29 Best Self Help Books for Women to Read in 2024

There are some people that wouldn’t be caught dead reading a self help book in public.

But why are these works of emotional education so often scorned by members of society? Why do people feel embarrassed about their quest toward personal development?

As mental health is becoming an increasingly open topic to discuss in our country, people are turning to self-help books more frequently to address their own emotional concerns.

Well-written self-help books offer great insight using a variety of writing styles to help teach people how to change their mindset in order to improve their lives.

Often, self-help books can benefit those who are least inclined to do any kind of self-reflection because these are the people who don’t realize an area of their life needs attention until it’s deeply broken.

Self-help books for women can promote self-acceptance, help women find happiness in their lives, and free women from the reigns of anxiety–among many other things.

Whether you have benefitted from reading self-help books in the past or you’re the one who wouldn’t dare pick one up at the library, there is a self help book out there that can guide you in improving your life in some way.

I think you would be surprised at how much you can directly relate to what is being said by other women about issues that we face universally, but often don’t talk about.

I urge those of you who haven’t read a self-help book to take a chance with it and pick one up. In this article, I am going to give a quick description of the 29 best self-help books for women to read in 2024.

Pick one of these books to start with–even if you pick it for the humor that it promises–and I think you will find yourself reaching for another once you’ve finished it.

Let’s take a look.

29 Best Self Help Books for Women to Read in 2024

1. Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed

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Takeaways:

• Embrace vulnerability. The book emphasizes the power of vulnerability and encourages readers to embrace their own imperfections and struggles.
• Practice empathy. Cheryl Strayed's advice columns demonstrate the importance of empathy and understanding in human relationships, inspiring readers to cultivate compassion in their own lives.
• Seek self-discovery. Tiny Beautiful Things encourages readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery, urging them to confront their fears and uncertainties in order to grow and evolve.
• Embrace forgiveness. The book highlights the transformative nature of forgiveness, encouraging readers to let go of past grievances and find healing through forgiveness.
• Embrace the beauty in life's imperfections. Cheryl Strayed's poignant anecdotes and advice underscore the beauty in life's imperfections, urging readers to find joy and meaning in the midst of life's challenges.

Cheryl Strayed was once anonymously known as Sugar, an advice columnist for a literary website, The Rumpus.

Cheryl comes to us with rich life experiences–as evidenced by her bestselling book, Wild–to offer advice in a variety of facets of life. Strayed compiled the best of her Dear Sugar advice columns for this book, in addition to pieces that never made it to the site.

Readers enjoy Strayed’s insight along with her sense of humor and complete honesty as she offers advice on how to overcome life’s obstacles.

She covers everything from infidelity to the loss of a loved one and also acknowledges the positive aspects of life like falling in love and landing your dream job.

Strayed’s writing is engaging and nonjudgemental, and many readers have found that she has a sense of empathy that seems to be lacking from other self-help books. If you feel lost in life, reading Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar will help give you a greater sense of guidance as you learn to see things from a new perspective and take action that will make a difference in your life.

2. I Am That Girl by Alexis Jones

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Takeaways:

• Embrace authenticity. I Am That Girl advocates for embracing one's authentic self and encourages readers to celebrate their unique qualities and individuality.
• Cultivate supportive relationships. The book emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with empowering and supportive individuals who uplift and inspire personal growth.
• Pursue passion and purpose. Alexis Jones' book inspires readers to pursue their passions and align their actions with their values, encouraging them to live purpose-driven lives.
• Empowerment through vulnerability. I Am That Girl promotes the idea that vulnerability can be a source of strength and empowerment, encouraging readers to embrace their vulnerabilities as part of their journey.
• Advocate for self-love and self-care. The book underscores the significance of self-love and self-care, urging readers to prioritize their well-being and embrace a positive self-image.

Alexis Jones, who is well known for competing in the Spring 2008 season of Survivor, is now an activist and motivational speaker for girls around the world who want to find their purpose, think for themselves and live up to their full potential.

I Am That Girl: How to Speak Your Truth, Discover Your Purpose, and #bethatgirl is named after the non-profit organization founded by Jones that currently has 175 chapters worldwide who all fight the media’s perfectionist portrayal of women that the world faces.

In this book, Jones urges readers to stop believing any messages of not being good enough or failing to reach a level of perfection that seems to be expected. She offers stories from 30 women to teach you how to start living the life that you want now, and stop letting people hold you back.

After reading this book, you will have the courage to recognize that anything is possible in your life and you can inspire those around you to dream bigger as well.

3. The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman

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Takeaways:

• Confidence is a skill. The Confidence Code emphasizes that confidence is a skill that can be developed and honed through practice and perseverance, rather than an innate trait.
• Embrace risk-taking: The book encourages readers, especially women, to embrace risk-taking and push beyond their comfort zones in order to build confidence and achieve success.
• Overcome perfectionism. Katty Kay and Claire Shipman advocate for overcoming the trap of perfectionism, highlighting the importance of taking action and learning from failures to boost confidence.
• Confidence and competence. The book explores the relationship between confidence and competence, emphasizing the significance of recognizing one's abilities and leveraging them to build confidence.
• The impact of mindset. The Confidence Code delves into the role of mindset in shaping confidence, encouraging readers to adopt a growth mindset and reframe self-doubt to foster greater confidence.

Do you find yourself struggling with self-doubt? If you find that confidence is often out of reach, The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance—What Women Should Know can help you garner the sense of courage that you so frequently see in other people.

Written by journalists Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, the lessons offered in this book explore the neuroscience behind confidence and how women can actually choose to improve their confidence by being proactive and taking risks. The authors show readers how their actions can help rewire their brains to improve self-confidence, which can then increase success, life satisfaction, and leadership abilities. 

