At DrivenWoman we know a thing or two about nourishing our mind and soul, and during the hot summer months it is a great time to do so by reading inspiring personal development books. No matter what you’re going through in life, or even if you’re just looking to grow and learn, we can all benefit from a little self-help and learning. Here are some of our all time favourites and new personal favourites to consider delving into this summer.
“Own It: Make Your Anxiety Work for You'” by Caroline Foran, because our mental health is vital to our wellbeing. Author Caroline Foran describes dealing with debilitating anxiety in spite of the fact that, on paper, her life seemed to be going well. In Own It, she shares how she not only muscled through the worst of her mental health struggles, but also how she learned to live with her anxiety disorder and how she successfully manages it on a day-to-day basis.
Anything and everything written by Brene Brown. Whether you are only just discovering Brene Brown in “Daring Greatly“. Where Brene explains how daring greatly means the courage to be vulnerable, to show up and be seen, and to ask for what you need. If you have the time watch also this brilliant Super Soul Sunday video where she explains how she was raised to believe that vulnerability is weakness. Or if you are an avid Brene Brown reader and want to get ahead in your game, then maybe Dare to Lead is just the book for you.
“The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk. The book breaks out the ways in which traumatic experiences can have an effect on our minds, brains, and bodies. The author examines a variety of therapeutic approaches, highlighting both their benefits and their drawbacks.
“Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck. In Mindset, Dweck uses meticulously researched studies to prove that you really can do anything you set your mind to, and that everything you think you’re “bad” at is, in reality, something you can work toward and succeed in, if you so choose. You’ll walk away from this book with far more self-compassion, along with a greater appreciation for your own abilities.
“How to Relax” by Thich Nhat Hanh. How to Relax calls out our fast-paced society for its seeming inability to stop and smell the flowers. Through his easily digestible instruction and no-nonsense delivery, Hanh teaches us how to incorporate mindfulness and gratitude, and teaches us that we can center ourselves and even meditate anywhere—in front of the television, in our seats at work, or even on a crowded train.
“The 5 love Languages” by Gary Chapman. It outlines five general ways that romantic partners express and experience love, which Chapman calls “love languages”. They are acts of service, gift-giving, physical touch, quality time, and words of affirmation.
“Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” by Susan Jeffers. This book encapsulates everything about being a driven woman and being able to step out of your comfort zone. Jeffers explores what we fear, why we feel it, and what to do differently. We can fear losing our health, relationships or job, making key decisions, or being rejected, laughed at or betrayed. Jeffers provides a road map to help us feel our fears while taking steps to move forward.
“Professional Troublemaker” by Luvvie Ajayi Jones. The book is a guide to overcoming the fear that stops us from being our best selves and living our truest values. From friendships to honesty and responsibility to kindness, the author explores the touchstones of a meaningful life – boldly urging us to speak up for what we really deserve.
“You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero. Sincero provides an analysis of exactly what’s holding you back and provides powerful strategies geared toward breaking bad habits so that you can truly live out your dreams. A refreshing, 27-chapter, no-bullshit guide to creating a life you truly love.Become the badass you always wanted to be.
“Presence ” by Amy Cuddy. How can we be our strongest selves in life’s most challenging situations? We often approach these situations – job interviews, difficult conversations, speaking up for ourselves – with anxiety and leave them with regret. Moments that require us to be genuine and powerful instead cause us to feel phoney and powerless, preventing us from being our best selves.And if you have time, watch her TED talk on Power Poses.
“The ONE Thing” by Gary Keller. The surprisingly simple truth behind extraordinary results – is a self-help book that focuses on the importance of focusing on one goal at a time. The book focuses on a few essential concepts, such as prioritization, creating goals, and the effectiveness of single-tasking over multitasking, among other things
“The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle. Eckhart Tolle demonstrates how to live a healthier, happier, mindful life by living in the present moment. This book is a great reminder that living in the moment and not worrying about tomorrow can free up the energy you need to live a happier and more mindful life.
“Seven Spiritual Laws Of Success” by Deepak Chopra. This book is inspired by Hinduist and spiritualistic concepts, which preaches the idea that personal success is not the outcome of hard work, precise plans or a driving ambition, but rather of understanding our basic nature as human beings and how to follow the laws of nature.
We would love to hear what your favourite personal development books to inspire your summer are? Please share in the comments below.
~ Leonie
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