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Books,  Lists,  Resources for Self-Development,  Self-Development,  Self-Development 101

The 7 self development books every woman should read

Are you looking for some self-development books for women that will really help you thrive and succeed for REAL on your journey? Then, look no more; I got you! 

I know that things can get overwhelming with so many different options during a quest for what books to read next. As a book lover, I had (more than once) the urge to buy everything at once, since they all just seem so good! 

That’s why I want to make things as easy and smooth as possible for you! I am sharing precisely the most significant highlights (so far) of my eternal search for unusual and life-changing books during this post! Those are the créme de la créme, only the ones with REAL and everlasting impact in my life and also the lives of dozens of my gorgeous clients. Are you ready, boo? So let’s do this! 

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase using a link we share. There is no additional cost for you, and it helps us to keep creating awesome content! So thank you! 💘✨

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One Minute For Yourself 

This is a veeeery old school and probably the first self-development book I ever read! If you are the person who is always taking care of others and putting yourself as the last one on your list (most of the time without even noticing), this is the perfect match. 

Oh man, it’s hard to write about those books without giving too many spoilers! So, what I can say without revealing too much is that one thing that makes this book so unique and powerful is how big storytelling is here. You will recognize yourself in the characters over and over again, which makes the learning process really profound. 

This book will guide you through change with simple steps and completely attainable goals. If you are afraid of feeling overwhelmed with too much information, this is a safe choice for a self-development book for women, mainly because of how fast the reading is! You can do it in only one Sunday afternoon with a cozy cup of tea by your side. 

The Universe Has Your Back: Transform Fear to Faith 

Gabby Bernstein is one of my secret mentors. I could talk about everything this woman writes all day long, but I feel like this specific book is the perfect place to start (especially when we are talking about self-development books for women!).

If you are looking for a more spiritual approach to your self-development journey, this one’s for you! See this book as an educational ride on the basics of manifestation (aka “The Secret” for some people). It also shows how to own your fear without letting it paralyze you. All of those lessons will help you experience life from a place of positivity and faith that you are always being taken care of. 

I am most obsessed with this book because every chapter ends with a guided meditation (I’m a sucker for some old good guided meditation)! The meditation at the end of chapter two was a cathartic experience for me! I still get back to every time I need to gain perspective again. 

Make Every Man Want You: Or Make Yours Want You Even More

I know that when people talk about Marie Forleo’s books, they usually go with “Everything is Figureoutable,” which is also amazing, but this one is a hidden gem! It was my first contact ever with Marie, and I became an instant fan after that. 

If you are dealing with a pattern of broken romantic relationships, low self-esteem, feeling you have to be someone else to be loved… just order this book asap! 

In this one, Marie will present to you the concept of “irresistibility” and how to become irresistible for everything you want. And yep, this goes waaaay beyond dating. The language is fun, and all the tools are practical. It’s one of those books that you must read to put into practice as you learn.

This I can guarantee: if you REALLY apply all the steps in this book… oh my, you are about to see changes you’ve never dreamed of! 

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Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

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I can’t even start to explain how much I love this book. I know, I know this is probably in all Pinterest lists of the best self-development books… BUT THERE IS A REASON! This book really precedes its reputation. 

The author, the amazing Brené Brown, is so relatable and honest that it feels like you are having a candid conversation about life with a close friend.

I first read this book during a tough moment in my life. I was living in the UK, away from my friends and family. Having constant panic attacks in the middle of burnout in my business. This was like fresh water in the desert, and it helped me have enough strength to reach out for help in the middle of the chaos.  

This book goes beyond the concept of “it’s okay not to be okay,” bringing you the next steps: What to do about not being okay? How can we live when we are not okay? How to feel okay again? How to have healthy relationships when we are okay and we are not? How to help the ones around us that are going through this? 

To complement the reading of this book, I suggest you watch Brené’s talk on Netflix. It’s called “The Call to Courage.” Prepare to ugly cry, but in a good way. 

The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8 AM)

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I was very skeptical about reading this book because it was “too hype” for me. All my friends and every single blogger that I followed were doing “the miracle. So I am always a little concerned when everyone is talking about the same thing… But my dad ended up giving me this book as a present, and I’m so glad he did! 

I grew up being sure that I was NOT a morning person, but this book challenged me and made me wonder if life was more than waking up after 10 AM. So, even though I am not currently waking up at 5:00 AM, as the book suggests, I now wake up at 6:15 and bring the principles I learned there as my base for any routine I create. 

I feel that, for this book to really work, you will need to give it a chance to its method even though it may seem a little unorthodox and scary (5 AM mornings are no fun when you start). Of course, after you go through the initial learning curve, you don’t need to follow to a T, but I guarantee the principles will stick with you.

This book is way more than waking up early and becoming a morning person. It is about learning how to prioritize and create an unshakable feeling of “GIRL, I FINALLY GOT MY LIFE TOGETHER!”. Apply the lessons in it, and you will see it is truly miraculous. 

