Whether you’re feeling stuck, looking for new direction, or seeking personal growth, a powerful book can be a right catalyst for transformation. So, here are some books on changing your life around—whether you’re searching for emotional healing, career shifts, or just a fresh perspective on life.
Stories and wisdom from authors who have walked the path of change themselves can help provide clarity, motivation, and practical tools to reset your mindset. I hope you find inspiration in the following books that will change your life.
I’ve included Amazon links to each recommended book, but you can also see my post on where to get e-books and audiobooks for free. (Check out how to gift Kindle books and how to gift Audible for digital versions.)
- 1. Atomic Habits by James Clear
- 2. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- 3. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
- 4. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
- 5. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
- 6. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
- 7. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- 8. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
- 9. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
- 10. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
- Honourable Mentions
- More Books That Will Change Your Life
Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using this link, but at no cost to you.
1. Atomic Habits by James Clear
If you want to change your life, start by changing your habits. In Atomic Habits, James Clear breaks down the science of habit formation and shows how small, incremental changes can lead to extraordinary results over time.
By focusing on improving just 1% each day, Clear’s approach to self-improvement is both manageable and sustainable, perfect for those looking to make big life changes without feeling overwhelmed.
Why it’s transformative:
Clear’s emphasis on making micro-changes helps you shift your mindset about progress. His techniques can apply to any area of life—fitness, career, relationships—and can help you build lasting, positive habits.
Key Quote:
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
2. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by past regrets or future anxieties, The Power of Now offers a path to inner peace. Tolle invites readers to live in the present moment and let go of the mental clutter that prevents personal transformation. His spiritual insights can help you break free from negative thought patterns, allowing you to embrace the now and find clarity.
Why it’s transformative:
The book challenges the way we typically think about time and personal struggles, promoting mindfulness and a deeper connection to our true selves. The part that struck me most was Tolle’s own epiphany: If I just can’t live with myself anymore, who is the “I” and who is the “myself”?
Key Quote:
“Realise deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the Now the primary focus of your life.”
3. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
In Daring Greatly, Brené Brown explores the power of vulnerability and how it’s key to living a more courageous, authentic life. Drawing on her extensive research on shame and resilience, Brown explains how embracing vulnerability can lead to deeper connections, stronger relationships, and greater fulfilment.
Why it’s transformative:
If fear of failure or judgement is holding you back, this book will encourage you to take risks and be more vulnerable in both your personal and professional life. Brown’s work is all about unlocking the courage to show up as your true self, no matter the circumstances.
Key Quote:
“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”
4. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
This spiritual guidebook offers four simple but profound agreements that can help you achieve personal freedom and happiness.
Don Miguel Ruiz draws on ancient Toltec wisdom to show how The Four Agreements—be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best—can transform the way you view yourself and interact with others.
Why it’s transformative:
These agreements can serve as a framework for shifting your mindset and breaking free from self-limiting beliefs, fostering a more harmonious relationship with yourself and the world around you.
Key Quote:
“Whatever happens around you, don’t take it personally. Nothing other people do is because of you. It is because of themselves.”
5. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
If you’re looking for a motivational, no-nonsense guide to help you break out of your rut, You Are a Badass is the book for you. Jen Sincero uses humour and practical advice to encourage readers to identify the self-sabotaging thoughts and behaviours that hold them back, helping them to create the life they truly want.
Why it’s transformative:
Sincero’s approach is fun and relatable, but also effective. It’s perfect for anyone who needs a confidence boost and a reminder of their inner strength. Her insights can help you stop playing small and start taking bold steps toward the life you deserve.
Key Quote:
“You are responsible for what you say and do. You are not responsible for whether or not people freak out about it.”
6. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
In Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, shares his experience in Nazi concentration camps and how he found meaning and purpose even in the most horrific circumstances. Frankl’s theory of logotherapy emphasizes the importance of finding meaning in life, no matter what hardships we face.
Why it’s transformative:
This book is a profound reminder that even in the darkest of times, we have the power to choose our response and find meaning in our lives. It’s ideal for anyone looking to rediscover purpose or struggling with life’s challenges.
Key Quote:
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
7. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This international bestseller is a philosophical fable about following your dreams and listening to your heart. The Alchemist tells the story of Santiago, a shepherd boy who embarks on a journey to find a hidden treasure, only to discover that the real treasure lies within. Coelho’s story is a beautiful reminder of the importance of pursuing one’s personal legend—our true calling in life.
Why it’s transformative:
If you’re at a crossroads and seeking inspiration to chase your dreams, this novel provides encouragement and wisdom, reminding us that life’s greatest lessons often come through the journey, not the destination. I love this book and could read it over and over again.
