willing to do some work, this is the book (experience) for you.  

The book is like a retreat if it was self-led. It begins by laying the ground rules but instead of being told about quiet hours, complementary tea, or how to schedule a massage, you’ll be asked to journal daily, go on an adventure of your choosing weekly, and take advantage of copious opportunities for introspection. The book is organized into “weeks” with the idea that you read one chapter per week and pontificate on the wisdom therein. If you follow along, your self improvement journey will last three months, at least.  

What this book will do is make you get fiercely honest with yourself about how you approach art and creativity (any artistic or creative endeavor). You’ll find yourself nodding along and say “Yes, that is me,” with a slight grin, or “Yes, that is me,” with a slight groan, or “Yes, that is me!” with a laugh and an, “Ah sh*t.”  

You’ll also stumble on new ideas or realize you’ve always wanted to learn the violin, or connect with that song writer you met two months ago and start collaborating on a new album.  

It’s almost magical the effect the book can have on you, if you let it.  

What It Tastes Like

This book, I’d argue, is actually good for you, which is why I’d say it’s a bit like eating oatmeal. The journaling alone, which Cameron calls “Morning Pages,” is comparable to oatmeal in the way she recommends doing it every morning. Heart healthy, customizable with nuts or fruit or what have you, and a solid start to your day.  

What It Sounds Like

But the highly variable, almost choose-your-own-adventure vibe of the book also makes it sound like the presets on a mediation app. There will be days where it will feel like this book is gentle, repetitive ocean sounds, or rain falling in a forest. There will be other days when it feels like the looping guitar melody, or the intermittent chime of bells.  

Just remember, small doses consistently is the key to a book like this. The Artist’s Way can feel overwhelming if you’re not ready for it.  

Good luck, and may your wildest creative dreams find you at the end of this book.  

This Book Might Be Your Next Read If:

• You’re feeling creatively stuck.
• You want to go back to school but don’t have the time or resources.
• You’ve heard of Morning Pages but never understood what they were.
• You’d love to have your own Fairy Godmother.