After reading this book, you will understand how confidence comes from a mix of nature and nurture, and the things you can do to cultivate self-assurance. Through their insight and inspiring writing style, the authors will show you how following your instincts and being genuine can be transformative steps on your journey to a life of confidence.

4. How to Stop Feeling Like Sh*t by Andrea Owen

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Takeaways:

• Recognize self-sabotaging behaviors. How to Stop Feeling Like Sh*t helps readers identify self-sabotaging patterns and provides strategies to break free from destructive habits.
• Cultivate self-compassion. The book emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and offers practical tools to counter self-criticism, fostering a more nurturing and supportive inner dialogue.
• Embrace vulnerability. Andrea Owen's book encourages readers to embrace vulnerability and authenticity, highlighting the power of vulnerability in fostering genuine connections and personal growth.
• Challenge limiting beliefs. The book guides readers in challenging their limiting beliefs and negative self-talk, empowering them to reframe their perspectives and cultivate a more positive mindset.
• Take ownership of personal growth. How to Stop Feeling Like Sh*t empowers readers to take ownership of their personal growth journey, offering actionable steps to create meaningful and lasting change in their lives.

In How to Stop Feeling Like Sh*t: 14 Habits that Are Holding You Back from Happiness, Andrea Owen offers women a matter-of-fact approach to personal development by telling the blunt truth about some of the most frequent self-destructive behaviors that women engage in.

Owen addresses everything from imposter syndrome to catastrophizing to the tendency to be a people pleaser and examines what causes these negative behaviors. As a life coach, Owen has been able to help many women throughout her career change their mindset and live a happier life.

Owen’s insight will help you live a more fulfilling life as she will knock you out of autopilot and empower you to create the life that you want to live.

Readers have found this book to be an easy read, as the chapters are short and the writing is approachable. The author writes concisely and to the point, creating a powerful message that excludes deep analysis in favor of on-the-mark self-awareness.

5. The Self Care Prescription by Dr. Robyn Gobin

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Takeaways:

• Prioritize self-care. The Self Care Prescription emphasizes the importance of prioritizing self-care as a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, providing practical guidance for incorporating self-care into daily life.
• Foster self-compassion. The book advocates for cultivating self-compassion and offers strategies to counter self-criticism, promoting a more nurturing and supportive relationship with oneself.
• Address burnout and stress. Dr. Robyn Gobin's book provides insights into addressing burnout and managing stress, offering tools and techniques to navigate challenging circumstances and build resilience.
• Embrace mindfulness and relaxation. The book explores the benefits of mindfulness and relaxation practices, encouraging readers to incorporate these techniques into their self-care routines for enhanced mental and emotional well-being.
• Establish healthy boundaries. The Self Care Prescription guides readers in establishing healthy boundaries and asserting their needs, empowering them to create a balanced and fulfilling life while prioritizing self-care.

If you are struggling to find balance or purpose in your life, Dr. Gobin’s The Self Care Prescription: Powerful Solutions to Manage Stress, Reduce Anxiety & Increase Wellbeing can empower you to achieve this.

After reading this book, you will be equipped with solutions-based strategies to take better care of yourself and revamp your life. Using proven self-care techniques, you can improve the personal, professional, physical, spiritual, and emotional areas of your life.

Dr. Gobin helps readers develop an individualized self-care plan to allow for spending more time with loved ones, finding a fulfilling career, and combating life’s hurdles such as anxiety and procrastination. She teaches actionable techniques to help you engage in self-care, including mindfulness meditation and healthy meal planning so you can reach your goals and live your best life.

6. Quiet by Susan Cain

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Takeaways:

• Embrace introversion. Quiet celebrates the strengths of introverts and advocates for a greater understanding and appreciation of introverted individuals in a predominantly extroverted society.
• Value deep thinking. The book highlights the value of deep thinking and introspection, emphasizing the unique contributions that introverts make through their reflective and thoughtful approach to life.
• Recognize the power of solitude. Susan Cain's book explores the power of solitude and its role in fostering creativity, innovation, and personal growth, encouraging readers to embrace moments of quiet reflection.
• Advocate for inclusive environments. Quiet advocates for creating inclusive environments that cater to the needs and strengths of both introverts and extroverts, promoting a more balanced and harmonious society.
• Challenge cultural biases. The book challenges cultural biases against introversion and encourages a shift in societal perceptions, fostering a more inclusive and appreciative attitude towards introverted individuals.

With 30-50% of the population being introverts, this book might apply to you.

In Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, Cain offers a well-researched look at how society undervalues introverts and makes a strong argument for how much society loses by doing so.

She explores real-life situations in business, schools, and American culture where extroverts have an immediate advantage over those who prefer listening and working on their own. Cain also references recent neuroscience and psychology research to explain the surprising differences between introverts and extroverts.

Readers are inspired by this book through stories of success from introverts as well as the extremely useful advice that Cain offers to introverts on how to navigate a world that is seemingly dominated by extroverts.

Reading this book can help introverts see themselves in a different light, and help extroverts learn the importance and advantage of seeing the value in introverts.

7. The Self-Love Workbook by Shainna Ali

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Takeaways:

• Cultivate self-compassion. The Self-Love Workbook guides readers in cultivating self-compassion and offers exercises to counter self-criticism, fostering a more nurturing and supportive relationship with oneself.
• Practice mindfulness. The book emphasizes the practice of mindfulness as a tool for self-discovery and personal growth, encouraging readers to incorporate mindfulness techniques into their self-love journey.
• Challenge negative self-talk. Shainna Ali's book provides strategies for challenging negative self-talk and limiting beliefs, empowering readers to reframe their perspectives and cultivate a more positive self-image.
• Embrace authenticity. The workbook encourages readers to embrace their authentic selves and celebrate their unique qualities, promoting self-acceptance and self-love. Foster holistic well-being. The Self-Love Workbook provides holistic approaches to well-being, addressing mental, emotional, and physical aspects of self-love and guiding readers toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.

