I used to hate reading books. In fact, the only books I read in my whole life were either textbooks or novels I was forced to read in school. But when I graduated from college, I just felt so unfulfilled and uninspired. I fell into this sort-of dark period in my life, which led me towards personal development. After that, I became totally OBSESSED with self-help books. Here’s my pick of the 7 best self-help books that every millennial should read, or at least know about.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Source: Amazon
This book changed my life. I know that sounds so cliché, but its true. I am a self-diagnosed perfectionist, so I tend to worry about “what-if” situations. But reading this book gave me a true understanding of what it means to “live in the present”. I remember attending a lunch and learn session about mindfulness and dismissing the whole thing because it just sounded so dumb. But after reading this book, I am a big believer in the power of the present moment. Many of us are taught to work hard now so that we can reap the benefits in the future. But guess what? You don’t have to wait because the present moment is bliss, you just have to embrace it.
This Book is for: Millennials who tend to worry about the future and are prone to overthinking.
Get the Book: Amazon
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Source: Amazon
Now, this may not be your traditional self-help book but it’s such a fun and inspiring read. Elizabeth Gilbert takes you on her year-long journey in three countries that begin with the letter “I” – Italy, India, and Indonesia. From indulging in fresh margarita pizzas in Italy to meditating at 5 am in India, to bonding with a toothless medicine man in Indonesia. Eat, Pray, Love is a blast to read. It inspires wanderlust and makes you want to pack your bags and go on an impromptu adventure.
This Book is for: Millennials who are looking for an inspirational, light-hearted, and refreshing read.
Get the Book: Amazon
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The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
Source: Amazon
Marie Kondo was all the hype in early 2019 when she released her Netflix show. Don’t get me the wrong, the show is great. But it just reminded me a little bit too much of those cheesy TLC shows. If you’re craving something with more depth from Marie Kondo, then you should definitely read her book. Kondo breaks down how to effectively declutter your home once and for all. Seriously, how did we all grow up without anyone teaching us the proper way to clean our homes? We were forced to calculate the intercept of a parabola, but not this? Madness.
This Book is for: Millennials who want to get that “fresh start” feeling.
Get the Book: Amazon
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Source: Amazon
I’m not sure if you can tell, but I just adore Elizabeth Gilbert. That’s why she’s on my list twice. Unlike Eat, Pray, Love, Big Magic is more akin to your typical self-help book. It’s all about working with your fear and creative genius to pursue your creative passion. Yes, I said with your fear for a reason. I’m sure you have been told, at some point in your life, that you need to OVERCOME your fears, but Gilbert takes a different perspective in her book. Instead of overcoming your fears, just learn to work with them. The less you fight your fear, the less it fights back.
This Book is for: Millennials who are feeling nervous to take the leap of faith to start their creative endeavors.
Get the Book: Amazon
You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
Source: Amazon
I like to think of You Are a Badass as a more general, less specialized version of Big Magic. While Big Magic focuses on those people who are in creative endeavors, You Are a Badass applies to everyone. Jen Sincero serves up an entertaining self-help book full of funny stories and important life lessons, with a sprinkle of swear words. If you are always making up excuses to not pursue your dream or passion, then this book just might be what you need to ignite that spark in you.
This Book is for: Millennials who are professional procrastinators at delaying their pursuit of life-long dreams and passions.
Get the Book: Amazon
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Source: Amazon
I’m sure you have heard of animals being domesticated, but have you heard about the domestication of humans? The elements in your life that you had no control over such as your childhood, your environment, your parents, your school are what shaped you as a human being. The main focus of the book is on breaking free of your limiting beliefs or “agreements” as the author likes to call it and replacing them with a new set of agreements with ourselves. With less than 200 pages, The Four Agreements is a short and sweet book with 4 important life lessons presented in an easily digestible format.
This Book is for: Millennials who struggle with limiting beliefs and aspire to make positive changes in their lives.
Get the Book: Amazon
The Path Made Clear by Oprah Winfrey
Source: Amazon
Is it possible to make a list of best self-help books without mentioning the queen of motivational quotes, Oprah Winfrey? If you’re like me and you have the attention span of a goldfish, then you’ll enjoy this one. Each chapter begins with a short introduction by Oprah herself. It is followed by a series of short stories from renowned teachers, including Deepak Chopra and world-famous celebs like Ellen Degeneres. This book is perfect to read before your morning meditation.
This Book is for: Millennials who are fans of Oprah, quotable moments, and nuggets of wisdom from an all-star lineup.
Get the Book: Amazon
What About You?
Are you a fan of self-help books? Share your favourite self-help books down below.
ALSO READ: 15 Motivational Quotes For Millennials by Oprah Winfrey
