The 20 Best Self Development Books to Read in Your 20s
If you want to become the best version of yourself, then focusing on self-development isn't just a 'nice to have'; it's crucial.
Self-development is a personal journey, so it's important to use self-development books as more of a road map instead of a gospel. Use what works for you, but don't knock what doesn't; it may be the perfect vehicle for someone else.
There are so many ways to level up that you must find something that speaks to you. A creative brain will likely look for different influences than an analytical one. Someone who feels stressed will need different techniques from someone who feels lost.
There's enough out there to explore that, like life, it's an ongoing game of trial and error, and there's no better time to make those discoveries than in your 20s.
For those ready to explore their self-development journey, here's our collection of the 20 best self-development books to read in your 20s.
Atomic Habits
- James Clear - 2016
- Credit - Author: Eckhart Tolle. Publisher: Yellow Kite.
"Every action you take is a vote for the person you wish to become."
Atomic Habits breaks down the importance of your habits in shaping who you are.
It talks about reverse engineering who you want to be, settling on your ideal self and then setting small, achievable habits to get there.
It's less about the goals and more about the systems you put in place to get there.
The Power of Now
- Eckhart Tolle - 1997
- Credit - Author: Eckhart Tolle. Publisher: Yellow Kite.
"Life is now. There was never a time where your life was not now, nor will there ever be.”
The Power of Now is a classic self-development book by Eckhart Tolle, focusing on the fact that all there ever is, is the moment you're in.
Instead of fretting about the past or future, which you have no control over, power is appreciating and living now, using it to your advantage.
Daring Greatly
- Brene Brown - 2012
- Credit - Author: Brene Brown. Publisher: Avery Publishing Group.
"The willingness to show up changes us; it makes us a little braver each time."
Daring Greatly explores vulnerability and how such feelings are the source of your life's so-called 'good' and 'bad' emotions.
But removing labels such as 'good and bad' and embracing more vulnerability in our lives will allow us to go further than before.
You Are a Badass
- Jan Sincero - 2013
- Credit - Author: Jan Sincero. Publisher: Running Press.
"What other people think about you has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them."
We each have self-sabotaging or imposter beliefs, yet how you notice and change them defines their outcome.
You Are a Badass helps you devise such a system to do so, and by implementing such self-aware change, you can get what you want from life.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F^ck
- Mark Manson - 2016
- Credit - Author: Mark Manson. Publisher: Harper.
"Not giving a f^ck does not mean being indifferent; it means being comfortable with being different."
It's a book most have noticed due to its eye-catching title, and one which would probably hate being on a self-development list.
It challenges traditional self-development approaches by focusing on not caring as much or saying no to things that don't serve you.
The book flips such advice which, in the modern world, has spoken to millions of readers.
Awaken the Giant Within
- Tony Robbins - 1991
- Credit - Author: Tony Robbins. Publisher: Simon & Schuster.
"Know that it's your decisions, and not your conditions, that determine your destiny."
Tony Robbins is one of the leading gurus in self-development, with Awaken the Giant Within going from self-development books to courses to movies.
It highlights how, despite your background or experiences, there's a limitless power and potential within you if you find ways to access it.
The Untethered Soul
- Michael A. Singer - 2007
- Credit - Author: Michael A. Singer. Publisher: New Harbinger Publications.
"You will not be able to solve anything outside until you own how the situation affects you inside."
Learning about your mind can be a confusing maze, one which the Untethered Soul tries to help you navigate.
It focuses on hard-hitting topics such as consciousness and the soul, with teachings from different spiritual practices discussing the ultimate goal of achieving enlightenment.
Good Vibes Good Life
- Vex King - 2018
- Credit - Author: Vex King. Publisher: Hay House UK.
"Some storms can be a blessing in disguise. Learn from it & heal from it."
'Vibes' sometimes gets derided as a buzzword for young people. Still, it neatly incorporates feelings around universal energy, the law of attraction, and gut instinct.
Good Vibes Good Life focuses on harnessing such good energy in a world full of distractions, using it to promote a happy life mentally, physically, and spiritually.
The Alchemist
- Paulo Coelho - 1988
- Credit - Author: Paulo Coelho. Publisher: HarperOne
"It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting."
This classic novel has been read by millions in most countries worldwide, thanks to it weaving spirituality teachings into a gripping fictional story.
It follows Santiago, a boy who embarks on a journey seeking treasure. On such an adventure to his destination, he realises the importance of the internal journey of learning who he truly is.
Start With Why
- Simon Sinek - 2009
- Credit - Author: Simon Sinek. Publisher: Portfolio.
