This is a carefully curated list of the best self improvement books for women, from classics to the most-talked about self improvement books in 2025, find your pick. If you want to find peace, build better habits this year and reclaim your power- these are our top recommendations. They cover women’s greatest challenges and can help you cultivate a good mindset, build confidence and self esteem, and form life-changing habits.
From creativity to confidence and being a badass – here are the best self help books for women
Find your next book
15 Top Self help Books for Women
1. Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo
Podcast host and founder of award-winning MarieTV, 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 is one of the best books for self confidence, and could give you the mindset and conviction to change your life and overcome setbacks with positivity and creativity.
In this bestseller, you will learn about:
- The habit that makes it 42% more likely you’ll achieve your goals
- How to overcome a lack of time and money
- How to deal with self-doubt and criticism
2. “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins
Mel Robbins challenges conventional notions of motivation, you can’t wait for inspiration – you have to take decisive action. Her practical, no bullsh*t advice has resonated with women around the world. Only you can change your life. In her newest book is her most liberating yet and backed by science. Her mindset theory could help you take back our power, let go of judgement, and find freedom and fulfilment.
In this bestseller, you will learn about:
- How you can stop comparing yourself to others,
- Break free from fear and self-doubt
- Build resilience against everyday stressors and distractions
- Define your own path to success, joy, and fulfillment
3. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
This book has been around for decades, but it is still one of the best self improvement books for women to read in 2025.
The 7 simple yet profound principles of Stephen R. Covey can help you overcome personal and professional problems. By reading this book, you can learn how to live with principles of fairness, integrity, and service.
This book will help you:
- Be proactive
- Work toward your goals
- Develop your own personal mission statement
4. Atomic Habits by James Clear
This book is a best-seller and has been recommended by many businesswomen, including Michele Ferron. It is an incredibly practical and easy-to-read guide to developing habits and behaviors that will help you succeed. It focuses on everyday and iterative improvement to reach those big, overarching goals.
Atomic habits will help you understand habits so you can change them.
You will learn about how to:
- Make it obvious
- Small habits make a big difference
- Focus on systems over goal-setting
- Build identity-based habits
- Build better habits in 4 simple steps
5. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
This New York Times Bestseller 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. It is one of the best books for self confidence, is funny, and entertaining.
It can help you:
- Identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that stop you from getting what you want.
- Shift your energy and attract what you desire.
- Make some damn money already.
6. 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 fulfilling life, business venture, or passion project. In her book, Gilbert guides us on how to treat and use creativity to live our most courageous lives and debunks myths about creativity that many people mistakenly hold onto.
In this book, you will learn how to:
- Embrace creativity
- Be more courageous
- Find your own creative path
Recommended Reading: The 15 Best Business Books For Women in Business
7. Mindset by Carol S. Dweck
Renowned Psychologist Carol S. Dweck developed the popular concept, Growth Mindset. With this mindset, you believe that you can grow and develop your skills through application and experience, and your skills are not fixed. In the book, she challenges our fundamental assumptions about our capabilities and determines that we can succeed by developing a growth mindset.
In this self improvement book, you will learn about:
- What a growth mindset is
- How a growth mindset can help you when parenting, in business and school, and when developing relationships.
- How you can develop a Growth Mindset
Recommended Reading: How Can You Develop a Growth Mindset as a Woman in Business?
8. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
This groundbreaking book teaches that embracing your imperfections is the ultimate form of strength. Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s your superpower. Brown’s research-backed approach helps women silence their inner critic and build authentic, meaningful relationships.
In this bestseller, you will learn about:
- Ways to live a wholehearted, courageous life
- The surprising power of vulnerability and why it leads to connection
- How to cultivate resilience against shame and self-doubt
- Tools to build deeper relationships and personal authenticity
Recommended Reading: 15 Dare to Lead Quotes That Will Change How You Lead
9. 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.
In this book, she explores:
- Excuses you may be holding onto
- Bheviors to adopt
- The skills you need for confidence and growth
Recommended Reading: 15 Effective Confidence-building Exercises for Women
Do you want to listen to inspiring conversations? Listen to these 20 Inspirational Podcasts for Women
10. Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab
This is one of the best self care books for women. Boundaries have become a buzzword, but how can you set definitive boundaries and in way that is both assertive and polite? One of the most influential therapists on Instagram Nedra Glover Tawwab demystifies this complex topic for today’s world. She presents simple-yet-powerful ways to establish healthy boundaries in all aspects of life.
In this book, she helps us:
- Identifying and enforcing boundaries in every aspect of your life
- Overcoming guilt and fear around saying “no”
- Building self-respect and emotional independence
- Creating a life that prioritizes your peace
11. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
Brené Brown’s classic is a guide to letting go of who you think you should be and embracing who you truly are. This empowering book helps women embrace their flaws, nurture self-compassion, and find joy in imperfection. It’s time to stop striving for perfection and start living authentically.
In this bestseller, you will learn about:
- Why perfectionism holds you back and how to overcome it
- The importance of self-compassion and self-acceptance
- Practical tools to cultivate gratitude, joy, and resilience
- Living a life guided by authenticity and wholeheartedness
12. The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest
Brianna Wiest delves into self-sabotage, helping women recognize how their inner mountains are holding them back. With empowering insights and tools, this book is a guide to transforming challenges into growth and purpose. It’s about climbing the mountain of your mind and emerging stronger.
