My Top Self-Improvement Books

Traditional school was never my "thing." Learning, however, was always something I was interested in. As most people, I enjoy learning about things that interest me. While I succeeded at my primary years doing relatively well in traditional school, large college classrooms were another story. “Disaster” would be a nice way of describing my 18-21 year old self. When I finally buckled down, picked a major, and graduated, my average GPA was a joke. If you think I was worried about those transcripts, well, I was not.

I had a winning personality and my wits about me. Could I rattle off the periodic table? No. Could I talk to you about actual business and grit? Yep. I was gritty from early on. And that was not something I learned in traditional school. Let me introduce you to my top self-improvement books. They are much more exciting than knowing what the light of speed is, at least to me.

Writing out my goals for the year. Reading is on there!

At 24 years old, I packed up and moved to Atlanta, GA to be closer to my then-boyfriend. I just knew I had to get out of New Orleans, where I had lived pretty much my whole life. The city and my day to day was stale, and I was restless. Growth and opportunity felt right, and that was my time to shine. My mental health and learning how to be more confident was counting on it.

Somehow I landed a job at IBM (remember that winning personality I mentioned?), and when they did finally get my transcripts after my delaying, they told me I was on probation. Did I care? No. I knew my capability for work was exponentially bigger than sitting my ass in a class. Guess what? I ended up getting Rookie of the Year. How do you like them apples? I was on the fast track to my definition of success. My world was being rocked (in a good way) by some super smart people, and I loved every second of it.

Mentors were enlisted (by me) all throughout my career at IBM, and I had people asking me to move all over the country to work on their team. Las Vegas was where I had my eye on the prize, and I left IBM to move there. I got married to a Brazilian guy and I had the worst time of my life navigating marriage. We couldn’t speak each other’s language (literally and figuratively), and decided therapy was the best route. It’s where I read my first personal development book, called The Dance of Anger. It set me on a path to work on myself, because we all know that depending on someone else to change is nothing but a waste of time.

The road was rocky for years, I’m not married to said Brazilian anymore, but I did find my groove with life for the most part. It’s a roller coaster, so best to enjoy the ride and start embracing all the parts of who you are.

Serious About that Reading

Between book reading and podcasts (and let’s not leave out therapy), I have drastically improved how I move about this world, and how I think. My brain has become my best tool for leveling up in my life. It’s powerful, interesting, and creative. Oh, how I wish I would’ve known this earlier. It may have saved me so many valuable learning experiences. You don't know what you don't know, though. When I found out I do not know as much as I want to know, I asked my “book teachers” - AKA authors - to impart all their life wisdom on me, as I am reading personal stories and accounts. They have done a splendid job, if I do say so myself. As it goes, here are my top self-improvement books that I recommend. And yes, I’ve read them all and incorporate pieces of each into my everyday life. Every.Single.Day.

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

This little book was one of the most powerful books I've ever read. It helped me define a lot of the most simple ways (FOUR, to be exact) of living a life well. The Four Agreements eliminates fluff and gets straight to the point. This is an easy, direct, must-read in the self-improvement books category.

Don't Keep Your Day Job by Cathy Heller

Cathy Heller was a huge impetus on a very big piece of my growth journey. I can't remember how I came across her, but I became a dedicated fan. Her book, Don't Keep Your Day Job, helped me redefine my career and find value in what I already did. My business is thriving because of the mindset shifts I learned from this book.

Limitless by Jim Kwik

Limitless is one of the most powerful books I've ever read. Jim Kwik is all about brain health, but he doesn't stop there. He really gets into how worthy and capable we all are of doing anything we want. Yes, it takes work. Also yes, it's worth it. I've recommended this book to many and will continue to do so.

Think Again by Adam Grant

If I could spend every single day with Adam Grant, I would. He one of my heroes in behavioral psychology, and his ideas are direct and to-the-point. I appreciate his encouragement to re-think how we think. Questioning ourselves and being our own scientists in every situation. If you're into reframing your mindset, this is your book.

Essentialism by Greg McKeown

Essentialism was one of the best books I have read to pare down what is actually important that I am doing in my days. No longer am I running around like a madwoman, trying to accomplish things that matter to absolutely no one, including myself. If you are burnt out on how much you do, read this book. Adding this one thing will help you eliminate a lot of unnecessary other things.