If you struggle with low self-esteem, this might be the right book for you. Author Shainna Ali communicates to readers about the importance of loving yourself as much as you love other people and other people love you.

If you live without self-confidence, you won’t be able to live your life to the fullest and reach your potential. By reading The Self-Love Workbook: A Life-Changing Guide to Boost Self-Esteem, Recognize Your Worth and Find Genuine Happiness, you will learn how to change your attitude, cultivate self-love, and improve your outlook on life.

The exercises in this workbook will help you recognize your unique needs and learn how to fully accept yourself.

Ali offers constructive advice and actionable tips and techniques to help you cultivate self-love, including interactive activities, prompts for self-reflection, and practical steps to take. Reading this book will help you accept your true self and live your best life.

8. It's OK to Feel Things Deeply by Carissa Potter

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Takeaways:

• Embrace emotional authenticity. It's OK to Feel Things Deeply encourages readers to embrace their emotions authentically, validating the depth and range of human feelings.
• Practice self-compassion. The book emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and offers tools for countering self-judgment, nurturing a more supportive and understanding relationship with oneself.
• Foster empathy and connection. Carissa Potter's book highlights the value of empathy and genuine connection, inspiring readers to cultivate meaningful relationships and understanding through shared emotional experiences.
• Normalize vulnerability. The book normalizes vulnerability as a natural part of the human experience, encouraging readers to embrace vulnerability as a source of strength and connection with others.
• Explore creativity as a form of expression. It's OK to Feel Things Deeply explores creativity as a powerful tool for emotional expression and self-discovery, inviting readers to harness their creativity as a means of processing and communicating their emotions.

It's OK to Feel Things Deeply was written by Carissa Potter to help women get through the tough times in life. Its supportive message helps women develop coping skills when they’re faced with grief, depression, stress, and anxiety.

Readers appreciate feeling a sense of normalcy about their emotions when reading this book, as Potter reminds women that these feelings are normal, and they can be navigated as long as you have the right supports in place.

Potter is able to deliver a positivity boost for women who are facing challenges through practical advice, humor, genuine words of empathy, art, and honesty. Reading this book will help give you the encouragement that you need during the times you need it most.

9. WorkParty by Jaclyn Johnson

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Takeaways:

• Empowerment through entrepreneurship. WorkParty empowers women to pursue entrepreneurship, providing insights and practical advice for building a successful career on their own terms.
• Cultivate a supportive network. The book emphasizes the importance of cultivating a supportive network and offers strategies for building meaningful connections and collaborations in the professional world.
• Embrace authenticity and ambition. Jaclyn Johnson's book encourages women to embrace their authentic selves and ambitious career goals, promoting a mindset of confidence and self-empowerment.
• Navigate challenges and setbacks. WorkParty provides guidance on navigating challenges and setbacks in the business world, offering resilience-building strategies for overcoming obstacles.
• Advocate for work-life integration. The book advocates for a holistic approach to work and life, encouraging women to integrate their personal passions and professional pursuits to create a fulfilling and balanced lifestyle.

After suffering from two immense blows to her career before turning 25, Jaclyn Johnson had no choice but to bounce back and overhaul her professional life.

After investing in millions of dollars worth of projects and launching the Create & Cultivate platform, Johnson gained the experience to be able to teach others how to be fueled by their frustrations and turn distrust into a sense of determination.

In reading WorkParty: How to Create & Cultivate the Career of Your Dreams, you will learn the tricks of some of our era’s top businesswomen while developing the sense of passion and determination that you have to have in order to succeed. If you want to promote your career to the next level on your own terms, this is the right book for you.

10. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

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Takeaways:

• Overcoming self-doubt. Lean In addresses the issue of self-doubt among women and provides insights on how to overcome internal barriers to success in the workplace.
• Advocating for gender equality. The book advocates for gender equality in the workplace and offers strategies for women to assert themselves and pursue leadership roles.
• Supporting other women. Sheryl Sandberg's book emphasizes the importance of women supporting and empowering each other, fostering a sense of solidarity and collaboration in professional settings.
• Balancing career and family. Lean In delves into the challenges of balancing career and family responsibilities, providing perspectives and practical advice for navigating this balance.
• Encouraging women to pursue leadership: The book encourages women to pursue leadership roles and to actively seek opportunities for advancement and influence in their careers.

If you think you might be holding yourself back in your career, this could be the right book for you. Following her 2010 TED Talk, Sheryl Sandberg compiled this book of personal anecdotes, scientific data, and cutting-edge research to help women pay more attention to what they can do than what they can’t do.

In Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, Sandberg offers constructive advice on how to get more out of your career through negotiation techniques and mentoring.

She uses humor and insight to offer women tips to incorporate their professional achievement with a personal sense of fulfillment. After reading this book, you will feel empowered to live up to your full professional potential.

