Just in time for your “read more books” New Year’s resolution!
Whether it’s trying new workouts, updating our morning routine, or going to therapy, most of us put a lot of effort into being our best. We want to be happier, healthier, more successful in our careers, have better relationships, and maybe even make more money.
But while we’re working on our best selves every day, actually becoming our best selves can sometimes feel a little more out of reach.
I’ve rounded up 7 personal development books that’ll inspire you to work towards your goals, and give you insight on how to achieve them. Your best self might actually be just a few chapters away.
1. Atomic Habits by James Clear
“All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision.“
If you’re looking to change what your average day looks like and build better habits while breaking bad ones (and let’s be real, who isn’t?), this is the book for you. No matter what your goal is, Atomic Habits provides a practical guide for transforming your habits, intertwined with inspiring, real-life stories of people who used Clear’s strategies to master their craft and become their highest selves.
2. Do You Talk Funny? by David Nihill
“Combining storytelling, humanity, and laughter will give you a huge advantage in your public speaking, and the odds are good that you already have all the raw material you need.”
Public speaking doesn’t have to be terrifying. Enter Do You Talk Funny?, a book that combines humour and practical advice to help you overcome the fear of speaking in public. This entertaining read not only provides actionable tips, but also encourages you to leverage storytelling and laughter as powerful tools for effective and memorable communication. Get ready to transform your approach to public speaking and captivate your audience.
3. Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
“Comparison is the death of joy, and the only person you need to be better than is the one you were yesterday.”
This isn’t your typical motivational read. And no, this isn’t a book about skincare. Girl, Wash Your Face is a collection of candid stories challenging common myths that hinder women. Hollis encourages women to embrace authenticity, shed societal expectations, and pursue their dreams unapologetically. Filled with relatable anecdotes, this book is your companion on the journey to empowerment, self-acceptance, and renewed purpose.
4. Ikigai by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles
“Our ikigai is different for all of us, but one thing we have in common is that we are all searching for meaning.”
If you’re a fan of Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, you’re in for a treat with Ikigai. Think of it as tidying up your life, and making room for what truly matters! The book explores the Japanese philosophy of ikigai, helping you find that sweet spot where passion, mission, vocation, and profession intersect. Dive into practical exercises and inspiring stories to uncover your ikigai, and start living with more.
5. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
“Maturity is what happens when one learns to only give a fuck about what’s truly fuckworthy.“
Surprisingly, this book helped me do exactly what the title says, but in the most productive way possible. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck doesn’t encourage you to not care about the important things in your life, but rather to give up and weed out the things you’ve committed yourself to that you really couldn’t care less about.
6. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
“If you’re serious about changing your life, you’ll find a way. If you’re not, you’ll find an excuse.”
Ready to transform your life and finally be the badass you’re meant to be? This bestselling self-development book is all about reshaping your mindset, and living your best life. You Are a Badass will help you define those self-sabotaging behaviours, and help you shift your energy to what you truly desire. It’ll help you to create a life you absolutely love – oh, and make more money!
7. The 5AM Club by Robin Sharma
“Take excellent care of the front end of your day, and the rest of your day will pretty much take care of itself. Own your morning. Elevate your life.”
It’s no secret that your productivity can increase if you wake up earlier in the morning. I mean, you’ll literally have more hours in the day. But beyond productivity, The 5 AM Club explains how you can also elevate your happiness and health by waking up a few hours earlier each day. Learn how some of the world’s most successful people begin their days, learn how to use your extra hours for exercise, growth and reflection, and learn how to always wake up feeling inspired. Once you join the club, there’s no turning back!
Bonus: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
“Death ends a life, not a relationship. And the truth is, once you learn how to die, you learn how to live.”
Okay, this one’s not really a self development book. But it is a great memoir (and my favourite book of all time!) that teaches you a lot about life. Tuesdays with Morrie invites us into the poignant conversations that shaped a profound friendship, and urges all to contemplate on love, work, family, and the true meaning of existence. Step into a world where Tuesdays become a conduit for life-altering lessons.
Remember, your path to personal growth can be as enjoyable as flipping through the pages of a captivating book. So embrace the wisdom within these reads, and let each chapter be a stepping stone towards your best self.
Happy reading, and here’s to an exciting journey ahead!
The Lilac Blog 