20 Personal Development Books to Read For Growth in 2020

There is a major hindrance that keeps Christ-followers from believing God’s promises and actually walking in the miraculous power that God has made available—the thoughts they agree with.

In Created for the Impossible, Krissy Nelson draws from her history of powerful God-encounters and shares relevant Biblical accounts.

Learn how to:

• Identify thoughts of fear, unbelief, and shame so you can quickly shut down the attacks of the enemy
• Exchange wrong thoughts for what God says about you and learn how to let His promises supernaturally adjust your thinking
• Watch as your beliefs about God, your identity, and your calling agree with what God says

You were created for the impossible. Start believing and embrace the miraculous life God has for you!

• adapted from Amazon.com

Why It’s On the List

As Christians, I find that we sometimes say things about God with our mouths but we don’t really believe them in our hearts. There are certain thoughts we have that we might not even recognize as hindering because they have become normal.

A big part of my personal development journey is changing my mindset. I’m hoping this book exposes those thoughts in my own life that hinder me because I’m ready to do the impossible.

Chase Jarvis is a renowned artist, author, and the founder of CreativeLive. In Creative Calling, he outlines his Jarvis’ IDEA System, detailing four steps that will allow us all to supercharge our innate creativity and rediscover our personal power in life.

• Imagine your big dream, whatever you want to create—or become—in this world.
• Design a daily practice that supports that dream—and a life of expression and transformation.
• Execute on your ambitious plans and make your vision real.
• Amplify your impact through a supportive community you’ll learn to grow and nurture.

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Why It’s On The List

I believe that we were all intricately formed and fashion by the Creator God; I also believe that we are all creative. It’s not some special gift given to a select few. Our creativity is found and matured in our individual purposes.

What’s Best Next offers a practical approach for improving your productivity in all areas of life. It will help you better understand:

• Why good works are not just rare and special things like going to Africa, but anything you do in faith even tying your shoes.
• How to create a mission statement for your life that actually works.
• How to delegate to people in a way that actually empowers them.
• How to overcome time killers like procrastination, interruptions, and multitasking by turning them around and making them work for you.
• How to process workflow efficiently and get your email inbox to zero every day.
• How your work and life can transform the world socially, economically, and spiritually, and connect to God’s global purposes.

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Why It’s On the List

I’m all for learning how to be more productive (I still get super distracted so I’m a work in progress) but I love it even more when biblical principles are applied.

If you have trouble making decisions, because of either chronic hesitation you’ve always lived with or a more recent onset of decision fatigue, Emily P. Freeman offers a fresh way of practicing familiar but often forgotten advice: simply do the next right thing.

With this simple, soulful practice, it is possible to clear the decision-making chaos, quiet the fear of choosing wrong, and find the courage to finally decide without regret or second-guessing.

Whether you’re in the midst of a major life transition or are weary of the low-grade anxiety that daily life can bring, Emily helps create space for your soul to breathe so you can live life with God at a gentle pace and discern your next right thing in love.

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Why It’s On the List

I think this is a great follow on or precursor to What’s Best Next above. After each chapter, there are action steps to help you implement what you’ve learned.

No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving–every day. James Clear, one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.

Learn how to:
  •  make time for new habits (even when life gets crazy);
  •  overcome a lack of motivation and willpower;
  •  design your environment to make success easier;
  •  get back on track when you fall off course;
…and much more.

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Why It’s On the List

I’m all for baby steps. There is so much I want to do, so much I …want to learn and so many bad habits I need to break in order to get there. But sometimes I get overwhelmed with all the things I need to fix so I’m hoping tiny steps will work for me.

Since it was first published almost fifteen years ago, David Allen’s Getting Things Done has become one of the most influential business books of its era, and the ultimate book on personal organization. “GTD” is now shorthand for an entire way of approaching professional and personal tasks, and has spawned an entire culture of websites, organizational tools, seminars, and offshoots.