11. It's Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst

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Takeaways:

• Embracing resilience. It's Not Supposed to Be This Way offers insights on embracing resilience in the face of unexpected challenges and disappointments, providing guidance on navigating difficult circumstances.
• Finding hope in adversity. The book explores the theme of finding hope and purpose amidst adversity, offering perspectives and strategies for maintaining faith and optimism during trying times.
• Coping with life's disappointments. Lysa TerKeurst's book provides tools for coping with life's disappointments and setbacks, guiding readers through a journey of healing and renewal.
• Embracing spiritual growth. The book delves into the theme of spiritual growth and transformation, encouraging readers to seek meaning and growth through their experiences.
• Cultivating a positive mindset. It's Not Supposed to Be This Way advocates for cultivating a positive mindset and offers practical steps for reframing perspectives and finding strength in difficult circumstances.

This is one of the best self-help books for women who prefer to read faith-based books. In It's Not Supposed to Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered, TerKeurst teaches women how to continue to live with a sense of certainty during times of unexpected turmoil.

Readers appreciate TerKeurst’s courage, vulnerability, and an honest sense of humor as she explains how to cope with unmet expectations and difficult situations.

After reading this great self-help book, you will be better equipped to cope with uncertainty and persevere through times when you feel like you have more on your plate than you can handle.

Readers who are disappointed with some facet of their lives because they had higher expectations have felt very validated by TerKeurst’s lessons and advice in this book.

12. Heart-Dreamer by Cheryl Melody Baskin

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Takeaways:

• Heart-Dreamer emphasizes the importance of following your heart's desires and dreams, inspiring readers to embrace their passions and pursue their goals with determination.
• The book offers practical strategies for overcoming obstacles and self-doubt, encouraging readers to cultivate a positive mindset and persevere in the face of challenges.
• Through personal anecdotes and insightful reflections, Heart-Dreamer conveys the message that every individual has the power to create their own reality and manifest their dreams through belief and action.
• Cheryl Melody Baskin's writing style is engaging and uplifting, making the book an enjoyable and motivating read for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance in pursuing their aspirations.
• Heart-Dreamer serves as a reminder that by listening to our hearts and staying true to ourselves, we can unlock our full potential and live a fulfilling, purpose-driven life.

Baskin, a life coach, motivational speaker, and healing arts specialist, shares her own struggles and insecurities in Heart-Dreamer: Stepping into Life, Love, Creativity and Dreams-No Matter What to show women that they’re not alone in their vulnerabilities and doubts.

Readers are offered a variety of self-healing activities in each chapter that revolve around determination, courage, transformation, and strength to help guide them through living the life that they truly want. Readers find Baskin to be an inspiration on their journey to finding a positive path to take in their lives. 

Baskin writes in a compassionate and encouraging tone for any woman who needs help to heal, grow, and to live a life of hope, no matter what circumstances are present.

Reading this book will help you follow your dreams–or if you aren’t yet sure what you dream is–you will be inspired to find your life's purpose.

13. Addicted to Unhappiness (Second Edition) by Martha Heineman Pieper and William J. Pieper

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Takeaways:

• Addicted to Unhappiness (Second Edition) delves into the concept of psychological patterns that lead individuals to perpetuate unhappiness, offering insights into breaking free from self-destructive behaviors.
• The book explores the role of early experiences and family dynamics in shaping one's propensity for unhappiness, providing a deeper understanding of the roots of negative patterns and offering a path toward healing and growth.
• Through case studies and practical exercises, the authors guide readers in recognizing and challenging their addictive relationship to unhappiness, empowering them to make conscious choices that lead to greater fulfillment and well-being.
• Martha Heineman Pieper and William J. Pieper present a compassionate and empathetic approach to addressing unhappiness, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-care in the journey toward emotional liberation.
• Addicted to Unhappiness serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to break free from the cycle of unhappiness, offering a roadmap for cultivating resilience, self-empowerment, and a more positive outlook on life.

This might be the right book for you if you often find yourself under-motivated and low on hope.

In Addicted to Unhappiness (Second Edition): How Hidden Motives for Unhappiness Keep You From Creating the Life You Truly Want, And What You Can Do, the authors argue that everyone has the potential to live a fulfilling life, but many people have a hard time realizing that potential.

By reading this book, you will better understand how you have created a learned tendency to be unhappy.

Readers have felt they can relate to the real-life examples presented in this book and appreciate the practical strategies that are offered to help choose happiness and maintain that positivity in all areas of their lives.

14. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

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Takeaways:

• You Are a Badass encourages readers to embrace their inner power and transform their lives by adopting a fearless and proactive mindset, empowering them to overcome self-doubt and pursue their goals with confidence.
• The book emphasizes the importance of self-love, personal growth, and taking risks, inspiring readers to break free from limiting beliefs and societal norms to create a life of abundance and fulfillment.
• Jen Sincero's candid and humorous writing style makes the book engaging and relatable, providing practical advice and exercises to help readers identify and overcome mental blocks and fears that hinder their personal and professional development.
• You Are a Badass advocates for the practice of gratitude, visualization, and positive affirmations as tools for manifesting one's desires and aligning with the universe's abundance, encouraging readers to tap into their innate potential and live authentically.
• Through anecdotes and motivational insights, the book serves as a rallying call for individuals to unleash their badassery, take ownership of their lives, and create the reality they truly desire, making it a compelling and transformative read for those seeking to ignite their inner greatness.

You are sure to be entertained when reading You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life, while also absorbing useful, real-world tips.

Sincero empowers readers through her book by teaching ways to stop thoughts of self-doubt and start getting things accomplished.  Many women have been able to relate to this book, as Sincero identifies key issues that women face and gives advice on overcoming these hurdles.

Sincero has a down-to-earth sense of humor that will make you feel like you’re talking to a friend when reading this book. She writes from personal experience and includes stories, practical exercises, and advice to help readers create a life they want to live.

Most readers love Sincero’s blunt and no-nonsense style of writing, however, some find it to be a bit condescending. All in all, this is an entertaining read that can inspire you to change your life.

