Inspirational Books to add to Your Bucket List

by | Jul 20, 2020

I ‘m obsessed with books. I love the way they feel in my hands, the way they smell (I’m being totally serious!), and how they have the power to transform my life.

I started reading inspirational books when I was 19 years old. Not a total kid but still a tad young to be enjoying the likes of Dr. Phil.

Yes, you read that right, Dr. Phil.

His book, Life Strategies was my gateway into all things self-help, self-development, and personal growth.

I became totally obsessed and read more books on those topics like it was going out of style!

Whenever I read a good book, I have to tell everyone about it. I can’t keep those gems to myself!

If you’re ready to feel happier, more fulfilled, confident, and in control of your life this post is for you.

I’m going to share the top 10 motivational books that will help you with all of that and more.

Don’t miss out on the following reads if you want to transform your life!

 

Benefits of Reading Inspirational Books

 

There are MANY benefits to reading inspirational books. In fact, there is NO downside!

You are worth the time and effort it takes to pick up these books and start reading.

Even if you only have time to read a few pages a day it will add up over time and help you develop the tools you need to create the life you want.

 

The following are some benefits to reading books that motivate you:

  • reframe unhelpful thoughts
  • expand your mindset
  • develop the motivation to go after your goals
  • improved mental health
  • become more mindful
  • increased gratitude

 

Top 10 Inspirational Books

 

1. EVERYTHING IS FIGUREOUTABLE by Marie Forleo

 

I can’t get enough of Marie! Last year she came out with this instant success of a book!

This inspirational book is all about taking your lame excuses and throwing them out the window.

As the title suggests, Marie believes that EVERYTHING can be figured out no matter how big the problem is.

Everything is Figuroutable will make you realize that you’re the only one holding yourself back from creating a life you love.

 

Life-changing quote:

“All beliefs are a choice and choices can be changed” – Marie Forleo, Everything is Figureoutable 

You will learn:

  • how to increase confidence in yourself
  • how to achieve your biggest goals
  • to shift unhelpful thought patterns
  • how to take responsibility for your life
  • to face and release fear

 

 

2. THE UNIVERSE HAS YOUR BACK by Gabby Bernstein

 

We all need a little dose of Gabby in our life!

Read this book and you’ll learn to turn your fear into faith and live a more joyful life.

Gabby will help you let go of control and have faith that the universe is always providing you safety and security!

This book will inspire you to embrace your spiritual side and in turn, reap the benefits of a spiritual practice. 

You will find the tools you need to feel less fearful and anxious about the present and future. You will begin to have faith that the universe ALWAYS has you back!

 

Life-changing quote: 

“Trust that your wounds are exactly as the Universe planned. They were divinely placed in your life in the perfect order so that you could show up for them with love and remember the light within.” -Gabby Bernstein, The Universe Has Your Back

You will learn:

  • how to release unhelpful thought patterns
  • how to let go of fear and have faith
  • how to embrace your spiritual side
  • exercises to find your true purpose bring
  • how to feel joy and peace

 

3. RISING STRONG by Brene Brown

 

Oh, Brene! Who in the world doesn’t love Brene?!

This inspirational book is a game-changer! It’s about having the courage to show up, be seen, and own your story!

Brene encourages us to be vulnerable, embrace potential failure, lean into fear even when it feels uncomfortable, and ignore the critics.

This book will help you feel unstoppable and realize that being vulnerable is being brave!

You will develop the tools to step into your fear and know that putting yourself out is what counts.

 

Life-changing quote:

“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage” – Brene Brown, Rising Strong

You will learn:

  • how to develop the courage to live an authentic life
  • how to embrace vulnerability
  • how to show up for yourself
  • how to create more joy in your life
  • how to brush off the dust and try again after a fall

 

4. YOU ARE A BADASS by Jen Sincero

 

If you’re the type to clutch your pearls this book isn’t for you.

Jen is sarcastic and sassy – and I LOVE it! She does the self-help thing in an entirely new and hilarious way.

Jen will help you overcome self-doubt and become a go-getting, goal crushing badass!

The stories she tells from her own life are typically the type of things you keep to yourself but that we all experience, which is why she’s SO relatable!

Read this and you’ll be on your way to creating an awesome life with confidence and courage!

 

Life-changing quote:

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” – Jen Scincero, You are a Badass 

 You will learn:

  • how to overcome limiting beliefs
  • develop an awareness of unhelpful behaviors
  • how to overcome obstacles
  • how to increase confidence
  • go after big goals

 

 

5. BIG MAGIC by Elizabeth Gilbert

 

This book was written by the author of a little book called Eat, Pray, Love. Heard of it?

This book is for anyone wanting to create something. Maybe you’ve thought of writing a book or painting?

Elizabeth Gilbert encourages us to embrace our creative side and create for the sake of creating.

Your thoughts about the creative process will shift and you’ll realize that creating simply for the sake of creating will bring you joy.

 

Life changing-quote:

“If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is in you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you” – Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic

Deep and totally motivating, right?!

 

You will learn:

  • how to embrace your creative side
  • how to overcome your biggest fears
  • to be true to yourself
  • how to let go of suffering
  • to cultivate joy in your life

 

6. GET RICH LUCKY BITCH by Denise Duffield-Thomas

 

This book is hilarious, sarcastic, and ridiculously motivating.

