“He that loves reading has everything within his reach.” – William Godwin
Do you remember the very first personal growth book you read?
For me it was the infamous Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill.
A friend let me borrow it in my early twenties and I immediately started to realize new possibilities and perspectives. That’s the power of knowledge and learning! When we open our mind to new ideas it can really change our life. Countless books later I still love to read, which is why it surprises me that I haven’t yet written a post sharing some of my favorite books! So, I guess it’s about time.
When making this list I wanted to include the books that offered me the greatest insights and inspiration at different points in my life. I tried to include a few books that you may not have read as well, so hopefully this isn’t a totally typical personal growth reading list.
It is difficult to distill a list of must-read books down to ten, but here it is nonetheless! P.S. None of these links are affiliate links. I just wanted to provide a link for you to view the book and learn more.
1. The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
I love this book and recommend it to every coaching client I work with. If you want to expand your beliefs about how amazing life can be this is a must read. Your life is meant to be full of unlimited joy, abundance, and love. You are meant to have and do amazing things. Just get out of your own way, and stop the doubting and negative thinking – and read the book.
2. The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz
Occasionally you read a book that totally shifts your perspective! This is one of those books for me and was a major inspiration for expanding my vision of what is possible. When we practice thinking bigger we are strengthening the mental muscle of our imagination. This book will help you realize that a willingness to think big opens the door to new and greater opportunities. The bigger you think the more elevated your life will become.
3. Infinite Possibilities by Mike Dooley
“Our thoughts become things,” is a major tenant of this book. As the good old law of attraction says, by focusing on what we want and experiencing the feelings of having this, we start to make it our reality. It’s time to visualize what you want. Don’t worry about how you will get there, just imagine the experience you want to have and be open to numerous channels and possibilities for this to begin materializing.
4. The Quiet Leader by David Rock
If we want to help people make lasting change we can’t just tell them what to do, we must get them thinking for themselves. Telling someone what to do rarely translates into actual change. But, by asking the right questions you can help people find their own insights and answers to their dilemmas. You can help them change their thinking and in doing so change their perspective on reality. I like this book as well because it brings these points together by sharing the neuroscience behind them.
5. Wishes Fulfilled by Wayne Dyer
I love Wayne Dyer and had to put this book on the list. I would recommend the Power of Intention as well, but his newer book Wishes Fulfilled really breaks down a process for visualization and manifestation. If you feel like the law of attraction is esoteric and unclear this book distills an awesome formula to start using your mind to create your ideal life!
6. Rhythm of Life by Matthew Kelly
This book is about connecting with the purpose that we are meant to live life as our best possible selves, and in order to be at our best we need to take care of some fundamental needs. This includes making time for our emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual needs each day, as well as having time for solitude, silence, and stillness. Ultimately if we are willing to nourish these domains of life we can live with greater purpose and passion, and will be a better person all the way around.
7. The One Minute Millionaire by Mark Victor Hansen and Robert G. Allen
If wealth consciousness is something you tend to struggle with this is a great read. This book will inspire you and give you confidence that you can live a life of financial wealth. It is crucial to not only think and feel abundant but to have a concrete plan to actually do so. This book offers you a blueprint to get started on your financial growth.
8. The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
I’m sure you have read this book or at least are familiar with the overall idea of the 4-Hour Workweek. Who doesn’t want an automated business where you can earn money while you sleep? Ferriss walks the reader through how he created his business, and reveals ways to become more productive and efficient so you get better results with less effort. If you are wanting a life with more freedom this book is a powerful resource.
9. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Eckhart Tolle may be one of the more eccentric gurus out there, but his wisdom about living in the present moment is timeless. He really provides a dynamic view of how to make sense of mindfulness and presence. Particularly if you struggle with a fast paced, hectic lifestyle, this book can help you recognize that true joy and contentment resides in this moment, right now!
10. The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz
There may not be a more succinct and simple explanation of how to live a happier and more powerful life. The four agreements come down to being impeccable with your word, not taking anything personally, not making assumptions, and always doing your best. Sometimes it a simple shift in perspective that changes our entire experience of life. Follow these agreements and live a better life.
Sticking our head in books can’t fix all of our problems, but it can be one tool to help us grow, transform, and live a happier life.
What books have been most influential in your life? What would you add to this list?
