15 Best Self Discovery Books to Uncover Your Highest Self

This was one of the first books about forming habits that I ever read, and let me just say there’s a reason why you’ve likely heard of this title before!

James Clear’s Atomic Habits is a must-read self growth book that encourages you to form good habits, break bad ones, and acquire the willpower and proper lifestyle design to see lasting effects.

Arguably most importantly, Clear will teach you one of his keystone lessons:

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.“

Another one of the best self discovery books I’ve ever read was a true COVID-19 pandemic read: Untamed by Glennon Doyle.

A #1 New York Times Bestseller, this book dives deep into the joy and peace we feel when we stop living to meet others’ expectations and begin trusting our true voice.

I’d highly recommend this book if you’re struggling to set boundaries, live life on your own terms, and stand apart from the crowd.

A well-deserved favorite, Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic taps into the world of creativity and fulfillment.

Perfect for anyone with that artistic pull to write, create art, music, etc. (like myself), this is one of the best books about self discovery because it encourages you to embrace your curiosity.

Her words teach you to tackle fear head on, and equip you with the right attitudes, approaches, and habits to do so.

101 Essays is truly one of my all-time self improvement favorites, and was a huge inspiration behind my own creative nonfiction book, Self-Assembly.

The sets of prose in her novel demonstrate the importance of pursuing purpose over passion, seeing the wisdom in daily routine, and becoming aware of the cognitive biases that impact your perception of your own life.

I loved her self discovery book so much that I included it on my top booklist reccs here!

The journey beyond yourself: the epitome of becoming an untethered soul.

I ranked this as one of the best self discovery books on my list because:

• It teaches you how to actually put an end to the habitual thoughts and emotions that limit your consciousness.
• It encourages you to practice meditation and mindfulness in order to live fully in the present moment and move past obsessive, intrusive thoughts that block happiness.

Based on ancient Toltec widsom, The Four Agreements provides a powerful code of conduct that can completely transform your life!

Ruiz delves into four core agreements, outlined below, in extreme depth throughout his piece:

• Be impeccable with your word
• Don’t take anything personally
• Don’t make assumptions
• Always do your best

Over the course of one year, this self improvement guide will give you the serenity, self-knowledge, and resilience you need to live purposefully. 

Based on ancient philosophies, this compilation of insights and powerful exercises blends seamlessly into a series of daily devotional Stoic meditations.

As you reflect on the words you are given each day, you’ll be guided toward deep self reflection and actualization.

For those of us in need of an extra dose of self confidence – like myself at times – Sincero has you covered!

Her book is full of hilarious stories, thought-provoking advice, and compelling exercises that force you to:

• Rid self sabotage from your life (and vocabulary!)
• Start creating the life of your dreams TODAY
• Unshackle what’s holding you back and create tangible change in your life

I read Wild at a point in my life when I seriously did not know who I was anymore. I was completely disoriented and lost.

Strayed’s story of finding herself on the Pacific Crest Trail – alone – inspired me to do my own first solo trip… to Italy! And again, as part of a travel group, to Thailand.

All of that to say – if you’re looking for a personal development read that proves rock bottom is the most fertile soil for reinvention, this is your book.

I’ve gifted this book about self discovery and self awareness to so many friends and family members!

I’m recommending it because if you look deep within the plotline, you’ll find gems concerning:

• Why it’s crucial to listen to your heart
• How to pinpoint hidden opportunities and read the omens along life’s path
• How choosing NOT to follow your dreams will lead to the greatest suffering imaginable

After finishing another comedic self help book – The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck – I decided why not give this other BS-free title a try!

A true self empowerment guide, Bishop’s book coaches you on how to move past self-imposed limitations.

At the end of the day, our experience of reality starts and ends in our minds… and the seven assertions outlined in this piece convey just that:

• I am willing.
• I am wired to win.
• I got this.
• I embrace the uncertainty.
• I am not my thoughts; I am what I do.
• I am relentless.
• I expect nothing and accept everything.

A true self love classic, Eat Pray Love is unmatched when it comes to motivating you to become an authentic, genuine human.

Gilbert’s experience of feeling unsatisfied and panicked with a seemingly perfect life is something so many can relate to.

Her story prompts us to reflect on whether we are living in accordance with our innermost priorities and values.

You will seriously love this personal growth book, you’ll want to read it all over again once you finish!

Bernstein will teach you how to discover your “-ing,” look out for life’s signs, and become much more connected to your spiritual wellness.

If you’re in need of a spark to realign your energy, heal past traumas, and feel complete again, you need to *have* to read this book… I promise, it’s that good.

From the perspective of a former Olympic athlete, this tale is all about navigating the unknown and answering the question “what is my purpose?”.

Touching on resiliency, creativity, passion, and Ohno’s famed Five Golden Principles, this story combines practical guidance, personal stories, and deep insights from the psychology of success into a resource to help you through challenging times. 

• Gratitude
• Giving
• Grit
• Gearing Up
• Go

Last but not least, I had to include one of the best guided journals for self discovery on this list!

Full of reflective prompts, this self help workbook is based on the premise that the root of all healing work is awakening consciousness, a process of shining light into the darkness of the unknown.

This guided journal is sectioned off into various chapters that encompass the physical, mental, and emotional patterns we face while working through our own self discoveries.