There is certainly no shortage of self-help books and personal development books these days, which is helpful when:
- looking for inspiration to navigate a new life path
- struggling to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be
- feeling a bit lost, unmotivated or needs inspiration
we’ve all been there! and when you are in that place, the best thing you can do is find a source of support.
You are reading: Self help books by black authors
Sometimes the best support comes in the form of books. Whether you’re a self-help reader or just interested in personal development, this book list offers a variety of reading to help you on your journey.
and since we should always celebrate black voices (not just during black history month), we’ve compiled a list of nine amazing self-help books written by black authors.
get ready for a big dose of inspiration, motivation and support!
Want more inspiring book inspo? here are 10 empowering books every woman should read
here are 9 very inspiring self-help books by black authors to add to your reading list:
1. one day my soul was opened by iyanla vanzant
One of our favorite motivational speakers and inspirational authors, Iyanla Vanzant, wrote One Day My Soul Opened to provide readers with the tools to meet life’s challenges, enter into a sense of purpose and empowerment, and open our minds. own souls to our full potential.
Designed as a journal and workbook, you’ll find Vanzant’s healthy dose of personal anecdotes and highly inspiring messages and takeaways, along with guided prompts to help you reflect and find your own answers and takeaways.
vanzant tells it like it is, offering insightful spiritual advice and practical ways to find inner peace. she believes that the key to happiness and fulfillment lies in nurturing the relationship you have with yourself and surrendering yourself to a higher power, one that will help you co-create your life.
above all, vanzant says take comfort in the fact that you’re never alone. accept life’s setbacks with grace and trust that you are being guided and supported.
iyanla vanzant shares how to exercise your muscle and set healthy boundaries in this powerful 2 minute video
2. what i’m sure by oprah winfrey
oprah winfrey. her legendary name alone evokes inspiration. From her talk shows to her magazine, Oprah has dedicated decades to uplifting and empowering the masses.
He has interviewed some of the most influential names in wellness, spirituality, and more, and over the years has documented the lessons and insights he’s gained in his “What I Know For Sure” column.
Now, he collected these essays and organized them into his personal development book of the same name. Organized by themes such as joy, resilience, connection, gratitude, possibility, clarity, and power, her beautiful book What I Know For Sure is a must on your reading list.
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here are 10 inspirational oprah quotes to help you through tough times
3. vision of life by michael bernard beckwith
what is your purpose? why were you put on this earth? To help you answer these questions, Michael Bernard Beckwith wrote Life Visioning.
In this book, he shares the life visualization process and how it can be used to positively influence your love life, finances, career, and more. Beckwith also discusses the four stages of consciousness and how to move from one stage to the next. The mission of him with the vision of life is to help readers become more enlightened and empowered, and transform into who they are meant to be.
In his review of this self-help book, Deepak Chopra said, “Beckwith eloquently unlocks the secrets of deep research for spiritual development, leading to infinite possibilities in our lives.”
the bottom line: when you can align with the universe, you will be unstoppable. understand that you will always be a work in progress, evolving and discovering your authentic self. as beckwith teaches, “unimaginable possibilities begin to open up as you sync up with the divine.”
Check out these 5 unusual things that happen when you go through a spiritual awakening
4. become by michelle obama
In her memoir, Being, Michelle Obama reveals the life experiences that define her: the successes, the failures, and the lessons she learned along the way. she shares what it was like growing up on the south side of chicago, juggling a full-time job with motherhood, being the first lady and more.
Told from an honest and familiar point of view, the Obama story inspires readers to dig deeper and honor their own experiences: the good, the bad, and everything in between.
Despite appearances, no one is perfect. that is why it is a mistake to compare yourself with any other person. The former first lady explains that we are always in a state of “becoming” more of what we are supposed to be, making her memoir an inspiring book of personal development.
