13 Self-Development Books I Read To Get Unstuck
Do you ever feel like there are big things you want to do but can’t bring yourself to do them?
You’re feeling stuck - and you aren’t alone.
75% of people report feeling “stuck” in their lives. But what should you do about it?
To achieve more in 2024, we have to take matters into our own hands. Overcome, overcome, overcome - until we become something new.
And reading is the secret.
These reads set me free; I hope they do the same for you.
What I Read To Boost Confidence
Imposter syndrome, or being frozen by fear, is the worst! And women have it tougher than most.
Although my favourite thought to overcome imposter syndrome is simply the mantra, “Why not me?” (In witty retort to why me) - I couldn’t have gotten there without these reads to light the way.
1 - The Confidence Formula
We love a Napoleon Hill book; this one dives into the roots of self-doubt, demystifying the phenomenon with relatable stories and practical strategies. It's a down-to-earth toolkit for personal growth, helping you identify and challenge negative thoughts. This is the best book I’ve read for imposter syndrome.
2 - Freedom From Your Fears
An easy workbook-style read, this book explores the roots of fear and provides actionable strategies to overcome them. Through compelling anecdotes and insightful teachings, the book illustrates that true freedom lies in mastering one's fears. You got this!
Books To Overcome Overwhelm & Anxiety
It’s difficult to get anything done when you’re brain won’t stop yammering at you about what could go wrong. Psychologists call this “distorted thinking”; I call it annoying. Luckily, these books helped.
3 -The Surrender Experiment
What would happen if you just “let go?” In this book, Michael A Singer shows why you should believe in the benevolent universe theory, that is - everything will work out just the way it is supposed to, if you trust and let go. I loved this book so much that I read the sequel!
4 - The Untethered Soul
The sequel to the surrender experiment - this book increased my ability to navigate difficult emotions more than any therapeutic modality I have ever tried.
It walks you through how to have a better relationship with your thoughts by stepping outside of yourself and acting as on observer. Meta, yes - epic, you bet.
5 - The Daily Stoic
Did you know that Stoic philosophy is the basis for CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)?
This book by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman draws on the teachings of Stoic philosophy to provide daily meditations for living a more intentional and fulfilling life. Promoting wisdom, resilience, and a sense of inner calm in the face of life's challenges. I read my daily stoic every morning when I wake up, like an advent calendar for your brain, and not just for Christmas.
Books To Master Finance & Money Mindset
Finance can be overwhelming - and investors love being convoluted, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Just read these three books on money, and you’ll not only feel like a million bucks, but you might make it as well.
6 - The Psychology of Money
This book by Morgan Housel explores the complex and often irrational relationship (again for the people in the back) between individuals and money. By exploring the psychological factors that influence financial decision-making, we learn that personal finance is more about behaviour than numbers. By challenging traditional notions about finance we can build a more healthy and sustainable relationship with money. Plus, he’s a great writer.
7 - I Will Teach You To Be Rich
Whether you read the book or watch the Netflix special How To Get Rich, Author Ramit Sethi will teach you how to live your rich life. (Order the guac babe!) It covers everything from overcoming debt to understanding where to invest and even how to build a better money mindset. My favourite is when Ramit meets someone who wants to spend a lot and doesn’t make a lot - he says, okay - so you need to make more money.. how are you going to do that? #realtalk!
8 - Rich Dad, Poor Dad
This book by entrepreneur & investor Robert T. Kiyosaki has been the personal finance #1 bestseller for over 25 years! In fact, I remember my Dad taking me to his seminar when I was around 10. Qudos dad! The book explodes the myth that you need to earn a high income to be rich and explains the difference between working for money and having your money work for you.
Books I Read To Feel Motivated
Sometimes, you need a little motivation to get yourself dreaming again. These are my favourite go-to’s that bring me back to being in-awe, inspired, and a dreamer.
9 - The New Psychology Of Achievement
When Billionaire and Lululemon founder Chip Wilson was asked the book he most attributes to his success, he said this one, and it does not disappoint. There’s a lot to say about this book by Brian Tracy, so I’ll leave you with a few bullet points that he lists on the description:
Get on the fast track to achieving your goals faster than you've ever dreamed possible
Develop a rock-solid self-concept based on the latest research in Positive Psychology
Unlock the secret to doubling your brainpower and sharpening your intuition
Master a foolproof 12-point formula that quadruples productivity
10 - Think and Grow Rich
From the day 12 years ago that I plucked this book from my boyfriend's (now husband’s) shelf, I was hooked! I guess there’s a reason it’s the #1-selling success book of all time.
Author Napolean Hill (yes, him again) teaches the 13 steps to riches, including positive thinking, persistence, and focused desire. He interviews the richest people of his time, building the book’s premis on facts rather than theory.
Books That Changed My Mindset
You can rewire your brain you know - neuroplasticity has your back. I believe anyone can change their brain until the days of feeling stuck are in the rearview. Here are my TOP PICKS that helped me do it.
11 - Mindset
Author Carol Dweck, a Stanford psychologist, discovered that a “growth mindset” is a key performance indicator to success. The book explains the theory and teaches you how you can harness a growth mindset.
Stanford colleague Andrew Huberman explains.
12 - Extreme Ownership
Required reading if you want to achieve anything that is hard and requires discomfort - this book by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin advocates for embracing total responsibility in all aspects of life. It inspired me to adopt an ownership mindset and navigate challenges with resilience.
13 - Psyco-cybernetics
Never underestimate the power of visualization and self-worth. Author Maxwell Maltz was the first researcher to theorize and explain how self-image controls an individual's ability to achieve any goal. This book covers techniques for improving and managing self-image - visualization, mental rehearsal, relaxation - that have informed and inspired over 30 million people.
I read all these books because I was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. I knew there was an easier life out there if I was willing to work for it. There’s always more to learn, but these books helped me lay a solid foundation for peace.
The real secret sauce that helped me was creating a goal-setting practice and framework - you can get that here.
Until next time - sending you growth, gratitude & good vibes.
- Steph
