Favorite Self-Improvement Books On My Bookshelf
January is an excellent time to think about self-improvement goals. Today, I’m sharing a few favorite self-help books with you!
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How often do you pick up a self-improvement book in January?
Among the multitude of self-improvement books that are published every year, I have a few favorites on my bookshelf.
***Titles are Amazon affiliate links or links to my reviews.
Self-Improvement Books on my Shelf
(In no particular order)
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
One of the most practical self-improvement books I’ve read that includes excellent and easy-to-implement strategies.
The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Dr. Edith Eva Eger
Even though this is a memoir, Dr. Eger offers reflection on overcoming tragic circumstances and choosing our futures.
An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth: by Col. Chris Hadfield
Inspiring and entertaining, Col. Hadfield shares strategies that have helped him achieve success.
I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet: Discovering New Ways of Living When the Old Ways Stop Working by Shaunna Neiquist
Shaunna shares her story of refocusing and reconstructing her life after disappointment. (Christian)
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
A book for every introvert to discover her/his value and contribution.
Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness by Ingrid Fetell Lee
If you’re redecorating or simply looking to add a bit of whimsy and sparkle to your life, check out the suggestions here.
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
If writing goals or simply keeping a diary are among your 2023 goals, you might find this encouraging and inspiring.
Be the Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconciliation by LaTasha Morrison
If you or your church are looking to do more work in the area of racial reconciliation, this might be a good starting point. (Christian)
Don’t Overthink It: Make Easier Decisions, Stop Second-Guessing, and Bring More Joy to Your Life by Anne Bogel
Lots of practical advice for over thinkers here.
Gift From the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
These quiet and poignant reflections encourage contemplation for a life well lived.
QOTD:
Do you have a favorite self-improvement book?
I’m linking up with Deb @ Deb’s World and Sue @ Women Living Well After 50, Donna @ Retirement Reflections, and Jo @ And Anyways…. for the January installment of #WhatsOnYourBookShelfChallenge.
Happy Reading Book Buddies!
“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.” ~Rainer Maria Rilke
“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.” ~Denise J Hughes
“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.” ~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
“I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection! Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.” ~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text
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I love this list. An Astronauts Guide to Life had a lot to offer in terms of how to deal with the unexpected and resilience I thought. I love the sound of Bird by Bird too.
Thanks Janette! Hadfield is amazing and inspirational! Bird by Bird is motivational for anyone who writes! Thanks for commenting!
I must admit I’ve not picked up a self improvement book for quite some time Carol, but the Bird by Bird sounds like a good read. I did read Gift from the Sea last year (I think). Your selection is great to have as a guide, so thanks for that and for joining in with us.
I think you’ll find Bird by Bird inspirational Debbie!
A lovely post Carol. I have a separate page on my blog for Spiritual Wellbeing Reads, so that I can easy return to them as these are perhaps the only books I might reread.
This January I’m rereading the wonderful Bell Hooks book All About Love: New Visions written at a time she was looking for nonfiction on the subject and discovered nearly all the books had been written by men. There are so many passages I highlighted and it is like bathing in winter sun to read, such a clear eyed, nurturing perspective, one we need an annual reminder of.
I’m also slow reading a wonderful book called Belonging, Remembering Ourselves Home by Toko-pa Turner which is also interesting.
Loved Bird by Bird, that’s where I got the inspiration for the name of my blog. 🕊️
Thanks for sharing and for your recs! Love your blog name!
Great suggestions, especially the bird one about writing.
Thanks Jamie! 🙌
I’m reading Bird by Bird again now.
And I’m off to find Joyful.
Bird by Bird would be a lovely and inspiring reread! 🙌
Hi, Carol – Thank you for sharing this list. Years ago I received ‘Gifts from the Sea’ from my mother. It has been sitting quietly on my bookshelf for quite some time. It is definitely time for another read.
