9 Best Personal Development Books When You Want Self Growth

Angelica Celena

January 5, 2024

As humans, we have the ability to step away from our animalistic impulses, and our subconscious programming, and analyze things in a way that no other species can. We can take in information, process it, and make decisions based on the data at hand. We have the power to control reality, or rather to create it. For as long as we have been out here, humans have strived to evolve. To get better in our journey in this life. To become healthier, wealthier, or enlightened. The search for a higher self is a purposeful and meaningful road that I believe is worth the endeavor. So here I have put together a list of books that I think can help you on your way on your growth journey.

Quick Links

Why Read Personal Development Books?

There is nothing more powerful than growing yourself. It is important to educate yourself on how to be a better human being, communicate, and get rich so that you can live your best possible life. And when you’re living your best life, you can inspire others who may want to achieve what you have accomplished. Being the best version of yourself is highly beneficial to others. When you understand how to communicate properly, you can express your feelings and truth and come to agreements or understandings with others. When you get rich you can better support other businesses, help other people who don’t have as much, leave better tips, experience things yourself and with others, travel, and overall just live a meaningful life full of fun challenges and not dragging by day by day and questioning what the meaning of it all is. So lets get into some of my favorite books that I believe can help light your way on this journey.

Good Vibes Good Life by Vex King

“Step out of your comfort zone and face your fears.

Growth takes place when you’re challenged, not when you’re comfortable.”
Vex King, Good Vibes Good Life

Good Vibes Good Life was one of the first books I read on my personal development journey and it was an amazing book to start with. It dives deep into the law of vibration, self-care, and taking actionable steps towards your goals instead of wallowing in self-pity at your current circumstances. Vex King highlights the importance of loving yourself and becoming your own support system. There is nothing more powerful than loving oneself enough to chase the life they are meant for.

Atomic Habits by James Clear

“Complaining about not achieving success despite working hard is like complaining about an ice cube not melting when you heated it from twenty-five to thirty-one degrees. Your work was not wasted; it is just being stored. All the action happens at thirty-two degrees.”
James Clear, Atomic Habits

I mean this book has been no secret. With over a million copies sold and every guru out there recommending it for a good reason! James Clear, an expert on habit formation, outlines practical steps on how to achieve any goal you set and the reasons why you may have not-so-good habits lingering in your life. This book is a great insight on how we can improve our daily systems to create goals that propel us toward our dream life and not tear us away from it.

The Power of Your Subconcious Mind by Joseph Murphy

“Fill your mind with the great truths of life and walk forward in the light of love.”
Joseph Murphy, The Power of Your Subconcious Mind

This book explores how tapping into the hidden power of the subconscious can transform your life. Murphy explains that the subconscious mind influences every aspect of our lives, from health and happiness to success and relationships. By harnessing the power of positive thinking, visualization, and affirmations, individuals can reprogram their subconscious to overcome fears, heal from illnesses, and achieve personal and professional goals. The book combines spiritual wisdom and scientific principles, offering practical techniques and real-life examples to demonstrate how aligning conscious desires with subconscious beliefs can lead to profound and lasting change.

You Are A Badass At Making Money by Jen Sincero

“Pay attention to the things you’re drawn to, the things you’re good at, the things you lose yourself in, the things that make you stand up and say, “My foot! I can’t feel my foot!” because you’ve been sitting in the same position for hours, totally engrossed.”
Jen Sincero, You Are A Badass At Making Money

In this lighthearted book, Jen Sincero highlights the lessons she has learned on her journey to financial freedom. And might I add that she didn’t start until her 40s, living in a converted garage with no money in the bank! It’s an inspiring message that age is only a number and it’s never too late to choose a different path or to work towards living our dream life. The book encourages readers to identify and break through mental barriers and adopt a positive mindset surrounding money.

Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

“You are the master of your destiny. You can influence, direct and control your own environment. You can make your life what you want it to be.”
Napoleon Hill, Think And Grow Rich

Think And Grow Rich is a classic in the personal development realm. In this comprehensive guide, Hill emphasizes the power of mindset and the role of desire when attaining one’s goals. This book is my favorite practical philosophy for success by outlining the importance of clear goals, persistence, and master minds.

The Creative Act: A Way Of Being by Rick Rubin

“The ability to look deeply is the root of creativity.”
Rick Rubin, The Creative Act: A Way Of Being

I received this book for Christmas and I haven’t been able to put it down so I had to include it in this list. This book is an amazing take on creativity, divided up into several thoughts to ponder. Rubin describes how, as humans, we are all innately creative. This book not only explains the connectivity of everything as a creation of the universe, but also guides you through limiting beliefs that could be holding you back from the act of creating meaningful works of art.

Permission To Feel by Marc Brackett

“We avoid the difficult conversation with our colleague; we explode at a loved one; and we helplessly go through an entire bag of cookies and have no idea why.”
Marc Brackett, Permission To Feel

Brackett, a psychologist, introduces the concept of emotional intelligence and offers strategies to navigate and express feelings effectively. This book emphasizes the significance of creating a healthy emotional environment for ourselves and others, ultimately leading to improved well-being and more meaningful connections. It’s a journey toward self-awareness and emotional resilience, granting readers the permission to fully experience and express their emotions.

Healing Is The New High by Vex King

“Trauma feeds the fearful, wounded aspect of the ego and drives us to make decisions based on that pain. In contrast, when intuition guides our decisions and communication, we act from a place of love and steadiness.”
Vex King, Healing Is The New High

This book is a transformative guide that explores the path to emotional and spiritual healing. King shares personal anecdotes and insights to inspire readers to overcome challenges, release negativity, and cultivate a positive mindset. The book delves into various holistic practices, including mindfulness, gratitude, and self-love, to foster inner healing and personal growth.

Breaking The Habit Of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza

“To be empowered—to be free, to be unlimited, to be creative, to be genius, to be divine—that is who you are…. Once you feel this way, memorize this feeling; remember this feeling. This is who you really are….”
Dr. Joe Dispenza, Breaking The Habit Of Being Yourself

This book blends neuroscience, quantum physics, and spirituality to help readers transform their lives by changing their thoughts and behaviors. Dispenza explains that our personalities are shaped by repetitive thoughts and behaviors conditioned by past experiences. By understanding neuroplasticity and the influence of consciousness on the quantum field, he argues that we can rewire our brains and create new realities. The book provides meditation techniques and practical steps to help readers break free from limiting patterns, supported by case studies and scientific evidence.

So there you have it!! A curated list of my go-to books that I have read so far on this self betterment quest. From financial guidance, to motivation, healing, or expressing; this list has something to guide several aspects of your life and self. It’s quite the stack so you better get started!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they will help me keep this site up and running. Thank you for your support!