This is a carefully curated list of the very best self-improvement books for women.
This comprehensive list aims to uplift all women, from businesswomen and mompreneurs to anyone wanting to live happier and more purposeful lives. These books can help you tackle the top challenges for women and give you an invigorated, confident, and inspired mindset. If you want to feel empowered in every sense, these self help books for women are the perfect place to start. And they are trending for a reason, so grab a copy of one that speaks to you.
30 Empowering Self Improvement Books For Women in 2024
This library of books includes motivational books for women, business books for women, and self care books for women. And they have been chosen according to strict criteria.
9 Motivational Books for Women That Will Inspire You
These motivational books for women will help you to thrive in your professional and personal life. These books can help you to create meaningful relationships and reach your uncapped potential. They will empower and inspire you.
1. Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
Shonda Rhimes is the creator of some of the most groundbreaking shows on TV today, including Grey’s Anatomy. You would never have expected her to be an introvert but she she is, and upon taking up a challenge to say yes to everything for a year, it changed her life. By the end of this book, you might even be compelled to say yes more – who knows what extraordinary path it could take you on.
2. The Moment of Lift by Melinda French Gates
This book was born out of a profound observation by philanthropist Melinda French Gates – if we want to lift society, we need to stop putting women down. By drawing on stories from inspiring people and her own story of finding her voice, she inspires us to change the world and ourselves.
3. Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo
In this bestseller, Marie Forleo wants to retrain your brain so that everything is “figureoutable.” From leaving a dead-end job, overcoming bad habits, or growing a business – this book will give you the mindset and conviction to change your life.
4. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
Every day we experience uncertainty and risk, from new relationships and important meetings to hard family conversations. Leading thought leader, BrenĂ© Brown, shows us how to find our clearest path to connection, engagement, and fulfillment – through vulnerability and courage. Find out how to be vulnerable and watch your happiness levels skyrocket.
5. Becoming by Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama is a woman of many feats – the first lady of color in the white house, a huge advocate for women and girls around the world, and revered for creating the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history while raising two down-to-earth daughters. She shares the experiences that have shaped her with wit and honesty. Her story will inspire you to defy expectations and become a woman of true substance.
6. That’s What She Said by Kimothy Joy
In this book, Kimothy Joy captures the messages and essence of more than fifty influential female leaders through watercolors and their powerful biographies. Her book is an attribute to iconic women, a reminder to never stop fighting for equality, and a great source of inspiration for all women today.
7. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
This book explores the power of habit and how it has transformed teams, sustained civil rights movements, and changed the course of history. Imagine how it could help you with your own goals like losing weight, being more productive, and achieving success. Charles Duhigg’s book will help you to understand your own behavior and habits so you can transform your life.
8. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
This book has been around for more than a decade but it is still one of the best self improvement books for women to read in 2024. The 7 simple yet profound principles of Stephen R. Covey can help you overcome personal and professional problems. If you want to live with principles of fairness, integrity, and service then buy this classic and revel in its timeless wisdom.
9. The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter by Meg Jay
Contrary to popular beliefs, viral TikToks, and “thirty-is-the-new-twenty” culture, your 20s do matter. Dr. Meg Jay is a clinical psychologist who explores why our 20s are so important and not to be trivialized. She also gives us tools on how to make the most of this pivotal decade. If you are nearing the end of your twenties, grab a hold of this book to make it your best decade yet, and lay the foundation for even better decades ahead.
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7 Books for Improving Self-esteem and Confidence
As confidence is one of the top challenges for female entrepreneurs, we want to explore some of the best self help books for women that can bolster your confidence. These books can help you overcome imposter syndrome, realize your goals, and help you live a more authentic life.
Recommended Reading: 15 Effective Confidence-building Exercises for Women
1. Self-Love Workbook for Women by Megan Logan
This is a workbook and can be your official companion on your journey to self-love, discovery, and compassion. It is a guided self-love book for any woman of any age or background filled with powerful affirmations, proven techniques, and inspiring activities. Your self-love journey starts with this book.
2. Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis
In this powerful book, Rachel Hollis points out what may be stopping you from reaching your goals. This is for any woman who is afraid of embarrassment, not being enough, or not being perfect. She will help you let go of excuses, outline new behaviors to adopt, and the skills you need for self-confidence and unapologetic growth.
3. After the Rain: Gentle Reminders for Healing, Courage, and Self-Love by Alexandra Elle
Alexandra Elle delivers 15 lessons on how to overcome obstacles, build confidence, and cultivate abundance. This is a soulful collection that draws on Elle’s challenging life and speaks to themes of loss, bravery, love, and more. It is a moving guide and memoir on how we can go from self-doubt to self-love.
4. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
This New York Times Bestseller and self help book for women is packed with laugh-out-loud moments, the occasional curse word, and many revolutionary insights. The 27 bite-sized chapters are filled with relatable stories and easy-to-implement exercises to change your life now.
5. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
A must-read for women with over two million copies sold, BrenĂ© Brown has written another book packed with punch. She shares ten guideposts on how to live wholeheartedly and get rid of unattainable and self-sabotaging expectations. Join the wholehearted revolution to change your family and your life – this is your invitation to choose authenticity and worthiness.
6. The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi
Do you want to free yourself from societal expectations and be truly happy? This TikTok sensation is a practical guide to happiness. Based on the theories of renowned psychologist Alfred Adler, this book can help you with self-forgiveness, decluttering your mind, and practicing self-care. Told as a dialogue between a young man and philosopher, you can gain profound wisdom from this book and join the conversation to change the trajectory of your life.
7. Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by Dr. Julie Smith
Drawing on years of experience as a clinical psychologist, online sensation Dr Julie Smith can help you navigate life’s everyday challenges. Her expert advice and coping techniques can help you with some of today’s most pressing challenges like anxiety, motivation, and self-confidence. This is an empathetic guide to understanding your mind and transforming your mental health.
7 Business Books for Women Who Want to Succeed
Here are some of the best business books for women. These books are written by women and top thought leaders, and they can help with different areas from female entrepreneurship to feeling more confident in boardrooms or when negotiating pay raises.
1. Girl Code: Unlocking the Secrets to Success, Sanity, and Happiness for the Female Entrepreneur by Cara Alwill Leyba
Lose the facade, stop pretending everything is perfect, and start supporting other female entrepreneurs. This book shares real-life trials, tribulations, and breakthroughs of women. It is a roadmap for female entrepreneurs and businesswomen who want to understand their why and harness the power of connections.
2. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert offers her unconventional yet pragmatic take on creativity in this captivating book. Creativity is the cornerstone of any successful business or entrepreneur. In her book, Gilbert guides us on how to treat and use creativity to live our most courageous and fulfilling lives.
3. How to Have a Good Day by Caroline Webb
Former McKinsey partner Caroline Webb uses behavioral science to help us understand our brains and choices in the world of work. This book can help you to be more resilient, make every interaction count, and be your smartest self. The cumulative results of good days is an exceptional year, so grab this copy for an outstanding career.
4. Atomic Habits by James Clear
This book is a best-seller, and rightfully so. It is an incredibly practical and easy-to-read guide to developing habits and behaviours that will help you succeed. It focuses on everyday and iterative improvement to reach those big, overarching goals.
5. The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
Research has shown that women are much less confident than men in the workplace, and Claire Shipman and Katty Kay believe it is why men still dominate the corporate world. In their groundbreaking book, they give practical advice on how women can build unbreakable confidence and succeed.
6. Profit First by by Mike Michalowicz
It may be time to rethink your business’s finances. This book shows how entrepreneurs can transform their businesses from cash-eating monsters to profitable cash cows. By using 4 simple principles, small and large businesses can benefit and be truly profitable in the long run.
