7 Pivotal Books on Finding Your Purpose
Wake up to what your life can be with Simplish Reads: books on finding your purpose. If you're living for busy work, you're missing out! Reflecting on your own purpose and aligning your life with a values-based higher calling can totally transform the way you get things done everyday. Whether you're seeking soul-nourishing wisdom for a spiritual journey or a practical, inspiring guide on how to live a more meaningful life, you'll find it in this book collection.
7 Books on Finding Your Purpose That Will Transform Your Life
1. The Little Book of Ikigai by Ken Mogi
Genre: Self-Help, Japanese Philosophy
Vibe: A quick guide written with great care introducing the concept of Ikigai to a Western audience
Read It If You…
- Are looking for an introduction to the Japanese concept of Ikigai from a Japanese philosopher and neuroscientist
- Seek balance and harmony in everyday activities and your pursuit of purpose
- Struggle to align personal priorities with working life
In The Little Book of Ikigai by Ken Mogi, we embark on a thought-provoking expedition into the heart of Japanese philosophy, where happiness intertwines with purpose and life unfolds in harmonious balance. Blending the wisdom of ancient traditions with modern insights, Mogi invites us to embrace the art of Ikigai – the profound sense of fulfillment that arises when we align our passions, skills, and contributions.
Quotes from The Little Book of Ikigai by Ken Mogi
2. On Purpose: Discover the meaning of your life by Danielle North
Genre: Self-Help, Psychology, Workbook
Vibe: A "treasure-map" to guide you toward discovering your own purpose and applying it in your life.
Read It If You…
- Are looking for inspiration, guidance, and space to reflect on purpose in one handy workbook
- Are feeling a little lost or unsure, and are seeking a step-by-step guide to understanding your own purpose
- Are prepared to work! This guide includes journal prompts and empty space for you to reflect
Quotes from On Purpose: Discover the meaning of your life by Danielle North
3. Siddartha by Hermann Hesse
Genre: Classic Fiction, Philosophy
Vibe: An epic tale of the search for wholeness
Read It If You…
- Love a good epic (in short form)
- Are interested in a Western telling of the story of Buddha's life
- Are considering a sabbatical
Quotes from Siddartha by Hermann Hesse
4. It's Not Supposed to Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered By Lysa Terkeurst
Genre: Self-Help, Christian literature
Vibe: Fierce, tender, and surprising
Read It If You…
- Are seeking answers and purpose through faith in God
- Have experienced disappointment, betrayal, or loss that has left you questioning everything
- Crave a read to nourish the soul
Quotes from It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa Terkeurst
5. Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone By Brené Brown
Genre: Self-Help
Vibe: Uncomfortably honest, and deeply insightful
Read It If You…
- Feel overwhelmed by the polarizing world and your place in it
- Get stuck people-pleasing on your way somewhere more interesting and meaningful
- Enjoy cultural criticism and interdisciplinary analysis
Quotes from Braving the Wilderness By Brené Brown
6. The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life's Direction and Purpose by Oprah Winfrey
Genre: Self-Help
Vibe: Ambitiously passionate and inspiring
Read It If You…
- Love Oprah
- Are at a crossroads and seeking inspiration
- Like to dip in and out, pause on beautiful imagery, bookmark pages, and take your time with text as it resonates with your life
Quotes from The Path Made Clear by Oprah Winfrey
7. Be Fearless: 5 Principles for a Life of Breakthroughs and Purpose by Jean Case
Genre: Self-Help
Vibe: An anthem for conquering fear and living large
Read It If You…
- Have a sense of where you're going but struggle with fear of failing
- Get pumped up by anecdotes from successful startups and changemakers
- Need a nudge to make bigger bets in life