what is personal development?
personal development is the idea that you can and should take time to engage in activities that enhance your overall sense of wholeness and balance.
Some areas you might consider developing include your professional skills, thinking abilities, job responsibilities, and more. Common methods of personal development include watching videos of inspiring people, reading helpful books, going to college, or investing time in training, coaching, or mentoring.
You are reading: Best personal development books 2020
why read personal development books?
many successful people recommend participating in daily personal development activities. An easy way to fit personal development into your day is to start with a good book full of information that will inspire or help you grow.
Another efficient way to fit your daily dose of personal development into your schedule is to listen to personal development information while you’re in the car. podcasts, audible or online training are accessible when you’re in your car. When you make personal development a priority, you’re more likely to stay motivated, feel confident about the path you’re on, and more likely to achieve your goals.
what are the differences between self help & personal development books?
The information on personal development and self-help is very similar. however, one key difference can be noted. Self-help books usually provide practical steps you need to take to reach a specific result or expectation you have for yourself. Personal development books, on the other hand, help you boost your personality traits so you can advance professionally and socially. You can get information about personal development from almost any book if you think about the information critically and consider how it relates to your life. If you think self-help books are more right for you, check out the best self-help books to read today.
the 15 best personal development books
storytelling #1 by morgan harper nichols
Are you a fan of modern poetry? if you just threw your hands up in the air and yelled “yeah!” then the story teller is right up your alley. It may seem strange to you that he would include a poetry book on a personal development list, so I should probably explain myself. Look, Morgan Harper Nichols doesn’t just write boring poems that aren’t applicable in the real world. she writes stories about people. people you can relate to. the goal of these poetic stories is to encourage you to keep going, and as someone on the path to greatness, the most important thing is that you keep going. “because everything is in the way, you will learn to be strong”.
#2 in the top five regrets of the dying for bronnie ware
See Also: Top 10 books about growing old | Books | The Guardian
Sometimes the most important thing you can do to improve yourself is to take a hard look at your life and decide if it’s aligned with your core values. The top five regrets of the dying will help you reflect on your life and how you want to live it. The author shares personal stories of people she cared for while working as a hospice nurse. as she sat by her bed, they often shared her deepest regrets and bronnie de ella would write them down for you in the hope that you will live your life to the fullest. how about that for a morning of personal development?
#3 shawn achor’s happiness advantage
If you like books that rely on research and data to back up the author’s suggestions, consider reading The Happiness Advantage. Shawn Achor shares compelling information about the changes you can make in your life to live a happier existence from now on with a little help from gratitude, family time, and more.
#4 great magic by elizabeth gilbert
the great magic of elizabeth gilbert is my favorite book of all time. don’t bother reading this if you don’t believe in divine timing. As you strive to develop and become a more enlightened and successful person, it’s important to remember to “let inspiration guide you where it wills” because, in my experience, my greatest personal breakthroughs happen when I least expect it and I stop thinking about it. try so hard .
#5 daring enormously by brené brown
Do you seek to live a more courageous, sincere life, full of less doubts and more courage? then it is imperative that you start devouring books by beloved brené brown immediately. how many researchers of shame and vulnerability have their own netflix special! in the book, daring greatly, she provides practical strategies that she can add to her life to overcome fears and live her life with more purpose.
#6 you’re rude for jen sincere
Struggling to cut through the noise? broke and you don’t know what’s next? then a reminder of how truly badass you are is exactly what you need. Candid Jen will give you the pep talk you need to hear, not necessarily the one you want to hear. You’re a Tough Guy is a great read for anyone who isn’t sure if making a big change in life is worth the risk.
#7 the map of desire: a guide to creating soulful goals by danielle laporte
danielle laporte is in fashion this year! she is inspiring people from all walks of life. hippies, entrepreneurs and corporate leaders alike. Danielle will help you get in touch with all your feelings so you can gain the confidence you need to achieve your big goals in her helpful book, The Desire Map.
#8 women who run with the wolves by clarissa pinkola estes
Clarissa drums for the wild woman in this charming self-development book. If you are a deep thinker and a lover of learning through story and metaphor, then you should drop what you are doing right now and read Women Who Run With Wolves. This book is a reality check for every woman who questions her power and intuition. You are clever. you are strong and you need to get in touch with the wild woman inside you in order to live your life with more power.
#9 100 days to be brave by annie downs
See Also: Les Roberts – Book Series In Order
personal development in just 5 minutes a day, yes, it is possible. If you’re a daily devotional person who doesn’t mind a Christian twist, then 100 Days to Be Courageous is just what you’re looking for. Through personal anecdotes about breaking out of her comfort zone, Annie Downs will give you the inspiration you need for the next 100 days. “The brave do not stop listening to the whispers of fear. they listen to the whispers but take action anyway.”
#10 the process of presence by michael brown
if you feel unregulated or overwhelmed by the chaos of life, then stop what you’re doing and tune in to the wisdom of michael brown. when every day is a daily struggle of uncomfortable emotions, it’s time to find peace and let go of suffering through the practice of mindfulness, and the presence process can help.
#11 what do you do with an idea of kobi yamada & mae broom
A very wise human being once said that if you need a good reminder of what matters in life, choose a children’s book. I may be paraphrasing here, but the advice is good. the children’s book, what do you do with an idea? is a great read for any adult or child looking to get a quick personal development hit. This intriguing bedtime story is an important reminder that the things you think and do have the potential to change the world.
#12 healing trauma by peter a. levine doctorate
Are you feeling overwhelmed? overcome by flashbacks of unfortunate life events? feeling overwhelmed by painful emotions due to a common daily event? you may be experiencing the effects of past trauma and when this happens it is your job to acknowledge these feelings because you are the only one with the power to release pent up energy from your body. This book will teach you how to do just that.
#13 tribes by seth godin
all of seth godin’s books are great, but the tribe one is my favourite. If you’re an entrepreneur, manager, or leader, you need to understand how to create a movement and build a unique tribe full of people who have a strong vision for what they’re creating. If you want to create change, you need to start building a tribe, and it may not be as hard as you think.
#14 mindset by carol dweck
If you haven’t heard of the word mindset, do you live on planet earth? talk of taking control of your mindset is everywhere! Whether you’re trying to figure out how to manifest more money, build better relationships, or be more productive at work, it all starts with mindset. In case you need a refresher, by definition, mindset is the beliefs you have about yourself and the world around you. It may sound simple, but changing the way you think about things can create momentum to make massive changes in your life.
#15 you’re not lost by maxie mccoy
Are you feeling a little lost? I was there a few months ago in fact, I felt so lost that this book really spoke to me. If you are a woman who is unsure of the next step and struggling to trust your instincts and put your ideas into action, then this is the book that could help you turn things around. You Are Not Lost is a personal development book packed with stories, exercises, and advice to help you move toward realizing your dreams.
decide on a personal development book
Consider where you are in your life. what kind of things are you struggling with? Do you need help overcoming mental blocks, maybe you want to be a better leader or forge a whole new path in life? Whatever aspect of yourself you hope to develop, there is definitely a book that can help you gain new insights and perspectives. Which of these books will help you get to the next level?