20 self-development books that will help you achieve the best version of you
Whatever you want to work on, these guides have the answer.
We’re three months into the new year, the excitement of a fresh start has died down, and feelings of being stuck and uninspired may creep in, too. If you’re looking to overcome some tough moments in your life, seeking inspiration to break out of a creative rut, or want to know how to make your life more meaningful, these modern-day tomes on subjects that range from finding beauty in everyday things to acing the art of public speaking will be your guiding light in unlocking your true potential.
Scroll ahead to discover 20 books—new releases and bestsellers—we recommend.
8 Rules of Love: How to Find It, Keep It, and Let It Go by Jay Shetty
Instead of treating love as an intangible concept, Shetty gives you eight actionable steps to empower you with skills to be better at loving people.
The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times by Michelle Obama
The former First Lady spills the beans on powerful strategies she has picked up over the years for finding hope even in the most uncertain times.
Everything, Beautiful: A Guide to Finding Hidden Beauty in the World by Ella Frances Sanders
This book will encourage you to find moments of beauty and joy in the most unassuming things in your everyday life.
Microjoys: Finding Hope (Especially) When Life Is Not Okay by Cyndie Spiegel
Through narratives, essays, and prompts, this book will help you discover the small, micro joys in life that make it worth living and give you the strength to keep going in difficult times.
Manifest: Dive Deeper by Roxie Nafousi
Here’s your must-have guide to channelling positive energy and feeling empowered.
How to Own the Room: Women and the Art of Brilliant Speaking by Viv Groskop
This book tells you how powerful women—from Michelle Obama to Oprah Winfrey—demand attention through the way they speak, and gives tips on how you can do the same.
The Greatness Mindset: Unlock the Power of Your Mind and Live Your Best Life Today by Lewis Howes
Learn how to nip self-doubt and fear in the bud to live a more meaningful and mindful life.
The Comfort Book by Matt Haig
This book feels like a warm hug and lives up to its title—it’s full of consolations and suggestions that will help you approach your bad days in a more resilient manner.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
This guide by the renowned music producer is about art, creativity, and the artist; all wrapped up in an inspirational and thought-provoking memoir.
How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell
In a world where multiple platforms are clamouring for our attention and tie our worth to our productivity, it can be difficult to escape the Internet. Odell’s manifesto is a guide to regaining our attention spans.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
The author sheds light on the conditioning of women, and pushes us to unleash our true selves inspired by her experiences.
Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life
This guide, which takes a science-based approach to feelings, will help you deal with life’s challenges with an open mind.
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by Julie Smith
This book will help you keep your head above water during troubled times and teach you how to be more resilient.
The Overthinking Cure: How to Stay in the Present, Shake Negativity, and Stop Stress and Anxiety by Nick Trenton
The book will help you overcome anxiety and stress so you can control your thoughts and change your mental habits.
How to Fail: Everything I’ve Learned From Things Going Wrong by Elizabeth Day
Learn how to accept and embrace failure on your way to success through this book, part memoir and part inspirational guide.
Ice Cream for Breakfast: How rediscovering your inner child can make you calmer, happier, and solve your bullsh*t adult problems by Laura Jane Williams
This fun book encourages you to let your inner child out and rediscover what it means to be an adult.
The Discomfort Zone: How to Get What You Want by Living Fearlessly by Farrah Storr
This book nudges you to face challenges and things that scare you head-on.
The Course of Love by Alain De Botton
Is ‘happily ever after’ real? This book busts the myth through an honest exploration of modern-day marriage.
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
Sleep, one of the most essential aspects of our life, can affect our physical and mental health—this book explains the biological phenomenon so we can better understand our sleep patterns.
Make Your Bed by William H McRaven
In this book by an ex-Navy Seal, discover 10 simple but life-changing principles that will help you overcome challenges and live better.