If you don’t have the financial results you want in your life you need to pick up this book. It will help you overcome limiting beliefs about your potential to earn money.

Get Rich Lucky Bitch a big game-changer. It will teach you that you are worthy of earning a s*** ton of money!

If you want to get inspired to take control of your life and attract abundance read this book. You won’t be sorry you did.

Life-changing quote: 

“You have to decide NOW that you are enough. You are smart enough, pretty enough, clever enough, ready enough. You can be richer starting today if you’re brave enough to define exactly what you want.” – Denise Duffield-Thomas, Get Rich Lucky Bitch 

You will learn:

  • what is stopping you from living the life you desire
  • to identify money blocks
  • how to create abundance in your life
  • to increase your confidence
  • self-acceptance and self-love

 

7. THE POWER OF NOW by Eckhart Tolle

 

Who doesn’t love Eckhart?!

You will want to read this book several times because as you evolve it will give you a different takeaway and perspective.

It’s the book that keeps on giving!

If you’re looking to develop mindfulness, be more present, stop future tripping, and let go of the past this book is for you.

As the title suggests, you will learn how to live in the NOW!

Life-changing quote:

“All negativity is caused by an accumulation of psychological time and denial of the present. Unease, anxiety, tension, stress, worry – all forms of fear – are caused by too much future, and
not enough presence. Guilt, regret, resentment, grievances, sadness, bitterness, and all forms
of non-forgiveness are caused by too much past, and not enough presence.” -Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now

You will learn:

  • how to be more present
  • mindfulness
  • embrace your spiritual side
  • how to release stress
  • to embrace your true self and increase joy

 

8. THE FOUR AGREEMENTS by Don Miguel Ruiz

 

This book is a simple read but SUPER effective in changing thoughts and behavior.

The lessons in this inspirational book are MIGHTY! I promise you’ll be a better version of yourself after reading it.

The book talks about 4 agreements you should make with yourself if you want to live a beautiful life.

The four agreements are: Be Impeccable With Your Word, Don’t Take Things Personally, Don’t Make Assumptions, and Always Do Your Best.

 

Life-changing quote:

“You can have many great ideas in your head, but what makes the difference is the action. Without action upon an idea, there will be no manifestation, no results, and no reward” – Don Miguel Ruiz

You will learn:

  • to live a life of integrity
  • to identify your values
  • to live a life in alignment with your highest self
  • how to overcome limiting beliefs
  • identify sources of suffering in your life

 

9. AWARENESS by Anthony De Mello

 

Just wow! Everything about this work of art is perfect.

It’s about becoming aware and letting go of illusions. You won’t be the same after reading it.

This inspirational book will help you wake up in every aspect of your life and respond to life in an entirely different way.

Anthony explains that most people don’t know they are asleep and through spirituality can awaken.

 

Life-changing quote:

“When you get rid of your fear of failure, your tensions about succeeding… you can be yourself. Relaxed. You’ll no longer be driving with your brakes on.” -Anthony De Mello, Awareness 

You will learn:

  • how to release attachments
  • the path to happiness
  • how to challenge your belief system
  • what it means to be spiritual
  • how to release conditioning and programming

 

 

10. ATOMIC HABITS by James Clear

 

This motivational book is by far one of my favorites!

This book is for you if you want to develop habits that help you reach your biggest goals.

James Clear will also show you how habits are formed and to ditch the ones that don’t serve you.

Atomic Habits is a must if you want to learn practical tools to get the results you want in your life.

 

Life-changing quote:

“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” – James Clear, Atomic Habits

You will learn:

  • how to create good habits
  • how to break habits that don’t serve you
  • how habits are created
  • how to create lasting habits
  • how to start new habits

 

Honorable Mention:

 

LIFE STRATEGIES by Dr. Phil

 

And last but not least, DR. PHIL!

How could I not add this to the list?!

As I previously mentioned, I owe it to the man for introducing me to self-help!

If you check out this book, you’ll find the tools you need to create a life you love!

His strategies are practical and will get you results!

Life-changing quote:

“At the end of the day, whether or not those people are comfortable with how you’re living your life doesn’t matter. What matters is whether you’re comfortable with it.”  ― Phillip C. McGraw, Life Strategies 

You will learn:

  • how to manage your life
  • how to take action
  • to accept responsibility for your life
  • to hold yourself accountable
  • how to reach your goals

 

There you have it, friend! Check out these books to take your life to the next level!

 

Until next time!

 

Jen x

 

If you enjoyed this you may also like Top Personal Development Blogs to Kickstart Your Life 

 

 

2 Comments

  1. Thankyou Jen 🙂
    Nothing is a coincidence. I just finished reading Marie Forleo blog then l came across yours and l have wrote BELIEVE on a chalk board thst sits on my kitchen window thats been there for years such a powerful word THANKYOU
    For taking the time and energy in compling a list of these books. I like how you gave a quote out of each book and summarize the books. So grateful for theses reccommendations.

    Reply
    • Hi Colleen,

      Thank you so much for your response! I am SO happy to hear this post was helpful and inspired you! Nothing is coincidental! I truly BELIEVE that! These are books that I’ve found the most helpful and have made a big difference in my life. I hope one of them will do the same for you! Isn’t Marie the best?! If you haven’t read her book, check it out. It’s such a fun and informative read.

      Jen x

      Reply

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Jen Ryan