# 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

### **Quotes from _Be Fearless_ by Jean Case**