The Best Personal Development Books for Growth in 2020

Posted on 1/19/2023, 9:27:07 AM

So far in 2020, we all have had a chance for some personal growth. Here are some of the best personal development books to help you use your time for growth.

It is often during difficult times that we have the opportunity to self-reflect.

What are our priorities? Our goals? Our dreams for the future?

And more importantly, how can we become the person that we have always wanted and known we could be?

These big questions may seem overwhelming, but there are several accessible resources to help. Personal development and personal growth books are a great place to start.

If you're interested in finding the best personal development books to read this year, look no further! We have compiled the top 9 with short descriptions of each.

Are Personal Development Books Right For Me?

Before we dive into the list of the best self-development books, you might be wondering what this genre includes and whether you will benefit from reading this type of book.

Great questions!

The self-development genre describes non-fiction books focused on developing knowledge, skills, and qualities that serve to improve your life.

Some self-development books focus on professional skills, like management and leadership, while others look at matters of emotional growth and acceptance. Regardless of what aspect of yourself or your life that you are aiming to transform, there is a self-development book out there for you.

Self-development books sometimes go by other names, like self-care books, self-empowering books, or self-help books, but they all focus on the concept of change in one's life for the better.

Self-development books sometimes have a reputation for being sappy or idealistic, but the truth is that this genre can take many tones. The style of the author will likely impact how the reader responds to the content. So, keep that in mind as you read the brief summaries of the books below.

1. You Are A Badass

This self-development book by Jen Sincaro is all about practical solutions to help you lead a more satisfying life. If you are someone that spends a lot of time doubting yourself and your life choices, this is the book for you.

With a humorous but informative voice, this book will guide you through tangible steps you can start taking in your own life to fulfill your ultimate goals. This book has advice for both personal and professional aspirations.

2. The Four-Hour Work Week

Written by entrepreneur Tim Farris, The Four-Hour Work Week is a must-read for individuals aiming to quit their 9-5 and start a new career on their own terms. This book is packed with useful information and tools to start your own business or streamline the business you already have.

This book is focused on professional and career advice but also addresses how certain personal qualities will help you along the way.

3. Eat That Frog!

It sounds gross, but it's just a metaphor! Eat That Frog is a self-development book written by Brian Tracy. While reading this book you will learn the benefits of prioritization and taking on your most difficult tasks first.

If you are someone that struggles with procrastination or to-do list anxiety, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. These strategies will allow you to make the most positive impact in the shortest amount of time. 

4. The Friendship Formula

Think about how much better your life could be if you were able to remove all of the negative and toxic relationships. The Friendship Formula is a book about identifying and cultivating healthy relationships and ending unhealthy ones.

The people that you choose to socialize with have a major impact on your happiness whether you realize it or not. This book will help you discover what makes a good friendship and how to keep good friends and say goodbye to bad ones.

5. Choose Yourself

Choose Yourself is a true personal development book because it focuses on the importance of spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional health. By choosing yourself you are investing your energy in your own skills and talents to help you succeed.

6. Illuminate

Have you ever wondered how the world's most influential people became so successful? Or wondered how you could harness your own talents to do the same?

Illuminate is a book that dives into exactly those concepts. It focuses on communication strategies and how they can be used to lead and inspire others. 

If you're interested in more books about communication, check out this list.

7. The Happiness Advantage

We could all stand to be a little bit happier, right? Shawn Anchor's book The Happiness Advantage not only covers the psychology of happiness but also how we can achieve it in our own lives.

The book covers seven major principles of positive psychology that have the power to change one's outlook on life.

8. Practice You

Practice you is more of a self-help journal than a traditional book, but it is all about increasing your quality of life through reflection. If you are someone that enjoys journaling or think that a more hands-on approach to learning suit you, give this book a try.

Practice You is a guided journaling experience with helpful tips and content along the way.

9. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff and It's All Small Stuff

This book may never be more relevant than in the crazy chaotic world we are currently living in. This self-development book is all about slowing down, implementing small changes, and practicing mindfulness. 

By limiting stress and learning how to take life slowly, you will have the ability to live a happier, more fruitful life.

Finding the Best Personal Development Books

These books are 9 of the top self-development books you can find. They can be purchased online and most are also available as audiobooks.

Authors typically suggest reading these books more than once or taking notes while you read to improve comprehension and retention of the information.

Now that you have a starting list of 9 of the best personal development books you are ready to read and ready to change your life!

Check out these additional book suggestions if you want more.

Or if you're looking for other genres of books, check out our site!