Inspirational stories have a way of breathing life back into your soul. Check out this post to see how they have helped me. If you find yourself lost, feeling down, or simply in need of some inspiration, this list might be just what you need!
This is a compilation of inspirational stories you might enjoy. They’re not for everyone, and you won’t agree with everything these authors have to say. But I can tell you at least one of these books has something inside that you need to read today.
Welcome to the Inspirational Stories Library:
1. How to Stop Feeling Like Sh*t – Andrea Owen
This is one of my favorite self-improvement books. Andrea is funny, honest, and inspirational. A lot of self-help books tend to be more like memoirs. Not this one. Owens takes real-world situations and transforms them into actionable steps you can take in your own life.
Owens even includes a free printable workbook so you can work through your own mental setbacks as you read this truly motivational and life-changing book. Laugh and cry with her as you delve into the depths of your mind and take stock of where you really are in life.
2. Unf*ck Yourself – Gary John Bishop
Based solely on the title, you might not want to give this one a try. I agree with you. This book is not for everyone. If you’re offended by unsavory language, steer clear of this one. However, if you’re in need of a good tough love talk, you will love this book.
In his no-nonsense approach to healing the mind, Bishop presents a sardonically accurate set of excuses everyone uses to avoid dealing with the real issues that hold people back. Gain some insight and learn how to stop babying yourself with this tough yet honest take on self-improvement strategy.
3. Recovering the Soul – Larry Dossey
Recovering the Soul is one of those books that actually save my life when I was at my lowest point. If you are offended by the idea of “God,” this one might not be for you. However, Dossey is anything but preachy in this heartwarming and thought-provoking work.
Through several anecdotal stories, Dossey takes you on a journey through human consciousness. He demonstrates how even the most broken of us can put ourselves back together. Through spiritual enlightenment, honest self-talk, and hard work, this book shows you exactly how to “recover your soul.”
4. The Secret – Rhonda Byrne
The Secret literally changed my entire world. Before this book, I had literally never conceptualized the idea of positive thinking. The Secret introduced this idea to me and allowed me to see the world through new eyes. Head on over to YouTube to check out the free movie based on this book.
There is some criticism over the claims brought out by The Secret. There was even a major scandal involving people losing a great deal of money. So, take the advice in this book with a grain of salt. Yes, a positive attitude and practicing gratitude will greatly improve your life. But you can’t wish your problems away. You still have to work hard to achieve your goals.
5. The Mystic Will – Charles Godfrey Leland
The Mystic Will is a very difficult read. But the wisdom it holds is absolutely invaluable. This is my companion book to The Secret. If the Secret opens the door to a better life, The Mystic Will is your roadmap on how to get there. Willpower is something we are all born with. But not everyone knows how to cultivate it. Use the advice within this book to decode your own willpower and develop ways to utilize it.
One powerful technique I learned from this book is simply telling yourself you will do something. Go to bed the night before a big day with the intention that you will be successful. While it might not always work, chances are your odds will dramatically improve by doing this one simple thing. The Mystic Will taught me this and so many other valuable life lessons. Get your copy today!
6. 10% Happier – Dan Harris
Dan Harris recounts his transformation from an unhappy drug addict to a meditation mogul. A popular news anchor, Harris had a very public breakdown on national television. He embarked on a journey to find happiness. What I like best about this book is his honesty about how much it can actually help you.
Instead of claiming a total transformation into a completely happy person, Harris simply states that after reading his book (and following the advice within), you will be about 10% happier. It is an enjoyable read, a compelling story, and provides a lot of helpful advice on how to deal with the world around you as well as your inner demons.
7. Buddhist Bootcamp – Timber Hawkeye
I first discovered Timber Hawkeye through his inspirational quotes sprinkled across Facebook. Then I noticed his book promotions. Before long, someone had sent me a copy of his book. It is a quick read packed with insightful and motivating stories. Timber Hawkeye focuses a lot on his relationship with his father.
Follow his journey and take comfort in the simple yet satisfying wisdom he offers. This is a book everyone should read. Buddhist Bootcamp will transform your outlook and help you see the world in a more positive light.
8. Into the Wind – Jake Ducey
Young and successful, that’s where Jake Ducey found himself after embarking on a journey to find the meaning of life. He traveled for six months, attempting to discover more about himself. This truly inspirational story is packed with helpful advice on how you too can improve your life.
Go on the journey with him and discover the beauty of the world around you. This book helped me learn to appreciate the little things. It even inspired me to try out a more minimalist lifestyle. After all, it’s the people in our lives that matter most.
9. Girl, Wash Your Face – Rachel Hollis
I hesitantly include this book on my list. Yes, there is a lot of good advice in this book. For that reason, it made the cut. But this book is largely a memoir. More importantly, it is a memoir of an individual that had a lot of advantages in her life.
Yes, Hollis suffered. Her brother committed suicide at a young age. This is one of the reasons I bonded with the story because my brother also committed suicide at a young age. But she started out way ahead of others in life. Her parents had a decent amount of money. She got a good job right off the bat. She even met her soul mate relatively early in life.
That being said, Hollis still had her fair share of adversity. She is a strong woman who never lets life get her down. She teaches you about the lies you’re telling yourself and how to overcome them. Give her a chance and see what you can glean from her inspirational stories.
10. The Gift of Fear – Gavin de Becker
Every single woman in the entire world needs to read this book. It is helpful for men, too. But it is absolutely essential that every woman reads this book at least once in her life. I read this book as an assignment for a Criminal Investigation course I took in college.
It changed my life. de Becker hasn’t written a traditional self-help book. It is neither inspirational nor motivating. Instead, this book is an entirely different kind of learning experience. He shows us how we take fear for granted, even abusing it. Survival instincts that have helped humans survive today often get confused in this modern and relatively safe society.
The Gift of Fear will help you overcome anxiety and irrational fear. This book shows you where those instincts come into play, how they can be confused and therefore create anxiety, and most importantly how you can use these instincts to keep yourself safe. If you only read one book from this list, read this one. It could save your life.
What is your favorite self-improvement book?
Share it in the comments. Please also let me know if you have read (or plan on reading) any of the books I listed above. How have they helped you? Did you find them inspiring, or did they just make you roll your eyes? Tell me all about it in the comments!
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