Looking for the best self discovery books to level up your personal growth journey this year? Add these thought provoking, insightful reads to your list!
Your Journey of Self Discovery
On a journey of self discovery but not sure where to start?
Maybe you’ve already started but feel stuck?
Let’s start with the basics…
What is self discovery?
According to Positive Psychology, self discovery is “on ongoing process of stripping away that which is unimportant, reviewing our core values, and seeking to live in greater alignment with these inner truths.”
Best Books for Self Discovery
Where do I start with self-discovery?
One of the easiest ways to begin working on yourself is by reading books about self-discovery.
I believe the first step towards personal growth is learning to know and love yourself well. We are able to give so much more to those around us and the world when we live intentionally- AKA knowing who we are and what we want.
You may think that books to help you find yourself are all a bit “woo woo” or empty advice. I personally have found helpful and encouraging tidbits in each of these books. This roundup of the best self discovery books includes everything from easy reads to science based research, personal stories, and even self discovery journals to get started.
I’d encourage you to take a look at this list and give it a try. I firmly believe there are some great takeaways to motivate, inspire, and encourage you on your personal growth journey.
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10 Best Books About Self Discovery
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by life, this New York Times Bestseller contains 10 guideposts that will help you to live with more compassion and courage. These include suggestions like letting go of self-doubt, changing your mindset to stop viewing exhaustion as a badge of honor, and embracing our imperfections.
The Gifts of Imperfection has recently been reprinted to celebrate its 10th anniversary, and now includes new tools to help you work through your journey of self-discovery.
I personally am a fan of all things Brene Brown. Ok let’s be honest, I may be a bit of a fangirl. But whatever. There is something about her writing that just clicks with me and this particular book has been integral in my own journey to self-discovery.
Buy The Gifts of Imperfection on Amazon
Want to start a little simpler? Check out these inspiring Brene Brown quotes.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
If you think all self-help books are the same, you need to read this one. It’s a groundbreaking book that rejects the idea that positive thinking will give us a rich and happy life and instead tells us to accept our flaws and fears.
The advice in this book isn’t sugar coated – it’s raw, honest, and brutal at times. But by accepting its advice and our true nature, we can begin to live a more content and fulfilled life.
This may be one of my very favorite self discovery books out there.
Buy The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck on Amazon
Hello Fears by Michelle Poler
Hello, Fears feels like chatting over coffee with a wise girlfriend. Michelle Poler shares her own experiences to help you develop the growth mindset that will allow you to achieve your full potential.
Of course, a certain amount of fear is natural but your fears also reveal what you care about most. So the aim is not to conquer your fears, but to be brave enough to live alongside them so that you can be your own authentic self.
This is one of my all time favorite self discovery books. Michelle’s 100 day project of facing fears is so inspiring. As someone who literally used to be afraid of everything, this book really resonated with me.
My biggest takeaway…instead of asking yourself, “What’s the worst thing that can happen?” ask yourself “What’s the best that can happen?”
You might also like The Hello Fears Challenge, a 100 Day Self Discovery Journal
Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
If you’ve ever felt like everyone apart from you has it all figured out, this is the book for you. We all tell ourselves lies and these stop us from achieving our potential.
Each chapter of this book examines one of the lies that Rachel Hollis used to tell herself, like ‘I’m not a good enough Mom’ or ‘I’ll be happy when I achieve this goal’. It clearly explains actions that will help you break away from the lies that you tell yourself, and the companion workbook will help you to work through the steps.
I’m well aware that Rachel Hollis has had her fair share of controversy since writing this book. However, this books holds a special place in my heart. Her super relatable stories and easy to read writing style leave you feeling a little less alone in this thing called life.
Buy Girl, Wash your Face on Amazon
How to Stop Feeling Like Sh*t by Andrea Owen
If you loved The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, you’ll enjoy this book too. It offers straight-talking advice on dealing with some of the most common self-destructive habits, like imposter syndrome and self-sabotage.
This book will help you to stop being so hard on yourself and manage your inner critic. The chapters are short, sharp, and hard-hitting, but Andrea Owen’s writing never lacks warmth or compassion.
