The Best Self-Development Books for Women in Their 20s

I enjoy my fair share of fictional books but the older I get, my interest has peaked in self-development and self-help books. As I near the end of my 20s, I’ve been inspired to round up books that have been life-changing or have changed my perspective. While not exhaustive, this is a great handful of books for women in their 20s.

Books that speak to me at a certain point in my life hold a special place in my heart. I find that they harp on issues that are relatable and make you realize that you are not alone. They inspire you to create new habits that will push you to become the best version of myself through my journey of the confusing years we call the 20s.

Though self-development and self-help books are not a one-and-done fix, they are created to provide you with actionable information that you can implement in your life at your own pace.

Unlike resolutions and big goals that people set every year, these books are essentially a process and a journey.

The cool thing about self-development books is that they speak to you in a different way and help you develop a certain skill or mindset, depending on where you are in your life. In this post, I’ll be sharing 10 of the best self-development books for women in their 20s.

10 of the Best Self-Development Books for Women in Their 20s

1. The Life-Changing Habit of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organization by Marie Kondo

The ultimate guide of getting your home together and tidying up with intention. Marie Kondo is a tidying expert who teaches and inspires people to simplify, organize, and transform their homes. Even if you haven’t quite moved out into your own space, this book has great recommendations.

For those of you who have moved out and are trying to get the grasp of organizing and creating a functional (and beautiful) space, thank me later.

2. The Woman Code: 20 Powerful Keys to Unlock Your Life by Sophia A. Nelson

Learn how to lead a more powerful and successful life by discovering how you can truly “have it all”. This book shares hacks for navigating life with confidence and learning how to balance all the areas of your life including home, family, work, love, and personal relationships.

3. Money, A Love Story: Untangle Your Financial Woes and Create the Life You Really Want by Kate Northrup

Money literacy and financial freedom are something that many millennials struggle with. This book will help you shift your money mindset and change your relationship with money, no matter your age. Kate teaches you to get honest with yourself and face your financial problems head-on.

The majority of us can confirm that school taught us very little about money and tangible life skills. You’ll get great insight from this book about how to design the life of your dreams and not let money be the epicentre of your woes.

Related: How to Start the New Year on the Right Financial Track

4. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

The critically acclaimed book will guide you to effectively approach personal and professional problems with power and wisdom.

5. Secrets of Six-Figure Women: Surprising Strategies to Up Your Earnings and Change Your Life by Barbara Stanny

If imposter syndrome has taken over your life and holding you back from truly exercising your passions, this book is for you. It breaks down the seven strategies used by females who earn high dollars and motivates you to let go of the reigns holding you back. This will surely get you out of the poverty mindset and force you to reevaluate your circumstances.

6. The Little Book of Big Lies: A Journey into Inner Fitness by Tina Lifford

Building a loving relationship with ourselves and our bodies can prove to be a difficult hurdle to overcome. Lifford shows you how to transform your self-perception by giving you actionable and foundational tips for long-term happiness.

7. 100 Days to Brave: Devotions for Unlocking Your Most Courageous Self by Annie F. Downs

An inspirational way to get to know yourself and challenge yourself daily through growing your faith. This is a good start to transforming the way you approach the new year.

8. The Power of Small: Making Tiny but Powerful Changes When Everything Feels Too Much by Aisling Leonard-Curtin and Trish Leonard-Curtin

The pressure to adopt the “new year, new me” mentality can be crippling and overwhelming. This book equips you with the courage to take small steps to make transformative changes in your life. Aisling and Trish help your get past the hump of creating new habits and see them through to the end of the year.

9. The Power of Eight: Harnessing the Miraculous Energies of a Small Group to Heal Others, Your Life, and the World by Lynne McTaggart

This book is the epitome of “love thy neighbour”. It will transform how you treat and see the people in your life – family, friends, and strangers alike. Becoming intentional in your compassion for others can manifest a better life for you just as it does for those around you.

10. How to Get Sh*t Done by Erin Falconer

This book is critical for those who make massive lists of things to do but can never tackle them all. It’ll help you shift your focus to the things that really matter and get more done by doing a lot less.

Save this list of the best self-development books and discover the secrets of some of the most productive and successful women. All of these also make amazing gift ideas. If you have any other recommendations, share them in the comments below!