Personal development is something I used to think was silly.  In fact, I remember when my mom was around 40, I started seeing all of these “self-help” books lying around the house.  I didn’t quite understand why she needed to read these books, but as I’ve gotten older, I have begun to appreciate the transformative effect that personal development can have.  Just before my 40th birthday, I was diagnosed with cancer.  During my recovery, I started to reevaluate what was most important in my life.  One of the most important parts of that reevaluation included starting a practice of personal development.

The book I started with was called Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty.  Each chapter has a focus on a different characteristic of humankind, such as happiness, negativity, and ego.  The author references his time as a monk living in an ashram, and has tips to helping clear our negative energy so we can strive to be our best.  

The second book I love is Atomic Habits by James Clear.  If you want to learn the value of habit stacking, this book is for you.  It all starts with one small change every day, and another small change the next day.  Over time, these small habits add up to big changes and big results!  

Book three on the list is Girl on Fire by Cara Alwill Leyba.  This book helped me build more confidence when I decided to pivot from clinical medicine to functional medicine.  If you are looking to live fearlessly and believe in yourself, you will feel empowered to do anything your heart is set on!

The fourth book I love is The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein.  What I love most about this book is the idea that everything is working FOR you, not TO you.  So often, it’s easy to feel sorry for yourself when things don’t always go the way you think it should.  But the author is quoted as saying:  “My commitment with this book is to wake up as many people as possible to their connection to faith and joy.”  

Not sure what to get your best friend or family member for their birthday? One of these books would be a great gift option.  Maybe you and a best friend or family member can choose to read a book together, and discuss what each of you have learned in the process!

Wherever you are in your growth journey, consider adding in 10 minutes each day for personal development.  The benefit to your self esteem and the amount of personal growth that you can gain from this simple practice, far outweighs the small dedication of time needed.  Before you know it, you may be surprised to find you are reading 15, 20, or even 30 minutes each day.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on these books, or even share your own favorite choice.  Stay positive, and continue to grow.

-Krissy