I’m a self-help nerd and I am not ashamed. I love learning about how the mind works, methods to become a better person, manifestation, wellness research—all that jazz. I easily read a dozen of these types of books a year. Below are three of the best self-development books you should read to improve your life.
3 Must-Read Books For Self-Development
“How To Do The Work” by Dr. Nicole LePera
With 7.1 million followers on Instagram, there’s a good chance you already follow @the.holistic.psychologist. If you’re interested in understanding how your mind created the patterns, beliefs, and conditioning that keep you stuck—plus how to get unstuck—then her book “How To Do The Work” yet, it’s an absolute must-read.
Reasons I loved this book…
- Her explanation of co-regulating and how our nervous system regulation is learned from our primary caregivers growing up blew my mind. This information alone should be necessary reading for anyone planning to become a parent.
- As far as I’m aware, she was one of the first people to start normalizing “little-t-trauma”. And how those types of childhood experiences create the subconscious programming that runs our lives throughout adulthood.
- Ego, Inner Child, boundaries, trauma bonds, trauma body, reparenting, emotional maturity, healing practices… Honestly, if I had to pick one book that would help you better understand yourself, your subconscious mind, and how to take responsibility and control of your life, this book is it.
“Set Boundaries, Find Peace” by Nedra Glover Tawwab
“Set Boundaries, Find Peace” is probably the book I recommend more than any other. Because we ALL could use a little help with setting healthy boundaries. If you feel overwhelmed, burned out, or resentful in your life, chances are it goes back to a lack of boundaries.
Reasons I loved this book…
- This book is rooted in practical advice. The way she explains things is easy to understand and easy to see how to implement into your daily life.
- She devoted a chapter to explaining the cost of not having boundaries. It’s helpful because I think sometimes we don’t realize some of the issues we experience in life can be traced back to a lack of boundaries.
- The real-life examples make it so much easier to see how to implement boundaries in different aspects of life. She walks through different examples throughout the book. Plus, she breaks each one down in a way that helps you see how exactly to practice it in your own daily life.
“The Source” by Dr. Tara Swart
“The Source” is basically the actual science behind manifestation. If you’re a bit of a nerd for neuroscience and love talking about aligning with the Universe-with-a-capital-U (like me), then you’ll definitely dig this book.
Reasons I loved this book…
- The neuroscience is absolutely fascinating. It can still be a bit heavy at times. But Dr. Swart does an amazing job of explaining the science of the brain in a way that is understandable for the casual reader.
- This book balances the scientific and the “woo woo” perfectly for me. Understanding the role the subconscious mind plays in manifestation from a scientific point combined with trusting that the Universe is supporting you is right up my alley.
- The second half of the book is dedicated to practical application. She provides a thorough and easy-to-follow system to “fire up the Source” (as she calls it) and start calling in the life you’re trying to manifest. And the Capricorn in me loooves and good step-by-step process.
So Many Books, So Little Time
As I mentioned before, I’m an avid self-help book reader. And there are so many good books available that it can feel overwhelming. My TBR pile never seems to get any smaller. But even with all the great books I’ve read, these three continue to be the three best self-development books that I go back to again and again.
If you read any of them, I’d love to hear what you think!
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