5 Must-Reads That Changed My Life (and Could Change Yours in 2025!)

Ranjani
Aug 28
3 min read

I’ve always been a bit of a book hoarder. I’d buy a book with all the enthusiasm in the world… and then let it gather dust while I got distracted! 😅

But something shifted over the past year. I decided that if I wanted to grow as a person, as a mother, and as a woman, I needed more than YouTube motivation clips and Pinterest quotes. I needed to read with intention.

And wow—these 5 books? They didn’t just speak to me. They shook me awake.

1. Atomic Habits by James Clear

This was the first book I read with a highlighter in one hand and my planner in the other.

Key takeaway:

You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.

Why it worked for me:

I used to think willpower would help me wake up at 5 AM. Nope. Systems did. I applied his “2-minute rule” to everything—from writing blog drafts to cleaning out a drawer. And it stuck.

2. The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest

This one got a bit emotional for me. It pointed out how I was often standing in my own way.

What hit me the hardest:

Your new life is going to cost you your old one.

How it helped:

I let go of the guilt of saying "no" to people who drained me. I stopped shrinking myself. This book made me choose me.

3. Ikigai by Héctor García & Francesc Miralles

A beautiful book that reminded me to slow down and reconnect with purpose.

Key lesson:

Do what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

Personal win:

This book inspired me to align my blog, my dreams, and self-care into one peaceful ecosystem. I stopped chasing and started flowing.

4. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

Ohhh this book. It changed the way I look at money—not as numbers, but as a mirror of my values, fears, and habits.

Eye-opening quote:

Doing well with money has a little to do with how smart you are and a lot to do with how you behave.

My money mindset shift:

Instead of obsessing over spending less, I started focusing on spending intentionally. This book was a game changer for how I approach our finances.

5. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

Brené feels like that wise, kind aunty who gives you tough love with a warm hug.

Quote that stayed with me:

Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.

Why I recommend it:

I used to be a perfectionist mama who wanted everything “just so.” This book gave me permission to breathe, mess up, and still feel worthy. It softened me—in the best way.

So, what’s your personal growth read for 2025?

Do you have a book that made you cry, reflect, or completely rethink life?

👇 Share in the comments:

Your top personal development book
A quote that changed your life
A book you're planning to read this year!

And hey, if you're stuck on what to read next, just holler—I’ve got a bookshelf full of suggestions! 😘

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