10 Must-Read Books For Self-Discovery
The road to self-discovery and self-mastery is often a life-long adventure, albeit a worthwhile one. Whether you’re completely just starting out on your journey to uncovering your authentic self or you’re continuing your pursuit of mindfulness, you must read these ten books for self-discovery. These profound books for self-discovery will offer you insight into why you act and think the way you do and will change the way you see yourself and the world around you.
How To Meet Your Self
Each of us has collected our own set of ideals and beliefs about ourselves and the world based on our past experiences. For those who’ve experienced trauma, whether in childhood or adulthood, these ingrained misbeliefs can put one into a state of survival mode. How To Meet Your Self is an interactive workbook for self-discovery that will lead you on your healing journey and help you to unmask your authentic self.Â
The Mountain Is You
The greatest obstacle we face isn’t the mountain of life, but rather, ourselves. The Mountain Is You teaches how you can transform self-sabotage into self-mastery. By gaining a deeper sense of how our complex bodies and minds work and process the world and our experiences, author Brianna Wiest guides the reader on a journey to truly letting go once and for all of past traumas so that we can live uninhibited and show up as the best version of ourselves, reaching our true potential.
The Untethered Soul
One of my personal favorite books for self-discovery is The Untethered Soul. Throughout the book, author Michael A. Singer guides the reader on a journey to reshape their mindset by using mindfulness techniques. Through these techniques, Singer shows how one can separate themselves from their emotions and thoughts. Only then can one begin to free themselves from their own limiting beliefs and begin to achieve true inner peace. The Untethered Soul was one of the very first books I read on my own personal self-discovery journey and so many of Singer’s poignant analogies have stuck with me after all these years. I highly recommend this read if you’re just starting your own mindfulness or self-discovery journey!
What Happened To You
I just recently finished this book and oh man, was it a journey! What Happened To You is a collaboration between Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce D. Perry and reads as a conversation between the two. It is an absolutely fascinating read on how the trauma we experience literally changes our brain chemistry. Even things we experience in the first few months of life can manifest as a plethora of mental and physical health issues decades later. The entire book is backed by scientific studies in psychology and is supported by trauma expert Dr. Perry’s firsthand experience with his own patients. Likewise, Oprah shares her own heartwrenching stories from childhood and how they shaped her as a person. This is absolutely a must-read if you are interested in psychology and childhood trauma. I’m not exaggerating when I say this is a book that could literally change the world.
Eat, Pray, Love
If you’ve somehow made it this long without reading the bestselling book or watching the subsequent hit movie, now is the time to do so! Eat, Pray, Love is based on author Elizabeth Gilbert’s own life. Through her memoir, she details how she left all she knew in America – a stable career, a beautiful home, and a committed relationship – on a search for self. On her adventures, Gilbert eats her way through Italy as she learns the art of ‘dolce far niente’ – the sweetness of doing nothing. Next, she prays in India as she delves into her own spirituality desperate to find inner peace. Finally, she heads to Bali to continue her journey for self-discovery and find balance, where she unexpectedly finds love.
Read more: How To Find Your Life’s Purpose
Big Magic
Yet another work from bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert. Big Magic is a must-read for creative types. Gilbert uses her own approach she uses as a creative writer to inspire others to accept and hone their own creativity. The author explains how one can embrace their curiosity, face their fears, and get out of their own head in order to live a truly creative life.
The Gifts Of Imperfection
Author of an astounding six #1 New York Times Bestsellers, Brene Brown has become a leader in self-help and personal transformation. Dr. Brown is a research professor that has spent decades studying topics such as courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. The Gifts Of Imperfection is a practical guide that offers helpful advice on self-discovery and embracing your true self which can be applied to everyday mindset practices.
Atomic Habits
Perhaps not a traditional book for self-discovery, however, I think that this is a must-read for anyone who wants to improve their life. After all, how can you know who you are until you know what you are capable of? Atomic Habits will teach you how to get one percent better each day and build habits that last. Author James Clear teaches you how you can live as your ideal self and achieve all that you dream of by setting strategic systems rather than goals.
The Road Back To You
The Road Back To You will help you find your true, authentic self if you’re feeling lost. This book explores the nine, interconnected Enneagram types that each of us falls under. Through learning about your unique Enneagram type, you’ll not only gain a better understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses but also why others act and behave in the way they do. By studying the nine Enneagram types, you can confidently know what your ‘type’ is as well as learn the unique qualities and gifts that your specific type brings to the world.
The Four Agreements
Recognize and put an end to self-limiting beliefs and achieve true personal freedom and happiness by utilizing The Four Agreements. Recommended by philanthropist, motivational speaker, and author herself, Oprah Winfrey, who credits this book for changing the way she views and approaches life. The Four Agreements will teach you many inspiring lessons on how to find inner peace and live in harmony among others.