If you’re looking for more practical (less woo woo) books to help you find yourself, this is a great place to start.
Buy How to Stop Feeling Like Sh*t on Amazon
How are You Really? By Jenna Kutcher
If you enjoy Jenna Kutcher’s Goal Digger podcast, How are You Really? contains more of Jenna’s warm wisdom. Right now we’re experiencing a major cultural shift in the balance between work and the rest of our life. But when someone asks ‘How are you?’, most of us answer ‘Fine’ without really thinking about it.
This is a refreshing self-discovery book that you’ll find hard to put down. It will help you to take control of your life so that you can find more joy and fulfillment in it.
Insider Tip: Listen to this one on Audible. Jenna makes you feel like you’re chatting with your real life bestie.
Buy How are you Really? on Amazon
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Over two million copies have been sold of this soulful and revealing NYT bestseller, which is a revealing and soulful account of pain, self-discovery, and acceptance. We all hope to live our lives to the fullest but the weight of our own and other people’s expectations can leave us feeling more overwhelmed than alive.
This intimate story offers the hope that we can make peace with ourselves and be brave enough to trust our instincts again.
I think a lot of people shy away from Glennon’s work because she is so far left. Don’t sleep on this one… chalk full of gold nuggets and wisdom, this might end up being your favorite book on self discovery yet.
You are a Badass by Jen Sincero
If your beliefs and habits are holding you back, Jen Sincero’s book will help you to understand why this happens. This knowledge will empower you to change your own behaviors and create a life that you love.
With 27 short chapters full of entertaining and motivating stories, You are a Badass is in-your-face and refreshingly uplifting. It’s a book to keep close at hand so that you can dip into it when you need a boost.
This self discovery book is a great place to start for anyone and everyone…even my teenage daughter loved this one!
Buy You are a Badass on Amazon
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
This book explores why some people are drawn to the idea of creative living and how you can explore this within your own life, even if you think you’re not a creative person.
Written by the author of Eat, Pray, Love, Big Magic has a soulful spirituality that some may find challenging. But its practical and inspiring anecdotes and advice will help you to throw off your own self-constraints and embrace the creativity within you.
Better than Before by Gretchen Rubin
Have you got a bad habit that you’d like to change? If you have (and who can honestly say they haven’t?), you’ve probably already had plenty of ‘expert’ advice which didn’t really help very much.
In this book, Gretchen Rubin explains why some people find it easier than others to form good habits, and how mastering foundation habits like sleep and exercise will free your mind. This will then let you focus on other areas that are important to most people, like improving your finances or completing projects.
If you’re not familiar with Gretchen Rubin’s work, you might want to check out her most popular book, The Happiness Project. I’m also a huge fan of her award winning podcast, Happier.
Buy Better than Before on Amazon
Share your favorite books on social media with these fun and cute book captions!
More for Your Self Discovery Journey
Want more?
If you’ve already read all these self help books or just need to take a break from reading, here are some more ideas for your self-discovery journey:
- Try journaling- start with these self love journal prompts or gratitude prompts.
- Start practicing self care Sundays or better daily self care.
- Work towards establishing healthy habits and goals. (This is my favorite goal planner.)
- Make a gratitude list or simply write down things that make you happy.
- Be curious- ask yourself questions and be honest with your answers. Try identifying your strengths and weaknesses.
- Work on being more mindful each day.
- Create a bucket list.
- Challenge negative self talk. Try these self worth affirmations or Monday affirmations.
- Work towards a simpler more intentional lifestyle.
- Make a list of your core values. (If you need help with this, drop your email below to get a list of values and intentional living worksheet.)
Self discovery is an on-going process that shouldn’t feel like a chore. Make it a part of your morning routine or your lifestyle in some way. Don’t worry about feeling silly or “woo woo.”
Of course there are a ton more books about self-discovery that can be added to this list. These are just my personal favorites. I love to read…stay tuned as I add more throughout the year!
Remember in the long run, others opinions simply don’t matter. This is about becoming the best version of YOU for YOU!
Pin these best self discovery books for later or share with a friend! Also if you’re like me and like to see your progress on paper, grab my free printable reading log too!
