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I’ve always loved autobiographies and personal growth books. But something shifted after I turned 40 — I dove in 110%. These days, about five percent of my book choices are fiction. I just love to learn.
Between coaching, traveling for my kids’ sports, and managing all the moving parts of life, I’ve found peace in my routines. I take time each morning to read, reflect, and meditate. It’s become my version of selfcare. It keeps me grounded, helps me process life’s chaos, and reminds me who I’m becoming.
Since I spend so much time on the road, I also love listening to books on Audible. It’s like having a personal development seminar in my car and it turns long drives into opportunities for growth.
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Below are the books that have genuinely changed how I think, work, parent, and live. These are the life changing books that helped me grow my confidence, build wealth, and raise my self-worth, not through quick fixes, but through daily habits, mindset shifts, and the power of continual learning.
Make Money Easy by Lewis Howes
If you’ve followed Lewis Howes from The School of Greatness podcast, you already know his gift for simplifying success. Make Money Easy isn’t just about finances — it’s about energy. He reframes money as something we can approach with curiosity and empowerment, not shame or scarcity.
As someone who once felt overwhelmed by the idea of “financial freedom,” this book gave me a clear, compassionate roadmap. If you’re ready to change your relationship with money, this is one of those personal growth and development books that can truly shift your reality.
Manifest by Roxie Nafousi
This book is part science, part soul. Roxie Nafousi’s Manifest is the modern-day guide to manifestation — grounded, relatable, and built on action, not fluff. She walks you through seven steps to manifest anything you desire: from self-worth and clarity to alignment and gratitude.
I love this book because it doesn’t just tell you to “think positive.” It teaches you how to believe in yourself, even when you don’t fully see the evidence yet. If you’re on a journey of self discovery and manifestation, this is your new bible.
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
A timeless classic. I first read Think and Grow Rich in my twenties, but when I revisited it after 40, it hit differently. Hill’s philosophy on the power of thought, desire, and persistence feels more relevant than ever in today’s fast-paced world.
This book taught me that success starts in the mind long before it shows up in your bank account. The chapters on faith and imagination are gold for anyone who believes they were made for more but needs a push to take action.
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
You could call this the OG of self-development books. Written nearly a century ago, it’s still one of the most impactful guides on communication and human connection. As a coach and mom, I’ve found that so much of life comes down to how we make others feel — and this book nails that concept.
It’s not about manipulation; it’s about authenticity and empathy. Everyone should read this at least once in their lifetime (and then again when life humbles you).
The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles
Wallace Wattles wrote this book in 1910, but it reads like it was written for today’s entrepreneurs. It’s the foundation for many modern manifesting philosophies, including The Secret.
He explains that getting rich is a science — a repeatable process rooted in gratitude, purpose, and faith in your own creative power. It’s short, but don’t underestimate it. I’ve listened to it multiple times on Audible, and each time I catch something new that applies to my business and mindset.
The Power of One More by Ed Mylett
Ed Mylett is one of those voices that commands your attention. The Power of One More is about pushing yourself beyond the limits you’ve set one more rep, one more call, one more day of consistency.
If you love podcasts, his The Ed Mylett Show is a must-listen. Between his book and his podcast, Ed is the definition of growth mindset in action. His message helped me realize that my next level wasn’t as far away as I thought it just required one more intentional step. This is one of those life-changing books that makes you take massive action.
Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell
For every mom juggling career, family, and dreams — this book will change everything. Dan Martell’s Buy Back Your Time isn’t about working less. It’s about working smarter and freeing yourself to do what matters most.
He breaks down how to delegate, automate, and build systems so you stop trading hours for dollars. When I started applying these ideas to my online business and daily life, I felt an immediate shift in peace and productivity.
Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza
I read this book first, then listened to it and wow. It will absolutely blow your mind and rewire how you think about everything. Dr. Joe Dispenza blends neuroscience, quantum physics, and spirituality in a way that makes you truly see how your thoughts shape your reality.
If you’ve ever caught yourself repeating the same habits or patterns, this book explains exactly why and how to change them. It’s deep, thought-provoking, and worth every second. I highly recommend the Audible version; Dr. Joe’s calm, powerful voice makes it feel like a guided meditation.
Psycho-Cybernetics by Dr. Maxwell Maltz
This is one of my all-time favorite personal growth and development reads. Maltz, a plastic surgeon, discovered that changing someone’s face didn’t always change their self-image and that realization led to a groundbreaking study of the mind.
He teaches that your brain is like a goal-seeking machine once you program it with belief, your subconscious gets to work making it true. I reread this every year because it’s that foundational to understanding self-worth and identity.
Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life by Jamie Kern Lima
This one hits the heart. Jamie Kern Lima, founder of IT Cosmetics, is raw and vulnerable as she shares her story of rejection, perseverance, and purpose.
Worthy is for anyone who’s ever felt “not enough.” It’s a masterclass in self-belief and redefining what success really means. I cried, laughed, and nodded through every chapter. If you’re healing old stories of unworthiness, this will speak straight to your soul.
Girl, Stop Apologizing & Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
Say what you want about Rachel Hollis, but she got millions of women to believe in themselves again. Her books aren’t perfect and she’d be the first to say that but they’re honest, relatable, and full of hard truths about showing up for yourself.
I read these during a season where I was overcommitted and under-fulfilled, and her message to stop apologizing for ambition lit a fire in me. These are great entry level books if you’re just starting your self development journey.
The Best of Yourself: How to Manifest Your Best Damn Life Through You by Kathleen Cameron
If you’re in the manifestation space, you’ve probably seen Kathleen Cameron everywhere — and for good reason. The Best of Yourself is packed with energy, mindset tools, and manifestation techniques that actually make sense.
Her message is bold: You don’t get what you want; you get what you are. This book is about becoming the version of yourself who already has the life you desire. I also love her podcast, Becoming the One, where she dives even deeper into personal transformation. It’s unapologetic and deeply motivating one of my newest favorites for 2025
How Are You, Really?: Living Your Truth One Answer at a Time by Jenna Kutcher
This one feels like a warm cup of tea with a friend who gets it. Jenna Kutcher’s voice is kind, grounded, and full of wisdom for women balancing motherhood, business, and self-discovery.
It’s not a “rah-rah” self help book. It’s about slowing down, getting honest, and giving yourself permission to live life on your terms. I also love The Goal Digger Podcast, where she continues these conversations in such an authentic way. I listened to this one on a long drive to a hockey tournament and found myself tearing up; it’s that relatable.
Why I Love Audible for Personal Growth
When life gets busy (and it always does), I’ve learned that learning doesn’t have to stop. Listening to books has allowed me to keep growing while doing laundry, driving to practice, or cooking dinner. It’s turned my car into a rolling classroom and my errands into moments of inspiration.
If you haven’t tried it yet, start with a free trial and pick one of the books above. You’ll be hooked.
Final Thoughts: Keep Learning, Keep Growing
Every single one of these books has shaped who I am today — not just as a coach or entrepreneur, but as a woman, mom, and dreamer. Personal growth isn’t about fixing yourself; it’s about remembering who you already are and stepping into that truth every single day.
Reading and meditating daily have become my non-negotiables. Those quiet moments with my books, journal, and tea are where I reconnect with myself. They remind me that growth doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a daily choice to keep showing up for yourself.
I’ve also joined a manifestation community that I’m absolutely loving: House of Manifestation! We have weekly speakers, mentors, and even a book club (yes — you can listen along on Audible!). It’s such a powerful reminder that when you surround yourself with people who are growing, you can’t help but level up too.
And this list? It’s still growing. I already have a stack of books I’m excited to tackle in 2026, and I’ll be adding new recommendations as I go. So bookmark this post or come back later. I’ll be updating it as I continue my own personal growth journey.
Give the Gift of Reading This Holiday Season
If you’re looking for a meaningful, life-changing gift idea, consider giving the gift of reading. An Audible subscription or a few of these books make thoughtful, uplifting gifts for anyone ready to invest in themselves. Whether it’s a friend just starting their personal growth journey or someone who already loves learning — it’s a gift that keeps on giving.
Give the Gift of Audible
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: you don’t need perfect conditions to change your life — just curiosity, consistency, and the willingness to begin.
I am also a major nerd for manifestation books, communities, and positive posts. I will be adding Manifest: 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life to my Need to Read list! I haven’t seen this book before. I’ve also found in the last few years it’s been a challenge to read as much as I used to. I used to DEVOUR books, often times in a day – whereas now I find it much harder to do so and it’s mostly focus related. I seem to ‘get bored’, so my mission this year was to reduce screen time on my phone and instead divert that time to a book; either physical or via my kindle, just to try get back into it again. I truly believe that reducing my screen time on mindless activities or social media has really helped restore some of that longer term focus. Great book list too!
I love a good book but screen time and just everyday distractions can make it hard. That’s why I love Audible! I listen to books while driving and walking the dogs!
Love this list! I’m always on the lookout for personal growth books that actually inspire change. A few of these are already on my reading list, but I can’t wait to check out the rest — thanks for the recommendations!
Some great reads listed here. I have a few myself 😊