7 Essential Personal Growth Books for the New Year Books to Ignite Change and Purpose in the Year Ahead
by T.L. Farris
If you are not growing then you become stagnant. To be stagnant is to be waiting for death. That sounds dramatic I know, but in nature stagnation truly is the beginning of the end. To avoid becoming stagnant you must be moving, preferably forward, and to do that you must be growing.
Leonard Sweet put it this way;
“What is the difference between a living thing and a dead thing? In the medical world, a clinical definition of death is a body that does not change. Change is life. Stagnation is death. If you don’t change, you die. It’s that simple. It’s that scary.”
One of the ways you can grow and change is by expanding your mind. Learning will push you to improve yourself, it will illuminate areas of yourself and your life that need change and will also give you the steps to make those changes. That is what the self-help or personal growth genre of books is for; to provide you with the steps towards change. That’s why I read so many personal growth and self-help books, I want to always be learning and growing.
The Power of Booksike any tool the impact of personal growth books is dependent on the reader. If you are willing to implement what you read and make the changes suggested then they can be magical. But, if you are looking to just read and not have to do anything then they won’t have the intended impact.
Change requires action, and personal growth books should inspire you to make active changes.
I read an average of 50 books a year, many of them being personal growth books. I’ve read great books that transformed my life, and terrible books that I wish I’d never heard of.
This list is some of the absolute best books I’ve read, they’ve inspired me to change and pushed me to action, and a few of them I regularly re-read as a refresher. Now, just because these books hold the power (in my opinion) to promote lasting and transformational change doesn’t mean that reading them will automatically improve you or your life. Books hold as much power as we give them, if you are not willing to act on what they are teaching you then they will have no impact at all.
On the flip side, because of my personality, lifestyle, age, and a myriad of other factors these books were the perfect format and information to push me to change, the same may not be true for you. Sometimes there are great books that practically everyone recommends and claims it transformed their life and it does nothing for you. I’ve had this happen many times, it’s not that the book is terrible it’s that it just wasn’t for you. All books are written with a specific audience in mind and you most likely weren’t it.
Habits – The Building Blocks of Your Everyday Life
First on my list and many others is Atomic Habits by James Clear. This book is on practically every suggested reading list I’ve come across but it’s with good reason. If you aren’t familiar with it here is a short synopsis:
“No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving—every day. James Clear, one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.
If you’re having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn’t you. The problem is your system. Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don’t want to change, but because you have the wrong system for change. You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems. Here, you’ll get a proven system that can take you to new heights.”
I have to be honest and say that when I decided I would read this book I was expecting not to like it. There had been so much hype around it I just assumed it was too good to be true.
However, I was so gladly proven wrong. I loved this book! It is incredibly practical, well thought-out, and very thorough. I was able to begin implementing keys immediately and level up my habit game like never before.
This is an absolute must-read in my opinion, discovering the power of habits to become the literal building blocks of your everyday life shifted the way I approach my routines and forced me to prioritize my small tasks. Knowing what I know about habits and automation because of this book has taken my ability to intentionally design my life to another level. My favorite quote is:
“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. No single instance will transform your beliefs, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of your new identity.” ― James Clear, Atomic Habits
Knowing Your Reason
Coming in at number 2; Start with Why by Simon Sinek.
“Regardless of WHAT we do in our lives, our WHY—our driving purpose, cause or belief—never changes.”― Simon Sinek, Start with Why
Another highly recommended book and it has certainly earned its notoriety in my opinion. The idea that your “Why” is your motivation; and that your motivation will lead you, therefore you should probably understand it may sound simple but it is incredibly profound when put into practice. For those unfamiliar here is the synopsis:
“Why do you do what you do? Why are some people and organizations more innovative, more influential, and more profitable than others? Why do some command greater loyalty from customers and employees alike? Even among the successful, why are so few able to repeat their success over and over? People like Martin Luther King Jr., Steve Jobs, and the Wright Brothers might have little in common, but they all started with why. It was their natural ability to start with why that enabled them to inspire those around them and to achieve remarkable things.
In studying the leaders who’ve had the greatest influence in the world, Simon Sinek discovered that they all think, act, and communicate in the exact same way—and it’s the complete opposite of what everyone else does. Sinek calls this powerful idea The Golden Circle, and it provides a framework upon which organizations can be built, movements can be led, and people can be inspired. And it all starts with WHY.”
It is an incredible book that inspires some true introspection, deep diving into your “why” is a necessary act for future success and Sinek illustrates this so well.
Fiction for Fact
This next book is actually classified as Fiction even though it holds the power to change your life As much as any personal growth book ever could. The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews is a personal favorite. He is the only author I’ve read every book they’ve written without hesitation. Here is a brief overview of the story:
“Forty-six-year-old David Ponder feels like a total failure. Once a high-flying executive in a Fortune 500 company, he now works a part-time, minimum-wage job and struggles to support his family. Then, an even greater crisis hits: his daughter becomes ill, and he can’t afford to get her the medical help she needs.
