Whether you’re in a glow-up era, a healing phase, or just trying to figure out what the hell you’re doing with your life — these books will change you. As a 20 something who’s still figuring things out these are THE BEST books I recommend if you want to feel more grounded confident and aligned with your goals. As someone who NEVER used to read, these books will actually keep you hooked so don’t worry about it falling in the DNF category(they are also fairly short).
In this intentional order, each book builds off the last — guiding you from self-discovery to emotional healing, mindset shifts, and finally, living with meaning. Think of it like a personal reset playlist, but in book form.
📖 1. The Alchemist – Follow Your Calling
One-word theme: Purpose
This book is a modern classic for a reason. It follows Santiago, a young shepherd who leaves his comfy little life to chase a dream that doesn’t totally make sense but just feels right. Along the way, he learns that life will keep throwing tests your way until you fully commit to what you’re meant to do. If you’ve ever felt deep down that you’re destined for something more, this story will seriously speak to your soul.
✨ Read this when you’re questioning your direction or feel stuck in the “safe” lane.
💔 2. Rising Strong – Heal From the Falls
One-word theme: Resilience
Brené Brown dives into what it really takes to get back up after hits you with the classic 1 – 2 attack. Whether that’s a breakup, a moment of failure, or just one of those bed-rotting days. What makes this book unique, in my opinion, is that Brené blends her own real-life experiences with science and stories from reliable sources. This mix really captures what it feels like to hit rock bottom and helps you understand that even when it’s tough, you must stand back up.
💬 This is for anyone who feels like they’ve lost themselves or need help finding meaning in the mess.
🍀 3. Conscious Luck – Rewire Your Mindset
One-word theme: Belief
Luck isn’t just chance. This book teaches you how to shift from “things just happen to me” to “I create my own outcomes.” It was one of the first books I read that made me realize I can change my life for the better, even during those low, depressive moments. It’s full of practical, life-changing advice and gives you the tools to become the kind of person who naturally attracts good things.
🌱 Great for when you’re ready to break free from self-sabotage and scarcity thinking.
✨ 4. 21-Day Abundance Challenge – Take Inspired Action
One-word theme: Discipline
You’ve done the inner work, now it’s time to act. This challenge guides you through 21 days of journaling and mindset prompts that help turn abundance thinking into real-life action. I love this book — I really think it helped me build good habits because it actually teaches you how. It’s scientifically backed, showing you how to shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset that makes space for all your dreams and goals. The book makes you reflect and learn about yourself, and I’d definitely recommend dedicating time every morning to read and do the journal prompts. This practice helped me see the positive effects of improving my mindset, because it encourages small, daily changes. If I had to pick one book that could truly change your life, I would pick this. It’s super powerful.
📓 Ideal if you want structure and a push to start manifesting with intention.
💼 5. We Should All Be Millionaires – Build Wealth & Own Your Power
One-word theme: Power
Rachel Rodgers doesn’t sugarcoat anything. She makes it clear that building wealth as a woman, especially as a woman of colour, is your birthright. I love that the book uses updated stats compared to classics like Rich Dad Poor Dad and shines a light on the daily challenges women face when societal expectations are shaped through a man’s perspective. It challenges all the limiting beliefs society throws at us and gives practical advice for taking control of your financial future. Money isn’t everything, but it’s your ticket to living the life you actually want. These days, there are so many ways to make it, and you just have to own your worth and take action.
💸 Perfect if you’re ready to take up space, embrace your worth, and start living like a baller.
🌅 6. The Top Five Regrets of the Dying – Live Like You Mean It
One-word theme: Clarity
Written by a hospice nurse who spent her days caring for people at the end of their lives, this book is a raw, powerful reminder that life is too short to play it safe, stay quiet, or settle. I lost my sister to cancer a couple of years ago, and it completely changed my perspective on life. I really don’t want to die with regret. Not to get dark, but each day isn’t guaranteed, so you need to make the most of your life, focus on being happy and healthy, and live true to yourself.
Full transparency, I haven’t read this book yet, but I’ve gone through many snippets, and I strongly believe it offers important insights, especially when you’re just starting out in your 20s. Just knowing the regrets and lessons people shared with her already makes it feel like a must-read.
🫶 A raw, powerful reminder to live fully, take risks, and make the most of every single day.
These books are the ultimate guide to getting your life together, whether it’s about mindset, money, personal growth, or just learning to live without regrets. Most I’ve read, and one is still on my TBR, but each one has lessons that anyone in their 20s (or really anyone at all) can take to heart. They remind you to know your worth, go after what you want, and make the most of every single day. And honestly, if your dream isn’t hurting anyone or illegal, I don’t see any reason why you shouldn’t chase it. You got this babe! <3
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