Books have a way of finding you when you need them most, and these six have done exactly that for me. They’ve shifted how I see myself, the world, and my approach to money and personal growth. I want to share a bit about each one and how they’ve influenced my journey, in the hope that one of them might resonate with you too.
1. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
I’ll be honest—this one was recommended to me by my therapist when I was struggling to understand how past experiences were affecting my everyday life. It was a revelation. Learning about the deep connection between the mind and body made me realize that my body wasn’t just carrying me through the day; it was carrying my emotions and past traumas too. It helped me see the importance of healing holistically paying attention to both my mental and physical health. If you’re trying to understand yourself better, this book is a powerful tool for connecting the dots.
For you if: You want to understand the connection between mind and body.
2. The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
This one is personal. The 5 Second Rule gave me a tool to face everyday fears and those moments of hesitation that can hold you back. Before, I used to overthink everything and end up doing nothing, paralyzed by indecision. Now, when I feel that hesitation creeping in, I count down from 5, and it’s like a reset button. I’ve even tattooed the rule on my middle finger—a reminder and a personal “F*** You” to fear. It’s a little nudge I need to keep pushing forward. This book is a daily lifeline for tackling fears and taking action.
For you if: You struggle with inaction or fear in everyday situations.
3. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
I first read this book when I was younger, and to be honest, I didn’t fully grasp its power at the time. It’s all about shifting your mindset and understanding the difference between building assets versus just earning money. Now, as an adult, I’m re-reading it to truly implement its lessons and build my financial confidence. It’s not just about money; it’s about creating a mindset that focuses on long-term financial health. If you’re ready to understand how to grow your wealth and change your relationship with money, this book is a must.
For you if: You want to build financial literacy and confidence.
4. Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown
This book felt like a gentle push to step into my own truth and embrace who I am, regardless of what anyone else thinks. Brené Brown’s words reminded me that I am with myself for my entire life, so why not fully enjoy the journey? It’s all about belonging to yourself and showing up as your true self, even when it’s uncomfortable. After reading this, I felt a newfound confidence to stand alone when needed and to celebrate the beauty of being authentically me. If you’re looking for something to encourage you to live your truth, this one’s for you.
For you if: You need a confidence boost in embracing and celebrating your true self.
5. The Pivot Year by Brianna Wiest
This one is all about embracing change. I used to be someone who resisted change, feeling like it would throw everything off balance. But The Pivot Year taught me that change is the only constant—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Now, I’m learning to enjoy the process of evolving and growing, seeing each shift as an opportunity rather than a setback. If you’re navigating a period of change or feeling uncertain about the future, this book offers a refreshing perspective on how to make the most of those moments.
For you if: You’re navigating change and want to embrace it with confidence.
6. The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
The Secret introduced me to the power of attraction. At first, it felt a little too simple—like, “Really? Just think positive and things will change?” But the more I practiced it, the more I saw how my thoughts and beliefs were influencing my reality. This book is about aligning your mindset with what you want to attract into your life, and it’s been a helpful tool for me in focusing on abundance rather than limitations. It’s not about magic; it’s about consciously shifting your thoughts and actions to create the life you want.
For you if: You’re curious about how your thoughts can shape your reality.
These six books have each been pivotal in different aspects of my life. They’ve helped me tackle fear, understand my mind and body connection, shift my financial mindset, and embrace the beauty of change and authenticity. If any of these challenges resonate with you, I hope you find something valuable in one of these reads. They’ve changed the way I approach life, and I believe they can do the same for you.