Looking for a self-help book that’s just right can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of cheesy, woo-woo, or tough love titles. But fear not, as Women’s Health has compiled a list of 20 pro-approved self-help books written by experts in various fields, promising to guide readers towards their happiest and healthiest selves.
From journalists and psychologists to career coaches and successful individuals, these books are sure to provide the necessary tools for self-improvement. So next time you find yourself wandering the aisles of a bookstore, keep this list in mind and be prepared to find the perfect read for your current sitch.
Daniel G. Amen, MD Feel Better Fast and Make It Last
Daniel G. Amen, MD, a physician and psychiatrist, emphasizes the importance of knowing what can help individuals feel better quickly. In his book, “Feel Better Fast and Make It Last,” he provides powerful brain-based strategies and practical tools to help individuals gain control over anxiety, worry, sadness, stress, and anger. By implementing these strategies, individuals can build resilience and find more purpose in life.
According to Ali Hamroff, LMSW, a psychotherapist at Liz Morrison Therapy, “Feel Better Fast and Make It Last” is an excellent resource for those struggling with anxiety, grief, sadness, hopelessness, or those seeking a deeper understanding of their thoughts and feelings. Dr. Amen’s book offers concrete tools and brain-based strategies that can help individuals overcome these challenges and achieve a sense of well-being.
Currently, the book is available at a discounted price of 19% off, making it an affordable investment in one’s mental health.
Lin-Manuel Miranda Gmorning, Gnight!
Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of the hit musical Hamilton, is known for his inspiring tweets that offer words of encouragement and positivity. He has collected these tweets, along with poetry and other sayings, into a book titled “Gmorning, Gnight!: Little Pep Talks for Me & You.” This book is now available at a 62% discount.
The book is designed to be a bedside-table book, with each page offering a little dose of self-help to inspire readers to seize the day. It is a collection of affirmations that can be read in the morning to start the day off on a positive note, or at night to reflect on the day and prepare for the next.
The book has received positive reviews from readers, with many praising its uplifting messages and Miranda’s unique writing style. It has been especially popular among fans of Hamilton and those who appreciate Miranda’s creative talents.
The authors of this article, Jessica Migala, Korin Miller, and Elizabeth Bacharach, are all experienced health and lifestyle writers with work published in a variety of publications. Their expertise in wellness and self-care make them well-suited to recommend Miranda’s book as a valuable addition to any personal library.
Jennifer L. Taitz, PsyD How to Be Single and Happy
Clinical psychologist Jennifer Taitz offers a solution for those tired of swiping, blind dates, and cringeworthy setups. Based on her own knowledge, research, and client interviews, Taitz helps individuals live their best, happiest life regardless of their current relationship status.
Her methods include letting go of past relationships and their baggage, avoiding overanalysis of bad dates, and eliminating any guilt associated with being single. Taitz’s approach empowers individuals to embrace their independence and find happiness within themselves. Currently, her services are available at a 31% discount.
Brené Brown The Gifts of Imperfection
Brené Brown’s book, “The Gifts of Imperfection,” is a must-read for anyone struggling with perfectionism and vulnerability. In this book, Brown encourages readers to let go of the need for perfection and embrace the discomfort that comes with being vulnerable.
Through her extensive research and knowledge on shame, perfectionism, and empathy, Brown provides practical advice and tools for improving mental health. This book is particularly relevant for those who are looking to overcome the negative impacts of perfectionism on their lives. With an 18% discount, “The Gifts of Imperfection” is a valuable addition to any self-help library.
Megan McArdle’s “The Up Side of Down”
Megan McArdle, a business blogger, believes that instead of fearing failure, one should embrace it. In her book, “The Up Side of Down,” McArdle uses stories from successful people in various careers to illustrate the lessons we can learn from failing and how to come out on top.
The book encourages readers to view failure as a learning opportunity and to use it as a stepping stone to success. Currently, the book is being offered at a 10% discount.
Scott Trench Set for Life
Scott Trench, the CEO of BiggerPockets, has authored the book “Set for Life,” which is a comprehensive guide to achieving financial independence. The book is highly recommended for those who are looking for a simple and straightforward approach to managing their finances.
Trench’s writing style is easy to understand, making it ideal for beginners. The book is not preachy and does not judge readers for their current financial situation. Instead, it provides practical advice on how to achieve financial freedom. With “Set for Life,” Trench has helped numerous readers achieve their financial goals and live a life free from financial stress.
Melody Beattie Codependent No More
Codependent No More is a book that addresses a common relationship pattern where individuals lose sight of themselves, their goals, and their lives to care for or change their partner. The book provides hope and teaches readers how to be themselves again. It offers a range of exercises that help readers rediscover themselves and who they are outside of a relationship.
The book is an actionable read with a straight-to-the-point title that teaches readers how to set healthy boundaries. Readers can think of this book as their map to navigate the complex world of codependency so that they can ultimately arrive at a place of greater freedom. Currently, the book is available at a discount of 12%.
Gary Chapman The 5 Love Languages
Gary Chapman’s book “The 5 Love Languages” offers a practical approach to building strong relationships without resorting to gimmicks. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding your own and your partner’s love language, which refers to the way you express and prefer to receive romantic feelings.