When his car skids on an icy road, he wonders if he even cares to survive the crash. But an extraordinary experience awaits David Ponder. He finds himself traveling back in time, meeting leaders and heroes at crucial moments in their lives—from Abraham Lincoln to Anne Frank. By the time his journey is over, he has received seven secrets for success—and a second chance.”
The Traveler’s Gift is a beautiful illustration with real-life keys told in an entertaining and “can’t-put-this-down” story. It pushed the boundaries of my thinking, it forced me to see my own life and decisions in a different light. Anytime you can shift your perspective you can make powerful changes. One of my favorite quotes from the book is;
“I will not waste time on second thoughts. My life will not be an apology. It will be a statement.” ― Andy Andrews, The Traveler’s Gift
What Life Do You Want?
A short and powerful book, The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna is the only book I’ve read annually for the past 6 years. The author Elle Luna is an artist, in her book she shares her story of chasing her dreams until they became her reality and how you can do the same. The pages of this book are littered with fun illustrations and beautiful art pulling you into her experience of self-discovery and are a gorgeous representation of her artistic personality. Aside from the art the principles of finding the life you want to live are truly life changing:
“There are two paths in life: Should & Must. We arrive at this crossroads over and over again, and every day. And we get to choose.
Starting out or starting over, making a career change, or making a life change, the most life-affirming thing you can do is to honor the voice inside that says you have something special to give, and then heed the call and act. Many have traveled this road before. Here’s how you can, too. #choosemust”
The decision to choose the life you want isn’t always easy and this book sheds light on why you must push through the hard parts to get to your dream. It also gives some practical and simplified terminology to explain what you feel in the pursuit of your dreams, terminology that has become commonplace in my life now after reading it so many times. One of my favorite statements is:
“Just because something is valuable doesn’t mean that we need it.” ― Elle Luna, The Crossroads of Should and Must
Boundaries – The Borders of Your Life
Personal development doesn’t have to be boring nonfiction or super information-heavy books. No, sometimes it is a simple 15-day Bible study like I Do Boundaries by Havilah Cunnington.
“Are you living with the stress of an overwhelmed life because you’re carrying someone else’s load? Do you feel trapped by the responsibility and fear you’ll lose the relationship if you try to give it back?
God doesn’t have to abuse you to use you. In I Do Boundaries, with stories, scriptures, and everyday tools, we’ll learn how boundaries operate and who is responsible for the “what” in our lives. In this study, we’ll answer these questions: How do I gain control of my life, schedule, and emotions? How do I confidently set boundaries and let others know them? How do I communicate my boundaries without fear of rejection or loss of friendship? How do I remove people who are behaving poorly from my life? How do I protect what matters most to me without regret?
Discover how to return that heavy backpack to its rightful owner with kindness, honesty, and conviction. Let’s Do Boundaries!”
Boundaries can be a tough subject but this book approaches them from a Biblical and practical perspective. The way Havilah explains the purpose and power of boundaries shifted my thinking on them. I used to think I had to do something if I was asked to, that being invited somewhere meant it was an automatic obligation and that saying “No” to someone was devaluing their request.After reading this book I found saying “no” so much easier and less guilt-inducing. I felt empowered to take control of my time and relationships not just saying “no” but re-empowering my “yes” to actually mean something again. Like Havilah said:
“Boundaries don’t just keep the good in, but also the bad out. They keep us from harm and protect safe and healthy love.” – Havilah Cunnington, I Do Boundaries
You Brain – The Center for Your Health
Now, I don’t want to scare you away from this book but be warned it is one of those very information-heavy ones, and actually very science driven as well. I have read it 3 times and still found something new each time I read it, there is that much information. Switch on Your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf was recommended to me and if it hadn’t been I probably would have never read it. I’m really glad I did.
“According to researchers, the vast majority–a whopping 75-98 percent–of the illnesses that plague us today are a direct result of our thought life.
What we think about truly affects us both physically and emotionally. In fact, fear alone triggers more than 1,400 known physical and chemical responses in our bodies, activating more than thirty different hormones! Today our culture is undergoing an epidemic of toxic thoughts that, left unchecked, create ideal conditions for illnesses.
Supported by current scientific and medical research, Dr. Caroline Leaf gives readers a prescription for better health and wholeness through correct thinking patterns, declaring that we are not victims of our biology. She shares with readers the “switch” in our brains that enables us to live happier, healthier, more enjoyable lives where we achieve our goals, maintain our weight, and even become more intelligent. She shows us how to choose life, get our minds under control, and reap the benefits of a detoxed thought life.”
If ever there was something that was important to improve it would be our thoughts and Dr. Leaf makes that very clear. Although this book isn’t as simple as the others on this list it is very practical and can be implemented in your daily life. According to Dr. Leaf:
“You cannot sit back and wait to be happy and healthy and have a great thought life; you have to make the choice to make this happen. You have to choose to get rid of the toxic and get back in alignment with God. You can be overwhelmed by every small setback in life, or you can be energized by the possibilities they bring.”― Dr. Caroline Leaf, Switch on Your Brain
Starting Your Day Right
I found Amy Landino on YouTube years ago and when I found out she was finally writing a book I couldn’t buy it fast enough. Good Morning, Good Life by. Amy Landino is amazing! As much as I had loved her videos I loved this book more, it was everything I had hoped it would be.
