09 January,2026 08:56 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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The start of a new year is a great time for people to start improving their lives with intentional changes like building mental strength, finding motivation that actually starts and breaking unhelpful patterns.
This list brings together bestsellers and impactful movies by Audible and other platforms that focus on discipline, self-belief and personal growth.
From audiobooks that challenge how you think, live and respond to setbacks to films and series that capture real journeys of resilience and ambition, these titles are designed to inspire action rather than just reflection.
Whether you're resetting habits, chasing bigger goals or looking for steady motivation, these bestsellers and watches will give you a boost to start the year with focus and purpose.
Listen
Dopamine Detox is a practical and action-oriented guide to regaining focus and the ability to eliminate distractions in a world where we are constantly bombarded with fast-paced stimuli.
The book, written by Thibaut Meurisse, explains how overexposure to quick dopamine hits from social media, screens and endless stimulation has led to a decrease in overall motivation and has made it harder to focus on important tasks.
Rather than relying on an abstract theoretical explanation, this book provides actional and simple steps to reset one's habitual behaviours, declutter one's mind and rebuild their discipline to complete necessary tasks efficiently.
This book is designed to assist those who wish to start the year with more focus, greater productivity and better control over their attention.
The Courage to Be Disliked is a thought-provoking guide to building an authentic and purpose-driven life by challenging long-held beliefs about happiness, success and self-worth.
The book draws on Adlerian psychology to show that much of what holds us back, either the fear of judgement, past experiences and the need for approval is something we choose to carry and is not something we are destined to accept.
Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga encourage readers to take responsibility for their lives, live beyond their constraints and find the courage to pursue what truly matters, making this a powerful listen for anyone who wishes to start the year with confidence and clarity.
Mitihara is a celebration of mindful eating, seasonal living and India's rich food heritage, while blending physical nutrition guidance with cultural wisdom. Written by celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, the book explores how traditional, whole foods and simple eating habits can nourish not just the body but the mind and spirit too.
Through a mix of carefully curated vegetarian recipes, reflections on seasonal eating and personal stories, Mitihara encourages listeners to slow down, savour nourishing food, reconnect with nature's rhythms and rethink modern approaches to health and well-being.
Mitihara will provide gentle yet insightful recommendations for anyone wanting to start the year with a healthier, more mindful relationship with food.
The Heart of Yoga: How to Become More Beautiful and Happy explores one of the most timeless human questions: can yoga truly make us happy and if so, how? In this reflective work, Osho goes beyond yoga as a physical or wellness practice and turns the focus toward its deeper spiritual purpose.
He also presents ten insightful talks, through Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, that examine happiness, jealousy, comparison and the inner conflicts that prevent people from feeling fulfilled even when their material needs are met. Osho challenges the idea that happiness is easy to accept in others, revealing how competition, ego and insecurity often stand in the way.
Through Osho's teachings, the book invites listeners to understand happiness not just as something to chase but as a state of inner harmony, something that allows one to feel connected not just to people but to life itself.
Service: Audible
Watch:
F1: The Movie, is a high energy sports drama set in the unforgiving world of Formula One racing.
The film stars Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a former F1 driver whose career was cut short by a devastating crash, only to pull him back to the sport years later to help rescue a struggling team.
As Sonny returns to the grid he must prove his relevance and mentor young talent, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), while navigating the pressures of elite racing alongside team owner Javier Bardem and technical director Kerry Condon.
Beyond the adrenaline and spectacle, the film is deeply motivating, centred around second chances, resilience and the belief that it is never too late to start again, making it an inspiring watch to kick off the New Year with renewed drive and focus.
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
12th Fail is an inspiring true story directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, that follows the remarkable journey of Manoj Kumar Sharma (Vikrant Massey), a young man from a small town who fails his 12th-grade exam only to rise against all odds and achieve his dream of becoming a respected Indian Police Service (IPS) officer.
With his partner, Shraddha Joshi (Medha Shankr), Sharma beats poverty, systemic challenges and repeated setbacks with relentless commitment.
Based on the bestselling book by Anurag Pathak, 12th Fail celebrates grit, perseverance and the power of resilience as Sharma prepares for and conquers India's toughest civil services exam, making it a deeply motivating watch to kick off the New Year with renewed determination and belief in your potential.
Platform: JioHotstar
Directed by Zoya Akhtar, Gully Boy is a gripping and motivational drama that chronicles the ascent of Murad Ahmed (Ranveer Singh), a young man from the slums of Mumbai, who transforms his life through rap music.
Murad channels his struggles, frustrations, anger and aspirations into raw, powerful lyrics, pushing past societal barriers, self-doubt and limited opportunities, making a mark in the music industry.
Co-starring Safeena Firdausi (Alia Bhatt), the film captures emotion, grit and the creative drive of someone who wishes to break free from constraints and express his voice.
With its themes of ambition, identity, and resilience, Gully Boy is a deeply inspiring watch that encourages viewers to pursue their passion, making it an excellent starting point for those eager to embrace the New Year with confidence, purpose and resolve.
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Srikanth is an inspiring biographical drama directed by Tushar Hiranandani.
The film follows Srikanth Bolla (Rajkummar Rao), a visually impaired man who refuses to let his disability define his potential.
Born blind into a modest farming family, Srikanth faces societal bias and systemic barriers in education and employment, yet his determination sees his fight for educational rights, earning a scholarship to stay at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and ultimately returning to India to build a thriving business that empowers people with disabilities.
The film highlights courage, resilience and motivates viewers to kick off the New Year with belief in overcoming challenges and redefining what's possible.
Platform: Netflix
