8 Books I Recommend to Help You Live Independently

I am absolutely obsessed with reading. Over the past few years, I have carved out time for reading both first thing in the morning and before bed at night. When I have a few minutes between chores or while waiting for an appointment, my first instinct is to pick up my book du jour. Sometimes I get so into a fictional story, I’d rather keep reading than get eight hours of sleep. 

But here, I want to share eight books that made a big impact on my life. Each one taught me something important about what it means to live independently. Most of these are short and well worth your time. I have linked to each for your convenience.

Live Independently starting with these 8 books

1. "BE SEEN: Find Your Voice. Build Your Brand. Live Your Dream." by Jen Gottlieb

In a world where personal branding is key to professional success, BE SEEN is a must-read. Jen Gottlieb takes you on a journey to discover your unique voice, build an authentic brand, and live out your dreams. This book is filled with actionable advice and inspiring stories that will motivate you to step into the spotlight and embrace your true self.

Why You'll Love It: This book empowers you to take control of your personal and professional life by finding and amplifying your unique voice. Jen gives us a front-row seat to her darkest, lowest moments, then walks us through how she built the beautiful life she enjoys today—no sugarcoating! Plus, she gives lots of tangible advice you can start using today. 

2. "Man’s Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl

Viktor Frankl’s timeless classic, Man’s Search for Meaning, delves into the profound question of what gives life purpose. Drawing from his experiences in Nazi concentration camps, Frankl reveals how finding meaning in life is essential for overcoming challenges and achieving true independence.

Why You'll Love It: Frankl’s insights will inspire you to seek out and create meaning in your own life, no matter the circumstances. This meaning can help guide you as you make big decisions and move toward your life of independence.

3. "The Billionaire and the Monk" by Vibhor Kumar Singh

In The Billionaire and the Monk, Singh tells a compelling story about finding balance between material success and inner peace. Through the journey of a billionaire and a monk, this book offers valuable lessons on achieving both financial independence and emotional fulfillment.

Why You'll Love It: This book provides a holistic approach to living independently, emphasizing the importance of balancing financial success with personal well-being. While it is extremely important to build a financially independent life, don’t let money be the only thing that guides you. 

4. "Peaks and Valleys" by Spencer Johnson

Life is full of highs and lows, and Peaks and Valleys teaches you how to navigate these fluctuations with grace. Spencer Johnson’s parable provides practical strategies for making the most of your good times and learning from your bad times, ensuring a steady path to independence.

Why You'll Love It: Johnson’s simple yet profound wisdom will help you handle life’s ups and downs more effectively, making your journey to independence smoother. When you find yourself at a low point in life, this book can help you spin everything so you find yourself back on top faster and longer. 

5. "The Creative Act: A Way of Being" by Rick Rubin

Creativity is a vital component of living independently, and Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act explores how to cultivate creativity in all aspects of life. This book is a guide to unlocking your creative potential and using it to achieve your goals.

Why You'll Love It: Rubin’s insights will encourage you to think outside the box and harness your creativity to build a life of independence. The biggest takeaway for me was that my creative efforts do not need to be my life's work. That way of thinking can be so daunting it stops us from moving forward. Instead, he suggests that our creative work is simply representative of ourselves in this moment. I found that incredibly freeing (and it even helped me start The Independence Lab!). 

6. "Atomic Habits" by James Clear

Atomic Habits by James Clear is a game-changer for anyone looking to make lasting changes in their life. Clear breaks down the science of habit formation and provides practical strategies for building good habits and breaking bad ones.

Why You'll Love It: This book offers actionable steps to create positive habits that support your journey toward emotional and financial independence. If you struggle with consistency, get this book now! It spells out how to build habits into your life in a way that will actually help you more easily accomplish your goals. 

7. "Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals" by Oliver Burkeman

Time is our most valuable resource, and Four Thousand Weeks offers a refreshing perspective on how to use it wisely. Oliver Burkeman challenges conventional time management advice and encourages you to focus on what truly matters.

Why You'll Love It: This book will help you prioritize your time and energy, ensuring that your efforts align with your goals for independence. And while you may still be young (this is not a bad thing at all!), you can still use this book to realize how fragile life is and make the most of yours. 

8. "The Magic of Thinking Big" by David J. Schwartz

David J. Schwartz’s The Magic of Thinking Big is a motivational masterpiece that encourages you to set ambitious goals and believe in your ability to achieve them. Schwartz provides practical advice on building confidence and fostering a positive mindset.

Why You'll Love It: This book will inspire you to dream big and take bold steps toward living the independent life you envision. If there was a book that encompassed my way of looking at life, this would be it. While there are a few passages that perhaps didn’t age well, the big picture is on point. If you need a mental reboot to start you on your path toward independence, this is it! 

Take Action and Transform Your Life

Reading these books is just the beginning. To truly benefit from their wisdom, take what you learn and put it into action. Whether it’s developing new habits, finding your voice, or managing your time effectively, each of these books offers valuable tools to help you on your journey to independence.

Are you ready to unlock your potential? Get Your Path to Independence Guide—a comprehensive roadmap to career growth, financial literacy, and emotional well-being—and start your journey to independence today!

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