When we focus on our personal development we’re able to understand ourselves more and evaluate our self-esteem, self-confidence and our self-awareness. And from this we can go deeper into what we want, what we need and how we can get there, reflecting on what’s needed for that next step, whether it’s in your personal relationships or professional goals.
Reading is my favourite method for self-development, as I can move along at my own pace, reflecting as I go. And over the years there have been many books that made an impact on the way I think, so I wanted to share some of my favourites with you. These are the books I have re-read multiple times (admittedly some more than others) and each time I read them, I pick up something new. I hope they’re useful for you too!
Becoming by Michelle Obama
I absolutely love Michelle Obama. I find her ability to overcome personal and professional challenges and her ability to inspire and empower others so inspiring. Her resilience, determination, and grace in the face of adversity is something I admire. She speaks the truth and articulates life so well that I’m sure anyone can relate to her on some level and also get a sense of inspiration, and motivation. I read this book a lot and will probably continue to do so.
How to Do You by Jacqueline Hurst
Throughout the book, Jacqueline stresses the idea that we are in control of our thoughts and feelings. This has made me more self-aware, and I’ve been able to make positive changes in my life by applying this idea. For example, I’ve learned to take time to recognise my internal response and feelings and choose how to proceed when someone says something that triggers me, instead of blindly reacting. There are many more valuable lessons that I have learnt from the book, and I also really enjoy Jacqueline’s Instagram account.
Manifest: 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life
The best thing anyone new to manifesting can do is to read Roxie Nafousi’s book. I have recommended this book to so many people who, either had no idea what it was about but were open to finding out, or they were very dubious but gave it a go to shut me up (lol). Either way, it ended up helping every single person I had recommended it to and changed their perspective!
Last year, my sister and I attended Roxie’s workshop. My sister was sceptical and only went because I got us tickets and asked her to come with me. But she came along, and went on to purchase the book—and now she refers to this experience as the day and book that changed her life.
For me, it’s been instrumental in forming part of my self-development as, even after reading it properly, I still frequently pick it up and read a page at random or listen to it whilst in the gym, driving or cooking for a positivity boost!
It’s an absolute must!
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
Brené Brown offers practical strategies for overcoming vulnerability and shame and encourages people to be more authentic and open with others. In this book, she shares a speech by Theodore Roosevelt:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither knows victory nor defeat.”
“It’s not the critic that counts” has become a mantra for me. Whenever I’m about to do something that makes me feel nervous such as an interview or start to worry about what people think of me for posting on social media, I think of this and I feel the fear and do it anyway. Which leads nicely onto the next book…
Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers
This book reinforced the fact that everyone has fear but you don’t have to let it control your life. You can do anything and everything you want, despite it feeling scary. Just feel the fear and do it. I do believe when you’re right on the cusp of turning a corner or reaching that new level, there is always a moment of discomfort before it happens. I’ve now learnt to be okay with this and embrace the feeling because I see it as if I’m unlocking that level.