The Best Personal Growth Books for Becoming Your Best Self

Social scientist Brené Brown explores what it means to truly belong, especially in a society and culture that relies on outside markers of success, which can often be polarizing. By leading readers through the wilderness of self-reflection, she can help people connect to their true selves—and their communities.

If you’re feeling weighed down by the ridiculous expectations of others and the impossible standards perpetuated by social media and our society, Saujani has written the book for you. Inspired by her popular TED Talk, Saujani breaks down how girls are conditioned to be afraid, and inspires readers to be brave rather than perfect.

You are a badass, and Jen Sincero will make sure that you won’t forget it in this impassioned, witty, and sometimes curse word–laden manifesto on how to stop doubting yourself and live your best life. This book is full inspirational quotes and practical advice for you to change your ingrained bad habits today.

Author of the bestselling journal Start Where You Are, Patel brings readers into a deeper exploration of themselves and fear, so that they can find the courage to make important changes in their lives. With her beautiful watercolor artwork, Patel gives readers reflections, questions, and quotations to inspire them to face their fears and embrace changes.

If you’re looking for a close guide to help you change your outlook and mindset, this book of daily affirmations if just the thing. It offers inspiration and tools based in self development and neuroscience to help you think more positively and get in the mindset to achieve your goals.

Written by the trailblazing TV writer and producer, this book is about the power of challenging yourself to say yes to every unexpected thing that comes your way. Part memoir and part self-help book, Rimes chronicles how saying yes to the things that intimidated her transformed her life—and how it can transform yours, too! 

If you’re dealing with a lot of fear in your life, Ruth Soukup can help. By identifying your Fear Archetype and adopting her Principles of Courage, you can begin to build the life that you want. Soukup delivers a book and a bold plan that’s inspirational, but also full of tough love.

Conventional wisdom says you have to know how to love yourself before you can take care of others, but if you’re stuck on figuring out how to get there, this workbook can help. With activities that will help you deepen your understanding of yourself, Ali gives you practical tools to embrace self-love.

If you like your self-help books with a side of sarcasm and a big serving of no-nonsense, this straightforward manual is for you. Owen isolated 14 habits that hold women back, and offers solutions to break those habits once and for all.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his daughter Reverend Mpho Tutu draw on their experiences working with the South African Truth and Reconciliation Council to offer a path to forgiveness and ultimate healing. By outlining practical guidelines on how to ask for and offer forgiveness and either maintain or release relationships, they give readers a healthy framework for healing through forgiveness.

If you have a tendency to self-sabotage, or feel as though you’re holding back from living your life, Kaiser makes a case that self-love can be the key to transforming your life. By sharing her own story and offering 15 principles to help you overcome your own setbacks, she makes a strong case for self-love and offers a path to achieving your goals.

If you want to know what makes a great leader and change maker, Case offer evidence that it isn’t wealth or power, but the courage to be fearless and take bold risks. With profiles, personal stories, and practical advice, Case presents an inspiring manifesto that anyone can take to heart.

Often when we talk about self-care, it’s in the terms of indulgence: a massage, a fancy latte, an extravagant  purchase. Cleantis wants to reframe the discussion of self-care to move beyond these indulgences to including aspects that will help you nourish your body and mind in every area of your life, and build a lifelong practice that is more than just dessert.

Gretchen Rubin spent a year studying science, philosophy, and exploring real-life situations to try and understand how to be happier. Her discoveries are relatable and applicable to everyone’s lives, and include finding outer order, spending wisely, and trying new things. Part self-help, part-memoir, her story is inspirational and practical.