Instead of waiting until the calendar flips to a new year, why not start cultivating personal growth momentum now? As we close out 2019, there’s an abundance of exceptional books that can aid in self-improvement across various aspects of your life. In fact, I’ve curated a list of 20 standout personal development titles that can help you set the tone for success well into 2020.
With such a diverse selection to draw from, it’s likely that at least one (and possibly several) of these books will resonate with you and align with your unique goals.
Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo
If becoming a creative force in your own life has been a lifelong aspiration, then Marie Forleo’s wisdom is sure to resonate with you. Rather than offering hasty solutions for every problem on your plate, Forleo provides a step-by-step guide to rewiring your brain. This isn’t just about altering your behavior; it’s about fundamentally shifting the way you think.
Through her book, you’ll gain the tools to cultivate a more positive and creative mindset, ultimately empowering yourself to believe that ‘everything is figureoutable’.
Change Your Schedule, Change Your Life by Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar
For me, the concept of scheduling is a personal haven. The title of this book alone resonates deeply, as I’ve always been driven by a desire for structure and organization. But how does altering one’s schedule impact daily life? Dr. Kshirsagar’s unique blend of Ayurvedic insight and scientific investigation sheds light on the profound influence our biological rhythms have on every aspect of existence.
The subtlest bad habit, such as working late into the night, can disrupt these natural cycles, with far-reaching consequences. To address this, the book provides a 30-day roadmap, offering a clear, step-by-step guide to transforming one’s schedule and, in turn, their life.
Search Inside Yourself: The Unexpected Path to Achieving Success, Happiness (and World Peace) by Chade-Meng Tan
As the lead of the Search Inside Yourself Institute at Google, Chade-Meng Tan has dedicated his work to empowering employees with mindfulness and emotional intelligence skills. With this wealth of knowledge, he is now sharing his expertise with a broader audience, providing guidance not only on personal growth but also on making a positive impact in the world.
Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes
While Shonda Rhimes is undoubtedly a household name thanks to the immense success of her TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, it’s surprising to learn that even at the height of her fame, she recognized an opportunity for personal growth. Her sister issued a challenge that sparked a transformative experience: saying yes to every unexpected offer that came her way for an entire year.
In this piece, Rhimes reflects on how embracing this newfound mindset of openness and willingness to take risks not only impacted her life but also offers valuable lessons for those looking to shake up their own lives.
Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment by Martin Seligman, PhD
Imagine a time when the pursuit of happiness seemed like an elusive dream. Perhaps you’ve felt like true fulfillment was just out of reach. In his thought-provoking book, Dr. Martin Seligman presents a compelling case for the power of positive thinking. By exploring our own highest values and virtues, we can begin to shift our focus from weaknesses to strengths. This subtle yet profound shift has the potential to revolutionize our outlook on life.
The key to achieving lasting happiness lies not in dwelling on what’s lacking, but rather in cultivating a deep understanding of our personal strengths. This book serves as a guiding light, helping readers to redirect their attention and unlock the secrets to genuine joy.
The Third Door: The Wild Quest to Uncover How the World’s Most Successful People Launched Their Careers by Alex Banayan
Alex Banayan’s book, The Third Door, presents a thought-provoking concept: fame and success can be viewed as a nightclub with three distinct ways to gain entry. Most individuals spend their time waiting in line, hoping for a chance to get in. A select few can leverage wealth or connections to bypass the queue altogether. However, Banayan argues that there’s an often-overlooked third way to gain entry, one that many successful people have employed on their path to achievement.
By exploring and unlocking this third door, individuals can uncover the secrets behind their own success stories.
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown, PhD
Fear of vulnerability is a common phenomenon. The idea of being open and exposed can evoke feelings of trepidation in many individuals. However, renowned author Brené Brown boldly challenges this notion in her personal development book. She emphasizes the significance of embracing vulnerability, arguing that it is only through openness that we can truly experience life’s most profound moments and derive purpose and meaning from our existence.
While acknowledging the inherent risks involved, Brown suggests that vulnerability may just be the catalyst for transformative change in one’s life.
CARE To Lead: How to Master and Implement Four Keys to Leadership: Communication, Accountability, Relationships and Example of Excellence by Alec McGalliard
As we strive for personal and professional growth, it’s essential to develop strong leadership skills that can be applied across various aspects of our lives. In his book, Alec McGalliard distills the fundamentals of effective leadership into four core areas: Communication, Accountability, Relationships, and Example of Excellence.
These categories are not only relevant in a workplace setting but also applicable to other important relationships, highlighting the universal value of strong leadership skills.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert, author of the acclaimed memoir Eat Pray Love and novel City of Girls, takes a profound dive into the realm of creativity in this latest work. Departing from her previous writings on personal journeys, she delves into the intricacies of the creative process, offering valuable insights to help readers tap into their innermost creative potential.
Gilbert’s central premise is that every individual possesses a unique creative spark, and through a series of attitudes, approaches, and habits, she provides a roadmap for unlocking this innate ability. By exploring the very essence of creativity, she encourages readers to cultivate an environment conducive to innovation, fostering a deeper understanding of their own artistic expression.
