Here’s something we know for sure…

People start to feel a desire to become a life coach for many different reasons.

It can be a life altering event. A spiritual awakening. A great experience of being coached themselves. Or simply a longing and desire they have in their heart to be in deep service to people in an amazing way.

Along the way to exploring the path of becoming a life coach, or actually making the leap to becoming one, incredible and life affirming BOOKS are so often a welcome companion on that path. Books that are inspiring, challenging, heart opening and more.

If you are considering becoming a life coach the following books are ones we highly recommend as amazing reading for your personal development and growth. Each of them will support you in different ways to help you affirm YOURSELF before you begin the journey of learning how to be an incredible life coach and help others affirm THEMSELVES too!

1. The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz

This book is a classic for a reason. It’s small, simple, and profoundly powerful. Just get it. Read it. And live by the agreements. You will see your self-belief and sense of calm as a human being blossom as a result.

2. POWER: A Woman’s Guide to Living and Leading Without Apology by Kemi Nekvapil

Let Master Coach Kemi Nekvapil guide you through her POWER principles of Presence, Ownership, Wisdom, Equality and Responsibility in a book that will inspire you to stand up, speak out and truly own all of who you are and the one incredible life you have been given. Look out within for an amazing story of our very own CEO & Founder of the Beautiful You Coaching Academy, Julie Parker.

3. Pulling Your Own Strings: Dynamic Techniques for Dealing with Other People and Living Your Life as You Choose by Dr Wayne Dyer

This is an ‘oldie’ but wow is it a ‘goodie.’ If you have ever wanted to know how to stop feeling hurt by others, obsessing what others think of you, how to confidently deal with difficult people and stop feeling lost and unseen, this book is a must read. When you master the Doc’s techniques you are on the way to setting yourself up to be able to help your future clients do the same.

4. Believe In Yourself & Do What You Love by Kate James

You will be able to read this little book in a leisurely afternoon (if that!) but don’t mistake it’s ‘littleness’ for lack of impact. Kate James is an incredibly experienced Master Coach who has written a truly impactful book that will inspire you to look within, address your mindset challenges and uncover your life purpose. This book is all about helping you craft a more meaningful life. It’s simple and beautiful to read. And also makes an amazing gift.

5. The Gifts of Imperfection by Dr Brene Brown

An amazing book to read to help you understand that it is within your ‘flaws’, ‘failings’ and vulnerable life lessons that you will find your greatest teachers. No shame required. And it will help you understand that your own authenticity and vulnerability is one of the best and most beautiful things you can own – truly own.

5. Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind To Yourself by Kristen Neff

No person can ever achieve anything truly great and lasting in their life if they are not kind to themselves and treat themselves as they would a cherished friend. Kristen Neff’s work is at once soft but strong and we have undoubtedly learnt that the more self-compassionate and kind we are to ourselves the more we can encourage others to be the same. A must in every personal development library.

6. Atomic Habits by James Clear

So often in life we think (in a classic black and white/constricting way) that it’s only if we make BIG changes, shifts, pivots or leaps of consciousness that we will change our lives for the better. It’s a romantic notion that is rarely true in a sustainable way. In this gem of a book James Clear will help you understand that small is mighty and it’s so often the ‘little’ changes we make that can have the biggest impact in our lives. This book is highly practical. If you’re someone who loves tangible tips and takeaways – you’ll love it.

7. The Declaration of You!: How To Find It, Own It and Shout It From The Rooftops by Jessica Swift & Michelle Ward

Another book written by an incredible coach in Michelle Ward and for all our visual folks out there – inspiringly illustrated by artist Jessica Swift. This fun, engaging and highly practical book is a workbook for your soul and homecoming. Filled with brilliant journalling style questions (in true coaching style!) get ready to be taken on a journey of self-discovery to being able to see yourself in a new light. Life may never be the same.

9. The Courage To Be Disliked: The Japanese Phenomenon that shows you how to free yourself, change your life and achieve real happiness by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga

Books don’t sell more than three million copies around the world if they’re not incredible. And this one surely is. If you are someone that knows yourself to be tangled with people pleasing, worrying about what others think of you and seemingly living your life to make everyone else happy – with you coming a distant last – this is a must read. Get ready to be liberated and start truly living on your own terms.

10. Own Your Greatness: Overcome Imposter Syndrome, Beat Self-Doubt and Succeed in Life by Dr Lisa Orbe-Austin & Richard Orbe-Austin

The title says it all really! Own it! Beat it! Succeed! This book is actually a workbook (even better for self development and growth!) that focuses on helping you look at any thoughts you may carry that you are not as good or worthy as others. It’s time to hone in on your natural strengths and gifts and truly own them. The most amazing life is waiting for you when you do…

We hope you love this list of personal development books. We think they are must reading for anyone on a growth journey but that they have particular merit if you are in a life stage of thinking about becoming a life coach. And so…happy reading!