Unashamed: Drop the Baggage, Pick up Your Freedom, Fulfill Your Destiny

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If you have never heard of Christine Caine, the author of this book, let me brief you before we dig in: the woman is a powerhouse! Author of more than 20 books, mom to two girls, wife, and an international speaker. She and her husband founded A-21, one of the most respected non-profit, non-governmental organizations globally when you talk about combating human trafficking. Pretty awesome, right? 

That being said, she was not always the powerful woman she is today. From finding out he was adopted at adulthood, broken relationships, and overall just an amazing life story of overcoming your fears and not letting your past define you. She goes deep into the good and evil in this book. Guiding us through a step by step to break free from the parts of our past that are still holding us down, as she shares her own breakthroughs stories. For me, that’s what makes this book so inspiring.  

Unashamed shows how to take back your place as the writer of your own story. Understanding this step-by-step process was truly life-changing for me. 

Also, Christine is super fun (Australian + Greek, impossible not to love!) and witty. She shows that in her writing just perfectly! 

Girl Code: Unlocking the Secrets to Success, Sanity, and Happiness for the Female Entrepreneur

If you are a boss babe at heart, please listen. This book is like Bible 101 for female entrepreneurs. The author of this book, Cara Alwill Leyba, is such an inspiring woman. Every time I read anything by her, I feel like anything is possible. 

Let’s be honest, it’s so easy, especially when you are starting, to feel out of place in the entrepreneurship world. It feels like everyone on Instagram is making things happen and making lots of money effortlessly… While you are feeling lost! We fall into a comparison trap, and that hurts and crushes our dreams. 

Well, the truth is no one has it all. BUT some mindset changes need to happen to achieve the success you dream of so much. Most of the #girlbosses we admire have those in place. But, the business game is won or lost first in our inside world, and this book gives you the full recipe with a step-by-step game plan. 

*BONUS BECAUSE I CAN’T RESIST*

What’s So Amazing About Grace? 

what's so amazing about grace self development book women christian philip yancey
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I add this as a bonus because this book is not specifically about self-development. Still, it goes deep on a topic that is a BIG part of becoming your best version: forgiveness. 

I came across this book as an assignment my therapist gave to me after the most heartbreaking-ugly-messy-full telenovela drama breakup I’ve ever had. At that time, I was full of hate, pain, heartache, and a lot of unforgiveness towards so many people. 

This book broke me. 

It changed me in ways I didn’t even know was possible and gave a complete makeover on the life perspective I used to have. It really made me into who I am today. So many of the ideas and behaviors I receive compliments and “Woah! I can’t believe you did that! You are so inspiring!” are only a part of my life because of “What’s so amazing about grace?”

Fair warning, this book will use many Christian references and Shakespeare, history, science, and psychology… Philip Yancey is honestly one of the most brilliant authors I’ve ever had the pleasure to read. 

If you feel that forgiveness is something you really need to work on, I beg you to read and really dig in this book. Who knows… maybe this will transform you into a completely different person (for the best), as it was with me. 

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Last thoughts ♥

That’s it! Those are my top seven (okay, eight) self-development books for women! So pick your favorites, and let’s get this book smart vibe going! 

And if you want to keep your self-development journey going, I think you will love this 21 day self-discovery journaling challenge!

Drop a comment below if you need any help or just want to share some feedback about one of the books. 

Also, let me know here in the comments: what is YOUR favorite self-development book? I’m curious!

Hello you! My name is Isabelle, a Rio de Janeiro girl living in a small town in Georgia, with the love of my life (aka my husband) and our bossy-yet-adorable Pomeranian Lucy. You can find me in coffee shops working on my business while researching on Pinterest what to make for dinner. I created this blog to share everything I have been learning about what it takes to create a life where you feel happy, balanced, and successful. A life you love.

6 Comments

  • joy ayantola

    I will really luv to read all d books… definitely going to take it one after d other…u ve really inspired me….I always fynd it so difficult to complete any book I pick up to read…I want to luv reading n I wish u could help me in any way…
    Tnx sis.
    Trust u n hubby r gud n safe.
    Luv to hear from u….pls reply.

    • Isabelle Dias

      Hey there, Joy! I am so happy you loved the books! I totally get you on how hard it can be to finish a book – I have this challenge myself, and I LOVE to read! One thing that really helps me is to commit to a very doable goal of daily reading, like one page a day or two minutes of reading a day. And also decide when this is going to happen in my routine. For example:
      I am going to read for two minutes before leaving bed every morning. Or I’m going to read for two minutes when I have my first cup of coffee in the morning.
      This way, you create a little ritual for yourself that is easy enough to do and remember. I hope this helps!
      Stay safe!

      • Cherezé Williams

        Awhhh, wow! Thank you so much Isabella for this advice. I will do it, i actually fell asleep reading and i to don’t finish books really. But sure will try your suggestion. Oh and also thank you for the books. I found some i really would love to read. Thank you!🌻🐥

  • Cynthia

    Wow! Much interesting, unfortunately I can’t able to access the books our country is hard to access those books. But I appreciate they look encouraging💃🏽

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