Many conversations during the first few days of January inevitably turn to the question: “So, do you have any resolutions?” It’s a simple question that can be difficult to answer. Sure, there are things you’d like to change about yourself and your life, but where do you begin? And how do you even go about keeping a resolution?

Instead of picking up a self-help book that you’ll get bored of halfway through, find inspiration in one of the books below. At no point will they tell you to write inspiring quotes on your mirror or to intone aspirations to yourself before bed, but they will provide solid examples for being a better person — and isn’t that what we all want for 2014?