15. The Self Esteem Workbook for Women by Megan MacCutcheon LPC

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Takeaways:

• The Self Esteem Workbook for Women offers practical exercises and strategies specifically tailored to help women build and nurture their self-esteem, providing a comprehensive guide for personal growth and empowerment.
• The book addresses the unique challenges and societal pressures that women often face, offering valuable insights and tools to help readers cultivate a positive self-image, assertiveness, and resilience in various aspects of their lives.
• Megan MacCutcheon LPC's workbook encourages women to explore their inner beliefs, confront self-critical thoughts, and develop a compassionate and supportive relationship with themselves, fostering a deep sense of self-worth and confidence.
• Through interactive exercises and reflective prompts, the book promotes self-discovery and self-acceptance, guiding readers on a transformative journey toward embracing their strengths, setting boundaries, and embracing their authentic selves.The Self Esteem Workbook for Women serves as a valuable resource for women seeking to enhance their emotional well-being and lead more fulfilling lives, offering a roadmap for building resilience, self-compassion, and a positive mindset.

Women face unique challenges when it comes to maintaining confidence such as body image and parenting. In The Self Esteem Workbook for Women: 5 Steps to Gaining Confidence and Inner Strength, Megan MacCutcheon offers women a five-step action plan to build a sense of self-esteem that is maintainable.

Upon finishing this book, you will have the tools to improve your confidence in both your personal and professional lives through practical exercises, answering interactive questions, responding to prompts, and reading about true stories from women who were able to overcome criticism.

Readers appreciate the author’s compassionate tone and her delivery of a clear and practical workbook that acts as a roadmap to understanding and garnering self-confidence. The systematic approach that MacCutcheon takes is approachable and easy to follow, which allows readers to greatly benefit from this book.

16. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

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Takeaways:

• Big Magic encourages readers to embrace their creativity and pursue their passions with courage and curiosity, inspiring them to overcome fear and self-doubt in the creative process.
• The book emphasizes the importance of living a life driven by curiosity and wonder, inviting readers to approach their creative endeavors with a sense of playfulness and openness to new ideas and experiences.
• Elizabeth Gilbert shares personal anecdotes and insights, highlighting the transformative power of creative expression and the joy that comes from engaging in artistic pursuits, encouraging readers to prioritize creativity as an essential part of their lives.
• Big Magic advocates for embracing the inherent value of creative work, urging individuals to create for the sake of the process rather than solely for external validation, fostering a deeper connection to one's artistic impulses and inspirations.
• Through its uplifting and motivational tone, the book serves as a rallying call for readers to honor their creative inclinations, take creative risks, and cultivate a mindset of resilience and curiosity in the pursuit of a more vibrant and fulfilling life.

Elizabeth Gilbert is well known for her ability to inspire others, and in this book, she focuses on the benefits of having a sense of creativity in life.

Gilbert’s unique perspective offers insights into the importance of embracing your curiosity in order to let go of suffering. She discusses techniques to live in line with your values and how to overcome the things you fear the most.

By reading Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, you will recognize the attitudes and habits that you need in order to live a creative life and discover the unique traits that are hidden within you.

No matter what your goal or dream is, Gilbert can help change your mindset to crack open a new sense of creativity that will help you live a more fulfilling life.

17. When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron

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Takeaways:

• When Things Fall Apart offers profound wisdom on embracing life's difficulties as opportunities for growth and transformation, guiding readers to find resilience and peace amidst uncertainty and adversity.
• The book explores the concept of groundlessness and impermanence, encouraging readers to cultivate a sense of openness and acceptance toward life's inevitable challenges, and to find strength in vulnerability.
• Pema Chodron's teachings on mindfulness and compassion provide practical tools for navigating pain and fear, empowering readers to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others, and to approach life with greater empathy and equanimity.
• When Things Fall Apart emphasizes the practice of meditation and self-reflection as means to cultivate inner peace and wisdom, offering a path to embracing life's uncertainties with grace and courage.
• Through its compassionate and insightful guidance, the book serves as a source of solace and inspiration for those facing difficult times, offering a transformative perspective on finding resilience, joy, and spiritual awakening amid life's inevitable challenges.

When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times focuses on overcoming some of life’s most difficult times. If you struggle with carrying on with your life when things seem to fall apart, this can be a very helpful book to read.

Many women find themselves to be plagued by anxiety and fear, but in this book, Chodron urges women to move toward painful situations and to accept difficult times in ways they never thought they could.

Chodron references traditional Buddhist wisdom to teach life-altering techniques to change suffering into a life of ease and joy. Readers have found Chodron’s messages in this book to be universal, despite one’s faith and beliefs.

This is a very easy read, as the chapters are short and digestible. Chodron’s approachable writing style has been helpful for many who are suffering from anxiety.

18. Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

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Takeaways:

• Year of Yes chronicles the author's transformative journey of embracing a year of saying “yes” to new experiences, personal growth, and stepping outside her comfort zone, inspiring readers to do the same.
• The book emphasizes the power of vulnerability and authenticity, encouraging readers to confront their fears, embrace challenges, and seize opportunities for self-discovery and empowerment.
• Shonda Rhimes shares candid and relatable anecdotes, offering insights into the rewards of taking risks, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care, while navigating the demands of a successful career and personal life.
• Year of Yes advocates for the importance of embracing one's individuality and voice, empowering readers to live boldly, pursue their passions, and cultivate a life aligned with their true desires and values.
• Through its engaging and motivational narrative, the book serves as a catalyst for personal transformation, inspiring readers to embrace a mindset of courage, authenticity, and openness to new possibilities in their own lives.

