I’m one of those readers that reads around 5-10 books at one time. You’re either cringing or you feel so seen and you’re literally shouting out loud, “YES, FINALLY! Someone like me!” This is how I roll: I like to have one book before bed which has to be a fun/easy/fiction read, an audio book for my walks, and at least one personal development book for my morning routine read before I get to WERK. Anyone else? Personal development, or formally known as self-help, quickly became my fave genre in 2015 when I had a few life events happen and I was ready to educate myself and level up my life and my business. Below I’m going to give you a few of the books that I have personally enjoyed the most, but please drop more favorites in the comments below!
You Are A Badass Books I often call these books my bible and by that I mean the actual definition of bible, “a book regarded as authoritative in a particular sphere.” It’s my go-to. I have three hard copies (one highlighted to the nines and two to lend out) and a digital copy on my phone. LITERALLY every time I’m in a funk, I open the yellow badass book to any page, reflect on what it says, and I’m brought back into higher thinking, mood, and mindset. This book is the first intro I had to a bit of woo woo, such as frequency, vibration, manifestation, and mindset. Don’t worry, it doesn’t get all scientific and boring—Jen Sincero is actually HILARIOUS and make the book so fun and easy to read. Jen’s first badass book (the yellow one) is my top pick. While you’re at it, get the money one too. It’s incredible. “Having a good attitude and being grateful for all the things that are helping you live the life of your dreams will not only make your life a more pleasant place to be, and get you bigger tips, but it will also raise your frequency and attract the people and opportunities to you that will take you in the direction you want to go.” —Jen Sincero
By Jen Sincero
Atomic Habits Everyone should read this book. It goes in deep on everything habits, how to build them, why they work, why they don’t, and gives great examples that I’ve used in my coaching many times. It’s also super entertaining and well-written. The author has overcome a great deal and through that had to literally rebuild his life using his habit techniques. I read a chapter a day during my morning routine and it was the perfect amount, but don’t let the first gruesome chapter scare you away. ;) “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. No single instance will transform your beliefs, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of your new identity.” — James Clear
By Clear, James
Feck Perfuction I’ve met James Victore. He was a guest professor for a day when I was in college for graphic design. He’s a passionate human to say the least. He rocks his handle bar mustache, denim shirts, and cowboy boots all while tearing down papers off the wall aggressively during a critique to talking about how passionately he loves his family and his wife. He gets his point across, to say the least. And he’s just… himself. A thousand percent, unapologetically himself. And anyone who can be like that, anyone who can not worry about the trends and the competition, be passionate about what they believe in and live for… that’s a person I want to know and respect. James Victore, one of the most famous graphic designers, is that person and became a coach and role model without even realizing it. His words are worth reading, I can assure you. “What I believe is a revolution that you guys already have inside of you. The revolution is you. The revolution isn't something you're going to join. It isn't something you're waiting for an invitation for. The revolution is you.” — James Victore
By Victore, James
#GIRLBOSS Sophia is a bit controversial because she’s erected businesses and also torn them down. She’s “failed.” She actually lost her company after writing this book. All the more reason to dig in and read this juicy, unapologetic story. She’s bluntly honest about her shitty work ethic and how she finally found something she was passionate about and how everyone doubted her. She talks of how hard she worked, how she built a team around her, how she showed up as a boss, and how she showed up as a woman in a man’s business world. “Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back. Learn to create your own opportunities. Know that there is no finish line; fortune favors action. Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that you’ve always dreamed of, or still haven’t had time to dream up. And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way.” — Sophia Amoruso
By Amoruso, Sophia
The $100 Startup This book is inspirational AF. Chris leads you through several examples of people who had a good idea and went for it without abandon. He also speaks on why the heck it worked or didn’t work. You’ll find yourself identifying with so many of these case studies realizing, “I can totally do this too!” “As you begin to think like an entrepreneur, you’ll notice that business ideas can come from anywhere.” —Chris Guillebeau
By Guillebeau, Chris
