I LOVE reading. More specifically I love reading personal development books. That’s actually the only type of book I read now-a-days.
I think everyone should read personal development books.
Whether you want to improve yourself overall, learn about investing or starting a business, or become more spiritual, there’s a book out there for you.
I physically collect books, because they’re one of the best things in life.
The authors of these books are millionaires, entrepreneurs, therapists, doctors, athletes, etc.
Reading a book from someone with more knowledge or experience in that field, helps you gain insight into their brain.
You can learn something new or gain something valuable from every book you read, and I think that’s incredible!
Below I have listed my favorite personal development books of all time. Some are focused more on business, some on money, and some on spirituality, but they all contribute to personal growth.
You Are A Badass
You Are A Badass is at the top of the list because it’s my all time favorite book and something everyone should read. I LOVE how Jen Sincero writes. The book is easy to read and helps you understand how amazing you are. It helps you realize your full potential and hopefully inspires you to take action.
If you’re new to the personal development genre and don’t know where to start, this is the perfect book.
The Happiness Equation
The Happiness Equation by Neil Pasricha is a practical and straightforward book on happiness. We tend to overcomplicate finding happiness, but Neil makes it so simple and helps you to see things from a different perspective.
If you’re looking for a general personal development book, this is it. I suggest taking notes and really absorbing and thinking about what he says. It’s a simple read and not filled with fluff.
You Are A Badass at Making Money
Jen Sincero shares her magic again but on MONEY. A lot of people are afraid of or dislike money. This book will help you break down those walls so you can open yourself up to abundance. She will walk you through releasing old beliefs and again, inspire you to take action and be a badass.
It’s one of the best books if you’re knew to the finance world and want to be entertained while reading too.
Think and Grow Rich
Napoleon Hill was ahead of his time and Think and Grow Rich speaks volumes on that. This classic book shares how thoughts, a strong desire, and persistence can lead to huge achievements. It all starts with changing your mindset.
I got my life mantra from this book…”Three feet from gold.“
I repeat the phrase to myself constantly. You’ll have to read the book for the story, but I’ll leave you with this,” One of the most common causes of failure is the habit of quitting when one is overtaken by temporary defeat.”
A New Earth
Eckhart Tolle is the author of A New Earth as well as the widely known book, The Power of Now. To be honest, I am hesitant to recommend The Power of Now, the book overcomplicates a simple concept and dives too deeply into something that many people cannot achieve.
However, A New Earth is a bit lighter and opens your eyes to the ego of humans. To be clear, this book is still quite extensive, but it helps you to become aware of who you are/want to be.
If you’re new to personal development or spirituality, I suggest waiting to read this one for a bit!
Rich Dad Poor Dad
If you want to gain some insight into finances and great success, then read Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. This book is a fun read, because you will learn SO much while reading the story and differences between his rich dad and his poor dad.
This book changed my perspective on investing and also shaped some of my goals for the future.
A great concept and practice I learned is shifting our thoughts and words from, “I can’t afford it” to “How can I afford it?” This thought puts you into an abundant mindset and opens you up to more possibilities.
The Barefoot Executive
Carrie Wilkerson was ahead of the game in The Barefoot Executive. I first read this book in 2015 when I had just started blogging. I re-read it in 2019 and realized, “Wow, this book is so practical and beneficial.”
This is still such a great book if you are new to online business. Whether you need to think of a business idea, grow your business, or need the extra push to start, then you will benefit from The Barefoot Executive.
It’s an easy read and I love the real life examples sprinkled throughout. This book is definitely underrated.
The Gratitude Diaries
To begin, I was completely amazed that Janice Kaplan was able to write a whole book dedicated to one subject…gratitude. In The Gratitude Diaries she shares her journey of focusing on gratitude for a year and how much her life changed.
She shares many insights into the studies and knowledge from professors and doctors, who give examples of the positive effects of gratitude.
Gratitude is a huge thing in my life and I greatly appreciated the message she shared by writing this book.
Big Magic
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is a must read if you’re a creator or artist of any kind.
Similar to You Are a Badass, Big Magic is an easy read and gives you that kick of inspiration to realize what you’re really made of.
If you’re a creator, you know the ups and downs that we face, and she puts a positive perspective on all of it. This is easily a book you could read multiple times to continue gaining value from it.
#GirlBoss
To be honest this book is almost completely centered around the author herself, Sophia Amoruso. She shares her story of starting her own business from beginning to end.
However, the story itself is very interesting, Sophia is very blunt and honest, and it’s pretty damn motivating.
The book has useful tips and advice for anyone eager to start a business or land their dream job. Like Big Magic, you could read this book a few times and learn from it.
Atomic Habits
James Clear is one of my favorite no nonsense writers. His blog is amazing and the knowledge and experience he has on habits is unreal.
Atomic Habits is a big book packed with quality content. If you actually want to gain value from this book, I suggest taking notes while you read it and actual apply what you learn.
I am a firm believer in living a life filled with positive habits and this book may just help you to start developing those.
The Four Agreements
This little book of wisdom by Don Miguel Ruiz can be read within a day or two, but The Four Agreements he discusses are so powerful and worth focusing on.
One of the agreements, “Always do your best,” has significantly changed my mindset since reading this book. Sometimes I’m pretty hard on myself, but how he explains this agreement reminded me to not be.
It’s a great, short read based around spirituality, without going to deep into it.
I’ve read many, many personal development books over the years and these are the top ones in my opinion.
I plan on reading many more, so I will update this list as time goes!
To follow which books I have read, which books I want to read, and which books I am currently reading…check out my GoodReads profile!