If you’ve been around the blog for a while you probably know that I am a personal development junkie. 

I read a ton of personal development books, and take a lot of courses. I’m on a constant quest to get just a little better every day. The self-improvement books I have read range from the inspirational to the truly bizarre.

Here are my top 7 tried and true books that have really helped me to level up.

personal development books

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Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

Let’s face it.  Building good habits can be challenging. This book digs into the way that habits are formed. It provides actionable tips on starting small to set yourself up for success when developing habits to help you achieve your goals.

One of the things I really liked about this book is that it helped me to understand why I had sometimes been unsuccessful in setting habits in the past. Some of the information seemed obvious, but overall the book has really helped me break my habits into tiny pieces to actually stick to them.

Trust the Universe: Powerful Methods for Positive Manifestations and Raising Your Vibration by Stephanie Keith

This is a great book to read if you are interested in manifestation and the law of attraction but find yourself a bit skeptical. The book itself is beautiful, and it does a great job of balancing the spiritual aspects of manifestation along with the science behind it.

There is a lot of great information, but it is broken down into short, easy-to-read chapters. I really love that there are so many practical tips that you can apply to your life right away.

Get Rich Lucky Bitch!: Release Your Money Blocks and Live a First Class Life by Denise Duffield Thomas

This was my first introduction to Denise Duffield Thomas’s work.  I read this book in a book club that I’m a part of, and I will be honest I was a little thrown off by the title. I’m so glad I gave it a chance though because this book is really good.

The topic of money can sometimes be stressful, but the book is funny and easy to read. It really helped me to identify some of my money blocks and it has helped me to change the way I think about earning money. There are a lot of practical exercises to implement as well.

Year of Yes: How to Dance it Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes

This book is so relatable. I mean, not the whole tv writer attending Hollywood parties bit. But the description of an introvert who struggles to say yes to opportunities and experiences part is definitely something I can relate to.

As an introvert, I am constantly needing to make the conscious decision to push myself out of my comfort zone so I can truly live my life. This book is funny, and entertaining, and has really helped inspire me to say YES to more experiences in my own life. 

Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking by Jon Acuff

Overthinkers unite! This book is hilarious, relatable, and filled with action items to help you flip the script on the unhelpful stories you are telling yourself.

I listened to this one on Audible and finished it in two days. This was another book club pick that I probably would not have otherwise chosen. I”m seriously considering giving this as gifts to a bunch of people at holiday time this year. I liked it that much.

Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo

This is one of those books that was recommended to me by several different people, but for some reason, I resisted reading.  I’m glad I finally gave it a chance. 

I found it really encouraging and inspiring. Marie is funny and real. There is a little bit of tough love and a lot of motivation. This book has really helped me to push through my excuses and look for creative solutions to obstacles.

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

There’s a reason this book is a classic. I was hesitant to read it since it’s a much older book.  I assumed it wouldn’t have very much information that is useful for modern times.  I was wrong. There are a lot of great mindset lessons in this book.

I will admit there are some parts of the book that are a bit wacky. But overall it’s a great book about having the power to change your circumstances and going after what you truly desire.

Conclusion

If you’re anything like me there are probably some books on this list you have already dismissed. I encourage you to keep an open mind though. Sometimes the message you really need to hear can come from an unexpected source. 

I hope you found this list helpful. I’m always looking for book recommendations. Leave me a comment below and let me know what personal development book has changed your life.