Top 5 books to understand yourself better and have the life you want

Life is full of surprises, and pretty often, you can’t predict what is waiting for you behind a corner. It is no wonder that sometimes it knocks us out so much that we no longer understand what is going on and what to do to move in the right direction again.

Chances are, you’ve already been through such a scenario, and every time, it is a spot for self-growth. However, it is still a good idea to figure out how to understand yourself better and prepare not to lose the sense of purpose and fulfillment ever again.

We’ve picked top-5 nonfiction bestsellers that will guide you through the jungles of your inner world and help you blossom no matter what.

Are you ready to maintain a meaningful and joyful life? Go on reading!

How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton M. Christensen

When it comes to existential questions, answers differ from one person to another. Yet one thing everybody shares in common — people are craving for fulfillment and happiness. Alas, defining this goal is only one step as it is more important to figure out how to achieve it.

How Will You Measure Your Life? was published in 2012 but still receives reviews from readers who claim that it is one of the most impactful and meaningful self-help books ever. Perhaps, the author’s life path is the reason why this title turned out to be a life-changing one. Clayton M. Christensen, a business consultant, Harvard professor, and bestselling writer, was beyond successful, just like many people who surrounded him. Yet, for many of them, achievements haven’t become the definition of a happy life. Clayton Christensen himself also faced many challenges, like beating the type of cancer he previously lost his father to. These events made Clayton Christensen look deeper and think about what matters in life and how we can measure it before it’s too late.

In How Will You Measure Your Life? you will definitely find worthy ideas and insights no matter your age, background, or occupation. It is indeed the case of ‘one book fits all.’

Brain Wash: Detox Your Mind for Clearer Thinking, Deeper Relationships, and Lasting Happiness by David Perlmutter M.D. and Austin Perlmutter M.D.

Our brain is probably the most significant organ in the human body. It’s almost like a computer central processor unit in the head which makes you, well, you! Unfortunately, it is also susceptible, especially in modern times. All the new technologies, lifestyle peculiarities, and mental struggles affect our minds significantly. For example, studies show that extensive screen time leads to increased symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But the good news is that you can actually keep your brain healthy, resulting in your happy and fulfilling life!

Written by a father-son duo, where David Perlmutter is a prominent neurologist and Austin Perlmutter is an internal medicine physician, Brain Wash is based on science and science only. That’s why there is no reason to doubt all eye-opening facts and valuable tips you can find in it. If you are ready to program your brain for the happiest life possible, then this book is a must-read for you!

Chatter: The Voice in Our Heads, Why It Matters, and How To Harness It by Ethan Kross, Ph.D.

‘Shut up! Shut up, shut up, shut up!’ If you’ve ever told it to your inner voice, then this book will make you think twice before doing it next time.

In his book Chatter, Ethan Kross, Ph.D., reveals an important fact — this Chatter in your head is the way your mind communicates with you! Every day we have hundreds of dialogues with ourselves. ‘Have I locked the front door?’ ‘Come on; you’ve already finished a similar task. You can do it!’ ‘Am I good enough?’ The matter is that this voice that we talk to has two faces: an inner critic and a great help, and it never disappears. So what should we do? Tame it!

From Ethan Kross’s bestseller, you will learn the most helpful tips and tricks. How to pay attention to your subconscious mind and control the conscious one, how to accept your Chatter, and how to prevent it from transforming into an inner critic are among them. Are you ready to make a new friend?

Is It Just Me? by Miranda Hart

Let’s face it — we are all awkward. And with this fact given, there are two possible outcomes: spend your life overthinking it, or embrace this truth and enjoy every moment of being a weirdo. It may take some time to accept your peculiarities as we all live in a bubble where the only normalized scenario is being perfect.

Don’t worry, though. There is a great title that will help you on your journey to self-acceptance. We’re talking about Is It Just Me? by Miranda Hart. Yep, that’s right, that one extremely talented actress and comedian shared her story and insights into awkwardness in a semi-autobiographical book. Filled with witty jokes (no surprise) alongside truly actionable life advice, Is It Just Me? Will help you live freely ever after, and, of course, will reassure you that no, it’s not just you.

The Greatest You: Face Reality, Release Negativity, and Live Your Purpose by Trent Shelton, Lou Aronica

Life is like a box of chocolates. And, well, sometimes those candies are expired. But that’s fine. After all, you have enough power and courage inside to go for a new, perfect, and fresh box of treats.

At some point in his life, Trent Shelton stumbled on a series of unfortunate events. What he once regarded as his life purpose eventually faded away, and everything that was happening one after another looked like he was the unluckiest man on Earth. Despite all the circumstances, Trent found the light in the darkness and got his life back on track. In his book The Greatest You, he opens up about how he managed to do it and how to fill your life with meaning and happiness once again. Inspiring and light-hearted, this title will prove to you that people are stronger than any obstacle they face on their way.

Understanding yourself and being on good terms with who you are is the key to a life filled with harmony, contentment, and a sense of purpose. These books, as well as many other marvelous titles on the Headway app, can become your first step on the way towards inner balance.