Self Development Books You Must Read

In this post I’m sharing 6 self development books you must read! In the past couple of years I’ve become a huge fan of self-development books. The inspiration, ideas and advice they provide all benefit my personal growth journey. When I have a new self-development book to read I feel excited and look forward to the positive change which it could bring to my life. I read each book with an open mind, taking in the information and considering how their ideas could benefit me. Sometimes I finish a book with a whole new mindset and perception of things. Other times I’ll take away a couple of new strategies to start implementing. Whatever I learn, I always find the read to be enlightening.

My reading list is constantly growing but for now I would like to share 6 self development books you must read!

self development books

The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod

The Miracle Morning* was one of the first self-development book which I read and I absolutely loved it! Written by Hal Elrod, The Miracle Morning is designed to motivate and improve your morning routine. By showing you how to wake up each day with more energy and focus. Elrod writes about his discovery to waking up early and going through a fixed routine. Providing both productivity and relaxation before the day has even began. He refers to this routine as the life S.A.V.E.R.S.  This book truly opened up my mind and I took away many brilliant yet simple strategies to improve my life and reach my goals. You can read my full book review here.

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

The purpose behind Big Magic* is to encourage us to find our most creative and expressive life which is driven by curiosity than by fear. The author Elizabeth Gilbert is very charming and witty. Her tone makes you feel as though you’re at home having a deep and heartfelt pep talk with your friend.

The Life Changing Magic Of Tidying by Marie Kondo

Written by Japan’s de cluttering expert and professional cleaner, Marie Kondo’s mission is to help others organise their rooms once and for all. Using the simple KonMari method, she shares the key to successfully tidying your home by only keeping what you truly love. While reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying* I realised that when I have a clear space I also have a clear mind. Which also helped me notice that when I have many things on my mind, I feel the urge to clean and de clutter my space. In a way to rid the clutter in my mind.

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Eat, Pray, Love* is another book by Elizabeth Gilbert, here she writes about her troubles of a messy and stressful divorce. After which she starts a voyage of self discovery by taking a year off to travel. Starting in Italy where she indulgences in their finest food and drink in an attempt to heal her pain. Her second stop is India where she masters the art of meditation. Finishing her twelve month trip in Indonesia where she finds her fairy tale ending. I can’t relate to Gilbert’s grief over her divorce, however I did find the book incredibly inspiring. In fact, I’ve added a twelve month trip to three different countries to my bucket list! This is a must read book which I would highly recommend.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me by Mindy Kaling

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?* is absolutely brilliant and hilarious, I can honestly say that it made me laugh out loud. It’s a quick and cheerful read which will only take you a couple of days or so to finish (around 5 hours). Mindy Kaling combines humour with heart, her stories and advice are the perfect read for anyone looking to relax, wind down and switch off from the world. Even though her life is completely different to mine, I found her to be very relatable. The determination which she shows throughout her journey is inspiring.

Pretty Happy by Kate Hudson

I was drawn to the title, because don’t we all want to be Pretty Happy*? Her book is a smart and motivating health and fitness bible. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of interaction the reader has with this book. Kate includes lots of questions, exercises and quizzes to reach the readers on a deeper level. Throughout the book she refers to her “drawing board” where she records her thoughts and feelings as a way to understand herself and her body. Even though I don’t use my journal (drawing board) to record all of my mind’s and body’s emotions, I do love the ideas and the encouragement which she provides. After reading this book I can honestly say that I will now pay more attention to my body understand its needs.

I would absolutely love to know which self development books you would recommend. Have you read any of the ones above?

Laura x

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The Comments

  • Indya | TheSmallAdventurer
    26/02/2017

    I loved Eat, Pray, Love! Elizabeth went through some major soul-searching and adventuring and it was amazing to read about. All of Mindy Kaling’s books are on my TBR list, as well as The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up ????

    http://www.thesmalladventurer.blogspot.com.au/

    • Those Positive Thoughts
      > Indya | TheSmallAdventurer
      27/02/2017

      I’ve only read one of Mindy Kaling’s books which was ‘Is everyone hanging out without me’ but the rest of her books are on my reading list πŸ™‚ If only there was more time in the day! Thanks for commenting.

  • Helena
    27/02/2017

    You I have read both of the Elizabeth Gilbert books πŸ™‚ big magic was my ultimate favourite read! It was so inspiring and I can’t want to read it again. Thanks for the other suggestions I will have to check them out. Like you, I absolutely love self development books and am always on the lookout for more. I would recommended ‘Reasons to stay alive’ by Matt haig and ‘Girl Boss’ , if you haven the already read them!

    http://www.sohelena.com

    Xxx

    • Those Positive Thoughts
      > Helena
      28/02/2017

      Thanks for your suggestions, I have Girl Boss on my reading list but I’ve never heard of ‘Reasons to stay alive’ by Matt Haig. I will definitely check this one out πŸ™‚ I just visited your blog by the way and I just love it! Thanks for commenting.