Allen has rewritten the book from start to finish, tweaking his classic text with important perspectives on the new workplace, and adding material that will make the book fresh and relevant for years to come.

The GTD method rests on the idea of moving planned tasks and projects out of the mind by recording them externally and then breaking them into actionable work items.

• adapted from Amazon.com and Wikipedia

Why It’s On the List

Stree-free and productivity in the same sentence? I’m there! Seriously though, this book is a classic and comes highly recommended. I’m not sure why I only found out about it at the end of last year.

Think of The War of Art as tough love… for yourself.

Since 2002, The War of Art has inspired people around the world to defeat “Resistance”; to recognize and knockdown dream-blocking barriers and to silence the naysayers within us.

Resistance kicks everyone’s butt, and the desire to defeat it is equally as universal. The War of Art identifies the enemy that every one of us must face, outlines a battle plan to conquer this internal foe, then pinpoints just how to achieve the greatest success.

Though it was written for writers, it has been embraced by business entrepreneurs, actors, dancers, painters, photographers, filmmakers, military service members and thousands of others around the world.

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Why It’s On the List

Since I started blogging almost two years ago, I’ve seen this book recommended numerous times. Last December, it seemed like everywhere I turned someone was mentioning it so when it dropped to 99c on Kindle I grabbed it (sorry guys, it’s $9.99 again now). I still haven’t read it as yet, but going to get to it in the near future.

For generations, we have focused on the individual drivers of success: passion, hard work, talent, and luck. But today, success is increasingly dependent on how we interact with others. It turns out that at work, most people operate as either takers, matchers, or givers. Whereas takers strive to get as much as possible from others and matchers aim to trade evenly, givers are the rare breed of people who contribute to others without expecting anything in return.

Using his own pioneering research as Wharton’s youngest tenured professor, Grant shows that these styles have a surprising impact on success.

Give and Take highlights what effective networking, collaboration, influence, negotiation, and leadership skills have in common. This landmark book opens up an approach to success that has the power to transform not just individuals and groups, but entire organizations and communities.

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Why It’s On the List

I became a fan of Adam Grant a couple of years ago when I watched a Ted Talk that he did. I loved his witty style and the awesome way he brought over the topic.

I think I grabbed this one because it was on sale on Kindle but I’m curious to know if it lines up with that old biblical principle of “it’s better to give than to receive.”

In Originals, Adam Grant again addresses the challenge of improving the world, but now from the perspective of becoming original: choosing to champion novel ideas and values that go against the grain, battle conformity, and buck outdated traditions. How can we originate new ideas, policies, and practices without risking it all? 

Using surprising studies and stories spanning business, politics, sports, and entertainment, Grant explores how to recognize a good idea, speak up without getting silenced, build a coalition of allies, choose the right time to act, and manage fear and doubt; how parents and teachers can nurture originality in children; and how leaders can build cultures that welcome dissent.

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Why It’s On the List

I’m seriously tired of a world that’s trying to get us all to be the same. We each have something unique and original to give. This one has been in my wishlist way too long, I need to pull the trigger on it.

In the book, “S.M.A.R.T. Goals Made Simple”, you’ll get a ten-step plan for setting and achieving your goals. Unlike other titles, this book will teach you how to turn any idea into an actionable plan. Not only will you get an overview of S.M.A.R.T. goals you’ll also get a blueprint for turning them into daily routines. 

You will learn how to:

• Understand what makes a good S.M.A.R.T. goal
• Identify what you truly want to achieve
• Set goals for all 7 areas of your life
• Focus on three-month goals that are achievable
• Follow 5 steps for turning S.M.A.R.T. goals into habits
• Schedule the completion of these habits with a weekly review
• Use mind mapping to identify every step for achieving a goal
• Track the daily progress of your goals
• Overcome five obstacles to S.M.A.R.T. goal setting
• Review your goals (the right way) and make sure you’re staying on track
• Stay motivated by using the power of accountability

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Why It’s On the List

I’ve actually already read this one. I discovered S.J. Scott’s books when I was browsing his blog at developgoodhabits.com. Most of them are short but they contain good information and are around $2.99 on Kindle.