In this bestseller, you will learn about:
- Identifying patterns of self-sabotage and breaking them
- Building emotional intelligence to overcome internal struggles
- Turning pain and challenges into personal growth
- Discovering your life’s purpose and living it fully
13. Burnout by Emily Nagoski PhD and Amelia Nagoski DMA
Emily and Amelia Nagoski address the unique stressors women face and how to break free from burnout. With compassion and science-based strategies, they provide practical advice for managing stress and reclaiming joy. This book is a survival manual for modern women.
In this bestseller, you will learn about:
- Understanding the cycle of burnout and how to break it
- Practical tools for managing stress and overwhelm
- The connection between your body, mind, and emotions
- Building sustainable habits for long-term well-being
14. Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice from Dear Sugar by Cheryl Strayed
Cheryl Strayed compiles her most heartfelt advice from her column “Dear Sugar.” With raw honesty and profound wisdom, this book touches on love, grief, relationships, and everything in between. It’s an inspiring guide for navigating life’s messiest moments.
In this bestseller, you will learn about:
- Finding strength and beauty in life’s challenges
- Navigating love, loss, and forgiveness with grace
- Embracing your humanity and the messiness of life
- Cultivating hope, resilience, and inner peace
15. Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual by Luvvie Ajayi Jones
Luvvie Ajayi Jones inspires women to embrace fear, challenge the status quo, and take bold action. With her sharp wit and candid advice, she empowers women to speak up, stand out, and live unapologetically. This book is your guide to becoming the disruptor you were born to be.
In this bestseller, you will learn about:
- Overcoming fear and stepping into your power
- Speaking up for yourself and others with confidence
- Building courage to challenge norms and spark change
- Living a bold, unapologetic, and fearless life
How Did We Pick The Best Self Improvement Books for Women?
We surveyed public forums to see what books women were talking about and searched for books that inspiring women in business have read and recommended. The books in this list came up again and again – placing them firmly on our list of must-read books for women.
These books are written by acclaimed authors and top thought leaders, and influence how people behave at work, and home, and how we interact with one another.
These books also all have excellent reviews on trustworthy platforms like Amazon and Goodreads.
Lastly and importantly, these books cover some of the top challenges for female entrepreneurs and women like confidence and self-doubt. Self improvement for women means having the confidence and tools to be true to yourself, and these books can help you on your journey.
What Is Self Improvement for Women?
Self improvement for women is ongoing. It is a process whereby you try and improve yourself through knowledge, action, and trying new things. Women face unique challenges like work-life balance and confidence. A lot of the best self improvement books for women cover these topics. Here are a few tips to make sure that you continue on your journey and give yourself the grace you deserve.
Here are a few things you can do to improve as a woman.
- Write down your goals (Use a work planner – we have some top recommendations)
- Surround yourself with people who support you
- Embrace failure
- Take risks
- Celebrate your success (Here are 25 Ideas for you to celebrate your success)
- Evaluate your journey and progress regularly
Recommended Reading: Goal Setting for The New Year (How to Do It Properly)
How to Know What to Read Next?
You now have a collection of books to choose from.
And remember, self improvement for women is an ongoing journey, and these books can offer incredible insights and tools to help you. From creating habits, and having a good day every day to overcoming fear – these books could change your life. When choosing what to read next, self-awareness is key. You should think about your strengths, weaknesses, and where you could improve in your life.
Take your reading experience to the next level with Custom Pens. Personalize your pen with a motto or engraved signature. Using this powerful pen, you can jot down notes to remember and bookmark the important chapters and ideas – making your self-improvement journey even more meaningful. This pen isn’t just a tool – it’s your companion for capturing insights, memorable quotes, and game-changing ideas.
What to read next? 20 Women in Business Podcasts That You Need to Download in 2025
FAQs: A Guide to Choosing The Best Self Improvement Book for Women
What are the best self improvement books for women?
The best self improvement books for women include women’s biggest challenges like self care, boundaries, and habits and mindset. Work-life balance is also a priority for women is a priority. These books can help you find fulfilment, peace, and power.
What are the best self help books for black women?
Some of the best self help books for black women include Lead from the Outside: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change by Stacey Abrams. Stacey is one of the most prominent black female politicians in the U.S. and shares her experiences and perspective about making change as a black woman. The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes and Becoming by Michelle Obama are exceptional books for women, written by influential and powerful black women.
What are the best self improvement books for moms?
These self improvement books are written by moms and touch on some of mom’s biggest challenges – work-life balance, boundaries, and building your confidence and self esteem. Here are out top picks:
What are the best self help books for women in their 20s?
Here are the best books for women navigating early adult-hood:
What are the best funny self improvement books?
Humorous self improvement books can offer a much-needed and lighter approach to self help, providing lots of relatable and laugh-out-loud moments while reminding us that it is okay to be messy and imperfect – we all are. These books are guaranteed to make you laugh:
What are the most motivational books for women?
If you want to read about the most inspiring women in business, their stories, and feel inspired, we recommend these books:
- 1. Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
- 2. The Moment of Lift by Melinda French Gates
- 3. Becoming by Michelle Obama
Recommended Reading: 9 Motivational Books for Women by Inspiring Women
What are the best books for ambitious women?
- 1. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
- 2. Young and Restless by Mattie Kahn
- 3. Mindset by Carol S. Dweck
What are the best books for improving speaking skills in 2025?
If you want to present more confidently and clearly, here are some of the best books for improving your speaking skills. They can help you speak spontaneously in meetings and stand-ups and communicate you ideas clearly when presenting them.
The best books for improving speaking skills are:
- Talk Like Ted by Carmine Gallo
- Think Fast Talk Smart by Matt Abrahams
- Confessions of a Public Speaker by Scott Berkun.
Recommended Reading: The 5 Best Books for Improving Speaking Skills plus Their Top Takeaways
