No matter how old we are and where we come from there’s always room for improvement. Getting to the heart of ourselves, recognizing our flaws and shortcomings is challenging. Working to and through our issues is paramount to a successful and fulfilled life. One way to do that is to read, and read often. Through professional and personal development books by authors who have been there, we can use their expertise and apply it to our own lives. Living your best life is about being open to change. Here are 10 professional development books you need to read this year to help you do just that.

You Are the One: A Bold Adventure in Finding Purpose, Discovering the Real You and Loving Fully – Kute Blackson

Kute Blackson sets us straight with this empowering book designed to impress upon you that there’s no Captain Save’em coming to rescue you. You are the only one that possesses the power to change the direction of your life. It is up to you to discover who you really are and love yourself, no one else can do it for you. Blackson has the unique ability to tell it like it is, with grace and charm while making his point.

Can We Talk? 10 Life Lessons on Finding Your Voice and Finding Yourself – Amber L. Wright

Presented in a clear and concise format, Communication Coach, Amber L. Wright understands that professional development means finding your voice. You need to read this book if you’ve ever struggled with your relationship with yourself, your money, or your family. She teaches us how to speak the life of our dreams into existence and how to thrive once we do so.

The Girlprint – Valeisha Butterfield Jones

Valeisha Butterfield Jones is no stranger to success. She got her start as an intern working for Russell Simmons and worked hard at her seat at the executive board table. This book chronicles the author’s life, the ups, and downs of making her way in the entertainment industry. Ms. Butterfield Jones also shares some guidelines to help other women reach their full potential.

Becoming – Michelle Obama

No professional development book list would be complete without the highly-acclaimed and greatly anticipated Becoming by Michelle Obama. Our favorite First Lady shares her soul in this memoir that takes us through her life as a young child to her role in the White House. This book explores how she shaped her life rather than allowed her life to be shaped by her environment. Through it, she inspires each of us to tell our own story. “If you don’t get out there and define yourself, you’ll be quickly and inaccurately defined by others.”

The Four Agreements – Don Miguel Ruiz

The epitome of professional development books, The Four Agreements is one you and everyone else you know, need to read. Don Miguel Ruiz reminds us that in life, there are four points we must never waiver from if we are to be successful and respected.

• Be Impeccable with Your Word.
• Don’t Take Anything Personally.
• Don’t Make Assumptions.
• Always Do Your Best.

Don Miguel Ruiz goes in-depth on each of the four agreements in his short, sweet and succinct book that should be required reading for everyone. It gets to the heart of what it truly means and requires, to be a good human.

Brain Makeover: A Weekly Guide to a Happier, Healthier and More Abundant Life – Phyllis Ginsberg

If you enjoy doing the work in a well laid out workbook-style, this book will help you retrain your thoughts and shift your thinking to help you feel happier, more fulfilled. Phyllis Ginsberg is an EFT Tapping Expert who uses a combination of Positive Psychology and brain research to help people rewire their thinking and mindset.

Abundance Now: Amplify Your Life and Achieve Prosperity Today – Lisa Nichols

If you’re seeking success in your professional life, Lisa Nichols, Abundance Now offers you the tools you need. Nichols teaches the law of attraction as a tool to help you make plans and take action toward a more abundant life. She uses distinct lessons and shares specific steps needed to attract the life you wish for, to you.

Self Love: Be Unapologetically You: A Self Love Guide for Women of Color – Adeline Bird

This book by Adeline Bird will help you get at the heart of who you truly are at your core. Forget all of the lies you tell yourself, forget that inner dialogue that tells you you’re not good enough. Canadian journalist, producer, stylist, and inspirational speaker Adeline Bird, helps women learn to be themselves, unapologetically. She shows how to grow into a place of self-love and self-respect with her book discovery and acceptance.

Activate Your Vision Board: Learn how to Set Goals, Take Action & Get Your Vision off the Board and into Your Life in 40 Days or Less – Lucinda Cross

The title of this book doesn’t mince words, once you open it, you know exactly what you’re going to get, how long it’s going to take you to get there, and exactly how it’s going down. There’s something to be said for directness, and Lucinda Cross is the epitome of telling it like it is. You’ll find clear and concise action steps to help you manifest your desires and get what you want from life. Cross is a personal and professional development expert and the woman behind the Activate Worldwide brand.

Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person – Shonda Rhimes

This powerhouse of a book is written in classic Queen of Thursday Night Prime-Time Television style. Shonda Rhimes shares what happened in her life when she finally gave in and started saying, Yes! As an introvert, stepping out of your comfort zone can be a challenge. Taking part in your life and being an active player in the events around you takes courage. In true Shonda Rhimes style, this book will help you dig deep and work harder to show up and be an active participant in your own story.

Simply reading professional development books to help you live your best life isn’t enough. To see results in your professional and personal life, and to see growth within yourself and your relationships, taking action is at the heart of everything. Read and research but most importantly, implement to ensure the professional development books you resonate with, truly begin to work in your life.

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