Books You Should Read if You Have No Idea What You’re Doing (which is ok)

Written by Katie Wuotila, Happy Human Rep. Post pandemic, in university and potentially nearing your graduation date, it is almost impossible to feel like you have everything under control in your life. Comparing yourself to others, diving into the deep hole known as social media and constantly being questioned on what you want to do after graduation all can make it feel like you have no idea what you’re doing.

I felt like this after covid restrictions phased out of our university life and things started to go back to normal. The pandemic allowed me to hide from questions posed by the future and once it faded away, the amount of control I had over my daily life went with it. Once I settled into the regular chaos that is known as university, I quickly realized that I needed to understand that I was not supposed to have it figured out and life was supposed to be messy. Additionally, reading about other people’s experiences made mine feel much less chaotic. These books educated me on some important life topics I had not lived yet and comforted me that others had much crazier introductions to adolescent life than I. Here are 5 books you should read if you have no idea what you’re doing (which is ok).

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101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think - Brianna West
This book was popular on TikTok, and for good reason. The chapters, rather essays, are short and easy to digest. I remember taking a bright pink highlighter to this book when I sat down to read it because there were so many things that stuck out to me. Brianna West does not offer a very relaxing reading experience but this book introduces and develops many ideas present in a young adult world.

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Everything I Know About Love - Dolly Alderton
Dolly Alderton becomes the savior to every teenage girl who has never been in a serious relationship or does not wish to. This is a very heartwarming read that offers an honest perspective on adolescent relationships, without all the fluff. It is comedic and allows readers to relate to the story rather than resenting it.

Open - Andre Agassi
If you are not a sports fan, I would still make sure to read this book at least once in your life. Agassi was a famous tennis player known for his outlandish style, including wearing denim at Wimbledon. He unveils the curtains that cover the unluxurious process of becoming a grand slam champion and presents the naked truth on what professional sports is really like. It is an incredibly important piece of sports literature as it finally convinces the reader that what they see on TV is not real and is only glamorized for media attention. Andre is shockingly honest, providing a new lens into sport and why its true purpose of enjoyment must be met with low expectations.

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Atomic Habits - James Clear 
No matter what you end up doing in your career, life and family, some things are constant. One of them being your daily habits. Habits and personal values shape the way our life develops and can have a profound impact on your health, success and relationships. James Clear breaks down the science of habits into simple, digestible terms and provides a well versed education on how you can use them to positively impact your life. It is a no brainer for individuals looking to get organized and or find out why they do the things they do.

Think Again - Adam Grant
If you are a stranger to scientific publishing and research, this might be the book I take off your list. However, if you find psychology interesting, this one is right up your alley. In an attempt to provoke individuals to think about why we think the way we do, Grant develops an enticing read in “Think Again” by challenging the assumptious nature of humans. In a time where your life is uncertain, it is important to open yourself up to new ideas and directions as having an open mind might land you on a path you never would have considered. Although it is a more tedious read, it is the most educational in this list and might peak the interest of anyone interested in why we think the way we do.

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In the end, this article seeks to convince readers that it is more than ok to not know what you are doing. In fact, it is the norm. Reading about athletes, organizational psychologists and authors' similar experiences can provide comfort and a good laugh depending on what book you pick up. Remember, it is okay to have no idea what you are doing.