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I’ve always been into self help books starting in my early twenties when I was going through major drama in the dating/love department and dealing with an early life crisis trying to figure out what I wanted to be “when I grew up”. (Can anyone relate?)

It started with Chicken Soup for the Soul and then I moved on to a couple of books written by Iyanla Vanzant. I really resonated with a lot of the messaging in these books and reading them made me feel like what I was going through was not weird and that I wasn’t alone.

The feeling still holds true today as I navigate through life as a mother and wife dealing with my struggle with depression and anxiety from time to time. When I’m feeling overwhelmed or need to be guided back on the right track to a happy and grateful life, I pick up a self-help book. Along with taking care of my body from the inside out through diet and exercise, consuming my mind with positive messages and advice is a huge contribution to my overall well-being.

I must admit though, I go through waves when it comes to reading. I’ll go through months without picking up a book and other times I literally lock myself in my room and can finish a book in two days. It all depends on what I’m going through at the time and how I’m feeling. Also, you have to find the right one that resonates with you. I’ve started a bunch of books only to stop mid way because the writing style and messaging just didn’t jive with me, and thats ok.

Below is a list of books that I absolutely love and have read multiple times. I love books that are real, straight to the point and honest and these self-help books definitely meet those criteria.

You Are A Bad Ass

Author: Jen Sincero

This is one of those books that I can read over and over again and each time I read it I take away something new. The premise of this book is literally to remind us that we are all bad asses in some way and we just need to shut out all the external noise that tell us we’re not. Whenever I’m feeling a little unmotivated and stuck, I pick up this book and leaf through the pages and take away nuggets of wisdom to get me through the day.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck

Author: Mark Manson

Are you one of those people who get annoyed, frustrated and pissed off about the smallest things? And then let that little annoyance ruin your entire day or even week?! If you are, YOU NEED THIS BOOK! I used to be and sometimes still am, not going to lie. If someone cut me off on the road, or if I encountered a rude cashier, I would literally let that affect my entire day. Then my hubby picked up this book for me. He said “this book was written for you!” because he knows that my tolerance for life’s little annoyances is pretty short. I read it and it changed my life. This book is not saying to be a pushover and to not let anything bother you ever. We’re human, we’re going to give a F*ck about stuff, but the message is to not give a F*ck about every little thing and save your F*cks for important things. Basically save your time and energy for things that really matter and are worth giving F*cks about and your life will be much more rewarding.

Crushing It!

Author: Gary Vaynerchuk

I just love Gary V. He does not sugar coat anything and is in your face straight to the point and those are my kind of people. I love the “no bullshit” approach he takes in motivating others to stop making excuses, get their shit together and make their dreams happen. The inspirational true stories of entrepreneurs and how they went from nothing to “crushing it” is truly worth the read if you want to know how much work it takes to fulfill your dreams. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart and this book does a great job at honoring the hard work those people really put in.

Girl Boss

Author: Sophia Amoruso

Sophia Amoruso’s Nasty Gal journey is so crazy, so inspiring and so real and raw that I found myself watching her show on Netflix after reading her book. I was so obsessed with how she built an empire from literally nothing. From dumpster diving to buying her first luxury car, she takes you through the ups and downs of how she got Nasty Gal to to be in 60 countries with over 500,000 customers! It’s a must read for any woman out there starting their own business or thinking about starting their own business.

Girl, Wash Your Face 

Author: Rachel Hollis

Some people say Rachel Hollis is the female version of Tony Robbins but I’d just like to describe her as a tell-it-like-it-is mother, wife, business woman and overall bad ass. She has a lot of “bumper sticker” type sayings that are a little cliche and cheesy but, if you can get passed that, overall she is super inspiring and will give you a boost of confidence and energy that you need to get out and pursue your dreams. Also, I am a huge believer that being a mother is the hardest job that exists and the fact that this woman built an empire while raising her 4 small children is nothing short of inspiring.

If you’ve read any of these books, leave me a comment below with your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you!