“Not a morning person? Not a problem! I want you to wake up on your terms and no one else’s.
Morning routines. We hear about them all the time. We see them on social media feeds and in online videos. We read about them in memoirs and self-improvement books. So, what’s the big deal? What’s so important about what we do every morning? In Good Morning, Good Life, Amy Schmittauer Landino— the world’s #1 productive lifestyle coach—reveals the truth about mornings and how to create daily rituals that are truly right for you.”
I am not a natural morning person but a few years ago I finally accepted that mornings are critical to daily success and set out to become a morning person. Amy’s “good morning, good life” mantra played a major role in my eventual success. This book is home to tips and inspiration to push you toward becoming a morning person and establishing a successful morning in your daily life, while also instilling in you an awareness and understanding of why mornings are so important in the first place.
“The clarity and mindfulness that you can find for yourself in the morning is your best opportunity to get a better understanding of who you are and what you truly want.” ― Amy Schmittauer Landino, Good Morning Good Life
Bonus Suggestion
Although this is technically not a personal development book, it is classified as humor, I actually learned some valuable life lessons from it and I found great enjoyment as well. Live Like a Vulcan, Love Like a Wookie, Laugh Like a Hobbit by. Robb Perlman:
“Much like a dragon-guarded mountain filled with stolen dwarf gold, Pop Culture is far more than just a side quest it contains a veritable treasure trove overflowing with life lessons.
This modern-day fable takes the best elements of My Dinner With Andre, The Big Bang Theory, and How to Make Friends and Influence People, to tell the story of three cosplaying friends sharing what they have learned from their favorite (and hated) movies, series, and games in a cafe after a day of walking the halls of a convention center.
Live Like a Vulcan, Love Like a Wookiee, Laugh Like a Hobbit invites readers to a never-before-seen and slightly skewed look at the most memorable moments in films, shows, books, comic books, graphic novels, and video games.
By the end of this pop-culture tour, fans of all ages will be given more inside knowledge than could ever be gotten at a comic convention, more self-help tools than can fit into any utility belt, more treasures than can be found in a cave of wonders, and more smiles than can be seen on any joker’s face.”
Let me preface by saying I don’t agree with every opinion in this book and if you aren’t into pop culture you won’t enjoy it; but it was a fun and thought-provoking read I couldn’t keep to myself. If you like geeky or pop culture things this will be a perfect addition to your reading list. It is generally light hearted and the story is absolutely hilarious.
“It’s nice to meet you,” I said sheepishly as the Vulcan, the Wookie, and the Hobbit took their seats around the table.” – Robb Pearlman, Live Like a Vulcan, Love Like a Wookie, Laugh Like a Hobbit
Finding Time to Read & Grow
I often hear “I have no time to read.” No worries!
Firstly I don’t recommend reading more than 1 personal development book per month (at least to start, if you don’t already regularly read this type of book). Because, if they are going to really work then you need time to implement what they are sharing and implementation takes time.
As it is, if you are reading one personal development book every month you will most likely be implementing the previous month’s information while reading a new book.
There is also the tricky “contradiction” to think about.
This comes up a lot in the realm of personal development. One book will say “do this” and the next book will say “do that” and they are complete opposites. Neither one is necessarily “right.” Both authors are sharing their personal experiences and what worked for them.
When you encounter a contradiction it’s best to consider both points of view and give yourself permission to experiment with both options if you want to.
When I was on my journey to becoming a morning person I saw many people encouraging night owls to stay night owls and simply do all the things morning people do in the mornings at night instead.
While that may work for some people it didn’t work for me. Not that those people were wrong. I just didn’t get the results they were promising so I tried it another way.
Contradiction is actually a good thing!
It means you are reaching for new perspectives and expanding your worldview. If all you ever read is the same thought processes and suggestions you will achieve stagnation afterall.
My second response to “I have no time to read.” is audiobooks.
Okay, did you cringe? Because I definitely used to. Until 2020 I had never listened to an audiobook let alone “counted” them as reading but when I moved states and then just one year later moved again, then again another year later I quickly realized that buying books and going to the library was not going to sustain my reading habit.
I didn’t have the finances to buy 52 books a year let alone the packing boxes and going to the library was challenging; trying to keep track of the loans and getting new library cards each time I moved.
Don’t get me wrong I still buy books and still go to the library but I also use a digital library through the Libby app to take advantage of audiobooks.
My opinion has changed as my circumstances, location and available reading time have changed. Audiobooks do count!
You are spending just as much time listening to a book as you would reading it and you are still getting the same amount of information. So, if you don’t have enough time to read a physical book, take advantage of audiobooks.
In the end the goal is simply to learn and grow. This can be done no matter the book format.
