UPDATED NOV 2020. The new year is fast approaching, and if that has you motivated to make changes to any area of your lifestyle then this post is for you. Here are my favorite empowering books that will make you strong and help you create a mindset that can overcome any challenges you face. Instead of making a long list, I’ve narrowed it down to my favorites in different styles. I’ve also explained a little about each so you could pick one that suits you best. What you consume in your mental diet is important. Whether it’s these, or other books, podcasts or messages that make you feel empowered, make sure you are feeding your brain with things to help you create the life you want.
My Favorite Empowering Books That Will Make You Strong
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Fear: Essential Wisdom For Getting Through the Storm, Thich Nhat Hanh
When I found this book many years ago, I was waiting for a flight and browsing an airport gift store to pass some time. The cover stopped me in my tracks for some reason and I bought the book, not fully knowing why. It just felt right.
I haven’t read it in years, but when I think of it, the thought that comes to mind is ‘that book changed my life.’
It taught me a different perspective, a new way of approaching life, and a lot of valuable insight to help me understand my own fears and insecurities. I learned about accepting things without judgment, letting go of the need to control, the impermanence of life, and healthy ways to find balance.
I have also gone on to read other books by Thich Nhat Hanh (linked below) and I always feel like his work makes me a stronger person through the insight and self-awareness I gain from it.
Buy your copies here:
- Fear: Essential Wisdom For Getting Through The Storm
- Anger: Wisdom For Cooling The Flames
- The Art Of Communicating
Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead And Win, Jocko Willink And Leif Babin
You may see the title and think that a book on Navy SEAL leadership strategies is not relevant to your life, but hear me out. I’d last 5 seconds at Navy SEAL training and I learned a lot from the book so I’m proof that it’s for everyone.
It’s useful for everyone because it’s not a book about military tactics per se. Instead, it’s about leadership and we are all leaders. The principles of the book can be applied to everyone, whether you are in a leadership position at work, as a parent, as part of a community club, or even just want to be better at leading yourself.
It will make you stronger by teaching you accountability. No more excuses, no more blaming others, no more thinking like a victim, no more losing control of your emotions. This shows you how to lead yourself first by being accountable and lead others through practical strategies.
I enjoyed the book and learned a lot of strategies for creating a mindset of always finding the areas I can improve and being a better leader in general. I’ve also linked another book by Jocko that I enjoyed recently.
Buy your copies here:
Rising Strong: How The Ability To Reset Transforms The Way We Live, Love, Parent, And Lead, Brene Brown
Failure is not a ‘maybe’ thing. You will fail. You will fall down or go through hard times. What do you do then?
This book was recommended to me by quite a few of my Instagram friends, and I think it’s an empowering read because it focuses on how to be strong in the hard times. This is where we need to most help right?
It covers things like how do we get back up and try again, how can we use the experience to our advantage, and how can we change our inner voice to sounding like a motivating and encouraging friend instead of a harsh critic. Brene is able to explain everything with her own stories and those of others in an easy to read, funny, and relatable way.
How you rise after getting knocked down is a sign of strength, and this book will help you become stronger in overcoming hardship.
I also recently finished reading another empowering book by Brene (linked below).
Buy your copies here:
- Rising Strong: How The Ability To Reset Transforms The Way We Live, Love, Parent, And Lead
- Braving The Wilderness: The Quest For True Belonging And The Courage To Stand Alone
Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind And Defy The Odds, David Goggins
This one. Where to start. It’s the powerful, no holds barred personal story of former Navy SEAL and all-round badass, David Goggins.
This book will make you stronger firstly by putting things into perspective. How can you say your excuses with a straight face when you see what this guy has gone through and overcome. There are no excuses.
It will also make you stronger because he has added challenges for readers at the end of each chapter, almost like a workbook. These challenges help you get stronger by giving you insight into your own behaviors, learning about what is holding you back and how to overcome it.
I believe that self-awareness is one of the biggest strengths a person can have and love how he has not just written about his own story, but added the exercises to really help others.
Buy your copy here:
Man’s Search For Meaning, Viktor E. Frankl
The books that help me the most in terms of growth are ones that share stories from people who have been through incredibly hard times and how they overcame their hardships.
I’m not sure that it gets much harder than a concentration camp. That is the setting for this book.
It’s not a ‘feel sorry for me’ type of book though. I love how he is sharing in a way to gift others with valuable insight. The book goes through strategies and mindset shifts in a way that can help us in everyday life, real talk perspectives on what life in a concentration camp was like, and how to find strength in difficult times.
The Obstacle Is The Way: The Timeless Art Of Turning Trials Into Triumph, Ryan Holiday
I didn’t get as much from this one because I am a stoic by nature.
However, I thought it was interesting to read and worth recommending. I enjoyed reading the stories and examples from successful stoics in history and understanding how people can apply their lessons to everyday life.
The book also encourages a shift in perspective of how we view our challenges. Instead of being defeated and feeling negative about them, it encourages us to view it as a necessary part of the journey and something that we can learn and grow from.
If you are someone who gets overwhelmed with your emotions, if you feel like you can’t control your emotions, or if you get overwhelmed when a challenge lands in your path, I think it would be very helpful for you.
Other gift guides you might be interested in:
- Travel Books To Fuel Your Wanderlust (That Aren’t Eat, Pray, Love)
- 15 Practical Gifts For Travelers (That Your Travel Friend Will Thank You For)
- Treat Yo’self Style Gifts For Women Who Love To Travel
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Hi Katie,
I’ll have to add these to my list of books to read in 2020! Thanks for sharing.
– Alex
Hope you like them!