7 Personal Growth Books To Elevate The Way You Think & Live

Personal growth books never go out of style. That’s because personal growth is an ongoing journey. What you thought you knew when you were younger, you know now. 

And when you’re older, your future self will look back on this particular time and think the same thing. 

A shift in perspective only comes when you choose to evolve. Which takes energy, commitment, and faith in your future.

Most people have major cringe-moments when they look back on their younger selves. You might, too. But you’ve navigated through a whole lot of mess (and probably had a lot of fun along the way!) and come out with tools that have helped you become a better woman.

In order to push forward with personal growth and continue to pursue your true potential, you have to take continuous inventory of what’s working – and what isn’t. That starts with examining your behaviors (like people-pleasing or reacting to jealousy and anger), habits, and thoughts.

Then, you must question whether or not they still serve a purpose in your present life, and challenge and change them if not. 

Personal growth, although painful at times, is the biggest gift you can give yourself. 

Luckily, there are some pretty amazing books that can guide your way, whether you want to upgrade your finances, ditch negative patterns, or embrace self-acceptance.

Below are seven books recommended for any woman on the never-ending journey of self-discovery.

7 Books That Guide Personal Growth

1. The Universe Has Your Back: Transform Fear to Faith by Gabrielle Bernstein

The Universe Has Your Back is an encouraging read if you’re moving through anxiety or an uncertain time of your life. This book offers a gentle, actionable message to rekindle the notion that you are already normal, okay, whole.

There’s nothing quite like reading a book that makes you feel so seen.

Through surrender, mindfulness, and meditation, Gabrielle will guide you on a direct path to peace and acceptance. You’ll want to revisit these pages time and again anytime you’re in need of a comforting, soul-filled pick me up.

2. Dave Ramsey’s Complete Guide to Money: The Handbook of Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey

Yes, Dave Ramsey is opinionated, loud, and conservative in many respects. But this guy knows money, and has millions of followers for a reason. His book, and podcast, has helped millions of men and women get out of debt and start thinking positively about their finances.

Imagine a future where you felt less stress and more in control of your financial state?

Sounds pretty amazing, right?

With this book, it’s fully attainable. Learning how to manage money is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself.

3. This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol by Annie Grace

Whether you’re sober, curious about quitting drinking, or love your glass of wine every evening, this book is a must-read. Annie Grace tackles the use and abuse of alcohol without judgment, a 12-step plan, or pushiness.

Instead, she focuses on alcohol’s role in our society and how drinking affects bodies and minds temporarily and permanently.

You’ll learn a lot about the impact of happy hours and late night cocktails that you didn’t know before. There’s no better way to be intentional with your life than to stay educated about your habits.

This book is stuffed with facts: you’ll also probably end up recommending it to friends and family. Anyone would benefit from her objective insight.

4. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

The Power of Now pairs really well with The Universe Has Your Back. Together, they form a spiritual-empowerment duo as the message in each reinforces the other.

For a lost or restless mind, The Power of Now is a must-read, especially if you spend time dwelling on the past and future more than being in the present.

Tolle’s meditative book will help you take agency over your thoughts in a way you didn’t know was possible.

You’ll find yourself in the moment, taking note of sensations and things you hadn’t before, and generally more tuned in to life. Isn’t that what it’s all about?

5. How Can I Get Through to You? Closing The Intimacy Gap Between Men and Women by Terrance Real 

Relationships aren’t easy. They require a lot of intentional work around boundaries, hard conversations, and individual needs. Luckily, people like Terrance Real write books that remind us that we’re not alone with those issues.

He’s an acclaimed therapist who has done a tremendous amount of work on classic male/female relationship dynamics.

This book is easy to read and so relatable, full of case studies and examples that illustrate common communication traps that help people break through the blocks in their relationships. Reading about therapy can be an enlightening experience.

You’ll gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your partner with this book.

6. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Intentions are an important pillar of setting yourself up for a successful life. Of course, intentions are really built on habits. This book is full of habit-forming inspiration and action items that will get any productive brain fired up.

Covey’s writing style is more story-telling than explaining. Apply his ideas to your professional and personal life, and pay particular attention to his exercise on defining principles.

Disclaimer: Covey wrote this book back when professional development predominantly catered to men. If you can overlook that and read with an open mind, you’ll surely be glad you did.

7. Double Bind: Women on Ambition by Robin Romm

Double Bind is a diverse collection of essays from creative, professional women. What happens when women identify with labels traditionally reserved for men, like “ambitious”?

This book is wonderfully inspiring no matter where you are in your career. You’ll feel like an army of women are encouraging you to advocate for what you need in the workplace, stay true to yourself, and own your ambition.

Goodbye, imposter syndrome, hello, career confidence!

Looking for more great books?

Check out Female Mind Unleashed’s lists of recommended transformative mindset books or view the entire booklist.

Then, visit the Female Mind Unleashed Shop to browse precious resources you can use again and again on your growth journey!