Shonda Rhimes, the creator of Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, teaches readers how choosing to say “yes” was able to change her life and how it can change yours, too.

Readers find Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person to be a fun and engaging read, while still being extremely relatable. As someone who has experienced anxiety and panic attacks, Rhimes explains how her life changed when she stopped avoiding challenges and started embracing them.

The writing in this book is honest, heartbreaking, and raw, yet hilarious at times and always relatable. If you find yourself to be a homebody and it’s holding you back from trying new things or exploring the world in some way that you wish you could, reading this book can help motivate you to get out and experience the life that is waiting for you.

19. A Life Full of Glitter by Anna O’Brien

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Takeaways:

• A Life Full of Glitter celebrates the journey of self-discovery, body positivity, and embracing one's unique beauty, encouraging readers to cultivate self-love and confidence.
• The book emphasizes the importance of embracing individuality and defying societal beauty standards, inspiring readers to celebrate their bodies and express themselves authentically without fear or shame.
• Anna O'Brien shares personal stories and empowering insights, offering practical advice on overcoming self-doubt, finding joy in the present moment, and creating a life filled with self-expression and self-acceptance.
• A Life Full of Glitter advocates for the power of creativity and personal style as tools for empowerment, inviting readers to explore their passions, express their individuality, and live a life that sparkles from within.
• Through its uplifting and inclusive message, the book serves as a source of inspiration for individuals seeking to embrace their unique beauty, foster self-confidence, and cultivate a life that radiates with authenticity and self-love.

This guide to positive thinking can help improve a variety of facets of your life. Through research, anecdotes, and humor, the author teaches techniques to shift your mindset from negative to positive, and how to master overcoming feelings that are holding you back in life.

In reading A Life Full of Glitter: A Guide to Positive Thinking, Self-Acceptance, and Finding Your Sparkle in a (Sometimes) Negative World, you will learn just how much creativity, exercise, and everyday social interactions can impact your daily life.

Readers appreciate O’Brien’s ability to look at challenges as opportunities and maintain a positive attitude to help fight negativity. Her writing is motivational and will help you change your mindset about temporary problems in order to focus on long-term happiness by using practical tips to improve your sense of positivity.

Through personal anecdotes of hilarious teachable moments, O’Brien can help you improve your self-esteem and positivity.

20. The Self-Love Experiment by Shannon Kaiser

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Takeaways:

• The Self-Love Experiment by Shannon Kaiser guides readers on a transformative journey toward embracing self-love, offering practical exercises and insights to help individuals cultivate a deep sense of compassion and acceptance for themselves.
• The book emphasizes the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and releasing self-critical thoughts, empowering readers to prioritize their well-being and develop a nurturing relationship with themselves.
• Shannon Kaiser shares personal anecdotes and reflective prompts, providing a roadmap for overcoming self-doubt, fostering resilience, and creating a life rooted in self-love and authenticity.
• The Self-Love Experiment advocates for the practice of mindfulness and gratitude as means to cultivate a positive self-image and inner peace, empowering readers to break free from limiting beliefs and embrace their worthiness.
• Through its compassionate and empowering message, the book serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to embark on a journey of self-discovery, offering guidance on building self-confidence, finding inner fulfillment, and living a life guided by love and self-compassion.

The Self-Love Experiment: Fifteen Principles for Becoming More Kind, Compassionate, and Accepting of Yourself is a helpful book for those who tend to not put themselves first or avoid following their dreams for fear of seeming selfish. Kaiser helps fix this problem, no matter what your ultimate goal is.

She argues that achieving any goal starts with loving and accepting yourself. After battling drug addiction, eating disorders, professional burnout, and depression, Kaiser shares her personal experience with cultivating self-love and the steps she took to fall in love with her own life. 

Readers enjoy Kaiser’s straightforward and compassionate approach to getting rid of fear-based thoughts to change your daily habits, perspective, and your life’s outcome. In reading this book, you will be led on a journey to loving yourself and having a genuine sense of self-acceptance.

21. Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist

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Takeaways:

• Present Over Perfect encourages readers to prioritize presence, connection, and authenticity over the pursuit of perfection and productivity, inspiring a more balanced and fulfilling life.
• The book emphasizes the value of slowing down, simplifying, and embracing the beauty of everyday moments, guiding readers to release the pressure of striving for external validation and success.
• Shauna Niequist shares personal stories and reflections, offering insights into the transformative power of embracing vulnerability, self-compassion, and meaningful connections, fostering a deeper sense of purpose and joy.
• Present Over Perfect advocates for setting boundaries and making intentional choices that align with one's values, empowering readers to cultivate a life that honors their true selves and nurtures their well-being.
• Through its heartfelt and relatable narrative, the book serves as a guiding light for individuals seeking to reclaim their lives from the grip of busyness and perfectionism, offering a path toward greater peace, authenticity, and wholehearted living.

How would your life change if you could abandon any pressure of being perfect and focus instead on being present? Often, we settle for being busy and exhausted in our chaotic lives, and Niequist aims to teach readers that they don’t have to settle for a life without rest, love, or play.

Through a collection of essays that focus on her own experience with stopping a frantic schedule to rediscover the person she was meant to be, Niequist reaches out to her readers to release them from the pressure to always work faster, better, and harder while still keeping a perfect image.

The author uses this book as an invitation to embark upon a journey away from constantly pushing and proving yourself to others, and toward the life that you were meant to live before you began having to earn your worth from others.

Reading Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living will give you a vision for a new way to approach life with rest, grace, silence, and a connection to loved ones.

22. Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

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Takeaways:

• Daring Greatly explores the power of vulnerability as a catalyst for courage, connection, and wholehearted living, encouraging readers to embrace their imperfections and cultivate resilience.
• The book emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability as a strength, challenging shame, and fostering authentic relationships, empowering readers to live with greater courage and compassion.
• Brene Brown shares research-based insights and personal anecdotes, offering practical strategies for overcoming fear of judgment, embracing one's worthiness, and daring to step into the arena of life with openness and authenticity.
• Daring Greatly advocates for the practice of empathy and self-compassion, guiding readers to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others, and to create a life rooted in courage and vulnerability. Through its empowering and thought-provoking message, the book serves as a transformative guide for individuals seeking to break free from the constraints of fear and shame, offering a path toward embracing vulnerability as a source of strength and meaningful connection.

If you’re looking for a book that will inspire you to be more courageous, Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead might be the right book for you.

Brene Brown, a trailblazing researcher, makes a strong argument in this book that one’s willingness to be vulnerable is directly related to their courage. Furthermore, she posits that if we don’t allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we are limiting our exposure to experiences that give our lives purpose.

Readers find this book to be fun to read and many have gone on to read it multiple times due to the amount that Brown’s message resonates with them.

Brown’s approach is down-to-earth and easily understood, and her funny anecdotes coupled with extensive research offers readers an enlightening read to help you face your fears courageously.

23. Badass Affirmations by Becca Anderson

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Takeaways:

• Badass Affirmations by Becca Anderson offers a collection of empowering affirmations designed to boost self-confidence, resilience, and positive thinking, providing readers with a toolkit for self-empowerment and personal growth.
• The book emphasizes the power of affirmations in reshaping one's mindset and self-perception, inspiring readers to cultivate a more positive and empowered outlook on life.
• Becca Anderson's affirmations cover various aspects of life, including self-love, success, and overcoming challenges, offering readers a source of daily encouragement and motivation.
• Badass Affirmations advocates for the practice of self-affirmation as a means to overcome self-doubt, embrace one's inner strength, and manifest a life aligned with one's aspirations and values.
• Through its uplifting and empowering content, the book serves as a source of inspiration for individuals seeking to harness the transformative potential of positive affirmations, fostering a mindset of resilience, self-belief, and personal agency.

Some women prefer a self-help book that is easy to pick up and put down as needed.

This book of positive affirmations offers a collection of wisdom and advice from women like Michelle Obama and Madonna to give you an uplifting reminder of your worth.

With all of life’s pressures, demands, and responsibilities, it is important to practice positive affirmations to ensure you’re taking care of yourself and keeping your happiness a priority.

If you need an attitude adjustment because life has gotten too busy or your responsibilities have started to feel endless, you can gain a better sense of control by referencing this compilation of uplifting notes and self-esteem boosters.

After reading Badass Affirmations: The Wit and Wisdom of Wild Women, you will also walk away with new techniques for journaling and talking about your thoughts and feelings in a more focused manner.

24. The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer

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Takeaways:

• The Art of Asking delves into the transformative power of vulnerability, connection, and the act of seeking and receiving help, inspiring readers to embrace the value of asking for support and fostering meaningful human connections.
• The book emphasizes the importance of cultivating trust, empathy, and reciprocity in relationships, encouraging readers to overcome the fear of vulnerability and to lean into the interconnectedness of the human experience.
• Amanda Palmer shares personal stories and insights, offering a compelling narrative on the art of giving and receiving, and the profound impact of genuine human connection in both personal and professional realms.
• The Art of Asking advocates for the practice of radical authenticity and open-hearted communication, guiding readers to embrace the beauty of asking for what they need and offering support to others in a spirit of love and community.
• Through its thought-provoking and heartfelt message, the book serves as a guide for individuals seeking to navigate the complexities of human connection, offering a path toward greater intimacy, compassion, and mutual support in both personal and creative endeavors.

Amanda Palmer, a seasoned musical performer, and crowdfunding pioneer, has had to ask for a lot of help throughout her career, and she’s never been afraid to garner people’s support. However, despite her experience, she has found that there are a few things that she still can’t ask other people for.

After learning that she is not alone in holding herself back from asking for help for certain things, she recognized that this fear is paralyzing people’s relationships and lives.

In The Art of Asking: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help, Palmer uncovers these barriers and explores the emotional, theoretical, and feasible components about asking for help.

Some readers have found that the first half of this book contains the bulk of helpful advice that Palmer has to offer, but those who are fans of Palmer’s music and career enjoy the book in its entirety, as Palmer offers personal anecdotes from her experience as an artist and life before making it big.

After reading this book, you will feel inspired to rethink your approach to asking and offering help.

25. Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis

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Takeaways:

• Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals empowers women to break free from self-doubt and societal expectations, providing a shame-free guide for pursuing their ambitions and embracing their full potential.
• The book emphasizes the importance of setting and pursuing personal and professional goals with confidence and determination, inspiring readers to prioritize their dreams without seeking permission or validation from others.
• Rachel Hollis shares practical strategies and personal anecdotes, offering a roadmap for overcoming limiting beliefs, cultivating resilience, and creating a life aligned with one's aspirations and values.
• Girl, Stop Apologizing advocates for the practice of self-compassion and self-advocacy, guiding readers to embrace their worthiness, set boundaries, and pursue their goals unapologetically.
• Through its empowering and motivational message, the book serves as a rallying call for women to reclaim their power, silence their inner critic, and pursue a life of purpose and fulfillment without the need for apology or explanation.

If you want to learn how to own who you are and go after what you want, this book might be right for you.

In Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals, Rachel Hollis offers actionable ideas to help women stop defining themselves by the roles they play in other people’s lives (mom, wife, daughter…) Hollis dares women to stop putting their own dreams aside and implement her suggested methods to promote confidence and growth.

Many readers have felt an authentic connection with Hollis when reading this down-to-earth and blunt book. It is written with a lot of energy and motivation to help inspire you to get in the driver’s seat of your own life and stop living according to everyone else’s needs.

Some readers found this book to be slightly repetitive of Hollis’s first bestseller, Girl, Wash Your Face, but most readers embrace these additional words of encouragement.

26. Self-Love Workbook for Women by Megan Logan

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Takeaways:

• Self-Love Workbook for Women:Release Self-Doubt, Build Self-Compassion, and Embrace Who You Are provides practical exercises and guidance to help women release self-doubt, cultivate self-compassion, and embrace their true selves, offering a comprehensive toolkit for personal growth and empowerment.
• The book emphasizes the importance of nurturing a positive self-image and inner resilience, empowering readers to confront self-critical thoughts and develop a more compassionate and supportive relationship with themselves.
• Megan Logan's workbook encourages women to explore their inner beliefs, challenge societal pressures, and embark on a transformative journey toward embracing their strengths and living authentically.
• Through interactive exercises and reflective prompts, the book promotes self-discovery and self-acceptance, guiding readers on a path to embracing their worthiness and living a life rooted in self-love and confidence.
• Self-Love Workbook for Women serves as a valuable resource for women seeking to enhance their emotional well-being and lead more fulfilling lives, offering a roadmap for building resilience, self-compassion, and a positive self-image.

27. Forgiving What You Can't Forget by Lysa TerKeurst

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Takeaways:

• Forgiving What You Can't Forget: Discover How to Move On, Make Peace with Painful Memories, and Create a Life That’s Beautiful Again guides readers on a transformative journey toward releasing the grip of painful memories, finding healing, and creating a beautiful life despite past hurts, offering practical insights and encouragement for moving forward.
• The book emphasizes the power of forgiveness in freeing oneself from the burden of past pain, inspiring readers to cultivate resilience, compassion, and a renewed sense of hope.
• Lysa TerKeurst shares personal experiences and reflective guidance, offering a roadmap for processing emotional wounds, navigating the complexities of forgiveness, and reclaiming joy and peace in life.
• Forgiving What You Can't Forget advocates for the practice of self-compassion and grace, empowering readers to confront their pain, embrace vulnerability, and embark on a journey toward emotional restoration and personal growth.
• Through its compassionate and empowering message, the book serves as a source of solace and inspiration for individuals seeking to overcome the weight of past pain, offering a path toward healing, resilience, and the creation of a beautiful and meaningful life.

28. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

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Takeaways:

• The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma offers a comprehensive exploration of the impact of trauma on the brain, mind, and body, providing insights into the complex nature of trauma and pathways to healing.
• The book emphasizes the interconnectedness of psychological and physiological responses to trauma, guiding readers to understand the profound effects of trauma on the body and mind.
• Bessel van der Kolk M.D. shares research-based findings and therapeutic approaches, offering a holistic understanding of trauma and practical strategies for individuals and professionals working with trauma survivors.
• The Body Keeps the Score advocates for the importance of trauma-informed care and interventions, empowering readers to recognize the significance of addressing trauma's impact on the body and mind for comprehensive healing.
• Through its enlightening and compassionate perspective, the book serves as a valuable resource for individuals, clinicians, and caregivers seeking a deeper understanding of trauma's effects and effective approaches to promote healing and resilience.

29. Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

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Takeaways:

• Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be by Rachel Hollis empowers women to challenge self-limiting beliefs and embrace their true potential, offering a candid and relatable guide for personal growth and self-discovery.
• The book emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of one's life, pursuing authenticity, and rejecting societal pressures, inspiring readers to cultivate resilience and pursue their dreams with confidence.
• Rachel Hollis shares personal anecdotes and practical advice, offering insights into overcoming self-doubt, finding balance, and creating a life aligned with one's values and aspirations.
• Girl, Wash Your Face advocates for the practice of self-compassion and self-empowerment, guiding women to break free from the grip of negative self-talk and to pursue a life of fulfillment and purpose.
• Through its empowering and motivational message, the book serves as a source of encouragement for women seeking to silence their inner critic, embrace their worthiness, and pursue a life of authenticity and joy.

Final Thoughts on Self Help Books for Women

One argument that is commonly made by people who are “anti” self-help books is that none of the information is useful unless readers actually get out and implement what they learn.

And this is true–you have to turn your “aha” moments into action and actually live out the strategy that you learn from your self-help book of choice.

The good thing about the books listed in this article is that the authors don’t leave you hanging after giving you that lightbulb moment. They go on to give you the next steps that you need to take in order to improve your life. You will finish each of these books with some actionable ideas and potential strategies to use.

I urge you to pick a few of these self help books for women in 2024 to help you on your journey to personal development. Like many other women, you will find great insight offered from the authors in addition to a lot of laughs.

If you also love to listen to podcasts, here are the best self help podcasts to complement what you've learn from books.

Need some words of inspiration? Read our favorite strong women quotes to empower you.

And if you want more resources about self help books for women, be sure to check out these blog posts:

• 21 Motivational Podcasts for Women
• 65 Fun Hobbies for Women of All Ages
• 31 Self Care Ideas for Women to Avoid Burnout
• 57 Great Leadership Quotes by Inspiring Women
• 28 Best Relationship Books Every Couple Should Read

Finally, if you want to take your goal-setting efforts to the next level, check out this FREE printable worksheet and a step-by-step process that will help you set effective SMART goals.