4 Kick Butt Self-Help Books to Start 2018 Right

It's the new year; the time for planning and changing. It's also the time to buy gym memberships that will never be used. OK, rarely used. And self-help books. We've noticed a trend emerging with the latest popular self-help books. They're tough love. Real tough love, with NAVY SEALs and curse words and everything. They're Professor Snape scary, but maybe that's why they work. Did anyone at Hogwarts ever fail potions? In the 16th century, self-help books taught you to be sad because they thought that made you stronger.

We promise not to make you run 10 miles in the rain before breakfast, but we will present the books that will make you a better you in 2018, the tough way. Oh, and while we've censored the titles, some are filled with curse words. Maybe don't read them in front of curious children.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a [Bleep] by Martin Manson

Do you know someone who gets riled up over seemingly trivial things? Slip a copy of this in their bag. It shows that we have limited [bleeps] to give and why we need to pick and choose what we let upset us. The rest of the book looks at why suffering makes us stronger, and that you're not that special.

Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

It's common knowledge that NAVY SEALs are the toughest people. They're also known for having amazing leadership and team techniques. Then who better to write a self-help book? After leaving the SEALs, Jocko and Leif established a company teaching these same skills to organizations. In Extreme Ownership, you get to learn the techniques too and make you a better manager.

Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven

There's a lot that can be learned from the military, and even better if we can learn without traipsing through marshes and eating only rations. Admiral McRaven builds on his viral commencement speech to offer those little things we can do that impact our lives so much. Oh, and he's also a former SEAL. His tips include looking out for your friends, and as the title says making your bed daily. It starts the day with an accomplishment. It's a short read so useful for even those reluctant to take advice.

Un[bleep] Your Brain by Dr. Faith Harper

Get back on track with Un[bleep] Your Brain. Author Faith Harper is a licensed counselor with a Ph.D., many years of clinical practice, and a wicked vocabulary. Just the person you need to say what your friends are too "polite" to say. Despite all her qualifications, this book reads casually to tell you how to move on from your past. While not specifically for people with PTSD, it teaches how to move on from a traumatic event in our pasts, and we all have one of those.

Now go for it. You've [bleeping] got this.

Read more by Bianca Smith