When I first realized I needed to make some serious changes in my life, I did what I don’t typically do-I looked for answers. I needed something to help me understand why I was stuck, how I could move forward, and what I needed to do differently. So, I turned to books.
I didn’t know at the time that these books would become a kind of road map—guiding me through self-discovery, pushing me to challenge my mindset, and giving me the tools to actually do something about the things I wanted to change.
This list? It’s a living, breathing thing. A collection of books that have helped me, that are currently helping me, and that will continue to shape my journey over the next year. And since I know I’ll be adding more, I wanted to document them here.
Some were easy to digest. Others hit me like a ton of bricks. Either way, they’ve all been exactly what I needed.
1. 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think – Brianna Wiest
This was the second book I read in the past few weeks, right after I made the decision to start working on myself. And let me tell you—it delivers. There are so many important takeaways that I actually went back and listened to it a second time.
One chapter that really stood out to me? Chapter 36: Thanking Those Who Hurt Us.
At first, that sounds ridiculous, right? Thanking the people who hurt us? But when you really break it down, it makes sense. They were the catalyst for change. They forced us to see something we weren’t willing to see before. And that’s when you know you’ve actually moved on—not when you pretend something didn’t bother you, but when you can genuinely say, “I’m grateful for what I learned.”
And if you can’t say that yet? You’re still ruminating. I used to be, but now? I’m not. And I think that’s a huge milestone.
Other incredible chapters? How to Stop Overthinking, The Difference Between Passion and Purpose, and The Psychology of Daily Routines. This book is a goldmine of perspective shifts.
2. The 5 Second Rule – Mel Robbins
I love that this audiobook is narrated by the author. Mel Robbins puts so much energy into her words, and it makes the whole thing feel alive. This book is all about those critical five seconds before you let hesitation, doubt, or overthinking stop you from doing something.
You know that moment when you think, I should go to the gym, but then you sit there and debate whether or not you feel like it? That’s the moment the rule applies.
Count down: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… move.
That’s it. No time to talk yourself out of it. Just action.
One of my biggest takeaways? Reframing anxiety into excitement. At first, I thought she was nuts when she said that. But I tried it—and guess what? It works. Anxiety and excitement feel the same in the body, so if I tell myself, I’m not anxious, I’m excited, my brain believes it. Total game changer.
3. Unfuck Yourself – Gary John Bishop
Another one narrated by the author, and this time? He’s Scottish, which somehow makes everything sound more intense (in the best way possible).
This book is blunt. It doesn’t coddle you, it doesn’t make excuses for you—it straight up tells you: Your life is the way it is because of you. And if you don’t like it? Change it.
One of the biggest points that stuck with me was about taking responsibility. Not in a guilt-trip way, but in a take-your-power-back way. If I created my reality, then I can also recreate it.
Also, the part about language shaping reality hit hard. Saying I will try is not the same as saying I am doing it. The way we talk about ourselves and our actions actually determines whether or not we follow through.
4. Attached – Amir Levine & Rachel Heller
This book was hard to hear. And not because it was bad—because it was too accurate.
I had to take breaks while listening to it because, honestly, nobody wants to hear the science behind why they act the way they do in relationships. But at the same time, this book explained so much.
It broke down attachment styles in a way that made me understand not just myself, but the people in my life. Why some people pull away, why others cling, why certain relationship patterns repeat themselves over and over.
I realized I have an anxious attachment style, which means I tend to overthink, crave reassurance, and fear abandonment. Understanding that? It’s been huge. It doesn’t make me bad or needy—it just means I have subconscious patterns I need to work on. And now that I’m aware, I can actually do something about it.
5. Anxiously Attached – Jessica Baum
Another tough one. I’m still working through this book, and I’ll be honest—it’s not an easy listen. But that’s exactly why it’s important.
It digs into core wounds and how childhood experiences shape our attachment styles. It’s not just about what we do in relationships, but why. And as much as I don’t love facing some of those truths, I know it’s necessary.
I’ve had to pause this book a few times because it’s a lot to take in, but I’ll be picking it back up soon. Growth isn’t always comfortable—but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it.
6. The Mountain Is You – Brianna Wiest
This was the first book I read during my little awakening (lol), and honestly? I think I loved this one the most.
It’s all about self-sabotage—why we do it, how to recognize it, and most importantly, how to stop. I used to overthink everything to the point of paralysis, but after reading this, I finally started to shift my mindset.
One of the biggest takeaways? You are not your past.
Just because you’ve made mistakes, just because you’ve struggled, doesn’t mean you are doomed to repeat the same cycles forever. But change requires action. Awareness isn’t enough—you have to actually do something different.
This is one I’ll definitely be rereading. Because every time I pick it up, I find something new to work on.
More to Come…
This list isn’t done. I know I’ll be adding more books, taking more notes, having more aha moments. But for now, these are the books that have already changed me in some way.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that growth is intentional. You don’t just wake up one day with a different mindset. You have to seek out change.
And right now? I’m seeking it.