Hustle Believe Receive: An 8-Step Plan to Changing Your Life and Living Your Dream by Sarah Centrella
Sarah Centrella’s journey from struggling single mom to success in just 18 months is nothing short of remarkable. What sets her apart is not just her achievement, but her willingness to share her secrets with others through the #HBRMethod. This personal development book distills her positive and inspirational message into a actionable approach that has garnered support from numerous successful individuals.
When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel H. Pink
The notion that timing is everything is a familiar phrase, but what does it truly mean? The answer lies at the intersection of psychology, biology, and economics. Daniel H. Pink delves into this concept, revealing that timing is not simply a matter of intuition, but rather a science that can be mastered.
By grasping this fundamental principle, you’ll not only excel in your academic pursuits and professional endeavors, but also cultivate a deeper understanding of how to navigate the intricacies of personal relationships.
Radically Happy: A User’s Guide to the Mind by Phakchok Rinpoche and Erric Solomon
While at first glance, Erric Solomon and Phakchok Rinpoche may seem like an unlikely duo, with one being a Silicon Valley entrepreneur and the other a Tibetan Rinpoche, they share a common passion for mindfulness. This powerful practice, which they believe has the potential to transform lives, is the foundation of their book, where they join forces to guide readers on a path towards living a life that is radically happy.
The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman
The primary obstacle to achieving your goals is often your own self-doubt and limitations. The key to overcoming this hurdle lies within yourself, as Todd Herman so astutely points out in his personal development book. He offers practical strategies for identifying and transcending the internal voices that hold you back, allowing you to tap into your full potential and move closer to realizing your aspirations.
Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins
David Goggins’ life story is marked by hardship, with experiences of poverty, prejudice, and physical abuse serving as a backdrop for his remarkable journey. In this book, he candidly shares the struggles he faced, including depression and self-loathing, and reveals how he transformed himself into a successful individual. The author also shares the mental training techniques he used to overcome negative thought patterns.
Goggins’ philosophy is that most people only utilize 40% of their capabilities (a concept he refers to as the 40% Rule). This book provides insight into his approach, demonstrating how individuals can push beyond fear and negativity to achieve their full potential.
Unstoppable by Craig Ballantyne
Are daily anxieties and overwhelming feelings a constant companion? You’re not the only one. Craig Ballantyne, author of a renowned self-improvement guide, understands this struggle firsthand. Having battled anxiety attacks and persistent apprehension, he shares actionable strategies to help you break free from these emotional shackles and ultimately DOMINATE in both your professional and personal spheres.
Find Your Artistic Voice by Lisa Congdon
For visual artists seeking guidance on finding their own artistic voice, Lisa Congdon’s book is an unparalleled resource. Rather than offering vague advice, Congdon provides tangible methods for striking a balance between influences and personal creative direction. The book features insightful interviews with established artists, illustrators, and creatives, empowering readers to develop a distinctive artistic style that is uniquely their own.
Stop Self-Sabotage: Six Steps to Unlock Your True Motivation, Harness Your Willpower, and Get Out of Your Own Way by Dr. Judy Ho
Renowned clinical psychologist and TV personality Dr. Judy Ho has an eye-opening revelation: even the most accomplished individuals in the world succumb to self-sabotage on occasion. She’s now sharing her expertise to help you overcome this pattern. For instance, did you know that successful people often inadvertently undermine their goals and intentions? This phenomenon is more common than we think, but Dr.
Ho is here to guide you through the process of breaking free from self-sabotaging behaviors. Her solution lies in a simple yet effective six-step approach that will have you back on track in no time.
The Science of Getting Started: How to Beat Procrastination, Summon Productivity, and Stop Self-Sabotage by Patrick King
Patrick King’s thought-provoking book, The Science of Getting Started, sheds light on the crippling effects of self-sabotage, particularly procrastination. A universal affliction, procrastination not only hinders personal growth but also breeds stress and can lead to failure. By presenting scientifically-backed solutions, King empowers readers to overcome these self-imposed barriers and ultimately achieve their goals.
Choose Wonder Over Worry: Move Beyond Fear and Doubt to Unlock Your Full Potential by Amber Rae
Fear of not being good enough or being rejected can hold us back from pursuing our deepest desires. Rather than allowing worry to control our actions, what if we choose to focus on the potential outcomes? What if we take a chance and go after what we truly want, only to discover that it leads to incredible fulfillment? The idea is enticing, isn’t it?
That’s why author Amber Rae encourages us to confront our fears, dispel the myths of worry that hold us back, and rewrite our own narratives to become the best versions of ourselves.
Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning by Leslie Odom, Jr.
Leslie Odom Jr.’s remarkable journey from Broadway’s Hamilton to sold-out shows and a Tony Award is testament to the power of dedication and perseverance. Through his own experiences, he poses thought-provoking questions that can help unlock one’s true potential: What daily efforts will lead to tomorrow’s improvement? How do you surround yourself with people who share your passions and values? When do you know it’s time to play it safe versus take a risk for something greater?
As Odom shares his personal stories, he inspires us to re-evaluate our own paths and motivations. His words serve as a catalyst for self-reflection, urging readers to ask themselves these same questions and take control of their own journeys.