We all aspire to be our best selves, whether through trying new exercises, adjusting routines, or even exploring weekly therapy. The journey to achieving our goals, whether in health or happiness, can have its challenges. Not everyone has a therapist on speed dial, especially during those moments when our thoughts go haywire after hours. That’s where the magic of self-help books comes into play. These books, written by professionals or individuals with relatable experiences, provide invaluable wisdom. They serve as companions, guiding us through the maze of emotions and assisting in reshaping our lives.
Given the vast array of self-help books on the market, the choices can be overwhelming. To make things easier, we’ve put together a list of 12 self-improvement books. These books are not just a source of inspiration; they also offer valuable insights on how to work towards your goals. Who knows? Your journey to your best self might just be a few chapters away.
Glennon Doyle
Untamed
“For those often find themselves seeking approval from others (count me in!), this is a must-read. Untamed, a captivating mix of memoir and self-help, is your guide to uncovering your authentic voice and embracing your true self. Doyle takes us on her personal journey of letting go of external expectations and, in turn, honing and trusting her inner voice. The key lesson? Your ongoing mission in life is to prioritize yourself, even if it means occasionally disappointing others along the way. Let that be your food for thought.
Bessel van der Kolk M.D.
The Body Keeps the Score
“The Body Keeps the Score” gives practical advice and valuable insights to help us move past our past. It explains how past traumas affect our bodies and offers ways to live more fulfilling lives. Bessel van der Kolk, who has spent his life studying this, shares his findings. We all carry memories we’d rather forget, but they stick with us. Van der Kolk’s work shows how stress can impact us long-term, disrupting our lives, but it also reveals how we can heal and be stronger.
Jes Baker
Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls
Summer can be tough if you’re not feeling great about your body, and many women can relate to that struggle. With tank tops, shorts, and swimsuits, it can be a rough season. This book goes beyond being a fun read; Baker’s advice, backed by solid research, amplifies its credibility. And even if body image isn’t a concern for you (lucky you!), there’s plenty of wisdom here for living confidently and unapologetically, something we can all learn from. As Baker wisely puts it, ‘People who love their bodies don’t try to purposely make other people hate their own.’ A mantra worth adopting.
Hayley Morris
Me vs. Brain
Attention overthinkers! ‘Me vs Brain’ is the ultimate self-help guide for tackling those anxiety-inducing thoughts, feelings, and daily worries—something Hayley Morris, aka ‘the brain girl,’ knows well and wants you to understand you’re not alone. Drawing from her own experiences, from imaginary arguments to sleepless nights, Morris provides practical insights on topics like dating and menstrual health. Here’s to taking steps toward feeling more confident in your own skin!
Hal Elrod
The Miracle Morning
Ready to take charge of your mornings and unleash your full potential? Let “The Miracle Morning” lead the way. Hal Elrod, the author, shares transformative tips for optimizing your days by allowing time for activities you love. By taking his advice, you’ll wake up feeling motivated, energized, and focused. Have you ever imagined your dream life on a vision board? well, this book can help turn those dreams into reality.
Cara Alwill Leyba
Girl On Fire
Cara Alwill Leyba, author of Girl Code, is back with Girl on Fire—a sequel that inspires women to fearlessly pursue their dreams without waiting for permission. As a leader in female empowerment, Leyba guides readers to trust their instincts, create opportunities, and challenge norms. She promotes collaboration among women entrepreneurs, urging them to use their voices and step into their power. Girl on Fire is a reminder for women to design lives and careers beyond imagination, free from the need for external validation. This guide is for every woman with a vision, tired of playing by the rules and ready to welcome the success she deserves.
Dr. Julie Smith
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?
Clinical psychologist Dr. Julie Smith has taken social media by storm, becoming a sensation for her practical insights on improving mental health. Now, in her book “Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?”, Dr. Smith continues to break down therapy techniques into actionable advice, asserting that these tools are not just for therapy but for life. Her book serves as a self-help guide, aiming to demystify the workings of our minds in an understandable and digestible way. Dr. Smith’s goal is to empower readers to seize control, cultivate resilience, and foster good mental health. If you’re in search of those “aha” moments (along with practical tips on what to do next), this book is the perfect starting point.
Tunde Oyeneyin
Speak
Meet Tunde Oyeneyin—maybe you’ve seen her on Peloton or caught her on the S.P.E.A.K. Instagram Live series. Now, she’s bringing her trademark positivity, empathy, and motivational ‘Tunde-isms’ from the bike and Instagram to this self improvement book. Tunde guides you through each step of the SPEAK acronym—Surrender, Power, Empathy, Authenticity, and Knowledge. Dive into her lessons on dealing with loss, accepting love, handling body image, and creating a joyful, intentional life. If you’re up for practical inspiration on living with purpose, ‘Speak’ is your playbook.
Jami Attenberg
1000 Words
Inspired by Jami Attenberg’s #1000WordsofSummer, this writer’s guide is about sparking your writing mojo. Back in 2018, Attenberg and a friend challenged themselves to write 1,000 words daily for two weeks, and now it’s turned into a big thing that thousands have joined. This book takes that inspiration further, featuring essays on creativity, productivity, and writing from authors like Roxane Gay, Lauren Groff, and more. It’s a friendly nudge to write without overthinking. Plus, there’s advice from over fifty famous writers and cool illustrations to jazz things up. So, whether you’re feeling a bit stuck or just want a quick hit of inspiration, “1000 Words” has your back
Farrah Storr
The Discomfort Zone
It’s natural to gravitate towards what feels safe and familiar, but is that where we are our best selves? Farrah Storr, former editor-in-chief of Elle UK, offers an insightful guide on stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing challenges in her book. She advocates for an adaptable approach that encourages us to feel our fears and do it anyway. Storr highlights that those “brief moments of discomfort” are the key to our growth and the stepping stones to where we aspire to be. The self-improvement book is a testament to how exploring our discomfort zones can drive us towards achieving remarkable things.
Megan Logan
Self-Love Workbook for Women
Reaching your highest self takes some effort. That’s where this workbook comes in—it walks you through effective exercises to connect with your emotions and break free from limiting beliefs. Packed with uplifting affirmations, this guided self-love journal is your go-to for a confidence boost. What’s not to love about that?
Lori Gottlieb
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
Meet Lori Gottlieb, your typical therapist in sunny Los Angeles until a crisis flips her world upside down. Suddenly, she finds herself in the office of Wendell, a quirky therapist straight out of a movie. But he’s not your average shrink. As Lori navigates her patients’ lives—think a self-absorbed Hollywood producer, a young newlywed facing a tough diagnosis, and more—she realizes their struggles echo her own. Cue deep chats with Wendell. “Maybe You Should Talk to Someone” is a journey through love, mortality, and change. With wit and wisdom, Lori shares her experiences as both therapist and patient.
