In today’s post, I carefully selected some of the best self help books for women.Each of these books offers unique insights into different aspects of life, from embracing vulnerability to mastering the art of discipline, from understanding the power of positive thinking to exploring the depths of human relationships.
Self-help Books for Women
Here are our top picks for self-help books for women:
1. You Are a Badass, by Jen Sincero
Jen Sincero’s “You Are a Badass” is not your typical self-help book. It’s a riveting blend of humor, irreverence, and practical wisdom, aiming to shake up your life. With 27 bite-sized chapters, Sincero, a renowned success coach, dives into the art of transforming your life by tackling self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors.
2. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, by Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Big Magic” is a treasure trove for anyone yearning to live a more creative life. Beyond just writing or art, Gilbert explores creativity in its broadest sense, urging readers to embrace curiosity, tackle fears, and find joy in their pursuits. The book is a masterclass in balancing pragmatic advice with soulful inspiration, revealing the hidden gems within each of us.
3. Good Vibes, Good Life, by Vex King
Vex King’s “Good Vibes, Good Life” is a beacon of hope, especially for those struggling with self-doubt and negativity. King, an Instagram influencer turned author, shares his journey and insights on transforming life through self-love. The book is an invitation to practice self-care, overcome toxic energy, and cultivate positive habits like mindfulness and meditation.
4. Stop Overthinking, by Nick Trenton
Nick Trenton’s “Stop Overthinking” is a practical guide to escaping the traps of overthinking that sabotage happiness. Trenton, with his background in Behavioral Psychology, offers 23 actionable techniques to rewire the brain, control thoughts, and change mental habits. This book is a deep dive into understanding and managing inner anxieties, focusing on relaxation and action.
Related: Top 7 Books on Habit Formation
5. Get Out of Your Head, by Jennie Allen
Jennie Allen’s “Get Out of Your Head” is a powerful call to break free from the destructive thought patterns that hold us back. Allen shares her personal journey and insights, revealing how we can escape the downward spiral of toxic thinking. She emphasizes the power of submitting our minds to Christ, unlocking the promises and goodness of God in our lives.
6. Forgiving What You Can’t Forget, by Lysa TerKeurst
Lysa TerKeurst’s “Forgiving What You Can’t Forget” is a deeply moving exploration of forgiveness in the face of painful memories. TerKeurst shares her personal experiences, guiding readers on how to move on and make peace with the past. Her approach is heartfelt and practical, offering insights into the process of forgiveness and its power to transform lives.
7. The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel van der
In “The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma,” Bessel van der Kolk offers a compelling exploration of how trauma impacts an individual’s physical and mental health. The book delves into the nature of traumatic experiences and their long-lasting effects on the body and brain. Van der Kolk, an expert in trauma, utilizes scientific research to illustrate how trauma reshapes both body and mind, often compromising capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust.
8. Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe, by Laura Lynne Jackson
Laura Lynne Jackson’s “Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe” is a profound exploration of the connections between the living and the departed. Jackson, a gifted psychic medium, shares her extraordinary ability to communicate with those who have passed, offering messages of love and healing. The book emphasizes that such abilities are not exclusive but available to all.
9. Untamed, by Glennon Doyle
Glennon Doyle’s “Untamed” is a powerful memoir and a wake-up call for women everywhere. It’s a story of self-discovery, breaking free from societal expectations, and embracing one’s true self. Doyle’s journey of love, divorce, and forming a new blended family serves as a backdrop to her larger message: the importance of being authentic.
10. The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brené Brown
Brené Brown’s “The Gifts of Imperfection” stands as a beacon of hope and resilience in our struggle for authenticity. This 10th-anniversary edition brings new insights and tools, helping readers embrace their vulnerabilities and imperfections. Brown, as a social scientist and a relatable friend, guides us through ten guideposts for wholehearted living, challenging the unattainable expectations that hinder us.
11. The Power of Positive Thinking, by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
Dr. Norman Vincent Peale’s “The Power of Positive Thinking” is a timeless classic that delves into the transformative power of faith and optimism. Peale, with practicality and empathy, offers techniques to energize life and gives the impetus needed to pursue ambitions and dreams.