5. greatness is upon you by eric thomas
These powerful principles will help you take your life to the next level. In his book Greatness Is Upon You, inspirational speaker, preacher, and motivational self-help author Eric Thomas helps change the way you think about challenges.
Instead of letting life’s setbacks derail you, it invites you to accept them and use setbacks to propel you forward. This book is packed with different lessons and exercises designed to get you closer to reaching your goals and finding the greatness within you.
greatness is with you is like that face-to-face pep talk, and that inspiring locker room speech you need before a big game. After reading it, you’ll want to get out there and start living your best life.
6. year of yes by shonda rhimes
You’ve probably heard of this black author in the world of television. Shonda Rhimes is the creator of Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal and the executive producer of How to Get Away with Assassin. In all of these shows, the characters are bold changemakers, outspoken, and fearless.
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However, “frank” and “fearless” weren’t always words to describe rhymes. Growing up an introvert, she felt uncomfortable in the spotlight. but one thanksgiving dinner everything changed. her sister said, “you never say yes to anything” and at that moment, something clicked.
rhimes decided it was time for a change; It was time to start saying “yes”. so, for the next year, he said “yes” to everything he feared.
In her memoir, Year of Yes, Rhimes describes her life before and after she started saying “yes.” this book follows rhymes on her journey of self-discovery, where she learned to love and embrace her authentic self. Her incredible revelation of personal development motivates readers to do the same.
7. The Black Girl’s Guide to Self-Care: A 30-Day Self-Care Workbook by Kristin D. hemingway
The Black Girl’s Guide to Self-Care is a simple, straightforward workbook that opens with an in-depth look at the importance of self-care before diving into 30 days of challenges (for example, day 3 is unplugging from multimedia social networks), along with reflections in the form of diary prompts.
with hemingway’s short but powerful messages for each day, you’ll find inspiration, tools, and support to keep moving forward while breaking free from habits that don’t serve you. It’s fast, fun, and a perfect resource for those looking to start or restart a self-care routine.
“designed to help women in general, and black women in particular, reclaim their time, their well-being, and their joy,” the self-care guide for black girls helps readers navigate their self-care journey staff on their own terms. As a youth ministry veteran, life coach, and speaker, Hemingway is a black author committed to being an advocate for self-care.
8. smart girl finances: get rid of debt, save money and create real wealth by sokunbi ball
clver girl finance reminds us that having a healthy mindset around money is part of self-care and personal development, and helps readers lay the foundation for an empowered and successful life.
In addition to being a popular self-help author, Bola Sokunbi is also a Certified Financial Education Instructor, Finance Expert, and Founder and CEO of Integrity Girl Finance, a platform dedicated to empowering women to achieve financial independence.
In Smart Girl Finance, sokunbi demystifies investing, helps women understand their relationship to money and debt, negotiates wages, and much more. Between the wisdom she shares and the power she embodies, this personal development book is popular for a reason!
9. she’s still there: rescuing the girl in you by chrystal evans hurst
If your life feels (or has ever felt) a little off track or directionless, she is still there to rekindle your passion, purpose and direction.
a raw, authentic, family-friendly self-help book that dives into the author’s life and the challenges she’s overcome as a way of showing you that you’re capable of doing the same, she’s still there. It is a half inspiring, half motivational read. pep talk.
author chrystal evans hurst is a bestselling author with over 100,000 copies sold of this book, and also shares her inspiration as a speaker at conferences and through her podcast, blog, and ministry.
Use these self-help books by black authors to take your personal development to the next level!
If you’ve been doubting yourself and struggling to get where you want to be, you’re not alone. but once you change your way of thinking, you can change your life. the first step is to believe you can do it and then go out and make it happen.
Once you change your mindset, you can change your life.
These black authors and thought leaders can help you on your journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and living your best life. Add these self-help books to your reading list and watch them transform your life. you got this 🙂
This list is not exhaustive! Do you have a favorite inspirational black author you’d like to share or another personal development book you love? please share in the comments below – we love hearing from you!
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