10 Best Books for Personal Development and Financial Freedom
Personal development and growth is essential for all humans regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or social status. We all know this. But how many of us actually take the time to prioritize our own personal development and growth journey? Not many.
In fact, according to Psychology Today, only 32% of women, and 39% of men consistently make time for self-care. Self Awareness is the first step to shifting your priorities in the right direction. But, even if that’s you (I’ve been there), that’s okay! You can still turn it around and start caring for yourself today.
And yes, reading is self-care.
As for financial freedom, I think I can safely say that’s something we all aspire to, right? Right!
Why Reading Is Important for Growth
As an avid reader and self-help junkie, I am constantly seeking out new resources and books that will help me increase my knowledge as a Christian, a parent, a budding business owner, and a Money Coach.
As Dave Ramsey, the world-renowned financial guru and founder of Ramsey Solutions, says, “The average millionaire reads at least one non-fiction book per month”.
That is always my standard. If I can read more, great! If not, I’ll try again next month. (We’re over shame and negative self-talk in 2024…Right?!)
Plus, reading is not only beneficial for our mental and emotional health, it is great for our financial health! Whether your goal is financial freedom or building wealth, reading is a must.
The point is to be reading.
Finding New Books for Personal Development
Finding books to read is not difficult. But which books are actually good reads?
Well, I have a few favorite authors that I tend to gravitate towards because their books are consistently life-changing and insightful (I.e., Brene Brown, Lysa TerKeurst, and Dave Ramsey to name a few).
But on occasion, I like to visit my local used bookstore and sift through the piles of abandoned books looking for that one understated gem to lend insight into something I haven’t even considered.
Image by Luc Parret from Pixabay
This is where Amazon comes in (no this is not a feature for Amazon lol). I will find a book of interest and research the heck out of it. I make it a point to read both good and bad reviews and evaluate what people are saying.
Is it repetitive? Pass
Are there misogynistic undertones? Pass
Is it insightful? Check
Does it require you to buy another book to understand it fully? Pass (not always though)
Have people read it multiple times? Check
Do other readers give it as a gift to others because it’s so helpful? Slam dunk!
And if I can save myself $10-20 in the process, yes please!
“Okay, I get it, Dionna. Can we get on to the list now?”
Yes, yes – let’s go!
10 Best Books for Personal Development & Financial Freedom
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Without further ado….
Here are my 10 favorite books to read for financial and personal development and growth (in no particular order):
This book showed me that embracing vulnerability and imperfection is the key to living a wholehearted life. By reading it, you’ll discover the beauty in embracing your vulnerabilities and imperfections. Brené Brown’s insights will empower you to let go of perfectionism and live wholeheartedly, knowing that true belonging starts with embracing your authentic self.
2. The Total Money Makeover – Dave Ramsey
Before my money coach days; I read this book as a last ditch effort to avoid bankruptcy. Boy, oh boy! Reading this book felt like getting a crash course in financial freedom. It gave me practical steps to tackle debt, build wealth, and secure my financial future, making daunting financial goals feel achievable. Dave Ramsey’s step-by-step plan can hello guide you out of debt and into financial freedom. With discipline and determination, you’ll learn to live below your means, budget wisely, and invest for the future.
Not sold on this amazing book? Check out the 24,000 5-star reviews on Amazon alone.
3. Atlas of The Heart – Brene Brown
This book deepened my understanding of human emotions like love, joy, loneliness and shame. Through stories and research, it helped me become more self-aware and empathetic towards myself and others. It felt like peeling back the layers of my emotions, gaining clarity and insight into the complexities of the human heart.
If you’re ready to deepen your self-awareness and empathy as you navigate the complexities of human emotions. Brené Brown’s wisdom will show you how to cultivate deeper connections with others and embrace the full spectrum of emotions with compassion and understanding.
4. Outliers – Malcolm Gladwell
Exploring the secrets of success, this book challenged my thinking and inspired me to reconsider how I define achievement. It showed me that success isn’t just about talent, but also timing and opportunity. Malcolm Gladwell’s stories will inspire you to look beyond individual achievement and consider the broader context in which success occurs. With the right timing and opportunities, you can achieve greatness.
5. The Millionaire Next Door – Thomas J. Stanley & William D. Danko
Peeking into the lives of everyday millionaires, this book debunked myths about wealth and revealed simple yet effective strategies for financial success. It empowered me to take control of my finances and build wealth by living below my means and investing wisely. Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko’s research will challenge your beliefs about wealth and teach you valuable lessons about frugality, saving, and investing.
