5 Personal Development Books for When You’re Looking for More

We’ve all found ourselves, at one time or another, aimlessly wandering through a bookstore, scoping out the latest best sellers or the hottest summer reads (okay…maybe not recently…RIP local bookshops) only to arrive in the “self-help” aisle. Lest anyone think you are suffering from inadequacy issues, you make a mad dash to the fiction aisle before anyone spots you.  

However, “self-help” books, or as they have been rebranded, personal development books, have come quite a long way in recent years. I also think it’s safe to say that the pandemic has motivated nearly everyone to re-evaluate their personal or professional priorities and goals. Most of us, though, aren’t equipped with the tools to change ourselves overnight.

So when you’re looking for some direction on how to take control or make improvements to yourself, here are some of my favorite personal development books to help you do so:

You are a Badass, Jen Sincero

-       A personal favorite of mine, this was the first personal development book I ever read that didn’t make me roll my eyes or cringe. Sincero has a fun, witty, and down to earth approach to assist in self-discovery and getting more out of life. She provides her own perspective and experiences on how she was able to change her life and discard herself-sabotaging habits.

Atomic Habits, James Clear

-       A New York Times best seller, Clear provides a proven methodology for achieving your goals and kicking bad or atomic habits to the curb. He is a proponent of the adage “slow and steady wins the race” and demonstrates how “tiny changes” can lead to “remarkable results.” Clear’s method is scientific and will help reshape the way you think about growth and success.  

Get Calm – Jill P. Weber

-       Mental health, specifically anxiety, has long been a taboo topic and one many people feel uncomfortable discussing. In recent years, however, anxiety has become a more common topic of conversation and how many struggle with it. Weber helps those with anxiety identify stressors in their lives and manage them with simple, proven techniques.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, Mark Manson

-       I like to think of this one as the personal development book for people who hate personal development. Manson relays refreshingly honest advice and doesn’t tip-toe around your feelings. He gets straight to the point and helps you take a hard look at yourself and why positivity isn’t always the way to go. He helps you embrace the real you(flaws, faults, and all), so we can stop giving a f*ck about what others think.

How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie

-       An oldie but a goodie, Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People, was originally published in 1936. His timeless advice still holds true and helps people climb the ladder of success in both their business and personal lives. He gives you tips and tricks to achieve your maximum potential and, as one of the best-selling books of all time, there must be some truth to it.

So there you have it! I hope these personal development books help get you on your way to success and happiness.

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