By Crystal Shepherd

The benefits of reading, and particularly reading personal development books, are immeasurable as it enables us to be lifelong learners. Reading stimulates our minds and hearts, inspires us to get out of a rut, and demonstrates how we can discover our best sense of self. We learn from those who have discovered life-changing truths, and then we’re given concrete ways to make improvements to our own lives. And the best part? These lessons can all be learned on our own time. Books such as these should be on everyone’s bookshelves!

 Times like these can be a reminder to slow down, look inward, and take a moment to develop ourselves. We’ve outlined some of our favorite personal development reads, and we highly recommend that you add them to your summer reading list!

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

Charles Duhigg explores the science behind habits in this book by investigating how habits are formed, and then how they influence our daily life. Duhigg helps his readers understand the power of habit, and its influence on individuals, organizations and societies.

“The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do.” — Charles Duhigg

The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) by Hal Elrod

In this book, author Hal Elrod demonstrates that any person can “wake up” to their full potential with one simple step: waking up earlier. Anyone can live the extraordinary life they desire, whether that’s having more energy, less stress, more success, or better relationships, through this solution. Elrod takes a look at practices developed over centuries and translates the “best of the best” exercises into a daily morning ritual.

“Remember, the moment you accept total responsibility for everything in your life is the moment you claim the power to change anything in your life.” ― Hal Elrod

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz

Based on ancient Toltec wisdom that endorses freedom from beliefs that are self-restricting, Don Miguel Ruiz outlines what may cause suffering and limitations in a person’s life. By following what Ruiz describes as the Four Agreements, ones can find personal freedom that is life-changing.

“Be impeccable with your word. Don’t take anything personally. Don’t make assumptions. Always do your best.” ― Don Miguel Ruiz

Super Attractor: Methods for Manifesting a Life Beyond Your Wildest Dreams by Gabrielle Bernstein

This book is a journey of learning where each person’s true strength lies. Author Gabrielle Bernstein shows her readers how to co-create a life that they want by confidently claiming their dreams. Readers will learn how to do less and attract more, while discovering that they are a Super Attractor.

“We block our real achievements when we don’t enjoy the journey.” ― Gabrielle Bernstein

The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle

Echkart Tolle takes his readers on a spiritual journey to discover their truest, deepest self. This book is a guide for day-to-day living, inviting readers to live in the present. Readers will learn how this helps them reach their ultimate potential in spirituality and personal growth, discovering their own truth.

“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.”

― Eckhart Tolle

Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown

Dr. Brené Brown challenges her readers to rethink what they know about vulnerability. Her book outlines how vulnerability is a strength rather than a weakness. Brown invites her readers to have courage, to be seen, and to show up, in order to discover their true purpose.

“Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.” ― Brené Brown