12. It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way, by Lysa TerKeurst
Lysa TerKeurst’s “It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way” is a heartfelt guide to finding strength in the face of disappointment and disillusionment. TerKeurst, with vulnerability and humor, shares her personal journey of faith, offering insights into how our deepest disappointments can be divine appointments for encountering God.
13. The Power of Discipline, by Daniel Walter
Daniel Walter’s “The Power of Discipline” is a compelling exploration of self-discipline as the cornerstone of success. Walter articulates that while talent and skill are essential, self-discipline is the key to turning dreams into reality. The book offers insights into developing mental toughness and self-control, essential for overcoming obstacles and reaching goals.
14. Sacred Woman: A Guide to Healing the Feminine Body, Mind, and Spirit, by Queen Afua
Queen Afua’s “Sacred Woman” is a transformative guide that empowers women to heal and rejuvenate their body, mind, and spirit. Combining meditations, affirmations, plant-based healing, and ancient teachings, Afua offers a holistic approach to wellness. This book is not just about physical health; it’s a journey of spiritual awakening, inviting women to embrace their sacredness and heal themselves and their communities.
15. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey
Stephen R. Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: 30th Anniversary Edition” is a timeless guide that continues to inspire and transform. This edition, enhanced with insights from Sean Covey, revitalizes the famous 7 Habits for the modern era. Covey’s principles, such as being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, and synergizing, are more than just habits; they are a framework for personal and professional effectiveness. Covey’s approach is centered on fairness, integrity, and human dignity, providing a comprehensive strategy for adapting to change and seizing the opportunities it brings.
16. Girl, Wash Your Face, by Rachel Hollis
Rachel Hollis’s “Girl, Wash Your Face” is a candid and motivating call to action for women to embrace their true selves. As a successful entrepreneur and lifestyle expert, Hollis dismantles the lies and misconceptions that hold women back. She combines personal anecdotes with fearless humor to reveal practical strategies that helped her overcome feelings of unworthiness.
17. Maybe You Should Talk To Someone, by Lori Gottlieb
Lori Gottlieb’s “Maybe You Should Talk To Someone” is a unique blend of memoir and therapy, offering deep insights into the human psyche. Gottlieb, a therapist who finds herself on the other side of the couch, narrates her journey alongside the stories of her patients. The book reveals the universal themes of love, desire, guilt, and redemption that run through our lives.
18. Daring Greatly, by Brené Brown
Brené Brown’s “Daring Greatly” challenges the perception of vulnerability, showing it as a measure of courage rather than weakness. Brown, through extensive research, illustrates how vulnerability is at the heart of many emotions and experiences that bring meaning to our lives. The book encourages embracing vulnerability to experience love, belonging, and creativity.
19. The Universe Has Your Back: Transform Fear to Faith, by Gabrielle Bernstein
Gabrielle Bernstein’s “The Universe Has Your Back” is a transformative guide to shifting from fear to faith. Bernstein emphasizes the importance of faith and joy in discovering our true purpose: to love and spread love. The book offers an uplifting journey, promising strength in adversity, guidance in uncertainty, and joy in pain.
20. The Algebra of Happiness: Notes on the Pursuit of Success, Love, and Meaning, by Scott Galloway
Scott Galloway’s “The Algebra of Happiness” provides a unique and no-nonsense take on achieving success, love, and meaning in life. Drawing from his experience as a business professor and life strategist, Galloway shares hard-won wisdom through a mix of anecdotes and straightforward advice. He tackles big questions about career, work-life balance, relationships, and life’s priorities.
Here is a short YouTube video featuring some of the books I included in the list above:
Related: 20 Key Books on Self-Directed Learning
Final thoughts
Embarking on a journey of self-improvement and personal growth is a profoundly personal experience, and the books we’ve explored here offer a wealth of wisdom and guidance to light the way. From Stephen Covey’s timeless principles in “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” to Brené Brown’s empowering exploration of vulnerability in “Daring Greatly,” each of these works has something unique and valuable to offer.
