10 Personal Development Books You Need Today

If not now, when?

There is no time like the present to work towards self-growth or personal development. As I look at my books, I realize this is likely my favorite genre of books to collect from local bookstores. You can always discover an interesting take on subjects from authenticity to personal finance. We all go through periods where we feel stuck or maybe are suffering from low self-esteem. Trust me you are not alone. What counts is what you do to overcome these feelings.

Example

For instance, we live in an age where people often associate the number of likes on social media post with their own self-worth. As a result, they may even feel dissuaded from working on themselves. Here is the truth, social media is a powerful tool, there is no arguing with that. However, it has no power or relation to your self-worth. You have the power to make positive changes in your life. No matter the number of likes on your posts or what anyone may have to say regarding your life choices.

Now, a good tactic to work on yourself is to discover new ideas in personal development books. Perhaps you need help finding the tools to find the courage to leave your crappy office job and enter a field you love. Or you just want to be able to set boundaries with people in your life. Maybe you want to discover what your true passion is. Whatever your need is, I promise you, there is a book out there just for you. Above all, I hope this list will help you discover just that.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend products I use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read full policy here. This post utilizes Bookshop in which proceeds go towards supporting local bookstores impacted by the pandemic. Check out their mission! Moreover, Amazon doesn’t need more money from books but your local bookstores do!

Personal Development Book Recommendations

I have put together a list of 10 personal development books that I think you will LOVE. These are all books that are a part of my own personal collection. I keep telling myself I have enough books however, I am going to need another bookcase soon. I am slowly building up a decent Audible collection if you would be interested in a list of those books as well. Pop a comment down below if you’d like to see that kind of post. More importantly, what are your favorite books are to read? Let me know.

2. Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping by and Get Your Financial Life Together

By, Erin Lowry

This book is mainly gearing towards people in their 20s-30s hence the name, but the tips in this book would still work for any age. If you didn’t grow up with personal finance role models in your life, then this is the book for you.

Overcome your money habits and take control of your financial life. Learn about how to confront your relationship with money, student loan debt, dealing with money in relationships, and how to budget properly. I found this book quite helpful and a good read.

3. Everybody (Else) Is Perfect: How I Survived Hypocrisy, Beauty, Clicks, and Likes

By, Gabrielle Korn

This book is a collection of personal essays. Gabrielle seemed to have it all. She had a fancy college degree, was the editor for Nylon, a champion for gay rights and body positivity. She had an instagram worthy life. What people didn’t see is that she was struggling with an eating disorder, insecurities, and upset with the lack of diversity in the fashion world.

Through her personal reflections, the book covers how she overcame these challenges. Plus it covers important topics such as, internet feminism, impossible beauty standards, sexuality, and confronting Instagram perfection.

4. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

By, Elizabeth Gilbert

Now this book has the same author as the successful novel Eat, Pray, Love. I was surprised by how fast I read this one. It is all about motivating others to explore their inner creativity. Yet, it is more than that. She wants to encourage people to face their fears and jump into projects that we may have long been debating.

Whether you have been considering writing a book, get into art, or becoming a designer. No matter the goal, this book offers insights into how to address challenges, fears, become more mindful, and understand our passions. Highly recommend!

5. Get Money: Live the Life You Want, Not Just the Life You Can Afford

By, Kirsten Wong

This may be my favorite book on this list. I first listened to this book on audible and then just had to have a hard copy as well for my collection. I can’t recommend it enough! Kirsten Wong grew up low-income and went through the growing pains of confronting her money avoidance issues and debt in adulthood.

If you have long hated money then this is the book for you. She breaks things down into manageable steps that aren’t overwhelming. Essentially she approaches personal finance like a game that can and will be beat. Learn how to get out of debt, invest, and become a personal finance boss!

6. The Gutsy Girl Handbook: Your Manifesto for Success

By, Kate White

This is a shorter book at just 184 pages but is covers so much. If you feel stuck in your career, underpaid, or are in a difficult work environment, then you will find what you need in this book. Kate is the former editor-in-chief for Cosmopolitan and has dealt with her share of office politics. She created this book to help other women learn to own their ambition, speak up in meetings, create pitches, worry less, and ask for the salary they deserve.

7. I Might Regret This: Essays, Drawings, Vulnerabilities, and Other Stuff

By, Abbi Jacobson

If you have ever watched Broad City then you will remember Abbi Jacobson. She chose to do a solo road trip from New York to Los Angeles to escape the heartbreak and burnout she was experiencing. This book is essentially a collection of journal entries, reflections, and funny drawings. You will feel like you are going along on the road trip with her. More importantly you will be inspired to examine what you truly want in life. This book’s writing style is a little chaotic, but I quite enjoyed it.

8. Leave Your Mark: Land Your Dream Job. Kill It in Your Career. Rock Social Media.

By, Aliza Licht

I read this book when I first moved to Boston and couldn’t put it down. Aliza is a social media maven and created the well known DKNY PR Girl twitter profile. She has a very authentic voice that you won’t be able to help but relate to. In the book, she discusses her years of experience in the fashion industry, social media management, and office politics.

She offers excellent personal and professional advice for people either just starting out or wanting to make a change in their careers. In particular I love her tips on networking, competition, and branding. I have no doubt you will enjoy this book.

9. Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come: One Introvert’s Year of Saying Yes

By, Jessica Pan

Are you an introvert? Personally, I would describe myself as an introverted extrovert. Yet, Jessica is definitely an introvert. Tired of feeling like she is afraid of everything she pushes herself to pursue one full year of putting herself out there. She places herself in uncomfortable social situations, participates in stand-up comedy, hosts a dinner party, goes on solo travels, and even more extreme situations.

The ultimate goal is to step outside of her comfort zone to see what she can learn and ultimately improve the quality of her life. I find this book hilarious because not everything goes her way just like in life. She has misadventures like all of us experience which makes it very relatable.

10. Weird in a World That’s Not: A Career Guide for Misfits

By, Jennifer Romolini

Jessica’s book reads part diary and part practical guide to getting the job you want. Despite being awkward, Jennifer became an editor-in-chief, editorial director, and a vice president all within a decade. Which is far different than the typical business world perception where only extroverts that are masters at office politics get promoted.

She gives relatable advice and tactics to go for your goals, conquer your fears, find the right job, and keep that job. Overall, it is a very authentic, funny, passionate, and motivational book. Weird is good and it is a strength not a weakness.

Conclusion

There you have it! You now have the scoop on the 10 personal development books you must have on your bookshelf today. We all need to continuously learn as we get older. It is natural to feel stuck on occasion. What matters is what we do to get unstuck! Working on your personal development will help you discover new passions, improve your quality of life, and find your inner happiness. I wish you lots of joy throughout your own personal journey.

Check Out Some Related Posts:

• How to Create a Motivational Wallpaper for Your Phone
• The 25 Best Travel Films to Get You Through the Pandemic
• What’s On My Spring Goals List and Tips on How to Create Your Own
• 10 Apps to Keep You Motivated in the New Year