Over the last two years, I’ve read a lot about S.M.A.R.T. goals. But I found that my main problem would be breaking a goal down into its smallest unit; an actionable step that I can take towards making that goal a reality. This book made that process clearer for me.

“23 Anti-Procrastination Habits” outlines twenty-three ideas to help you overcome procrastination on a daily basis. Whereas many books provide a simple list of tips, you’ll learn the definition of procrastination, why a specific strategy works, what limiting belief it eliminates and how it can be immediately applied to your life.

In this step-by-step blueprint you will learn how to:

• Single-handle your way to overcoming the overwhelm. (APH #8)
• Identify what’s REALLY important in your life and then happily ignore everything else. (APH #1)
• Say “NO” to pointless tasks without angering your boss, friends or loved ones. (APH #11)
• Start your day by completing your most important projects. (APH #13)
• Take action on a task — even when you’re not in the mood to do it. (APH #17)
• Break down VERY challenging projects into an easy-to-follow blueprint. (APH #5)
• Organize your life so you’re not buried in paperwork or your to-do list. (APH #4)
• Complete daily tasks, quickly and easily with a simple time-management technique. (APH #15)
• Get motivated when you don’t feel like working on a goal. (APH #20)

You don’t have to be controlled by procrastination. You can overcome it by forming a few habits that spur you into taking action.

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Why It’s On the List

I can also check this one off as read in 2020. Procrastination is a big roadblock for me as is perfectionism. I like having 23 ideas to choose from to help me tackle procrastination one habit at a time.

Unlock your creativity.

Austin Kleon’s Steal Like an Artist is an inspiring guide to creativity in the digital age. It presents ten transformative principles that will help readers discover their artistic side and build a more creative life.

Nothing is original, so embrace influence, school yourself through the work of others, remix and reimagine to discover your own path. Follow interests wherever they take you—what feels like a hobby may turn into your life’s work. Forget the old cliché about writing what you know: Instead, write the book you want to read, make the movie you want to watch.

And finally, stay smart, stay out of debt, and risk being boring in the everyday world so that you have the space to be wild and daring in your imagination and your work.

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Why It’s On the List

This is a short read but comes highly recommended in creative circles. It was on a list of must-read books for writers.

Everyone gets 168 hours a week, but it never feels like enough, does it? Work gobbles up the lion’s share–many professionals are working as much as 70 hours a week–leaving less and less for rest, exercise, family, and friends. You know, all those things that make life great.

Most people think productivity is about finding or saving time. But it’s not. It’s about making our time work for us. Just imagine having free time again. It’s not a pipe dream.

In Free to Focus, New York Times bestselling author Michael Hyatt reveals to readers nine proven ways to win at work so they are finally free to succeed at the rest of life–their health, relationships, hobbies, and more. He helps readers redefine their goals, evaluate what’s working, cut out the nonessentials, focus on the most important tasks, manage their time and energy, and build momentum for a lifetime of success.

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Why It’s On the List

Focus! After years of thinking that multitasking was the way to go, I’ve realized that I work better when I’m focused on one thing at a time. I’m still trying to find my rhythm and build a productivity system that works for me. I’m hoping this book can give me some insight on that.

The pursuit of happiness is all about finding our purpose. We don’t want to just go to work and build someone else’s dream, we want to do our life’s work. But how do we find out what we’re supposed to contribute? What are those key ingredients that push those who succeed to launch their ideas high into the sky, while the rest of us remain stuck on the ground?

Cathy Heller, host of the popular podcast Don’t Keep Your Day Job, shares wisdom, anecdotes, and practical suggestions from successful creative entrepreneurs and experts. You’ll learn essential steps like how to build your side hustle, how to find your tribe, how to reach for what you truly deserve, and how to ultimately turn your passion into profit and build a life you love.