I haven’t read many self-help books. Quite a while ago, I read Deepak Chopra’s The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success. I got stuck on the first page of chapter one for quite some time. :O
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Gift From the Sea would be a lovely reread!
Hi Carol some interesting books on your self-improvement list and there are a couple I would be keen to read such as ‘Don’t overthink it’ and ‘Joyful’. Thanks for sharing and joining us at What’s On Your Bookshelf? and I hope you join up with us each month. I always glean new books to read and it is a lovely way to connect with fellow readers. Happy reading and enjoy your weekend. x
Thanks Sue! I’m thrilled we’ve connected through WOYBS! Happy 2023 reading! 🥂
I just put Atomic Habits on hold at my library. Great list
Thanks Wendy! Atomic Habits is such a practical book! Enjoy!
I gave up on this kind of book many years ago when I started to feel they essentially contained about 5% of worthwhile content and the rest was flannel. The only one I’ve read in recent years is the one by Marie Kondo – again a lot of flim flam but I did actually find her folding techniques for underwear, scarves and socks extremely helpful!
I’m very selective in this genre! Happy folding! 🙌
Great list, thanks!
You’re welcome! Thanks for visiting!
I’m not a big one for self-improvement books (although goodness knows I need some improving lol) but I did flip through my daughter’s copy of Atomic Habits over Christmas and have since bought it to listen to on Audible. Bird by Bird, though, is a fave. Thanks for linking up!
I don’t read very many and the ones on my shelf are probably not typical of the genre. I hope you enjoy Atomic Habits! Thanks for commenting!
It’s been a while since I read a self improvement book. I’ve been meaning to read “Quiet, The Power of Introverts”. Really interesting list.
Thanks Gail! Quiet is an interesting book and TBR worthy!
I enjoyed Atomic Habits and loved Bird by Bird. I also really liked The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey, Rest by Alex Pang, and The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod.
Thanks for your recs Janet! I’ll check them out!
My girlfriend picked up a copy of Atomic Habits. I look forward to learning from that one in particular! 😀
I know you’ll love it and find it practical and motivational in 2023 Lashaan! Enjoy!
Off topic: I thought of you yesterday when I listened to an interview with Brendan Slocumb, author of The Violin Conspiracy. I’m not sure if you’re into classical music but he’s also an avid reader and collector of comics, action figures, and super heroes. The interview is not shareable because it was part of my online bookclub which is a paid membership, but I just did a search and there are lots of interviews available. The one I was able to watch was in his office so his extensive collection of super heroes was visible! What a lovely, gracious, and optimistic human being! Violin Conspiracy is his debut and and he admits it’s biographical in large part which made it more compelling to read. While it’s a mystery, it also exposes racism in the world of classical music. And he intends to write more. A fabulous debut for him!
Ohhhh that sounds awesome, Carol! I do love classical music and it’s in fact all I’ve been listening so far this year!
You might love Brandan Slocumb! He sounds amazing!
I’m going to add the audiobook of The Violin Conspiracy to my list!! Thank you so much for putting it on my radar, Carol. 😀
You’re welcome! I think the audio book is a good choice because I’m sure it will play some of the music. Also, I think there’s a soundtrack for the music on Spotify. 🙌
PS. Here’s one interview which shows him in his office in front of a super hero poster! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1ySdOvCGIk
Ohhhh, he sounds like such a good guy too! I love it. And those are indeed DC Comics superheroes! He gets extra points for that! 😂
In the interview I listened to he was as excited about superheroes as his book!
Oops! That interview wasn’t the one that shows him in his office….but this one does! https://m.facebook.com/bookreporter/videos/brendan-slocumb/2091570387669270/
I don’t exactly have a favorite self-help book since I have read so few of them. I recently read “Unicorn Space” by Eve Rodsky and it’s the first self-help book I read in a long time. I enjoy the book because I do miss having a “creative hour” since being a mom. It was a nice reminder to continue pursuing your passion even if you are busy and/or you don’t have limitless amount of time.
Thanks for the rec! I’ll check it out!