Must-Read Personal Development Books to Help You Reach Your Goals

If you’re looking for a way to improve yourself, look no further than personal development books! These books can help you learn new skills, change your mindset, and set and achieve your goals. There are plenty of personal development books to choose from, but which ones are worth reading? Not all personal development books are written the same, and some may even be filled with fluff that’s not worth the time in reading. Don’t worry, I’ve read through all of these books and can confirm they did help in one of the following ways of personal development: physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, social, and financial. Some I have in physical form while others I have an audiobook of, but go back and revisit often or when I am ready to grow more.

In this blog post, we will discuss the must-read personal development books that can help you reach your full potential. Whether you’re just starting on your self-improvement journey or you’ve been reading these types of books for years, there’s something for everyone on this list.

Before we get to the books, please note I do have affiliate links, which means if you click and purchase I get a small commission that helps keep this blog going 🙂 And I do a little happy dance and appreciate your support at no cost to you!

Must-Read Personal Development Books to Help You Reach Your Goals

1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

So, you want to better yourself and don’t know where to start? A great place to begin is with a

personal improvement book. But with so many options out there, which one should you choose? If you’re looking for guidance on how to be more effective in every aspect of your life, then “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey is a must-read. In this bestseller, Covey outlines seven habits that will help you achieve your goals, both personal and professional. He covers topics such as time management, communication, and leadership skills. Although it may take some time to get through all 299 pages, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is worth the investment and will leave you feeling motivated to reach your full potential.

Buy on Amazon:

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

2. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

According to Jen Sincero, author of You Are a Badass, one of the most important things you can do

to achieve your goals is to get clear about what you want. “You have to know what you want for the universe to conspire on your behalf,” she writes. Once you’ve got a vision for your future, it’s important to take action steps towards making it a reality. But sometimes taking those first steps can be difficult. That’s where personal development books can come in handy. Reading about the stories and experiences of others who have faced similar challenges and come out on top can provide the motivation and inspiration you need to get started.

One of my absolute favorite books on this list which I first read at a time in my life when I wasn’t sure what I wanted out of it. I was newly married, had my second child, and felt completely lost in my purpose. After reading this book, I started this blog and got serious about my social media presence being a business not simply for play. All of her books are equally amazing. So, if you’re looking for a little boost as you embark on your journey to success, add “You Are a Badass” to your reading list.

Buy on Amazon:

You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life

3. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

In The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle argues that the key to achieving lasting happiness is to live in

the present moment. He based this claim on the idea that humans are chronically unhappy because they are preoccupied with either the past or the future. While the past cannot be changed and the future is unknown, the present is always constant. Therefore, by living in the present, we can focus our attention on what we can control and achieve a greater sense of peace. In addition, Eckhart Tolle provides readers with practical strategies for living in the present moment.

For example, he suggests that we become more aware of our thoughts and actions and focus on our breath as a way to ground ourselves in the here and now. Overall, The Power of Now is a thought-provoking read that will leave you with a greater understanding of the importance of living in the present.

Buy on Amazon:

The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment

4. Mindset by Carol Dweck

No matter what your goals are, it is important to have the right mindset to achieve them. In her book

Mindset, Carol Dweck offers readers a powerful tool for unlocking their full potential. Dweck explains that there are two different types of mindset: fixed and growth. People with a fixed mindset believe that their abilities and talents are static, while people with a growth mindset believe that they can always improve and grow. Dweck argues that it is essential to have a growth mindset to live a life of personal growth and development. By adopting a growth mindset, you open yourself up to new opportunities and experiences that can help you reach your full potential. If you are looking for a book that will help you change your mindset, then I highly recommend Mindset.

Buy on Amazon:

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

5. Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins

There are countless personal development books out there that can help you achieve your goals.

But if you’re looking for a place to start, then consider reading Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins. In this book, Robbins outlines a step-by-step process for taking control of your life and making lasting changes. He covers everything from setting goals to overcoming fears and breaking bad habits. And he provides practical tools and exercises that you can use to achieve success. With its combination of inspirational stories and actionable advice, Awaken the Giant Within is a must-read for anyone serious about personal development.

Buy on Amazon:

Awaken the Giant Within

6. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Dale Carnegie’s book How to Win Friends and Influence People is often hailed as one of the most

successful books of all time. The book offers advice on how to achieve success in life by becoming more likable and persuasive. Carnegie’s tips are based on his own experiences in sales and public speaking, and they have been proven to work time and again. If you’re looking for a book that can help you reach your goals, How to Win Friends and Influence People is a must-read.

This is one of the books I have in physical form as well as an audio form because it is such an important read and lesson for anyone in life. Each time I read it and/or listen, I pick up something new I didn’t hear the first time. And don’t worry, it has been updated to relate to our times of social media and networking digital age.

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How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age

7. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist is one of the most popular books of all time, with over 150 million copies sold

worldwide. The story follows Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who dreams of traveling the world in search of his “Personal Legend.” After a series of mystical experiences, he decides to follow his dream and sets off on a journey to Egypt. Along the way, he meets a wise alchemist who teaches him about the power of pursuing one’s dreams. The Alchemist has sold over 150 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 80 different languages. It has been praised by everyone from Oprah Winfrey to AARP. If you’re looking for a book that will inspire you to pursue your dreams, this is the one for you.

I purchased this book for my 11-year-old to read because I feel it’s never too young to start reading this book. It’s affordable enough that it should be on everyone’s bookshelf as soon as possible. I pull it out every so often and go back for a refresher when I’m feeling stuck.

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The Alchemist

8. The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama

If you’re looking for a book that will change your life, look no further than The Art of Happiness by

Dalai Lama. In this book, the Dalai Lama shares his wisdom on how to find true happiness and lasting satisfaction. He teaches that happiness comes from within, and that it is not determined by our external circumstances. According to the Dalai Lama, the key to happiness is to develop a positive outlook and to cultivate our inner strengths. He also provides practical advice on how to deal with difficult emotions and relationships. By following the Dalai Lama’s teachings, we can learn how to find true happiness and live a more fulfilling life.

Buy it on Amazon:

The Art of Happiness

9. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren is one of the best personal development books to help you

achieve your goals. In this book, Warren outlines what he believes are the five purposes of life: worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism. He then guides how to live a life that is fulfilling and purposeful. Although some of Warren’s ideas may be controversial, there is no denying that he is a gifted writer and thinker who has helped millions of people to find meaning in their lives. If you are looking for a book that will challenge you to think about your life purpose, The Purpose Driven Life is a must-read.

Buy it on Amazon:

The Purpose Driven Life

10. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide to achieving your goals, then The 48 Laws of Power by

Robert Greene is a must-read. In this book, Greene outlines 48 specific strategies that will help you gain and maintain power in any situation. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, build better relationships, or simply get ahead in life, this book will teach you what you need to know. And though some of the strategies may seem manipulative or Machiavellian, they are all based on historical examples of people who have achieved great things. As a result, The 48 Laws of Power is an essential read for anyone who wants to achieve their full potential.

I love to have this book in front of me and listen to the audible version at the same time to help get a better grasp of the lessons Greene is teaching. I have each of the books in the series and do the same with them as well. Each book Greene has written is equally as important as this one and I would highly recommend getting those also.

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The 48 Laws of Power

11. Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill

Think and Grow Rich is one of the most influential books of all time. In it, author Napolean Hill

outlines his philosophy of success, which is based on the power of positive thinking. According to Hill, success is not a matter of luck or talent, but rather a result of our thoughts and beliefs. By changing our mindset, we can change our circumstances and achieve our goals. This message has inspired millions of people around the world to pursue their dreams, and the book continues to be one of the most popular books on personal development. If you’re looking for a book that will help you achieve your goals, then Think and Grow Rich is a must-read.

Another book to have the audible as well as a physical form as I have several bookmarks in mine and like to revisit it often. You can’t go wrong if you only get this book on the list. It’s that good!

Buy it on Amazon:

Think and Grow Rich

12. The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss

Since its release in 2007, Tim Ferriss’s “The 4-Hour Workweek” has become a far-reaching bible for

entrepreneurs, budding CEO’s and anyone else looking to take control of their time and achieve their goals. In his book, Ferriss details his own experience ditching the 9-5 lifestyle in favor of a more efficient way of working that allowed him to travel the world and live life on his terms. Although some of Ferriss’s methods may seem overly simple or idealistic, the underlying message of “The 4-Hour Workweek” is an empowering one: that we all can shape our lives according to our desires. For anyone who feels stuck in a rut or frustrated with the traditional work model, this book is a must-read.

I have this one and it has several bookmarks as well that I revisit. He gives tips and tricks to apply that make a great change in your life and business and even gives some places to find assistants and people to help in your business. I only have this in the physical form because I have so many bookmarks.

Buy it on Amazon:

The Four Hour Work Week

13. The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz

It is no secret that many of us are struggling to reach our personal and professional goals. We often

find ourselves stuck in the same old patterns of thinking and behaving, which can make it difficult to create lasting change in our lives. Fortunately, there are a number of excellent books out there that can help us to break free from these unhealthy patterns and start living more fulfilling lives. One such book is “The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom” by Don Miguel Ruiz.

In this book, Ruiz outlines four powerful agreements that we can make with ourselves in order to achieve personal freedom. These agreements are: (1) Be impeccable with your word; (2) Don’t take anything personally; (3) Don’t make assumptions; and (4) Always do your best. If you’re looking for a book that will help you to create lasting change in your life, then “The Four Agreements” is a must-read.

I have this book and also got it for my 11-year-old to read. It’s short and to the point but makes you think and evaluate where you are and what you believe in your life. The sooner we can all learn these agreements, the better off we will be.

Buy it on Amazon:

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom

14. The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell

The Tipping Point is one of those rare books that has the power to change the way you see

the world. In it, Malcolm Gladwell argues that there are certain conditions under which ideas and behaviors “tip” and spread like wildfire. He uses a variety of real-world examples to illustrate his point, from the spread of Hush Puppies footwear to the dramatic decline in New York City’s crime rate. While The Tipping Point is primarily concerned with how ideas and products become popular, it also has a lot to say about human behavior more generally.

For example, Gladwell discusses why some people are more likely to take risks or follow fads, and he offers insights into how we can use these principles to achieve our goals. Whether you’re looking to better understand the world around you or simply want to learn how to be more persuasive, The Tipping Point is a must-read.

I love Malcolm Gladwell’s books and have several of them. This book was introduced to me during my freshman year of college at Ball State University during our “freshmen read” where all of us freshmen were to read and discuss the book. To be honest, it took me like 8 years to get through it because I stopped and started so many times, but the book has so many good thoughts and ideas to ponder I have kept it around since 2005.

Buy it on Amazon:

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

Are you looking to change your life but don’t know where to start? These books will help point you in the right direction. Whether you’re looking to set better habits, improve your relationships, or achieve more success professionally, there’s a book on this list for you. If you’re looking for some inspiration, these personal development books are a great place to start. Change can be daunting, but with the right tools, it becomes much easier. Pick up one of these must-read personal development books and get started on your journey today! And if you are interested in more of the books I’m into and recommend, check out my link to all of the books here: https://spl.it/9qiKmF