10 Self-development books everyone should read!

Those that know me well know that I’m always reading! I’m a sponge for knowledge and insights on how to be a better, stronger person; how to live a more fulfilling life; how to be more effective in all I do and how to serve my clients better by providing them with the best information available so that they can achieve their dreams and aspirations.

So I thought I would share with you some of my favorite books of all time although this is by no means an all-inclusive list. As you will see this list includes books on spirituality, leadership, behavior change and of course personal growth. I have no doubt that any book you select from this list will leave you inspired and motivated to do something more to enhance your life and well-being.

In no particular order, here are 10 of my favorite books:

1. The Motivation Manifesto by Brendon Burchard
   Brendon is a world-renowned leader in this space and has also been one of my most influential mentors and has personally trained and certified me as one of a handful of High Performance Coaches world-wide working directly for him. So for that reason, I feel it fitting to have his latest book at the top of this list. It truly is a gem!The Motivation Manifesto is all about claiming your personal power. In it Brendon reveals that the main motive of humankind is the pursuit of greater Personal Freedom —time freedom, emotional freedom, social freedom, financial freedom and spiritual freedom. Brendon describes how the achievement of Personal Freedom can only be won by “declaring our intent and independence, stepping into our personal power, and battling through self-doubt and the distractions of the day until full victory is won”.

2. Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t by Simon Sinek
   Leaders Eat Last explores how today in many successful organizations, great leaders are creating environments in which people naturally work together to do remarkable things – where people are inspired to go to work, feel trusted and valued and return home fulfilled. This book I feel applies as much to our personal lives as it does to our careers – after all leadership is not limited to the boardroom.

3. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
   This book brings forward the incredible world of introverts who prefer listening to speaking. Quiet focuses on the strengths and needs of introverts and extroverts and shows situations in which both personality types feel comfortable and the ways in which they can use their own potential to the fullest.

4. The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Businessby Charles Duhigg
   This powerful book guides you through your subconscious and teaches you how to break bad habits and nurture the good ones. The research and anecdotes provide easy tips for changing habits both individually as well as in organizations. If you’ve been struggling to change or start a new habit, you’ll definitely want to read this book. 

5. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
   This life-changing book tells the journey of author and psychologist Viktor Frankl’s experience as a captive in a concentration camp during the Second World War and offers incredible insights into how human beings can survive unsurvivable situations, come to terms with trauma, and ultimately find meaning. Truly inspiring and humbling!

6. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
   In this classic book, Hill researches almost fifty millionaires to assess what helped them create their success. He shares this knowledge so that you can use your personal strengths to reap maximum benefit and have an edge over others. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel – rather learn from those that have already done it!
   (Also recommended is Think and Grow Rich for Women by Sharon Lechter)

7. Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown
   This book beautifully explores how embracing one’s vulnerability and imperfection is necessary for achieving real engagement and social connection. Through explaining our deep-seated reasons for shame, and showing how to embrace our vulnerability, Brené Brown aims to provide guidance for a better private and professional life, and to initiate a fundamental transformation in our shame-based society which she feels needs to adapt a new culture of vulnerability.

8. The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz
   This book describes the four agreements in life that are essential steps on the path to personal freedom. They are “Be Impeccable With Your Words, Don’t Take Anything Personally, Don’t Make Assumptions and Always Do Your Best”. As beliefs are transformed through maintaining these agreements, the author believes lives will “become filled with grace, peace, and unconditional love.” Something I believe we all want for ourselves.

9. The Complete Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsh
   This trilogy contains the most essential truths and lessons for spiritual seekers as the author shares his conversations with God. It is filled with powerful life lessons. Throughout this book Neale poses questions about personal issues such as prosperity, relationships and the nature of spiritual truth, with God providing clear, understandable answers with messages that are timeless.

10. A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles” by Marianne Williamson
    In this book Marianne Williamson shares her reflections on A Course in Miracles and her insights on the application of love in the search for inner peace.   She reveals how we each can all become a miracle worker through the expression of love in our daily lives and how by practicing love we can make our own lives more fulfilling while creating a more peaceful and loving world.

That’s my list! I’d love to hear what your favorite books are so please share them below. And let me know what you learn from any of the books on this list that you read. I challenge you to read at least one book before September 1^st. And then make sure to act on what you learn.

I’ll be posting another list in a couple of weeks so make sure to check back.

Until next week – embrace your inner truth, live your purpose and make your contribution in the world.

With gratitude and appreciation,
Lauren