Navigating feelings of rejection and loneliness became easier with this book. It offered comfort and guidance, showing me how to find belonging and acceptance even in difficult times. With vulnerability and compassion, it felt like having a supportive friend by my side, guiding me through the challenges of rejection and helping me find strength in my worth.
Lysa TerKeurst’s vulnerability will encourage you to embrace your true self and find comfort in God’s unconditional love. You are worthy, accepted, and deeply loved.
7. The 4-Hour Workweek – Timothy Ferriss
This book offered practical strategies for achieving work-life balance and maximizing productivity. Learn how to design a life that aligns with your values and passions. With practical strategies and real-life examples, you’ll learn to maximize productivity and achieve work-life balance. Say goodbye to burnout and hello to a fulfilling life on your terms.
8. The 12-Week Year – Brian P. Moran & Michael Lennington
In my journey towards personal development , this book provided a roadmap for setting and achieving goals. It helped me stay focused and accountable, leading to greater success in less time. With a clear framework and practical exercises, it felt like having a personal coach guiding me towards my aspirations and dreams.
Learn how to break down your big dreams into manageable action steps and achieve your goals faster than you ever thought possible. Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington’s system will keep you focused, accountable, and consistent in pursuit of your dreams.
9. No Other Gods – Kelly Minter
Exploring the traps of idolatry, this book challenged me to confront false gods and find spiritual fulfillment. It encouraged me to embrace authentic spirituality and break free from things that hold me back. With biblical wisdom and practical insights, break free from the things that hold you back and find true spiritual freedom.
Kelly Minter’s insights will challenge you to refocus your devotion on what truly matters and prioritize your relationship with God above all else. You are called to live a life of purpose and meaning.
Since its release, No Other Gods, has expanded to include 8 interactive video lessons to go along with the book.
Will I be repurchasing the expanded edition? Without a doubt!
10. Atomic Habits – James Clear
It’s likely that you’ve heard of James Clear, but if not this is I wouldn’t skip!
Seeking lasting change, I found guidance in this book. It offered simple strategies for building habits that lead to personal transformation and success. With practical tips and scientific principles, it felt like having a roadmap for creating positive change in my life, one small habit at a time.
James Clear’s strategies will empower you to make small changes that add up to big results. With determination and persistence, you’ll create lasting habits that lead to personal development and success.
Making Time for Personal Development
“But Dionna, I barely have enough time in my day to even consider reading a book. How am I supposed to find the time?”
Great question!
As a busy, single mother of three wild kiddos, and a budding business owner, I totally get it! It feels like there is never enough time in the day to spend 5 minutes breathing, let alone reading in silence without hearing “mom, mom, mom, mommy, mommy, mommmmm.”
Image by StockSnap from Pixabay
That’s why Youtube and Audible are my jam!!
Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing I love more than a hard copy book, a hot cup of tea (or coffee depending on the time of day), and a blanket.
But let’s get real. Ain’t nobody got time for that. *snap*
So, what I do is put on my favorite audiobook on Audible or Youtube (if I’m out of credits for the month – remember, we’re frugal here) while I’m cooking dinner, driving in the car, or even taking a shower.
Image by Karolina Grabowska from Pixabay
Plus, I keep a notebook nearby to write down any “Aha” moments or golden nuggets I want to refer back to.
While I may not get a full hour of uninterrupted listening in, you better believe even 5, 10, or 20 minutes of listening can help our minds grow.
So, take the time. Find your next book and dig in! Your future self will thank you!
If you’re interested in learning more about my reading strategy that helps me be able to read more books each month as a working single mom of three, budding business owner, and Money Coach, check out this article – Fast Track Your Reading in 3 Easy Steps: How to Read More Books Each Month in Half The Time.
And Remember – no matter what season of life you’re in, you are right where you are supposed to be. Don’t allow the comparison trap to tell you where you should be.
It’s easy to compare ourselves to others, especially when we only see the end result and not the journey. But life is meant to be lived and enjoyed throughout each season. And all in all, every experience, whether good or bad, is meant to do two things: (1) make us stronger, and (2) help someone else.
So, if you’ve found something that helped you today, please take a moment to leave a comment or share it with a friend. I would appreciate it so much!
For related content, check out these other articles.
10 STEPS TO GETTING OUT OF DEBT FAST
5 Ways to Stop Overspending
4 Bible Verses to Pray Over Your Finances
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