4 Inspiring Self-Help Books (Must Read)

4 inspiring self-help books to read in 2021 to improve your mindset, become more inspired, and add more joy to your life. Books to inspire you to learn, grow, and become more mindful so that you can show up as your best self every day!

As with listening to motivational podcasts, reading is one of my favourite activities to spark creativity, inspiration and learn new habits that could improve my life. I love to read non-fiction and self-help books, but I do also enjoy fiction (especially historical fiction).

Jump to:

• 3 Tips for Reading More
• 1. Think Like A Monk by Jay Shetty
• 2. Stress Less Accomplish More by Emily Fletcher
• 3. Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead by Brené Brown
• 4. The Universe Has Your Back: Trasnform Fear into Faith by Gabrielle Bernstein

I have been interested in self-help and spiritual books I read The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle when I was 20. It had such a big impact on my life, and will forever be one of my all-time favourite self-help books. I think of it as my entry book into the world of mindfulness.

As many people have already heard of Eckhart Tolle, I am sharing 4 other inspiring self-help books. These books cover the topics of mindfulness, manifesting, positivity, meditation, and vulnerability. Each of these reads has had such a big impact on my life! I am constantly re-reading them - they are jam-packed with valuable life lessons and reminders.

3 Tips for Reading More

Invest in an e-reader - A year ago I picked up an e-reader for myself, and I'm so glad I did! Having an e-reader has allowed me to read so much more than I was before. While I was previously reading 1-2 books a year, I am now on track to read 12-14. I do love a hard copy book, but I have found that I'm more likely to keep reading this way because I can instantly download a new book when one is finished. Or have multiple on the go!

Audiobooks - In addition to my e-reader, I also listen to lots of books on audiobook. This is especially helpful for people who just getting back into reading, are short on time, or want to make use of your morning commute. My tip with audiobooks: look for ones that are narrated by the author! I find them much more engaging and easy to listen to. I also find that listening to non-fiction on audiobook allows me to digest the information better, and I prefer to read fiction. But I'm sure everyone is different in this regard!

Goodreads - Have you discovered the magic of Goodreads yet? I absolutely love it. This site allows you to make a profile and save books that you want to read to reading lists. There's a yearly reading challenge, where you can challenge yourself to read a certain number of books in a year (for extra motivation). And best of all, once you've added in some of your favourite books, it will give you suggestions for other books you might enjoy based on your past favourites. I've discovered so many new books this way! You can find your friends on Goodreads and see what they are reading as well, and leave reviews and ratings for books that you've read. Think of it as an online book club! Find me on Goodreads >>

1. Think Like A Monk by Jay Shetty

I read Think Like A Monk as soon as it came out in September 2020, and have re-read parts many times.

Just like with his podcast, Jay offers a new take on mindfulness and many stories from lessons learned during his time as a monk. This book was everything I expected from Jay, and more. The audiobook is also awesome because Jay narrates it.

When you think like a monk, you’ll understand:
- How to overcome negativity
- How to stop overthinking
- Why comparison kills love
- How to use your fear
- Why you can’t find happiness by looking for it
- How to learn from everyone you meet
- Why you are not your thoughts
- How to find your purpose
- Why kindness is crucial to success

If I could buy one book and give it to everyone in my life, it would be this one!

2. Stress Less Accomplish More by Emily Fletcher

I actually found out about Emily Fletcher after listening to a podcast with Max Lugavere. I was very intrigued and decided to listen to Stress Less, Accomplish More on audiobook.

In this book, Emily teaches a new way of meditation called the Ziva technique. As someone who has tried many different kinds of meditation practices over the years, I have always found it hard to find one technique that worked for me. The Ziva technique was simple and easy to follow. Emily gets into the neuroscience of meditation, covering the many benefits with science-based facts that make it so appealing to give meditation a try! After reading, you will understand how powerful meditation can be, and understand a simple but powerful meditation technique that you can use to meditate every day. Best of all, she shares stories of many people who have changed their lives by making meditation a daily habit. This is yet another book that I will come back to and read again because there was so much to learn!

3. Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead by Brené Brown

I'm late to the Brené Brown party, but I'm so glad that I found her work! After watching her Netflix special The Call to Courage, I was hooked. The way that she tells stories and weaves in facts from her 12+ years of research is like no other. Brené is captivating, as both a motivational speaker and storyteller and writer.

In Daring Greatly Brené challenges our cultural myth that vulnerability is a weakness. She argues that vulnerability is instead very courageous, and has the power to bring people together. Brené does not sugar coat it - she knows personally that vulnerability is difficult. Most of us want to avoid it at all costs. But, by the end of this book, you might just be convinced that adding more vulnerability into your life could allow more love, joy, empathy, and belonging.

4. The Universe Has Your Back: Trasnform Fear into Faith by Gabrielle Bernstein

The Universe Has Your Back is like a field guide to help you to get out of your own way, and turn towards love instead of fear. Gabby teaches how to re-frame obstacles as opportunities for growth or detours in the right direction. Through her stories, exercises, and meditations the reader is guided to learn how to surrender and have faith. Through her own struggles with addiction, fertility, and anxiety - Gabby has put these lessons to the test and

While it may sound very "woo-woo" to the average person, Gabby's message is similar to many other spiritual teachers and has played a big role in helping me to shift my mindset and focus on gratitude, positivity, and joy.

Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what your favourite self-help books are! I would love to know. You can also tag me @nourishmintkitchen on Instagram if you are inspired to read any of these books and want to share your thoughts!

---