Self-Help Books That Won’t Make Your Eyes Roll: The Co-Worker’s List
Confession: I’m a self-help junkie. When I was growing up my Dad would make us listen to “Think and Grow Rich,” on cassette tape in the car, gift all four children his annual book of choice at Christmas, and frame excerpts from “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” and put them around the house.
I rolled my eyes at the time, but--what can I say--his thirst for being the best “you” you can be rubbed off on me.
There’s been many times in my life when the right self-help book shifted me out of a funk, or given me the exact inspiration I needed to go after what I wanted (in relationships, business, personal healing and beyond).
While there’s so many great books out there, what I’ve learned is that it’s really about picking up the right book at the right time. And with the overabundance of preachy texts lurking the shelves, it can be hard to tell what’s total BS and what’s filled with motivational gold that was meant for you.
Fear not my growth-hungry friend! I’ve compiled a list of the co-worker’s favorite here at Sourced. On this list you’ll find something for all personality types, reading styles and self-help needing moments in life.
SOURCED. community library (and many oracle decks)
1) “Journey To the Heart” by Melody Bettie
Recommended by Heidi Dametz. Designer and Co-founder at Aha Crafted Jewelry.
“This is a daily meditation book. The passages are dated for a full year and they are just under a page long. I try to read it daily. I’ve had it for 6 years. She has a way of putting a thought or idea that I think most people struggle with and offers a soft/gentle way for your mind and soul to embrace it.”
2) "Thinking with Type" by Ellen Lupton
Recommended by Jaclyn Florescio. Illustrator and graphic artist.
“When I need guidance about typography or graphic design, this is my go-to book. "It's not a book about fonts, it's about how to use them." It provides examples, explanations and exercises that have helped me tremendously.”
3) “The Untethered Soul” by Michael A. Singer” and 4) “Notes to Myself” by Hugh Prather
Recommended by Makenna Zur Schmiede. Actress and Yoga Instructor at Bala Shala Yoga.
“Rather than notating, I recommend with these books coming back to them every once in a while. Letting each new version of you get excited and inspired all over again.”
5) “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho
Recommended by Gianfranco Pagliara. Remote Sales Manager at Direct Med.
“This book taught me that there is a world out there to be explored and to break past the status quo. Sometimes you have to take a risk (which is how I’m now out here in Cali!)”
6) “White Hot Truth” by Danielle Laporte
Recommended by Devon Walz (yours truly!). Artist and Creative Mentor.
“This is spirituality and self-help for those who are sick of the BS being floated around in spirituality and self-help. Danielle goes into all topics that are medicine for the heart, while calling out what’s been toxifying the self-help world. I recommend it for anyone who wants to reconnect with truth, with themselves and with the divine in a refreshingly real way.
I recommend one quick read to soak it all in and then returning with a highlighter to capture the gems.”
7) “You Are a Badass” by Jenn Scincero
Recommended by Sharael Kolberg. Web Developer and Travel Writer.
All the personal development fundamentals with a no-bs, ass-kicking twist. Jenn’s writing style will ensure you keep the pages turning and her wisdom is on point. A great read for when you need that real deal pep talk!
Soak in one or more of these bad boys and you’re sure to hit your next level before Halloween. Sourced guaranteed. Enjoy!
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Written by Devon Walz. In addition to being a content creator for Sourced, Devon is mixed media fine artist and art educator. When she isn’t dreaming up new topics for the Sourced blog or chatting away with her co-workers, you can probably find her covered in paint and jamming out in her Santa Ana art studio. Find her on Instagram @devonwalzart and online at www.devonwalz.com.