everyone has a purpose, but discovering yours can be challenging. that’s why this list will cover the best books on how to find your purpose in life.
The books on this list are helpful if you’re struggling to find your purpose or just starting out.
You are reading: Best books on finding your purpose
Discovering your purpose has several benefits:
- inspires you to overcome challenges and setbacks
- improves clarity and focus
- improves your mental health
- enables you to live a life of integrity
- increases your chances of achieving great things
Let’s first define what makes a good book purposeful.
what defines a good book on the purpose of life?
There is no single approach that works for everyone. And the same goes for books on finding purpose.
That’s why there are different types of books on this list. some of which are very practical, while others are more spiritual, etc.
what else?
Each book included in this list contains several ideas to help you discover the meaning of life.
And in addition to my subjective opinion, I’ve also researched others’ reviews to make sure this is the actual best list of books to read on finding your purpose.
let’s start with number one:
#1: man in search of meaning – victor frankl
This book is a must read for anyone, in my opinion.
is an inspiring biography of the life of psychiatrist, Jew, and holocaust survivor, victor frankl.
He was captured in World War II, separated from his wife and children, deported to a concentration camp, and put to work in the most dehumanizing conditions.
However, despite these conditions, he not only remained sane, but probably enjoyed more freedom than his captors.
Think about that statement for a second: He experienced more freedom than his captors.
quite a bold statement.
Although his captors were physically free to go home at the end of the day, Frankl kept the mental freedom that no one could take away from him and used it to thrive in those camps.
how did you do it?
While most people gave up after days or weeks, Frankl found a purpose that empowered him to survive the holocaust.
reasons to read this book:
- an inspiring story of a holocaust survivor;
- real life case study on why you need a purpose;
- learn how to overcome challenges and difficulties;
- simply a must read for anyone.
Who should read this book? if you want to understand the essence of purpose and how it benefits you in difficult times and moments of suffering, you will love this book.
get your copy here.
#2: find your why – simon sinek
Find Your Why is a how-to book with catchy real life examples to help you understand your why, how and what.
first, explain why it is essential to have a why.
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y sinek explains this with practical examples showing how the most successful people and companies like apple have used this idea to stand out from the crowd.
then dives into how you can discover your purpose.
but also, how you can support other people’s purposes, especially if they align with your own.
This is why I love this book:
- the best explanation of why it is essential to find your why;
- clear and inspiring examples from real life;
- a practical approach to discover your own ;
- and also include how you live your purpose.
Who should read this book? Anyone who wants to get the full picture and enjoy practical examples of successful people and businesses will love this book.
get your copy here.
#3: discover your true north – bill george
bill george is a professor at harvard business school and one of the biggest names in leadership.
This book is about finding direction for your life and how to become the best leader you can be.
why worry about becoming a leader?
because you already are.
Leadership comes in various degrees, whether you run a business, your children, or just yourself.
george explains how you can find your sweet spot within your own life story. and how you can integrate that into your life to become the best possible leader.
but there is more.
You’ll also learn why most leaders lose their way at some point. and how you can prevent that from happening.
reasons to read this book:
- discover your purpose in your life story;
- many examples of successful people;
- become the leader you are meant to be;
- and learn to avoid the traps many leaders fall into.
Who should read this book? If you want to use your purpose to become a better leader, you need to read this book.
get your copy here.
#4: the happiness of the search – chris guillebeau
compared to the other books on this list, guillebeau takes a lighter approach to finding purpose.
chris sees life as an adventure.
and wants to inspire you to embark on many different quests and adventures to make your life more useful and enjoyable.
This book focuses much more on finding purpose each day for more joy and happiness. It also dives into the daily struggles you’ll face and how you can move on.
This is why I enjoy this book:
- many practical tools to make every day more enjoyable;
- a positive tone and enjoyable reading;
- inspiring but keeping it real;
- explains how to overcome everyday struggles.
Who should read this book? if finding your purpose feels like a challenge, then this book will lighten your spirits.
get your copy here.
#5: life with purpose – rick warren
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rick warren is a christian, and in his book he makes many mentions regarding god and religion.
then if you are a christian or have an affinity with religious writings, this is the best book on how to find a purpose in life.
warren’s writing is uplifting and insightful. however, it is exhilarating at the same time, which will help you on your journey to find meaning in your life.
Even though you’re supposed to read the book in 40 days, many reviewers said they couldn’t help it and finished it much faster.
These are the main reasons why you should read this book:
- the best book to find your purpose if you also love the bible;
- contains references to god and quotes from the bible;
- uplifting yet thought provoking;
- and it’s also a great book to read with a group of people.
Who should read this book? Christians and those who are drawn to religious writings.
get your copy here.
#6: the alchemist – paulo coelho
The Alchemist is the only fiction book on this list of the best books on discovering your purpose. but it is one of the best fiction books on personal development in general.
so if you’re into self-improvement and prefer fiction to non-fiction, you’ll love this read.
The main theme of this book has a lot to do with the meaning and purpose of our lives.
however, coelho won’t tell you what is essential. rather, you will have to draw the lessons from history yourself. And that’s also what makes this book personal and interesting.
To summarize this book:
- a fictional story about a shepherd who chases dreams;
- the main theme is the meaning of our lives;
- but the book contains many other life lessons ;
- a simple story but full of wisdom.
Who should read this book? anyone in general, but specifically those who prefer a fictional story to a nonfiction book.
get your copy here.
#7: discover your why – simon sinek
This book is not a duplicate of the second option on this list by Simon Sinek, start with why. instead, this is the sequential book in his series.
discover your why is a step-by-step manual to discover the purpose of your life. sinek provides various tools to find your purpose from the stories of your life.
While the book dives deep into finding your individual and organizational purpose, it doesn’t explain much about why it benefits you or how you can use your purpose.
summarizing the benefits of this book:
- step-by-step manual;
- practical tools to discover your purpose;
- explains how people can find their why;
- and also how organizations can find their why.
Who should read this book? If you have been trying to find your purpose for some time, this book may be a breakthrough.
I bought the two sinek books together and they complement each other very well.
get your copy here.
which book will you read first?
Each book on this list approaches purpose from a slightly different perspective. but they are all fantastic options to read.
Keep in mind that finding your purpose is a process.
While these books may become your breakthrough, it may also take some time before you discover your own. so don’t worry if you can’t find your purpose right away.
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