My Top Self-Help Book Picks (Part 1)
Human beings fascinate me. I always want to know more about how we think, why we feel what we feel, and the different dynamics that can develop between individuals. This is probably one of the biggest reasons I became a Life Coach and Counsellor.
Because there is such an large amount of information available on human nature, emotions, and behaviour beyond the training we receive as counsellors, and because I’m infinitely curious, I am continually reading and learning. I’m a huge bookworm and I’ve always got at least two books on the go.
Today I’d like to share with you the top three of my six current favourite self-help/personal growth/psychology books, which I often recommend to my clients. Next week I’ll share the second three.
I don’t take book recommendations lightly, so know that these are the best of the best that I have read in the past couple of years.
1. The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz
This book brought me such tremendous mental and emotional relief by helping me to challenge my assumptions, to stop taking things personally, to be careful about the language I use to talk about and to myself, and to accept that my best on one day may be different than on another. This is my go-to starter book for people new to self-help.
2. The Dance of Connection: How to Talk to Someone When You're Mad, Hurt, Scared, Frustrated, Insulted, Betrayed, or Desperate by Harriet Lerner
Need I say more? I mean who doesn’t need this sort of help at some point in their lives? Harriet has a wonderful way with words and her book is easy to read, yet full of powerful insights and effective suggestions and strategies. In fact, I love all of her books!
3. Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t): Telling the Truth About Perfectionism, Inadequacy and Power by Brené Brown
Another, less frequently used subheading for this book is: Making the Journey from "What Will People Think?" to "I Am Enough," which I think is an even better description. When I read this book I felt like someone finally understood the painful perfectionism I had grown up with and was fighting to escape. Brené is relatable, on point, and downright comforting. I recommend this for anyone whose worry about what others think of them dominates their life.
If you read one of these books, or have already read one or more of them, I would love to hear what you think and if you agree with my recommendations. And please also send me your book suggestions – I’m always on the hunt for new reading material.
Stay tuned for the second half of my list coming next week, and click HERE to read it.
Happy reading!