By doing so, couples can ensure that their needs are met and enjoy a happier relationship. The book provides clear and straightforward guidance on how to identify and practice each love language, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their relationship skills.
Lori Gottlieb Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
Lori Gottlieb’s book, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, has been a hit since its release in April 2019. The book offers readers an intimate look into the world of psychotherapy from both the perspective of a patient and a therapist. The author, who is also a therapist and a patient to another mind doctor, shares her experiences in a funny, honest, and heartwarming way.
Through the book, Gottlieb normalizes therapy and showcases the many paths one can take to improve their life and achieve certain goals. The book is a great read for anyone who wants to explore their feelings, thoughts, and processes. It’s also a great beach read if you’re going on a post-summer vacation any time soon.
Dan Harris 10% Happier
Dan Harris, a well-known author and Nightline anchor, struggled with anxiety and stress after experiencing a panic attack on national television. He soon discovered that the incessant voice in his head, which he once considered his greatest asset, was actually his greatest problem.
To combat this, Harris turned to meditation, which he once thought was impossible and useless. In his book, 10% Happier, Harris shares his personal journey with anxiety and stress, as well as his realization of the benefits of meditation, both scientifically and spiritually. The book offers a refreshing and relatable perspective on the practice of meditation.
Danielle LaPorte The Desire Map
Danielle LaPorte’s book, The Desire Map, offers readers a unique approach to goal-setting and achieving their desired outcomes. The book includes a variety of exercises such as quizzes, feeling-identification worksheets, and goal-setting activities to help readers take control of their lives.
Through these exercises, readers can identify their desires and create a plan to achieve them. The Desire Map is a self-help book that encourages readers to explore their innermost desires and take actionable steps towards achieving them. Currently, the book is available at a discounted price of 47% off.
Brené Brown Braving the Wilderness
Brené Brown is a renowned author and speaker who helps people connect with others and become more empathetic. She teaches us to embrace life’s challenges and say “yes” to both pleasant and unpleasant experiences. According to Alyssa (Lia) Mancao, a psychotherapist in Sherman Oaks, California, Brown normalizes the struggles that people face and provides guidance on how to overcome them.
In her book, Braving the Wilderness, Brown offers a message of love and hope in a world that can often feel full of hate. Readers can expect to be moved to tears as they connect with the book’s powerful message. Currently, the book is available at a discount of 48%, making it more accessible to those who want to learn from Brown’s insights.
Becca Anderson Badass Women Give the Best Advice
Becca Anderson’s self-help book is a must-read for those seeking encouragement and humor after a dating dry spell. This book features advice on sex, dating, and love from popular celebrities, comedians, and business mavens, such as Drew Barrymore and Chrissy Teigen. The book’s sassy tone and relatable advice make it a go-to guide for those seeking inspiration in their love lives.
Jen Sincero You Are a Badass
Jen Sincero’s book “You Are a Badass” is a refreshing take on self-help literature. Unlike other books in the genre, Sincero’s writing style is hilarious and uplifting, making it an enjoyable read. The book provides a healthy dose of motivation to pursue one’s dreams and live the life they desire. Sincero’s message is clear: you are a rock star, and you deserve to have the life you’ve always wanted. So, go ahead and chase your dreams!
Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant Option B
Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, and Adam Grant, a psychologist, wrote a book called “Option B,” which focuses on how to build resilience and find meaning in the face of adversity. The book is based on Sandberg’s experience of losing her husband and Grant’s research on resilience.
“Option B” teaches readers how to create a new plan when the first one doesn’t work out as planned. The authors also discuss how seemingly negative experiences, such as losing a career or identity, can be opportunities for growth and development.
Laura Vanderkam Off the Clock
Laura Vanderkam, a renowned author and speaker, provides practical tips to help individuals make time for the things that matter most to them. In her book, “Off the Clock,” Vanderkam emphasizes the importance of time management and offers actionable strategies to help individuals fit more into their busy schedules.
Through her insights and advice, Vanderkam aims to help readers prioritize their goals and make room for the activities that bring them joy and fulfillment.
How to Get Sh*t Done: Why Women Need to Prioritize Themselves
Erin Falconer’s How to Get Sh*t Done is a practical guide to help women reframe their approach to productivity. The book challenges the idea that doing everything for everyone else is the key to success. Instead, Falconer encourages readers to focus on what truly matters to them and prioritize accordingly.
As the editor-in-chief and co-owner of Pick the Brain, a highly respected self-improvement site, Falconer provides actionable and realistic resources to help readers achieve their goals. The book offers a refreshing perspective on productivity, emphasizing the importance of self-care and self-prioritization.
With its no-B.S. approach, How to Get Sh*t Done is a must-read for women who want to achieve their dreams without sacrificing their own well-being.
Summary
The world of self-help books for women is vast and varied, offering a range of perspectives and approaches to personal growth and development. From classic titles like “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” to more recent bestsellers like “Girl, Wash Your Face,” there is no shortage of options for those seeking guidance and inspiration.
With topics ranging from relationships and career to spirituality and mindfulness, these books offer valuable insights and tools for women looking to improve their lives and achieve their goals.