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Why It’s On the List

I started listening to the Don’t Keep Your Day Job podcast when I was thinking of quitting my job. It turned out that I didn’t have to quit my job (the local office closed) but I still think this book has a lot of valuable information I can use as a freelancer.

Dare to Create the Life You Want
Equal parts inspiration and tough love, Do it Scared combines practical, easy-to-implement strategies for overcoming fear and resistance in your life, along with the motivation and encouragement to actually start making real changes that lead to big results. 

From identifying your unique Fear Archetype™ to adopting the Principles of Courage, and then, most importantly, learning how to take focused action in the right direction, it is the book designed to help you not only face your fears head-on but create a concrete action plan that will help you move forward so that you can finally start creating the life you’ve always dreamed of–a life you love. 

• adapted from Amazon.com

Why It’s On the List

Fear… whether we realize it or not it’s the thing that holds us back from being who we were created to be. For many of us, myself included, our biggest fear is fear of failure. Learning to “do it scared” would be a big step for me.

Dr. Covey’s 7 Habits book is one of the most inspiring and impactful books ever written. Now you can enjoy and learn critical lessons about the habits of successful people that will enrich your life’s experience.

This 7 Habits book guides you through each habit step-by-step:

• Habit 1: Be Proactive
• Habit 2: Begin With The End In Mind
• Habit 3: Put First Things First
• Habit 4: Think Win-Win
• Habit 5: Seek First To Understand Then Be Understood
• Habit 6: Synergize
• Habit 7: Sharpen The Saw

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Why It’s On the List

This has been on my reading list for way too long. I cheated and read the book summary on Scribd at the end of last year but I plan to get to this in the first quarter of this year.

In Blue Ocean Strategy, authors W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne challenge everything you thought you knew about the requirements for strategic success.

It argues that cutthroat competition results in nothing but a bloody red ocean of rivals fighting over a shrinking profit pool.

Based on a study of 150 strategic moves (spanning more than 100 years across 30 industries), the authors argue that lasting success comes not from battling competitors but from creating “blue oceans”–untapped new market spaces ripe for growth.

BLUE OCEAN STRATEGY presents a systematic approach to making the competition irrelevant and outlines principles and tools any organization can use to create and capture their own blue oceans. 

• adapted from Amazon.com

Why I Want To Read It

I’ve always hated the thought of cut-throat competition – at school, at work, in life in general. I’ve always felt that that level of competition allowed others to dictate who I was and changed me in a way that I didn’t like.

Blue Ocean Strategy appeals to my thought that we all have something unique and individual to give and there’s no need for competition.

The major difference between achieving people and average people is their perception of and response to failure.

John C. Maxwell takes a closer look at failure – and reveals that the secret of moving beyond failure is to use it as a lesson and a stepping-stone. He covers the top reasons people fail and shows how to master fear instead of being mastered by it.

You will discover that positive benefits can accompany negative experiences – if you have the right attitude. 

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Why It’s On the List

Again, fear of failure is one of the things that often holds me back. I’m eager to know how I can use failure to my advantage and to help me grow.

Filled with memorable and inspiring stories of CEOs, world-class athletes, celebrities, and everyday people, The Success Principles will give you the courage and the heart to start living the principles of success today.

From graduates and teachers to parents and self-starting business aspirants, author Jack Canfield offers readers practical help and inspiration for getting from where they are to where they want to be. The book includes: 

•Success Basics- clarify your life; set goals; surround yourself with successful people.

• Success Thoughts & Attitudes- have an attitude for gratitude; transform your inner critic into your inner coach; transcend your limiting beliefs.

• Success Is a Verb- take action; feel the fear and do it anyway; reject rejection.

• Success & Money- fund your future; give more to get more; find a way to serve

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Why It’s On the List

Another one that comes highly recommended and will be high on my list for the first quarter of this year. I’m especially interested in learning how to wrangle in my inner critic and make it my coach.

Donald Miller’s Building a StoryBrand seeks to transform the way you talk about your business: who you are, what you do, and the unique value you bring to your customers.