"When you compete against everyone else, no one wants to help you. But when you compete against yourself, everyone wants to help you."
Start With Why is primarily for professionals who are leaders within organisations or who aspire to be. Many understand 'what' to do or 'how' to do it in their existing roles or life.
To find your 'why' is finding your guiding compass, which provides direction that allows you and your organisation to develop.
Thinking Fast and Slow
- Danielm Kahneman - 2011
- Credit - Author: Danielm Kahneman. Publisher: Penguin.
"Nothing in life is as important as you think it is, while you are thinking about it." ___________________-
Thinking Fast and Slow highlights how our brain thinks at two different paces and how each type shapes our judgement.
By breaking them down into individual systems, you can learn how to use both to your advantage in various situations.
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
Greg Mckeown - 2014
Credit - Author: Greg Mckeown. Publisher: Virgin Books
"Essentialism is not about how to get more things done; it's about how to get the right things done."
In our consumer-driven world, we all have the habit of collecting what we don't need. This can also transfer into habits or our wider lifestyles.
We could all do with trimming away the excess, and Essentialism is not just about ridding what we don't need but freeing time and space for things we do.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a world that can't stop talking
- Susan Cain - 2012
- Credit - Author: Susan Cain. Publisher: Penguin.
"There's zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas."
For those who identify as introverts, our noisy world can seem a daunting place. But the loudest voices don't necessarily translate to having the best ideas.
Quiet explores how introverts shouldn't cave into being something they're not and how their true power is in being exactly who they are.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
- Elizabeth Gilbert - 2015
- Credit - Author: Elizabeth Gilbert. Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing.
"The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them."
We all see the world differently. For creatives, the sheer scale of it can be disorientating, and it can dampen our creative shine.
Big Magic explores a creative process that allows you to find your creative spark (despite your fears) and do it justice by using it.
The Power of Letting Go
- John Purkiss - 2020
- Credit - Author: John Purkiss. Publisher: Aster.
"If you want to fly in the sky, you need to leave the earth. If you want to move forward, you need to let go of the past that drags you down."
Self-development may seem like it's about adding new aspects to your life to help improve it. But equally, it's the self-awareness and ability to let go of anything that doesn't serve you.
Whether negative experiences, thoughts, or habits, The Power of Letting Go explores the benefits of doing just that.
Wild
- Cheryl Strayed - 2012
- Credit - Author: Cheryl Strayed. Publisher: Atlantic Books.
"Don't surrender all your joy for an idea you used to have about yourself that isn't true anymore."
Wild is the incredible true story of Cheryl Strayed, whose amazing journey of self-discovery came from tragedy.
This catalyst inspired an adventure like no other, and the sheer scope of it replicates the internal journey she went on in a voyage of self-discovery and acceptance.
The Book of Moods
- Lauren Martin - 2020
- Credit - Author: Lauren Martin.
"In the same way it takes ten thousand hours to master a skill, it takes ten thousand uncomfortable moments to acquire strength."
The Book of Moods has tons of personality from author Lauren Martin, who uses science and her own experiences to highlight the effect of emotions, and how best to deal with them.
It's a real-life look at feelings and has become a community for millions who can relate.
The Defining Decade
- Meg Jay - 2012
- Credit - Author: Meg Jay. Publisher: Canongate Books.
"Twentysomethings who don't feel anxious and incompetent at work are usually overconfident or underemployed."
Being in your 20s is the perfect time to experience life and, more crucially, make mistakes. You can fall down, get back up and learn, with the lesson being more important than anything.
By experimenting, you can help find your path, and The Defining Decade explores this opportunity for growth.
Make Your Bed
- Admiral H McRaven. 2017
- Credit - Author: Admiral H McRaven. Publisher: Michael Joseph.
"Quitting never makes anything easier."
You may have seen an incredible speech on social media, where an admiral gave a stirring speech to a graduating class about 'making your bed'.
This book is the long-form version of this concept, talking through his experiences and how habits shape you and the world.
The Courage to be Disliked
- Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga - 2013
- Credit - Author: Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. Publisher: Allen & Unwin.
"The courage to be happy also includes the courage to be disliked."
The Courage to Be Disliked displays a philosophy on how to live life by unlocking your true self. To do so, you must have the courage to be disliked, as this demonstrates that you're living your most authentic form.
By being inherently yourself, you'll find enlightenment and be able to live a richer life as a result.
Self-development books are your portal into positive change.
Not all will work for you. In fact, even the self-development books you like may not fully apply to your situation. It’s about being a sponge for information, taking what works for you and then being open-minded to the rest.
It’s a deeply personal journey and one you should enjoy. It’s not about the destination, but the adventure on the way.
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