Grab your notebook or open up your Goodreads account, because today I’m sharing 10 of the absolute best books that you can read for your self-discovery and personal growth journey!
Not sure which book to start with? Send me a message on Instagram and let me know which ones you’re most interested in reading, and I’ll give you my recommendations that fit where you are in your self-discovery journey.
Now, in no particular order, here are 10 of the best books that you should read for self-discovery and personal development!
Playing Big
This is truly my all-time favorite personal development book, and I don’t understand why it isn’t talked about more often among the self-help community!
One of the biggest topics that author Tara Mohr tackles throughout Playing Big is the concept of your inner critic. Not only does she teach you the best ways to handle that tough inner voice, but also how to tap into your inner mentor, when to know when you’re acting from a place of fear versus alignment, and how to recognize and unlearn engrained subconscious habits that are holding you back.
Each chapter includes journal prompts, summaries, and key points you can review after reading, so you can easily refer back to each lesson and do your necessary inner work outside of the book.
You Are A Badass
Jen Sincero speaks to you in a no-nonsense, kick your ass in gear style, opening your eyes to the realities of how you’ve been holding yourself back. She’ll give you the tools you need in order to finally take steps towards creating a life you love, listening to what you want, and not letting fear get in the way.
As a note: This book also does deal with a spiritual approach. Not necessarily God or traditional religion (although you can interpret her teachings with this kind of approach), but more with the Law of Attraction and the Universe. If this isn’t your cup of tea, then I’d recommend exploring some of the other recommendations below.
The Happiness Equation
Looking for something that’s simple and to the point, but still powerful? The Happiness Equation is exactly that kind of book. When I say simple, I don’t mean this in a bad way! This mainly means that it’s easy to read, and author Neil Pasricha has written in a very clear-cut and easy-to-understand way to help you learn what truly brings happiness into your life.
“Pasricha illustrates how to want nothing and do anything in order to have everything. If that sounds like a contradiction in terms, you simply have yet to unlock the 9 Secrets to Happiness. Each secret takes a piece out of the core of common sense, turns it on its head to present it in a completely new light, and then provides practical and specific guidelines for how to apply this new outlook to lead a fulfilling life.”
Making the Love You Want
Where are my fellow Bachelorette fans?! If you watched Hannah Brown’s season, you likely also fell in love with Mike Johnson like my friends and I did. His positivity is infectious, and he recently published a book to help others on their journey for self-love.
Details from Mike’s website: “Making the Love You Want is a guide to leveling up your life from the inside out, through the practice of self-love. Sharing his personal journey and courageous truths, Bachelor Nation and social media luminary Mike Johnson provides the tools to springboard your life. If you’re ready to show up more fully and integrate self-love into all areas of your life…this is the book you’ve been waiting for.”
The Enneagram and You
If you’re a personality test junkie like me, you need to pick up a copy of this book. I’ve always personally been a fan of Myers-Briggs when it came to personality tests, but I really fell in love with the Enneagram after devouring this book.
Whether you’ve heard about the Enneagram before, consider yourself an expert, or have no idea what I’m talking about, this book is a fantastic way to get to know what makes you the way you are. What I love about this book is that the author acknowledges that there is a little bit of every number in you, and you aren’t simply defined by one versus another. Sometimes it’s easy to relate to a personality test result (or horoscope) because it’s vague or meant for everyone to understand, but this book nails it on the head. It dives deep into each personality type, how they respond to stress, how they are in their career, relationships with other types, and more.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
This was the first personal development book I ever read when I was first diving into the self-help world, and I will always, always recommend it.
Elizabeth Gilbert breaks down her own experience with creativity and helps readers understand what it’s like to be creative. The creative process is unique for everyone, and Gilbert helps you embrace this part of you, tackle what you most love, follow your curiosity, and face your fears. Even if you’re not necessarily a “creative” person, I still highly recommend you read this to explore more about who you are and how to lean into what you love.
Atomic Habits
Are you feeling frustrated over how challenging it can be to build new habits and routines? Atomic Habits is your answer.
This book, honestly, kicked my ass into gear to stop making excuses for myself for why I wasn’t prioritizing my health and working out. Author James Clear uses scientific evidence and relatable examples to help explain concepts and steps to take to finally build effective habits in your life.
I’m Awesome. Here’s Why…
If you’ve had some uncertainties when it comes to believing in yourself and your overall self-confidence, I highly recommend one of my own books: I’m Awesome. Here’s Why…
Because no matter how confident you are, doubt always finds a way to creep in sometimes. Small insecurities quickly become big uncertainties, but there are simple ways that can help you break that cycle. Throughout my book, I’ll give you a crash course to finding confidence within yourself, helping you discover over 101 guided activities that will help you realize, build, and nurture your self-confidence.
Your Self-Discovery Journal
Ready to truly kick-start your self-discovery journey? My upcoming book, Your Self-Discovery Journal, is a guided journal that will help you identify and actualize your passions, purpose, and whole self!
In Your Self-Discovery Journal, you will find inspiring, thoughtful exercises, guided journal prompts, creative activities, meditations, and more that will guide you to a deeper, truer understanding of yourself. These practical and inspiring activities will help you identify your values, strengths, weaknesses, talents, and more. You’ll learn how to celebrate the things that make you unique and discover practical ideas for staying motivated, facing fears or discomfort, and giving yourself grace throughout your self-discovery process.
Be Happy. Be Calm. Be YOU.
Being a teenager is an exciting time, but also can be a bit overwhelming and stressful. So many important decisions and discoveries that you’ll learn about yourself through this time of your life, it’s important to make sure that you’re prioritizing your mental health in the process.
Take time for yourself with these 100 prompts and mindful meditations to help you through stressful times—no matter what you’re going through. It’s easy to feel stressed, worried, or anxious throughout the day. But what if those negative feelings no longer had to take over your life? This journal can help put your problems in perspective and allows you to think them through with purpose and mindfulness.
I want to be happier