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Opeyemi Omidiji

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Do you have to read self-development books on your self-development journey? The answer is yes!

With no iota of doubt, I have concluded that the phrase, ‘Readers are leaders’ hold true in every sense of it. Growing up, my teachers would often shout it but I thought they were just trying to get me to read the very many boring literatures. Now that I’m grown and I have read a reasonable amount of books, I’ve come to accept that they were right.

Self-development is a journey that requires dedication, and self-awareness, and your 20s are a pivotal period in your life, filled with transitions, challenges, and opportunities. Engaging with the right knowledge can shape your path, and reading is one of the best ways to level up personally and professionally. In this blog post, we’ll explore seven powerful self-development books that are essential reads during your 20s.

7 self-development books to read in your 20s

1. Atomic Habits by James Clear

Atomic Habits - James Clear

“Atomic Habits” is a self-development book that brings to light, the habits you’ve formed unconsciously and also shows you how to break old habits and make new ones. This book is a game-changer for anyone seeking to create lasting positive changes in their life. James Clear emphasizes the power of small, consistent habits as the building blocks of personal transformation. Through real-life examples and scientific research, Clear delves into the mechanics of habit formation, offering actionable advice on how to build and sustain habits that lead to success.

Atomic Habits emphasize the fact that it is less about the goals and more about the systems you put in place to get there.

2. Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins

Awaken the Giant within - Tony Robbins

Tony Robbins “Awaken the Giant Within” is a motivational masterpiece that empowers you to take charge of your life and reach your full potential. Robbins covers a wide range of topics, including personal development, emotional mastery, goal setting, and creating a compelling vision for your future. This book encourages you to challenge your limiting beliefs and harness your inner strength to overcome obstacles. Reading this book in your 20s can ignite the fire of self-motivation and empower you to shape your destiny.

3. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life

Jen Sincero’s “You Are a Badass” is a refreshing and candid guide to embracing your authentic self and creating the life you desire. With a blend of humor and actionable advice, Sincero addresses self-doubt, fear, and the importance of self-love. This book encourages you to step out of your comfort zone, set audacious goals, and cultivate a positive mindset. Reading “You Are a Badass” in your 20s can boost your self-confidence and equip you with the tools to conquer challenges head-on.

Read Also: 7 Common Self-Development Mistakes We All Make

4. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment

Eckhart Tolle’s “The Power of Now” is a transformative guide to living in the present moment and finding inner peace. In a world filled with distractions and anxieties, Tolle’s teachings remind you of the significance of mindfulness and self-awareness. He explains how embracing the present moment can free you from the shackles of past regrets and future worries. Reading this book in your 20s can help you cultivate a deeper connection with yourself and navigate life’s uncertainties with grace.

5. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Stephen R. Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is a classic in the realm of self-development books to read. Covey presents a holistic approach to personal and interpersonal effectiveness, focusing on principles that lead to success and fulfillment. The book is structured around seven habits, which include proactive behavior, goal-driven planning, and effective communication. Reading this book in your 20s can instill a strong foundation for leadership, productivity, and meaningful relationships.

6. Start with Why by Simon Sinek

Self- development book - Start With Why

“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek explores the profound concept of purpose-driven leadership and decision-making. Sinek’s Golden Circle framework encourages individuals to uncover their “why” – their core values and motivations – before delving into the “how” and “what” of their actions. This book is particularly relevant in your 20s as it guides you to align your choices with your goals and aspirations, setting the stage for a purposeful and fulfilling journey.

7. The Defining Decade by Meg Jay

Self-development book - The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them Now

As you navigate your 20s, Meg Jay’s “The Defining Decade” serves as a roadmap to making the most of this crucial period. Jay, a clinical psychologist, offers insights into the significance of your 20s in shaping your future. She addresses career decisions, relationships, and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of intentional choices. Reading this book can provide you with a sense of direction and motivation to seize opportunities and build a solid foundation for the years ahead.

Your 20s are a time of exploration, growth, and self-discovery. Make sure to get wisdom by reading self-development books like the ones we’ve discussed. These books offer valuable insights, actionable strategies, and timeless wisdom that can guide you through challenges and propel you toward success.

On a final note, if you’ve read any of the aforementioned books, please share your thoughts on them. Also, if there are other books you’ve read on self-development that was not mentioned, please share in the comments.

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Till next time, stay sane and stay safe.

One of the many self-development mistakes we all make is thinking that it is a one-time thing as against seeing it as a journey that never ends. Have you ever wondered why some people keep trying to improve their lives but never make headways? It’s not because they are not trying or not doing what needs to done. It is because they are making mistakes that most people often overlook but has the capacity to hinder them from reaching their greatest potential.

