12 suggested books to read for 2024 for self-development

As we end the start of this new year, I invite you to think like Robert Louis Stevenson, Scottish novelist, poet and travel writer, most noted for writing Treasure Island, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, who said:

“I kept always two books in my pocket, one to read, one to write in.”

Here are some suggested reading for 2024. Please add yours and let's exchange:

1. Think Again - Adam Grant

Adam Grant invites us to think again, as the title suggests, and question our thoughts and opinions while inviting others to engage with an open mind through stories and examples.

2. You are a badass - Jen Sincero

Jen Sincero encourages us to live a fulfilling life by taking action and realising our goals, through self-awareness and embracing our greatness by unlocking the badass in us.

3. Atomic Habits - James Clear

James Clear guides us on how to build better habits and break old ones and become one percent better every day. One of the most concise books on how to really work on self-improvement.

4. The Discomfort zone - Farrah Storr

Farrah Storr challenges comfort zones and invites us to embrace challenges as opportunities to thrive and face our fears, and draw on our untapped potential and discover our extraordinary self.

5. Good Vibes, Good Life - Vex King

Vex King answers questions on self-love and how to cultivate a positive lifestyle, including mindfulness and meditation. As the title says, Good Vibes, Good Life

6. Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World - Cal Newport

Cal Newport writes about focus as an essential skills and how honing it can allow us to engage in deep meaningful work. In a world rife with distractions, focus is our tool to getting better.

7. The Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle teaches us the importance of the present moment and being in the now, through better thinking, presence and spiritual practice. It can be an overwhelming read and require some time to process.

8. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck - Mark Manson

Mark Manson argues that self-improvement is about improving upon problems and not avoiding them while learning to accept the occasional unhappiness. It is a radical departure from ''self-help'' books and invites us to focus on what is important to us.

9. The Alchemist - Paulo Coehlo

Paulo Coehlo takes us a on journey to appreciate the wisdom of listening to our hearts, recognising opportunities and follow our dreams. One of the classics in terms of finding a path in life.

10. Mindset - The psychology of success - Carol S Dweck

Carol Dweck talks about mindset and its importance and how moving from a growth mindset from a fixed mindset makes a difference.

11. The 7 habits of highly effective people - Stephen R Covey

Stephen R Covey proposes 7 habits for personal and professional effectiveness from being proactive to having the end in mind through the important lesson of learning to say No.

12. Pivot, The only move that matters is your next one - Jenny Blake

Jenny Blake answers the question of ''What Next?'' and invites you to move forward strategically, by doubling down on your existing strengths and navigate with strength and flexibility.

This is not an exhaustive list, but merely suggestions on books which can accompany you through this year. There are many more titles which can be added to the list, please do share yours.

BONUS

Thank you for taking time to read though. Hope the titles above help and bring you closer to your goals.

Allow me a shameless plug in for my self-published book, which is a conversation between a mother and daughter on everything and anything, around the themes of the alphabets, on a parting note and I look forward to reading your recommendations.

PS If you are looking for notebooks to write, watch this space. Coming soon.