5 Self-Discovery Books to Help Live Your Best Life

4 minute read

“To thine own self be true.” Hamlet, William Shakespeare

Self-discovery is all about figuring out who you are. While that seems vague AF, it’s true. Self-discovery is a long road we’ve been traveling down most of our lives. But, luckily for us, we have a little help along the way.

There are tons of books all about figuring out who you are and how to make self-discovery work for you. So, the little infinite editors have put together a list of our favorite self-discovery books. We’re here to help narrow it down.

We love these books because each one looks at self-discovery in a different way – making it that much easier to find what works for you.

Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert

Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert

Elizabeth Gilbert has been inspiring people with her writing for years, and her book, Big Magic, is no exception. Gilbert uses this book to help others find their creative spark. By focusing on curiosity and releasing fear, she discusses habits you can make to live out their most creative life. Whether you are looking to write, draw, or perform, Gilbert wants to help you discover a way to find the creativity you need to succeed

You’re a badass, by Jen Sincero

You're a Badass - Jen Sincero

Do you find yourself in the habit of self-sabotaging? Well, knock it off. If you can’t stop yourself, then Jen Sincero has a few tips in You Are a Badass. Sincero offers up sage advice, some simple exercises, and a few choice swear words to help you stop getting in your own way. By the end of the book, you’ll not only be one step closer to achieving your dreams, but you’ll be empowered to do it.

Year of Yes, by Shonda Rhimes

Year of Yes - Shonda Rhimes

Do you blame not going places or trying new things on being an introvert? It’s just in your nature, right? Well, that just isn’t true and Shonda Rhimes is here to prove it to you. In her memoir, A Year of Yes, the woman who owns Thursday night television takes you on her journey from always saying no, to saying yes to everything that scares her. Rhimes is an introvert, who would much rather be writing or playing with her kids than anything else. After her sister accuses her of always saying no, she decides to start saying yes – just to see what happens. Soon she realizes that life is more fulfilling when you say yes. If she can say yes, then so can you.

How to Stop Feeling Like Shit, by Andrea Owens

How to Stop Feeling Like Shit - Andrea Owens

Andrea Owens has some honest, no bull, sucker punch truth for you about self-discovery: get out of autopilot. In her book, Owen addresses the most common behaviors women have when it comes to living their best life. She wants all women to stop listening to their crazy inner critic, throw out imposter syndrome, and quit people-pleasing for the sake of being nice. The short and to the point chapters will help you figure out what habits are helping you, and what habits you need to break

The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brene Brown

The Gifts of Imperfection - Brene Brown

You can’t have a list of self-discovery books without at least one by Brene Brown. The Gifts of Imperfection is one of her most popular self-help guides. It helps readers discover the best way to live a full and authentic life is to get rid of the idea of imperfection. Through countless research, stories, and encouragement, Brown teaches us to cultivate self-acceptance and embrace who we are. 

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Writer, editor, and proud nerd. Co-host of Wit Beyond Measure, a Jane Austen podcast. A reader of books, binger of Netflix, and knitter of scarves. Her cat is probably yelling at her right now.

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