7. Mindset by Carol S. Dweck
Renowned Psychologist Carol S. Dweck developed this popular concept. In the book, she challenges our fundamental assumptions about our capabilities and determines that we can succeed in most areas by developing a growth mindset. This is one of the best self improvement books for women who want to push boundaries and never stop learning or growing.
Recommended Reading: How Can You Develop a Growth Mindset as a Woman in Business?
7 Reset and Self care Books for Women
Work-life balance for women is a priority. If you are running a household, working a full-time job, or looking after children then you know that the demands don’t stop. Everyone needs to look after their health and sometimes we need to push the reset button. If you are on the verge of burnout or need to reassess your life, these self care books for women are for you.
Recommended Reading: Work-life Balance for Women
1. Thrive by Arianna Huffington
What does it mean to be successful in today’s world? Renowned entrepreneur and founder of the Huffington Post, Arianna Huffington, addresses this question in her book and argues that we need a third dimension that goes beyond money and power. Her book emphasizes well-being, wisdom, and wonder. Her words will inspire you to prioritize health and happiness, and help you to truly thrive in today’s world.
2. Self-Care Habits for Busy Women by Tula Rhodes
This empowering guide helps busy women break free from the chaos and prioritize self-care. With boundary setting, mindfulness, and 6 practical steps you’ll learn to choose yourself daily and pave the way to a happy lifestyle. Embrace self-care and rediscover your best self!
3. Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty
Jay Shetty is a podcast and social media superstar whose book is widely popular. In this book, he urges people to think like a monk to overcome negativity, stop comparisons, and find happiness. This book is a guide to finding peace, mindfulness, and purpose in everyday life. Discover the power of a monk mindset and transform your life.
4. Burnout by Emily Nagoski PhD and Amelia Nagoski DMA
Burnout is different for men and women, and this self help book for women examines and validates this notion. These inspiring sisters are here to help you break the cycle of burnout. They both address the obstacles that face women and how women can fight them. With worksheets, exercises, and eye-opening science you can reclaim your life and your vitality.
5. Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
Do you need a social media detox? Cal Newport can help us to live a more focused and intentional life despite the digital expansion and invasion. This book shows us a more thoughtful approach to technology. Newport explores what platform and tools to use, and how to use social media. By the end of this book you won’t need to document every moment, will no longer suffer from FOMO, and will feel focused in a noisy world.
6. The Comfort Book by Matt Haig
Matt Haig is an excellent storyteller and a mental health advocate whose Comfort Book is a collection of stories that will help you find solace and inspiration in a sometimes gloomy world. Perfect for moments of stress or uncertainty, this book offers comfort and hope, encouraging you to find beauty and joy in the everyday. This is one of the best feel-good books of the year.
7. Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice from Dear Sugar by Cheryl Strayed
This is one of the unconventional self improvement books for women and it may surprise you. Cheryl Strayed Tiny Beautiful Things compiles her best advice columns as “Dear Sugar.” Her columns are wise, candid, and oh-so-relatable. This book is a balm for everything life throws our way and the perfect self-care read for harder days.
How Did We Pick The Best Self Improvement Books for Women in 2024?
We surveyed public forums to see what books women were talking about and dove into the books that inspiring female entrepreneurs have read. The books in this list came up again and again – placing them firmly on our list of must-read books for women. Some of them have even been written by the most successful women in business.
These books are written by acclaimed authors, top thought leaders, and influential women who have gathered invaluable advice for you.
These books also all have excellent reviews on trustworthy platforms like Amazon and Goodreads.
Lastly, these self help books for women cover the essential areas of self improvement for women, from finding purpose to building confidence and practicing real self-care.
This is the ultimate list of self improvement books for women, it is time to take your pick!
Which of These Self Improvement Books for Women Will You Read Next
You now have a whole library full of the best self help books for women. In this list, you can find motivational books for women, business books for women, and self care books for women. From digital detoxes to creating a confident mindset – these books offer wisdom to every woman.
What to read next? 14 Women in Business Podcasts That You Need to Download in 2024
