© 2026 Clay Reads

Conceptual split-scene landscape with a wooden signpost between storm clouds and sunshine; a giant tangled ball of rope sits on the dark path while a person walks toward a bright, calm horizon with butterflies, symbolizing releasing control and choosing intentional action.

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

Clay | March 13

A Two-Word Tool for Reclaiming Your Energy I have forgotten the exact details of where I discovered the Mel Robbins Podcast, but I[…]

Split-screen illustration showing a hunched young man in a cool blue room with shadowy figures pointing behind him, a broken chain across the center, and—on the warm golden side—an elderly philosopher’s profile above a sunlit path where a lone figure walks forward beneath birds and an origami crane, symbolizing freedom from approval-seeking (featured image for The Courage to Be Disliked).

The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi, Fumitake Koga

Clay | January 30

Stop Chasing Approval, Start Living: The Courage to Be Disliked Review I am honestly at a loss for how The Courage to Be[…]

Photorealistic cocktail party scene with two professionals talking while subtle overlay icons show microexpressions, personality traits, and trust cues, representing the science of charisma and social skills.

Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People by Vanessa Van Edwards

Clay | January 16

Charisma is a Learned Skill: My Review of ‘Captivate’ by Vanessa Van Edwards I discovered Vanessa Van Edwards through MasterClass. I subscribed to[…]

Illustrated circadian clock split into warm morning, cool afternoon, and purple evening; lark and owl icons; person working, slumping, then creating—peak, trough, recovery.

When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel H. Pink

Clay | September 5

When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel H. Pink How I’m Learning to Use Time to My Advantage I picked up[…]

Late-night study scene: a learner at a desk under a warm lamp with a math notebook and Pomodoro timer; glowing cubes rise into a starry sky with science icons, symbolizing chunking and focused vs. diffuse thinking.

A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science by Barbara Oakley

Clay | August 8

A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science by Barbara Oakley I first came across Barbara Oakley’s book, A Mind[…]

A young woman with curly hair and medium brown skin sits peacefully at a wooden desk, journaling in a notebook. Morning sunlight streams through a nearby window, illuminating sticky notes with affirmations like “Be kind to yourself” and “I accept myself.” A warm cup of coffee and green plants surround her, creating a calm and reflective atmosphere.

Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff

Clay | July 11

Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff One of my goals this year was to work on self-love[…]

Illustration of a young dreamer flying through a surreal night sky with a red convertible and celestial symbols, inspired by lucid dreaming and 90s new age aesthetics.

Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming by Stephen LaBerge, Howard Rheingold

Clay | May 30

Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming by Stephen LaBerge, Howard Rheingold Have you ever had a lucid dream? A dream where you realize[…]

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