The High 5 Habit by Mel Robbins

I've been a Mel Robbins fan for years now. While occasionally she is a bit verbose, I do adore her to the core. Her message about loving yourself, looking at yourself, and telling yourself that you are awesome every morning helped build my core worthiness. I am worthy. You are worthy. If you are feeling a lack, please pick up this book.

The Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware

When I tell you I think about this book's message almost every single day of my short life, I am not lying. It's utterly profound, and if you want to live life without regret, it's a fantastic read. The Top Five Regrets of the Dying is a book I will never, ever forget, and I will always implement the messages I got from it. It's powerful.

The Gift by Edith Eger

Edith Eger is a hero. She was in a concentration camp and is the epitome of healing. Our pasts can entrap us in ways we don't even realize. Dr. Eger is a gentle soul, and it comes out in her books. The Gift is a gift to the world, and for those of us who have traumatic pasts, it is a must-read. I highly recommend this book.

Unbound: A Woman's Guide to Power by Kasia Urbaniak

We are in a time of women rising up and standing in power. Women have always been powerful, and we are called to help one another, and to help all around us. As a woman who wanted to live beyond what I knew, this book helped me stretch, expand, and know that I was capable of anything. As a woman, I think this is a phenomenal read.

The Power of One More by Ed Mylett

Often I think about this message, The Power of One More, when I want to quit. Anecdotally, I am taking French. When I want to stop, I make myself do one more lesson because I do want to learn it. If you're a motivated person, this will help you push yourself just a smidge more, and that smidge ends up putting you leap years ahead of others.

You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

Jen Sincero is an absolute badass and also feels like we could be best friends having wine on any given night together. Her story was insanely relatable, and I have fully immersed in some of the ideas she has in this book. When I need a badass kick in the ass, this is my go-to book. If Jen and I can do it, so can you.

Atomic Habits by James Clear

James Clear is such a smart guy. His newsletter is thought-provoking and kind, and I love reading what this guy writes. His book, Atomic Habits, is the same. It's' a gift to those who want to form better habits for themselves without getting overwhelmed. The changes he encourages are so attainable that you hardly notice, but suddenly you're looking back and wondering who you are anymore. In a good way.

The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks

I get chills talking about The Big Leap because I believe in this so, so much. Some friends and I did a book club on this book, too, and they were insanely excited to implement these ideas. I've read the book twice and I can see that each time, I get better at doing life because of the practices. Please read this book. It is life-changing.

Ask and It is Given by Esther and Jerry Hicks

This is not a book for everyone. To me, you must have a deep level of spirituality and/or faith to be able to get something out of this book. I don't recommend it to everyone, because I don't think everyone will receive it. When you do, though, you're basically the most powerful version of yourself you'll ever meet. I am still in awe of who I am because of the power of the ideas in this book. My faith is stronger than ever, and I am happier than ever with myself.

Library - Use It!

The best part about reading is that if you simply join your local library, which is FREE...ish. You can have literary genius at your fingertips at no charge to you. Except if you pay taxes, which I hope you do, and then you’re paying for it anyway. As in, you’re paying for the library. Use it. Or buy the books. The ones I listed above even have a link to my affiliate account on Amazon, so you can support me if you want to buy one there.

Either way, reading these top self-improvement books has been one of the most profound tools for change, growth, and mindset. I kind of love myself in ways that I didn’t know I could. And I’m really proud of myself. Don't you want to feel that way about yourself? I want every single person I meet or know to feel the same way. Bad news: it takes work, effort, grit. Good news: it’s worth it. A few painful growth seasons are worth a lifetime of joy and peace. Trust the process.

My Favorite Reading Place with One of My Favorite Reading Buddies

Whatever your level is right now and feelings are towards books, I encourage you to read one more sentence, one more paragraph, or one more chapter each day. I'm stealing this idea from Ed Mylett! You might even find that it’s hard to stop because the book is just that good. And if you don’t want to dive head-first into the self-improvement world, read something fun to start. Something you know you’ll simply enjoy. If you’re anything like me, though, you’ll want to learn more about yourself, and reading improvement books is a great way to get there. So what do you say? Buy yourself a book, or check one out from the library, get your emotional support pets, and curl up with a nice cup of who-the-hell-am-I??….I’m-reading-a-book! I can't wait to talk to you about everything you've learned.

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