Building a StoryBrand reveals how you can better connect with your customers by teaching the seven universal story points all humans respond to, the real reason customers make purchases, how to simplify a brand message so people understand it, and how to create the most effective messaging for websites, brochures, and social media.

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Why It’s On the List

We all have a story to tell. If you have a business, you need to know how to reach your customers. If you are a blogger, you need to know how to reach your readers. This is another one that gets recommended a lot and so it’s third on my list for the first quarter of this year or early second quarter.

In this book, the late Dr. Munroe explains how Reclaiming God’s Original Purpose for Your Life will bring you joy, peace, and abundant living. “This big idea [of reclaiming God’s original purpose] is the only answer to the deep cry in the heart of every human, and it can satisfy the perpetual vacuum in the spirit of humankind,” writes the author. You will find your own destiny—and an intimate relationship with God in the process! 

• Your destiny will be fulfilled right here on earth.
• You are created to turn the earth into a place filled with His culture!
• You can enjoy continuous fellowship with the Lord.
• Your decisions make a big difference in what happens on earth.

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Why It’s On the List

“You will find your own destiny—and an intimate relationship with God in the process! ” <- this is what happened to me and I hope by reading this book that someone else would be lead into that same experience with God.

That said, I haven’t actually read this book and it’s been in my Kindle library since before Dr. Myles passing. I need to get to it this year.

In his book, God Spoke, Now What? Activating Your Prophetic Word, Doug Addison shows you how to recognize the messages God is sending you through dreams, life experiences, the media, other people, or natural circumstances.

He teaches you how to interpret the messages and activate them so you can see breakthroughs happen in your life. 

When you learn to hear from God, understand what He is saying, and know-how to activate the power of those words in your life, then your life will never be the same again.

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Why It’s On the List

Sometimes we sit on a prophetic word from God and expect that somehow it will just come to pass… when God is waiting on us to do something practical to fulfill it.

Every Christian must read this shocking account of the Church’s history.

The pages of church history are marked by countless horrors committed against the Jewish people.

From the first persecutions of the Jews in the fourth century to the horrors of the Holocaust, from Israel-bashing in today’s press to anti-Semitism spouted from the pulpit, this painful book tells the tragic story that every Christian must-read.

Dr. Michael Brown exposes the faulty theological roots that opened the door to anti-Semitism in Church history, explaining why well-meaning believers so often fall into the trap of hate… and showing how you can bring an end to the cycle of violence.

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Why It’s On the List

I’ve actually started to read this one… and to be honest, some of it is disheartening.

Some of us Christians would be surprised to know that many Jewish people blame Christians for the holocaust.

Our Hands Are Stained With Blood exposes a part of our church history that we’d rather forget but one that we need to know about… lest we repeat it.

Biblical scholars Brandon O’Brien and Randy Richards shed light on the ways that Western readers often misunderstand the cultural dynamics of the Bible.

What was clear to the original readers of Scripture is not always clear to us. Because of the cultural distance between the biblical world and our contemporary setting, we often bring modern Western biases to the text. For example:

• When Western readers hear Paul exhorting women to “dress modestly,” we automatically think in terms of sexual modesty. But most women in that culture would never wear racy clothing. The context suggests that Paul is likely more concerned about economic modesty — that Christian women not flaunt their wealth through expensive clothes, braided hair and gold jewelry.
• Some readers might assume that Moses married “below himself” because his wife was a dark-skinned Cushite. Actually, Hebrews were the slave race, not the Cushites, who were highly respected. Aaron and Miriam probably thought Moses was being presumptuous by marrying “above himself.”
• Western individualism leads us to assume that Mary and Joseph traveled alone to Bethlehem. What went without saying was that they were likely accompanied by a large entourage of extended family.

• adapted from Amazon

Why It’s On the List

I love anything to do with Jewish culture and the Hebrew language because it often brings a new revelation to my understanding of the Bible.