Feeling lost and directionless can be scary at any age. Especially when everyone around you seems so sure of what they want and the direction they’re heading. It’s in this situation that some perspective and guidance can do you a world of good. That’s why I wanted to share with you some recommendations of books to help you find direction in life.
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13 Books To Help You Find Your Direction In Life
The books on this list will help you find out more about yourself, what you want in life, and more. Whether you feel you have no purpose, are stuck trying to decide what’s next, or anything else that’s got you feeling lost, you’ll find a guide in one or more of these books.
“What You’re Really Meant To Do” by Robert S. Kaplan
In What You’re Really Meant To Do you’ll find tips and advice on how to use your unique passions and skills to define your own success. With Kaplan’s wisdom and approach in this book you’ll develop a plan that will help you know yourself on a deeper level, figure out your goals, as well as much more.
“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho – A Classic Book To Help You Find Direction
Finding your direction in life often goes hand in hand with self discovery. The Alchemist is a fiction book is about just that. We follow Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy, as he journeys to find treasure.
His journey becomes much bigger, and much more important than that. Grab this book to find out what happens on his journey, and maybe learn something about yourself in the process.
“You Deserve This Sh!t” by Jordan Tarver
If you are looking to not just become unstuck, but live your best life, this will be a great book for you. You Deserve This Sh!t combines inspiring stories, understandable action steps, and more to help you find your direction and then thrive. Author Jordan Tarver has an inspiring story himself. He uses his story to help empower others.
“The Inner Work” by Mathew Micheletti and Ashley Cottrell
Sometimes the key to finding your direction in life requires tapping into your subconscious beliefs. That’s exactly what The Inner Work will help you do. Through their three-step method you’ll learn to tap into your subconscious mind and unlock your full potential.
“Who Better Than You?” by Will Packer
This book is a new release this year. Will Packer is a billion-dollar Hollywood producer and he wrote this book to share his secrets of success. In Who Better Than You? you’ll learn his success toolkit that is filled with practical advice, as well as fun stories. After you read this book you’ll definitely be dreaming big.
“Ikigai” by Héctor García
Ikigai is a Japanese word that means “a reason for living.” In this book by the same name author Héctor García interviews people from residents of the Japanese village that has the longest-living people living there.
He found that the key to a long, happy life for these people is a strong sense of ikigai. This book includes the author’s findings along with practical tools so that you can find your own ikigai.
“101 Essays To Change The Way You Think” by Brianna Wiest
When you are struggling in life, sometimes you just need a perspective change to get you going on track again. You’ll have the opportunity for plenty of perspective shifts in 101 Essays To Change The Way You Think.
Some of the lessons you’ll learn in this book are why you should pursue purpose over passion as well as becoming aware of the cognitive biases that are creating the way you see your life.
“Be Your Future Self Now” by Dr. Benjamin Hardy
In Be Your Future Self Now, psychologist Dr. Benjamin Hardy shows us how to discover your future self, and live that way now. This book will help you expand on what your future self looks like so that you can live a life bigger than you ever imagined.
“You Turn” by Ashley Stahl – A Favorite Book To Help Find Direction
If you are feeling lost specifically in your career, You Turn is the book for you. The 11-step roadmap that Ashley Stahl teaches in this book will help you discover the skills and interests that light you up. You’ll be on your way to a more fulfilling career after reading this book.
“The Science of Stuck” by Britt Frank LSCSW
One of the most frustrating parts about feeling stuck is that oftentimes we know what we need to do to move forward but we are, well stuck. Whether it’s through indecision, bad habits, or some other reason, life keeps us in that feeling of being stuck.
In The Science of Stuck you’ll find a guide to help you finally move forward. Through reading this book you’ll have research-backed solutions and empowering stories as you begin your journey forward.
“What To Do When You Don’t Know What To Do” by David Jeremiah
For a spiritual perspective on your situation, check out What To Do When You Don’t Know What To Do. Dr. David Jeremiah walks through the book of James in the Bible to give you wisdom on topics like finances, faith, and decision making from God’s perspective.
“What Do You Really Want?” by Cayla Craft
Cayla Craft is an ER nurse turned entrepreneur and life coach. In What Do You Really Want? she shares the tough questions she asked herself to get the life that she wanted. She’s now sharing her knowledge in this book. You’ll learn the seven questions that you need to ask yourself, and get clear on, so that you can have your own personal transformation.
“7 Signposts” by Jamie Hillman
Our last book on the list of 13 books to help you find your direction in life is 7 Signposts. This book is all about leaning into your internal compass. You’ll learn how to read your inner compass so that you can follow the right direction at each of the seven decisions that will help you realign your life.
Final Thoughts On Finding Your Direction In Life Through Books
Now that you’ve got some great resources you are on your way to getting unstuck in your life. Which book will you be picking up first?
About the Author
Kelly graduated from Liberty University with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations and a minor in Journalism. Even though it took her a little while to find her career path, she was always meant to be in Communications. She remembers writing poems and songs when she was a little girl and pitching to my parents the reasons why I should have a cell phone when I was a teenager. She currently has a blog (budding-joy.com) where she talks about her weight-loss journey, mental health and personal development. Her hope is to encourage and inspire readers and let them know they are not alone. Reading blog posts like that are what helped her in tough times and she wants to pay it forward. She loves dance fitness, listening to music, and creating layouts in her bullet journal. She's a big fan of planning, especially when cute notebooks and pens are involved. Her dream job has changed so much over the years; right now she'd love to co-own a dance studio.
Website: budding-joy.com