Key Quote:
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
8. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
In Mindset, psychologist Carol S. Dweck explores the concept of the “fixed mindset” versus the “growth mindset.” A fixed mindset believes abilities are static, while a growth mindset sees challenges as opportunities for improvement. Dweck’s research shows that embracing a growth mindset can help you unlock your potential, overcome obstacles, and achieve more in every area of life.
Why it’s transformative:
This book is perfect for anyone looking to shift from a defeatist attitude to one of empowerment. It teaches you how to reframe challenges and failures as opportunities for growth, which can be a game-changer in your personal and professional life.
Key Quote:
“The view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life.”
9. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is a guide to tapping into your creative potential and living a more creative life without fear. Gilbert offers insights into how to embrace curiosity, push past fear of failure, and allow inspiration to guide you in both small and big ways.
Whether you’re an artist, writer, entrepreneur, or simply someone seeking more creativity in daily life, this book will inspire you to live with more joy and freedom.
Why it’s transformative:
Gilbert’s warm, encouraging voice empowers readers to face their creative fears head-on and live a more imaginative, fearless life. Her insights are ideal for anyone looking to rediscover their creativity and approach life with more passion.
Key Quote:
“Do whatever brings you to life. Follow your own fascinations, obsessions, and compulsions. Trust them. Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart.”
10. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
In Grit, psychologist Angela Duckworth argues that the key to success is not talent, but a combination of passion and perseverance. Duckworth draws on research and real-life examples of high achievers across various fields to illustrate how sustained effort and resilience are the true drivers of success, more so than innate ability.
Why it’s transformative:
This book is a motivating read for anyone who feels like they lack talent or are facing setbacks. Duckworth’s research shows that determination and persistence can lead to long-term success, encouraging readers to cultivate grit in their personal and professional lives.
Key Quote:
“Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare.”
Honourable Mentions
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
Thought it’s tempting to just list all of Brown’s books, another Brené Brown classic, The Gifts of Imperfection is another one of my favourites. Here, Brown focuses on embracing who you truly are, imperfections and all. Her research on shame and resilience offers a road map to “wholehearted living”—living with courage, compassion, and connection.
This book is about learning to let go of the pressure to be perfect and allowing yourself to be vulnerable, joyful, and authentic. For anyone struggling with perfectionism or fear of not being “enough,” this book is an invaluable guide to embracing your flaws and living a more joyful, fulfilling life.
“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.”
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Untamed is part memoir, part self-help guide that empowers readers to break free from societal expectations and live according to their inner truths. Glennon Doyle shares her own experiences of self-discovery and challenges readers to trust themselves and embrace their inner wildness.
Doyle’s raw honesty and bold insights encourage readers to stop pleasing others and start living for themselves. This book is ideal for anyone who feels constrained by other people’s expectations and is ready to reclaim their own power.
Disclaimer: I didn’t actually like this book and struggled to get through it. I’m not sure why because this is exactly the kind of book I usually draw a lot from, but for some reason, it didn’t resonate with me as much. However, I’m keeping it on this list as I know it means a lot to a lot of people.
“The braver we are, the luckier we get.”
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
In this blunt and humorous self-help guide, Mark Manson cuts through the typical positivity-driven advice and encourages readers to embrace their limitations, accept hardships, and focus on what truly matters. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck offers a refreshing perspective on happiness by challenging readers to stop caring about things that don’t serve their well-being and prioritise values that lead to a more meaningful life.
This book is so popular, there’s now a sequel and a journal version:
Manson’s approach is perfect for those who are tired of conventional self-help platitudes. His advice pushes readers to let go of societal pressures and focus on what genuinely matters to them, creating a life that’s true to their values and not dictated by outside expectations.
As with Untamed, I’m glad I read this book, but it didn’t wow me like I expected from the hype.
“You can’t be an important and life-changing presence for some people without also being a joke and an embarrassment to others.”
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
Sometimes, turning your life around starts with your physical environment. In The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo introduces the KonMari method of decluttering, which focuses on keeping only the items that “spark joy.” By organising your home, you can create a more peaceful and intentional living space.
There are now two sequels, Spark Joy and Joy at Work:
The act of decluttering can be a metaphor for letting go of things that no longer serve you—whether they’re physical items, emotional baggage, or negative habits. Kondo’s approach can lead to both a cleaner home and a clearer mind.
“Keep only those things that speak to your heart. Then take the plunge and discard all the rest.”
More Books That Will Change Your Life
These books offer powerful insights, practical tools, and inspiring stories to help you make meaningful changes in your life. Whether you’re seeking clarity, courage, or simply a fresh perspective, these reads will guide you on the journey to turning your life around.
However, this is by no means a definitive list. If you have any other recommendations, please leave them in the comments.
Pin this post for later:
