Some books are fun. Some give information.

And then there are those very few that really change you.

Books have taught me, shown me, and guided me. They’ve helped me grow in all areas of my life, including my mind, heart, spirit, and career. During quiet times between the pages, I’ve found clarity, courage, and the freedom to dream bigger.

These 10 books changed my life in big ways, including how I think, live, and love. I hope these books inspire you too if you’re on a path of growth.

Atomic Habits by James Clear Theme: Making habits and growing as a person

This book figured out why change is so hard and how small steps can make big changes. Clear doesn’t just inspire; he gives you a plan.

I stopped making vague plans and started making systems instead. Little things I did every day changed my brain, and then my life.

“You don’t rise to the level of your goals” is a lesson that will change your life. You fall to the level of your systems.

Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now Theme: Being Present and Mindful

This book came to me when I was stressed out about the past and worried about the future.

What does Tolle say? Right now is the only real time. Being able to stay present brought me peace. I started to see how beautiful silence is, how wise stillness is, and how strong it is to let go.

“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have” is a lesson that can change your life.

Viktor E. Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning Theme: Purpose and Strength

This book, written by a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, is not easy to read, but it is one of the most important.

Frankl’s story taught me that we can’t always choose what makes us suffer, but we can choose how we react. It helped me get through my darkest times.

“When we can’t change a situation anymore, we have to change ourselves.”

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz Theme: Freedom and Clarity of Mind

This book gave me spiritual tools for emotional freedom that were simple but strong.

Be honest with your word in every agreement. Don’t take anything personally. Don’t jump to conclusions. Every day, “Always do your best” became a mantra.

“Nothing others do is because of you” is a lesson that changed my life. People’s words and actions are a reflection of their own reality.

Cal Newport’s Deep Work Theme: Focus and Getting Things Done

This book changed the way I do my job. Newport reminded me that deep, focused work is hard to find and very valuable in a world full of noise and distractions.

I turned off notifications, set aside quiet times, and got more done in less time, with more meaning.

“Knowing what matters makes it clear what doesn’t” is a lesson that changed my life.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Theme: Dreams and Finding Yourself

This poetic story was part novel and part fable. It reminded me to trust the journey.

The story of Santiago looking for his “Personal Legend” was like my own desire to find meaning in my life. It gave me hope and made me brave enough to follow my heart.

“And when you want something, the whole universe works together to help you get it.”

Theme: Courage and Vulnerability in Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly

Brené Brown told me it was okay to be real.

To feel, to be there, and to talk even when my voice shakes. This book changed how I see vulnerability; now I see it as the most courageous thing we can do. It changed how I connect with other people and with myself.

“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change” is a lesson that changed my life.

Simon Sinek’s Start With Why Theme: Leadership and Purpose

This book is your guide if you’ve ever felt lost in your job or uninspired by what you do.

Sinek taught me that having a purpose isn’t a luxury; it’s the most important thing. Knowing my “why” gave me energy, meaning, and direction in both my business and personal life.

“People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it” is a lesson that will change your life.

David Goggins’s “Can’t Hurt Me” is about mental toughness and discipline.

This isn’t just a book; it’s a punch in the gut.

Goggins’s story of pushing through pain and breaking limits made me face my excuses. It’s real, powerful, and very motivating. When I want to give up, I hear his voice in my head telling me to “stay hard.”

“You are in danger of living a life so comfortable and soft that you will die without ever realizing your true potential.”

Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic

Theme: Being creative and not being afraid

It was okay for me to make things just for fun after reading this book.

To stop hoping for the best. To create art, write, build, and explore, even if no one else does. Gilbert told me that inspiration doesn’t owe us anything, but we do owe it our time.

“A creative life is an amplified life” is a lesson that changed my life.

Read to Learn, Not Just to Know

Reading isn’t just something you do for fun; it’s a way to grow as a person.

These books all left marks on my soul. They didn’t just fill my head; they changed what I believed, how I acted, and how I saw the world.

Growth is not a place to go. It’s a choice.

You can do it one page at a time.

Honorable Mentions: If you want to read more books that will inspire you, check these out too:

• Carol Dweck’s Mindset
• Glennon Doyle’s book Untamed
• Greg McKeown’s Essentialism
• Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Mark Manson’s The Subtle Art of Not Giving an Fck*