How to Use AI to Create a Reading List That Transforms Your 2025
Updated: Nov 30
Let’s talk about 2025. A brand-new year means a chance to design the best version of you, and if you’ve been following me, you already know: the K in SPARK stands for Knowledge. Reading for just 20–30 minutes a day isn’t just about learning—it’s about intentionally shaping the person you want to become.
So, how do you choose the right books to help you grow? That’s where AI comes in! With a little reflection and a well-crafted prompt, you can use AI to create a reading list that’s tailored to your goals, challenges, and vision for the year ahead.
Let’s break it down.
The Transformative Power of Reading
Before we dive into the AI magic, let’s talk about why reading is such a game-changer for personal growth. Every book you read is a stepping stone that can:
Clarify Your Vision: The right books provide clarity and direction for your goals.
Expand Your Perspective: Reading opens your mind to new ideas and helps you understand yourself and others better.
Build Momentum: Regular reading fuels your growth, one page at a time.
The goal isn’t just to read more books—it’s to read books that align with who you want to be by the end of 2025.
Using AI to Build Your Reading List
Here’s the deal: AI tools like ChatGPT can create a personalized reading list in seconds. But the key to getting great recommendations is sharing the right details—your goals, challenges, and even a little bit about your story. Think of your AI prompt as a mini-conversation where you set the stage for recommendations that truly resonate. At the time of writing this, I recommend the following:
Crafting Your AI Prompt
The best AI prompts are specific and personal. Here’s how to structure yours:
“I want to create a personalized reading list to help me grow in 2025. Here’s my story: [share your goals, challenges, strengths, and areas of focus]. Can you recommend [number of books] that align with my goals and explain how each book supports my growth?”
Example Prompts:
“I’m a nurse transitioning into a leadership role. I want to improve my confidence, communication skills, and ability to handle workplace conflict. Can you recommend 12 books on leadership, emotional intelligence, and decision-making?”
“I’m a parent juggling work and family, and I want to focus on mindfulness and building stronger relationships. Can you recommend 10 books on mindfulness, parenting, and self-care?”
“I’m starting my own business and want to learn how to scale effectively while staying creative. Can you suggest 15 books on entrepreneurship, creative thinking, and team building?”
Refining Your AI Recommendations
Once AI provides an initial list, make it more personal by refining the results. Here’s how:
1. Ask for Specific Perspectives:
“Can you include books by women authors on this topic?”
“I’d like books with diverse cultural perspectives.”
2. Adjust the Reading Level:
“Can you recommend beginner-friendly books on this topic?”
“I’m ready for more advanced material—what do you suggest?”
3. Add Fiction or Memoirs:
Fiction and memoirs can inspire just as much as non-fiction!
“Can you include novels or memoirs with themes of resilience and growth?”
4. Request Summaries:
If you’re unsure about the suggestions, ask AI for a summary:
“Can you provide a one-sentence explanation of how each book aligns with my goals?”
Example: A Reading List for Leadership Growth
Let’s say you’re stepping into a leadership role in 2025. Here’s what a well-crafted AI prompt and response might look like:
Prompt:
"I’m a project manager transitioning into a leadership role. I want to learn how to inspire my team, handle conflict, and delegate effectively. My strengths are organization and creativity, but I struggle with setting boundaries and staying calm under pressure. Can you recommend 12 books that address these areas and explain how they’ll help?"
AI’s Response:
“Radical Candor” by Kim Scott
Learn how to give and receive feedback while building trust and respect.
“The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni
Identify and overcome common challenges in team dynamics.
“Multipliers” by Liz Wiseman
Discover how to amplify the strengths of your team members.
“Essentialism” by Greg McKeown
Focus on what truly matters and eliminate distractions.
“Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek
Foster a culture of trust and collaboration within your team.
“Crucial Conversations” by Kerry Patterson
Gain tools for navigating high-stakes conversations with confidence.
“Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown
Build the courage to lead with vulnerability and authenticity.
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear
Develop habits that boost productivity and effectiveness as a leader.
“Drive” by Daniel H. Pink
Understand what motivates people and how to inspire your team.
“Quiet” by Susan Cain
Harness the power of introverts in leadership and team settings.
“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek
Create a compelling vision that inspires your team to take action.
“No Rules Rules” by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer
Explore how Netflix fostered innovation through bold leadership practices.
Turning Your Reading List into a Plan
Creating a reading list is a great start, but it’s how you approach it that really matters. To make 2025 the year of transformation, you’ll want a plan that feels clear, achievable, and aligned with your intentions. One way to do this? Ask AI to help you organize your books in a way that builds momentum and keeps you motivated throughout the year.
Let AI Help You Order Your Books
Once you’ve got your list of books, don’t feel like you have to tackle them randomly. AI can help you put them in an order that makes the most sense for your goals. Here’s an easy follow-up prompt you can use:
“Thanks. Now that I have the list of books, can you recommend the best order to read them in, starting with foundational topics and building toward deeper insights or actionable steps? Please explain why you suggest this order.”
Why This Helps:
Start Simple: Begin with books that lay the groundwork or feel lighter to get you into the flow.
Progress Naturally: Move to books that build on what you’ve learned or add complexity as you go.
Focus Your Actions: Save books with practical steps for when you’re ready to implement changes.
Example: A Leadership Journey
If your focus is leadership, here’s an example of how AI might organize your books:
Start with Habits:
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear helps you build routines that set the foundation for growth.
Learn Communication Basics:
“Radical Candor” by Kim Scott teaches you how to give and receive feedback effectively.
Understand Team Dynamics:
“The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni helps you identify and address common leadership challenges.
Foster a Culture of Trust:
“Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown shows how vulnerability can build stronger connections.
Motivate and Inspire:
“Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek ties it all together by focusing on long-term team loyalty and collaboration.
Make Your Reading List Actionable
Once you have your books in order, commit to making them a part of your daily routine. Here’s how to keep it simple:
1. Schedule Time to Read
Set aside 20–30 minutes daily—whether it’s in the morning, during lunch, or before bed. Consistency is key.
2. Reflect and Track
Keep a notebook or app to jot down quick insights as you go. Ask yourself: What’s one thing I can apply from this book?
3. Share Your Progress
Whether you’re posting on social media or chatting with a friend, sharing what you’re learning helps you stay accountable and inspired.
4. Adjust as Needed
If a book feels too dense or doesn’t resonate, it’s okay to skip or come back to it later. The goal is progress, not perfection.
Shape Your 2025, One Book at a Time!
The K in SPARK is all about using knowledge to transform your life. With the help of AI, you can create a reading list that’s not only personalized but perfectly aligned with your goals for 2025. But let’s be real—a list is just the start.
The real transformation happens when you take what you’re reading and actually use it to change your life. It’s about turning those words on the page into actions that stick and make a difference.
If you’re ready to take that next step, check out my blog, Stop Just Reading: How to Turn Books Into Life-Changing Action in 2025. I break down how to reflect, apply what you’ve learned, and build habits that help you grow. Trust me, this is where the magic really happens.
Your 2025 transformation starts with a single book—let’s make it count.
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