5 Personal Development Books You Need To Read

Posted on in Mindset by Dr. Marie Battaglia

personal development book

“There is very little difference between someone who cannot read and someone who will not read.”

Reading is essential. There is so much wisdom and opportunity for learning and growth that can be found in books, both fiction and non-fiction.

I was an avid reader growing up. I owned and read The Chronicles of Narnia and the Harry Potter Series multiple times. In University and Chiropractic College I traded in fiction for science texts and personal development books. Some of my favourite reads have been about personal development and parenting. I always enjoy reading something that I can apply to my life whether its my relationship, my parenting, my business or my mindset.

If you want to read more but don’t know where to start, here is a short-list of some of my favourites (it was hard to pick just 5!). Read, read read—and let the books touch you, make you think, challenge your views and bring you to new places.

1. The 6 Pillars of Self Esteem by Nathaniel Branden

The book demonstrates why self-esteem is basic to psychological health, achievement, personal happiness, and positive relationships. Branden introduces the six pillars-six action-based practices for daily living that provide the foundation for self-esteem-and explores the central importance of self-esteem in five areas: the workplace, parenting, education, psychotherapy, and the culture at large. An intense read but something EVERYONE needs

2. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

In The Four Agreements, author don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love. A very short, easy, but powerful read.

3. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari celebrates the story of Julian Mantle, a successful but misguided lawyer whose physical and emotional collapse propels him to confront his life. The result is an engaging odyssey about how to release your potential and live with passion, purpose and peace. A brilliant blend of timeless Eastern spiritual wisdom and cutting-edge Western success principles,The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari is a great guide for those who dedicate themselves to living a life where family, work and personal fulfillment find harmonious balance. Robin Sharma’s work is always very enjoyable as he is a great storyteller.

4. Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

From thought leader Dr. Brené Brown, a transformative new vision for the way we lead, love, work, parent, and educate that teaches us the power of vulnerability. Daring Greatly is not about winning or losing. It’s about courage. In a world where “never enough” dominates and feeling afraid has become second nature, vulnerability is subversive. Uncomfortable. It’s even a little dangerous at times. And, without question, putting ourselves out there means there’s a far greater risk of getting criticized or feeling hurt. But when we step back and examine our lives, we will find that nothing is as uncomfortable, dangerous, and hurtful as standing on the outside of our lives looking in and wondering what it would be like if we had the courage to step up and be seen. Brene Brown has quite a few great books, her newest one being Dare To Lead.

5. The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman

Simple ideas, lasting love. Falling in love is easy. Staying in love—that’s the challenge. How can you keep your relationship fresh and growing amid the demands, conflicts, and just plain boredom of everyday life? In The 5 Love Languages you’ll discover the secret that has transformed millions of relationships worldwide. Whether your relationship is flourishing or failing, Dr. Gary Chapman’s proven approach to showing and receiving love will help you experience a deeper and richer relationship with your partner. It includes the Couple’s Personal Profile assessment so you can discover your love language and that of your loved one.

Once you’ve chosen a book to get started with, set a goal of spending the last 30 minutes of your day reading. Not only will it move you towards being a better person in all areas of your life, but by minimizing screen time before bed you’ll also sleep better, too. 

Let me know in the comments – what is your number one all time favourite book?

I’m Dr. Marie and helping moms and their children is my passion. I support women through conception, pregnancy, and postpartum. I help babies with feeding challenges, torticollis, flat spots, and tongue ties. I help babies and kids optimize their neurodevelopment. Dr. Graham and I are life partners, business partners, and parenting partners to our two daughters, Zoey & Eloise. It definitely keeps life interesting but we wouldn’t have it any other way.