Just like you, I used to think self-development is a one-time thing. It seemed as though all we needed to figure out is what we want, where we want to be and how to get there, but sadly that is not all that there is to this. I will tell you this for free, self-development is a journey that lasts a lifetime! It never ends. So, if you feel you’ve arrived at your destination, you need this post way more than those who are still trying to figure things out. Why? Because you will get stuck. Wondering how I know this?

I was going to look for a subtle and simple way to tell you about the things I learned from my ‘how to be a sugar baby’ a.k.a blesee lessons but you just judged me so I’m not going to try to please you. There’s no point trying to sugar-coat this story if all you’ll do is smirk at me like you are the holiest of us all. Remember we all agreed to set goals and smash them, right? So I think you should respect me and my goal and read with an open mind. That’s the only way you’ll enjoy the gist.

The memo that I would make some lifestyle changes while living in Budapest was passed to me and I honestly dreaded it. I didn’t think for the life of me that I would fall in love with some of these things but I’m here to tell you my friend that, things are different. I thought I would only have to do these things because and when I have to, but hey, someone is loving some of these things.

It is statutory to experience culture shocks when you move to a new city or country, and as expected, I looked forward to the new experiences in Budapest. But a part of me low-key thought I had seen it all when I moved to Lagos, Nigeria. That city shook me so much that I was traumatized at some point, so I could have sworn that Lagos is undefeated but I was wrong. While Lagos will continue to lead in some things, Budapest seems to be following closely behind but with some good things though.

My first hiking experience would probably be my last, no jokes. I could swear I would lose my legs, run out of breath and pass out in the woods. Let’s just say the fear of what happens to girls in the woods in movies, and the resolution to not disappoint my African forefathers got me through the torture that I put myself through. It is okay if you are laughing at me already but please before you judge me or maybe say, ‘who sent you’, make sure you read all the sides of the story.

Just like that, it’s the end of the year already and I’ll be wrong to not write about the lessons 2021 taught me. I personally didn’t envisage the kind of year I had, to think I wanted it to end at some point and now I’m so shocked at how fast it ended. 2021 is the year so many things happened to me in a very short span. Before I could jack up from one, another had hit me, it was crazy. I could literally remember incidents like they were yesterday.

Time really does fly because I’m not sure I can explain how it is September already. It makes sense now what I found during one of my wanderings on Instagram. I found a quote that says time is all that we have and don’t have and I think I understand better. I could swear I had enough time to get things done since I was clear on what I wanted to do this year early enough. But here I am, caught between consoling myself with the ‘there’s still time’ mantra and beating myself up because I know I’ve wasted a lot of time doing nothing.

Putting my life bits into words has become difficult because I’ve been spending more time in my head. It is super comfortable to be up there, I mean, you don’t get to face anything at all. Not your fears, not the reality, not your regrets, neither do you have to face the truth since it’s blank up there. But I’ve spent too much time there that it got boring. So, I decided to revisit the beginning which would pass for the past, and what I saw scared me, in a good way though.

Speaking of wrong choices and consequences, contrary to what I had planned for myself, I was caught in the middle and it felt like life was playing snooker with me. The feeling of wanting to show up but needing to disappear badly became a default feeling. The moment it looked like I was beginning to have some stability, something would hit me and I’ll be back just where I was. These past months, I’m talking about June, July has been a sweet yet rocky one for me but ain’t no dwelling on the rocky. We stay focused.

Hello May, I didn’t think I would have to deal with a lot of emotion this month owing to the fact that my last night in the month of April was with so much excitement. If you have ever thought I have total control of my emotions, here’s a call to wake up because I get served breakfast too. The first day in the month of May left me feeling blank and anxious. Not that I know why but the only way I could escape was to bury myself in work and guess what, I’m very tired.

Have you ever sat down to think about the things you think about? Do you know that what you see is what you saw? Wait, don’t be confused yet. I heard the phrase what you see is what you saw in a movie, Tijuana Jackson: Purpose Over Prison. I immediately began to sing this popular TikTok song, I see, I saw, lol. I didn’t give much thought to the phrase until later that evening. The movie that looked boring from the beginning to my surprise, began to make sense to me.

Hello twenty-six, it is a pleasure meeting you!

It is 11:55 pm and I have decided to write this post since sleep is here playing hide and seek with me. So many emotions are running through my mind. I mean, just like that a baby girl is twenty-six. I guess you can only be young forever by heart. You know what’s funny is that I never looked forward to this day as much as I’ve looked forward to my previous birthdays but still, this is the calmest I’ve been about my birthdays in recent times. I really do not know if it’s a good feeling or could it be old age, lol.

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