"Whether it’s updating our morning routines, trying new workouts, or attending weekly therapy, most of us put a lot of effort into being our best. We want to be healthier, happier, more successful in our careers, have better relationships, or make more money. But while we’re working on our best selves every day, actually becoming our best selves feels more out of reach. Maybe you even know what you want (read: healthier bod, more successful career, happier life) but are not sure how to get there. Instead of rinsing and repeating the same habits over and over again, learn more from an expert or find out how someone else achieved the same goals you want to reach.
If you’re looking to change what your average day looks like and build better habits while breaking bad ones, you’ve come to the right place. Clear provides a practical guide for transforming your habits—no matter what your goal is—intertwined with inspiring, real-life stories of people who used his strategies to master their craft and become their highest selves.
Because there’s no such thing as too much manifestation, consider this book your BFF that will hand-hold you through seven simple steps to create the life you’ve always envisioned. Step one: Be clear in your vision. Listen to Roxie Nafousi on The Everygirl Podcast (click here for part 1 and click here for part 2).
For all you people-pleasers out there, this is a must-read. Part memoir, part self-help book, Untamed is about discovering your voice and living authentically. Doyle takes us through her personal journey of letting go of others’ expectations and, instead, trusting and strengthening her inner voice. The main takeaway? “Your job, throughout your entire life, is to disappoint as many people as it takes to avoid disappointing yourself.” I’ll leave you with that.
According to Robbins, all it takes is a simple habit—giving your reflection a high five in the mirror—and an easy morning routine to shift your mood and perspective, which she calls the “High 5 Habit.” You might be thinking that sounds silly, but after trying it for a week, I realized it all comes down to the relationship I have with myself and being my own biggest cheerleader. We shouldn’t wait to receive a promotion, fit in our favorite pair of jeans from high school, or finally get reciprocation from a longtime crush to feel more confident. We deserve to be happy now. The “High 5 Habit” tools are free and easy, which means anyone, anywhere, at any age can benefit from them.
Let’s face it: You’ve got to put in the work to live your highest self. Enter: this workbook that leads you through proven exercises to help you tap into your emotions and let go of limiting beliefs. Uplifting affirmations round out this guided self-love journal for a boost in self-esteem. What’s not to love?
This is a book about self-sabotage. Why we do it, when we do it, and how to stop doing it—for good. Wiest argues that any bad habit, problem, or not achieving the life that we want is often because we are holding ourselves back. In this book, you’ll find out why you’re resisting positive changes, or why you say you want one thing but doing another. With self-compassion, science, and inspiration, Wiest will inspire you to get out of your own way and live your best life. Listen to Brianna Wiest on The Everygirl Podcast.
If you’ve ever heard Brené Brown’s amazing podcast about shame and vulnerability, this is basically its mom. One of the hardest things to learn is being vulnerable, and this book not only reveals why it is so difficult, but also breaks down the little steps we can take to learn how. Brown includes several anecdotes to share just how she struggles with this same thing even though researching and discussing shame is her job.
Sleeveless tops, shorts, bathing suits—summer can be rough if you have any issues with body image. This book is not only a fun read, but everything Baker says is backed up by research, making her advice even more credible. Baker also gives tons of advice on just living unapologetically yourself, which we could all benefit from.
As a self-proclaimed perfectionist and atychiphobic (fear of failure!), I can get pretty hung up on every little mistake I make. The Self-Love Experiment is that bit of encouragement to get you out of those thoughts and remember just how much good your failures can do. Kaiser takes you on her journey to self-love and acceptance, and through her true testimony, you just might start to realize more about your own. She’s candid and real and doesn’t lead you on that self-love is a quick fix. Also, having a little reminder that you’re more than the sum of your failures is pretty powerful.
As the title conveys, Manson doesn’t sugarcoat it: “Let’s be honest, shit is f**ked and we have to live with it.” Rather than living in a world of sunshine and rainbows, he encourages embracing our fears, faults, and uncertainties to lead happier, more grounded lives. Equal parts a reality-check and humorous self-help guide, this book is the kick in the a** we all need.
You might know Oyeneyin as the sought-after Peloton instructor or from her popular S.P.E.A.K. Instagram Live series. Well, now she’s extending her trademark blend of positivity, empathy, and motivational “Tunde-isms” to fans on and off the bike through this book. She walks you through each step of the SPEAK acronym—Surrender, Power, Empathy, Authenticity, and Knowledge—while imparting what she has learned about loss, love, body image, and creating an intentional, joyful life.
No matter your experience level with the Law of Attraction, Gabby Bernstein makes manifestation simple and effective. The Law of Attraction is about more than just manifesting sports cars and diamond jewelry, and this book shows that it can be as simple as changing your mindset for a positive one. It covers the essential methods for confidently attracting what you want in life.
Ladies, it’s about time we write our own rules and blaze our own trails. The follow-up to the best-selling book Girl Code, Girl on Fire builds on the idea that you don’t need permission or validation to start fearlessly living your dream life and career, and it teaches you just how to do that.
This book is organized around 12 different cognitive biases, each of which Montell argues are impacting our daily lives in an era of information overwhelm. If you feel like your phone replaced your brain while you weren’t looking, or don’t know why you feel so sad/crazy/stressed right now, this is for you. Read our editor’s full review here and listen to Amanda Montell on The Everygirl Podcast.
According to the Japanese, everyone has an ikigai—a reason for living. And according to the residents of the Japanese village with the world’s longest-living people, finding it is the key to a happier and longer life. Having a strong sense of ikigai, otherwise known as purpose, may be the secret to happiness and physical health. This book provides practical tools to help you discover your own ikigai. If you’re over the daily habits and adding things to your self-care to-do list and just want to feel happy, this is for you.
In this refreshingly entertaining guide to reshaping your mindset and your life, Sincero serves up loving yet firm inspo, and easy-to-implement exercises to help you identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that stop you from getting what you want so you can create a life you love. And start creating it NOW. By the end of the book, you’ll understand how to make some serious changes, stop self-sabotaging and start living the kind of life that once seemed impossible.
We’ve rounded up 16 self-improvement books that will inspire you to work toward your goals and give you insight on how to achieve them. Your best self may actually just be a few chapters away.
