In the pursuit of self-discovery and personal growth, there’s nothing quite like the power of a thought-provoking book. As an avid reader with a profound love for learning and fiction alike, I’ve embarked on a literary journey like no other this year. Having shared my top 10 fiction books for 2023 in a previous blog post, it’s time to shift our focus to the equally enriching realm of personal development.
Before we delve into the transformative narratives that have graced my bookshelves, let me take a moment to express my gratitude for the warm reception of the previous blog post. Your enthusiastic response to my fiction recommendations has been heartwarming and has spurred me to delve even deeper into the world of personal development literature.
In my endless pursuit of knowledge, I make it a point to strike a balance between two literary realms: fiction, where imagination takes flight, and personal development, where introspection leads to profound growth. With an average of 60 books devoured annually, this journey has become an integral part of my quest for personal betterment.
Through the pages of these personal development books, I have explored uncharted territories of the mind, unlocked hidden potentials, and gained invaluable insights into the complexities of human nature. The lessons they imparted are as compelling as any gripping fictional saga, shaping the way I perceive the world and inspiring positive change in every aspect of life.
But this journey of growth and learning was never meant to be a solitary one. That’s why I’m excited to extend an invitation to you, dear reader, to join our free online book club, solely focused on personal development books. Together, we’ll embark on a collective exploration of knowledge, sharing our thoughts, insights, and experiences as we uncover the wisdom held within these powerful pages.
Whether you’re a seasoned seeker of personal growth or just beginning to dip your toes into the vast ocean of self-improvement, our book club offers a welcoming and supportive community to accompany you on this journey. Together, we’ll discuss the most intriguing concepts, set meaningful goals, and celebrate the progress we make along the way.
Without further ado, join me as we traverse the paths of self-improvement and unveil the top 10 personal development books that have left an indelible mark on my 2023 journey so far—each one a beacon of wisdom and an invitation to embrace a more empowered, enlightened, and enriched version of ourselves.
Full disclosure, summarizing books doesn’t lie in my zone of genius, reading does, so I am grateful that I can refer to the book summaries I have found on Goodreads 😊 each and every book that made it to my top 10 has left a mark, either on my sleep or my soul, or both. I loved reading them either way.
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk
Trauma is a fact of life. Veterans and their families deal with the painful aftermath of combat; one in five Americans has been molested; one in four grew up with alcoholics; one in three couples have engaged in physical violence. Such experiences inevitably leave traces on minds, emotions, and even on biology. Sadly, trauma sufferers frequently pass on their stress to their partners and children.
Renowned trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk has spent over three decades working with survivors. In The Body Keeps the Score, he transforms our understanding of traumatic stress, revealing how it literally rearranges the brain’s wiring—specifically areas dedicated to pleasure, engagement, control, and trust. He shows how these areas can be reactivated through innovative treatments including neurofeedback, mindfulness techniques, play, yoga, and other therapies. Based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists, The Body Keeps the Score offers proven alternatives to drugs and talk therapy—and a way to reclaim lives.
Get Rich, Lucky Bitch: Release Your Money Blocks and Live a First Class Life by Denise Duffield-Thomas
Are you ready to break through your money blocks and finally make the money you deserve? In Get Rich, Lucky Bitch, you’ll unlock your hidden potential for abundance and upgrade your life forever.
Why do most women settle for pennies instead of embracing true wealth? It’s not because you’re not smart or ambitious enough. You’ve just been programmed to block your Universal right to wealth with guilt, shame, or embarrassment. Even if you’re unaware of these blocks and fears, you’re probably not earning what you’re really worth.
Join Lucky Bitch author Denise Duffield-Thomas on a journey of self-discovery so you can smash through your abundance blocks and join a posse of women all around the world who are learning to live largely and become truly lucky bitches.
Life Is in the Transitions: Mastering Change at Any Age by Bruce Feiler
A pioneering and timely study of how to navigate life’s biggest transitions with meaning, purpose, and skill
Bruce Feiler, author of the New York Times bestsellers The Secrets of Happy Families and Council of Dads, has long explored the stories that give our lives meaning. Galvanized by a personal crisis, he spent the last few years crisscrossing the country, collecting hundreds of life stories in all fifty states from Americans who’d been through major life changes—from losing jobs to losing loved ones; from changing careers to changing relationships; from getting sober to getting healthy to simply looking for a fresh start. He then spent a year coding these stories, identifying patterns and takeaways that can help all of us survive and thrive in times of change.
What Feiler discovered was a world in which transitions are becoming more plentiful and mastering the skills to manage them is more urgent for all of us. The idea that we’ll have one job, one relationship, and one source of happiness is hopelessly outdated. We all feel unnerved by this upheaval. We’re concerned that our lives are not what we expected, that we’ve veered off course, living life out of order. But we’re not alone.
You Are the Placebo: Making Your Mind Matter by Joe Dispenza
Is it possible to heal by thought alone—without drugs or surgery? The truth is that it happens more often than you might expect. In You Are the Placebo, Dr. Joe Dispenza shares numerous documented cases of those who reversed cancer, heart disease, depression, crippling arthritis, and even the tremors of Parkinson’s disease by believing in a placebo.
Similarly, Dr. Joe tells of how others have gotten sick and even died the victims of a hex or voodoo curse—or after being misdiagnosed with a fatal illness. Belief can be so strong that pharmaceutical companies use double- and triple-blind randomized studies to try to exclude the power of the mind over the body when evaluating new drugs. Dr. Joe does more than simply explore the history and physiology of the placebo effect. He asks the question: “Is it possible to teach the principles of the placebo, and without relying on any external substance, produce the same internal changes in a person’s health and ultimately in his or her life?”
