Hey, it’s Jessica—full-time mom, part-time multitasking ninja, and lifelong work-in-progress.
Let me tell you a little secret: motherhood cracked me open. In the best and hardest ways. Suddenly, I wasn’t just trying to keep up with life—I was trying to redefine who I was in the middle of it. Somewhere between diaper changes, Target runs, late-night Googling, and chasing my dreams, I realized I needed more than just coffee and dry shampoo. I needed something to anchor me. Grow me. Remind me that I mattered too.
That’s when I turned to self-improvement books.
And not the kind that make you feel guilty for not having a color-coded pantry or a 5 AM yoga routine (who has time?!). I mean the kind that light you up inside. That whisper, “You’ve got this,” when the rest of the world is loud and overwhelming.
Today I’m sharing 10 books that helped me become a better mom, woman, and human. I’ve read them during nap time, listened to them while folding laundry, and cried over them at 1 AM. And I promise—they’re worth your time.
1. Atomic Habits by James Clear
If you’ve ever tried to overhaul your life overnight (🙋♀️ guilty), this book will change everything.
James Clear breaks down how tiny changes, done consistently, can lead to massive transformation.
How it helped me as a mom:
I stopped trying to be “super productive” and started building simple routines—like prepping lunchboxes the night before or doing a 2-minute tidy before bed. It’s not magic. It’s habits.
🟡 Best quote: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
2. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
Brené is basically the wise older sister I never had. This book gave me permission to let go of perfection and just be… human.
How it helped me as a mom:
I quit trying to be the Pinterest-perfect parent and started focusing on connection, authenticity, and showing up fully—even when I didn’t have it all together.
🟡 Best quote: “Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we’re all in this together.”
3. Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
Say what you want about the hype—this book hit me right when I needed it. It’s part pep talk, part personal truth bomb.
How it helped me as a mom:
It reminded me that my dreams still matter. Even if I’m wiping noses and repeating myself 97 times a day, I can still chase something just for me.
🟡 Best quote: “You, and only you, are ultimately responsible for who you become and how happy you are.”
4. Essentialism by Greg McKeown
This book taught me how to stop glorifying busy and start prioritizing what actually matters. Spoiler: it’s less than you think.
How it helped me as a mom:
I now say no without guilt, leave margin in my day, and don’t feel bad if I don’t RSVP to every birthday party or bake from scratch.
🟡 Best quote: “If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.”
5. Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist
This book felt like a deep breath. It’s poetic, soulful, and a beautiful reminder to slow down.
How it helped me as a mom:
I stopped hustling for approval and started savoring simple moments—popsicle breaks, messy cuddles, and barefoot dance parties in the kitchen.
🟡 Best quote: “The world will tell you to hustle. But the soul whispers to slow down.”
6. The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
I read this during a season when I couldn’t get out of bed without scrolling Instagram for 30 minutes first. 😅
How it helped me as a mom:
It gave me a tool to take action—even when I didn’t feel like it. Need to unload the dishwasher? 5-4-3-2-1… go. Need to finally post that blog? 5-4-3-2-1… publish.
🟡 Best quote: “You are one decision away from a completely different life.”
7. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
Warning: this book will hype you up in the best way possible. It’s sassy, funny, and super empowering.
How it helped me as a mom:
It reminded me I’m allowed to be confident and unapologetically me. Motherhood doesn’t mean shrinking—it means rising.
🟡 Best quote: “Your job is to show up for your life, as the badass, joyful, grateful, lovable being you are.”
8. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
Yes, another Brené book—because she’s just that good. This one digs deep into vulnerability and what it really means to be courageous.
How it helped me as a mom:
I started modeling emotional honesty for my kids. “It’s okay to be sad.” “Mommy’s feeling overwhelmed.” It’s powerful stuff.
🟡 Best quote: “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up when you can’t control the outcome.”
9. The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi
This one’s for the moms who are so over complicated systems and unrealistic routines. Kendra’s motto? “Be a genius about the things that matter, and lazy about the things that don’t.”
How it helped me as a mom:
I stopped folding the kids’ clothes (they just toss them anyway), and I started meal planning like a sane person. Game-changer.
🟡 Best quote: “You can’t do everything, but you can do what matters—without burning out.”
10. Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Whew. This book was a gut punch and a soul hug all at once. Raw, real, and wildly empowering.
How it helped me as a mom:
It reminded me that I don’t have to fit into a mold. I can create my own rhythm, my own values, my own version of motherhood—and that’s beautiful.
🟡 Best quote: “Being fully human is not about feeling happy, it’s about feeling everything.”
Final Thoughts: Growth Looks Good on You, Mama
If you’re feeling stuck, lost, or just plain exhausted—pick up one of these books. Let it sit with you while the kids nap, or play in the background while you fold onesies. Let it pour into you like a warm cup of encouragement.
Because when you grow, everyone around you benefits.
Your kids. Your relationships. Your dreams. You.
Don’t wait for the “perfect time” to start becoming the woman you want to be. Start now. Start messy. Start real.
You’re worth it.
Which one of these books have you read—or are dying to read next? Let me know in the comments! And if you’ve got a favorite self-help read, I’m always adding to my list. 💬👇
With love,
Jessica 💕
