My Top 5 (+1) Go-To Self-Help Books
If you’ve read a newsletter or two, you know I wrote a self-paced coaching workbook a few years back. I pick it up often and peruse through it, especially this time of year when I want some guardrails to help me uncover what I’m longing for and what steps to take to get there. My book is meant to offer guidance: a way of offering oneself a gentle and loving nudge towards changing beliefs. Plus, I give step by step pathways to getting there. Sometimes I start in the beginning and work my way through. Other times, I follow my intuition and pick a chapter that speaks to what I sense I need. If you need a tool to get started, my workbook is always available for purchase on Amazon.
One thing I've learned over the past few years of coaching is how helpful it can be to hear the “same thing” from multiple sources. When I say the “same,” I don't mean that every book is redundant, I mean that all of these books share common themes of self-examination and self-love. I couldn't have made the progress I have without using multiple sources and tools. So, I want to make sure you have plenty of resources at your disposal, dear reader.
Here are some other fantastic books. These are some of my personal faves and go-to’s:
Seven Secrets to Enlightened Happiness, Alan Allard, Ph.D.
This little dynamo is written by one of my favorite coaches. It's dense, but easy to read and re-read to keep reconditioning your subconscious mind.
The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené Brown, Ph.D, L.M.S.W.
This is the perfect book if you want to feel like you’re having a conversation with a loving mom who’s done both the research and “the work.”
Big Magic, Creating Living Beyond Fear, Elizabeth Gilbert
Liz Gilbert has truly journeyed. Forget Eat, Pray, Love. Read this. And then, check out her interviews with Glennon Doyle & Abby Wambach on We Can Do Hard Things
How to Do The Work, Dr. Nicole LePera (The Holistic Psychologist)
Oh wow. Nicole LePera. This is one of the most accessible books on my list. And, I love it because she talks about your WHOLE self and explains so much about your nervous system. The end of each chapter has a great, short exercise you can do on your own, too!
Loving What Is, Four Questions that Can Change Your Life, Byron Katie
This book frustrates me to no end! If you manage the first two chapters, you'll have taken a serious look at yourself. This is a great one for anyone curious about the difference between coaching and therapy, but definitely more of a 400-level course than some of the others on the list.
My partner made me add this one. This book is a good fit if you feel like you’ve already started to unpack your beliefs, but keep getting stuck in “why am I so upset? It's not that bad!” Dr. Eger is a Holocaust survivor who tells her story as if you were a very classy afternoon tea with a close friend.
If you're like me, you'll find a way to get all of these books and stack them around your home so that you feel surrounded by supportive voices. Don't feel like you have to read them cover to cover. Pick the chapters/parts that feel right.
Your intuition is your greatest ally. Let me know which book(s) you end up with and whatchya think!
Talk soon,
Amy