Then he shares scientific evidence (including color brain scans) of amazing healings from his workshops, in which participants learn his model of personal transformation, based on practical applications of the so-called placebo effect. The book ends with a “how-to” meditation for changing beliefs and perceptions that hold us back—the first step in healing. You Are the Placebo combines the latest research in neuroscience, biology, psychology, hypnosis, behavioral conditioning, and quantum physics to demystify the workings of the placebo effect . . . and show how the seemingly impossible can become possible.
The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer
What would it be like to free yourself from limitations and soar beyond your boundaries? What can you do each day to discover inner peace and serenity? The Untethered Soul offers simple yet profound answers to these questions.
Whether this is your first exploration of inner space, or you’ve devoted your life to the inward journey, this book will transform your relationship with yourself and the world around you. You’ll discover what you can do to put an end to the habitual thoughts and emotions that limit your consciousness. By tapping into traditions of meditation and mindfulness, author and spiritual teacher Michael A. Singer shows how the development of consciousness can enable us all to dwell in the present moment and let go of painful thoughts and memories that keep us from achieving happiness and self-realization.
Chill and Prosper: The New Way to Grow Your Business, Make Millions, and Change the World by Denise Duffield-Thomas
Want to make twice as much money with half the work? It’s time to shift your mindset, recognize your worth, and become a successful entrepreneur on your own terms!
Feeling burned out by your business? Sick of the ‘hustle and grind’ culture of your industry? There’s a better way. Get over your perfectionism, chill, and prosper!
With her trademark humor and down-to-earth wisdom, money mindset coach Denise Duffield-Thomas shares the invaluable business and counterintuitive millionaire mindset lessons (no blood, sweat, or tears necessary) that will set you on the path of abundance – without all the hard work.
You’ll discover how to find the business model that works perfectly for your personality, and learn key concepts – such as the Golden Goose and the Keyless Life – to help you work less and earn more. Plus, Denise talks you through the small but important details of being an entrepreneur, including how to deal with awkward money situations and find the most effective ways to price offers. With real business case studies and practical advice, Chill and Prosper challenges the old, boring assumptions of what it takes to create success.
Why Woo-Woo Works: The Surprising Science Behind Meditation, Reiki, Crystals, and Other Alternative Practices by David R. Hamilton
Why should we meditate? How can crystals heal the mind and body? Why is visualization so powerful – and so effective?
Alternative therapies, healing modalities, and spiritual practices are often referred to as ‘woo-woo,’ – but many of these approaches are actually supported by compelling scientific evidence.
In this dynamic and thought-provoking book, David R. Hamilton PhD dives deeper into the true nature of consciousness and presents the cutting-edge research behind energy healing, crystals, meditation, and more.
- You’ll discover:
- The science behind some of today’s most popular alternative practices
- How your thoughts, emotions, and beliefs have healing power
- The benefits of nature and a holistic approach to healing
- A fascinating link between consciousness and human connection
- The relationship between suppressed emotions and disease
The ideas behind some of these holistic therapies have been around for millennia – but now we have scientific evidence demonstrating how they can contribute to physical, emotional, and energetic healing too.
It’s time to embrace the truth: That woo-woo really does work.
Lucky Bitch: A Guide for Exceptional Women to Create Outrageous Success by Denise Duffield-Thomas
Can you learn to be lucky?
Don’t wait for the stars to align or until you ‘deserve’ outrageous success. Get ready to explore the infinite possibilities life has to offer and unleash your inner ‘Lucky Bitch’.
In Lucky Bitch you’ll discover fun strategies behind the Law of Attraction to manifest the wealth you want, the love you deserve and the courage to go after the life of your dreams.
Learn the inspirational story of how life coach Denise Duffield-Thomas used these powerful tools to attract more than half a million dollars worth of free travel, scholarships, prizes and bank errors in her favour.
Lucky Bitch reveal the secrets of effortlessly successful women that can change your life forever, starting today!
Good Vibes, Good Life: How Self-Love Is the Key to Unlocking Your Greatness by Vex King
How can you learn to truly love yourself? How can you transform negative emotions into positive ones? Is it possible to find lasting happiness?
In this book, Instagram guru Vex King answers all of these questions and more. Vex overcame adversity to become a source of hope for thousands of young people, and now draws from his personal experience and his intuitive wisdom to inspire you to:
- practice self-care, overcome toxic energy and prioritize your wellbeing
- cultivate positive lifestyle habits, including mindfulness and meditation
- change your beliefs to invite great opportunities into your life
- manifest your goals using tried-and-tested techniques
- overcome fear and flow with the Universe
- find your higher purpose and become a shining light for others
With this book, Vex will show you that when you change the way you think, feel, speak and act, you begin to change the world.
The Book of Afformations by Noah St. John
Are you ready to join the Afformations revolution? One morning in 1997, college student Noah St. John was in the shower when he asked himself a question that changed his life: Why are we trying to change our lives by saying statements we don’t believe . . . when the human mind automatically responds to something even more powerful?
That’s when he invented the stunningly simple yet amazingly effective method he named Afformations®—one that’s since guided hundreds of thousands of people to improve their lives. It will show you how to reprogram your subconscious mind
Now it’s your turn to join the Afformations revolution!
