How to Curate a Personal Development Reading List in 5 Steps
Looking to grow but drowning in book recommendations?
I get it. You're not alone.
Between managing your career, family obligations, and everything else on your plate, finding the right resources for personal growth can feel like another task on your never-ending to-do list.
However, building a reading list doesn't have to be stressful. You can do it in 5 simple steps.
Here's a quick visual guide to the process—save this for future reference as we dive deeper into each step.
Let's explore each step to help you build your perfect reading list.
1. Identify Key Areas of Development
First, take a moment to identify what matters most to you right now. What areas of your life are calling for attention? You may be seeking better work-life balance, looking to strengthen your leadership skills, or wanting to build more meaningful relationships.
Start by listing 2-3 areas you'd like to focus on.
For example, if you're preparing for a more significant role at work, your list might include leadership and strategic thinking. Stress management and productivity might be your top priorities if you're feeling overwhelmed.
The key is to be specific and honest with yourself.
Instead of vague goals like "get healthy," or "be better at public speaking," try "learn to cook three plant-based meals I can make on weeknights," or "confidently pitch my photography services at the upcoming arts festival." This clarity will make your next steps much more focused.
2. Research Recommended Books
Now that you know what you want to focus on, it's time to find resources. But don't feel pressured to read every "must-read" book that crosses your path. Instead, be selective and strategic.
Start with trusted sources—whether that's a friend, an expert in the field, or a random person like me (wink, wink).
For instance, if you’re a new empty nester, look for authors who understand this position.
If you're thinking about turning your hobby into a business, seek recommendations from entrepreneurs who started similar ventures.
Look for books that offer practical, actionable advice rather than just theory.
Suppose you're focused on reinventing yourself after retirement. In that case, you might want a book that includes specific strategies and exercises rather than one that discusses "finding purpose."
Pro Tip: Keep a running list of book recommendations (often called a TBR or "To Be Read" list) in your phone's Notes app or a simple spreadsheet. Include where you heard about the book and why it interested you. This makes it easier to remember and prioritize books later.
3. Read Sample Chapters or Reviews
Here's a secret that will save you time and money. Ready?
You don't have to buy a book to know if it's right for you. (Revolutionary, I know!)
Use the “Look Inside” features on Amazon, or browse the table of contents. Read a few reviews—not just the glowing five-stars, but also the three-star reviews—for the most balanced perspective.
You can also use your local public library. If I find a new-to-me author and can’t decide whether to buy their book, I might reserve it at the library first.
Then, if I enjoy it and think it’s worth my money, I’ll buy a copy for myself. I've done this multiple times—with Start Finishing, The Introvert's Guide to Networking, An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth, and others.
Last, pay attention to your gut reaction. Does the author's voice resonate with you? If you're exploring meditation and mindfulness, but the author's tone feels too woo-woo (or too clinical), keep looking. There's no shame in deciding a book loved by everyone else isn't your cup of tea.
For example, The 5 am Club by Robin Sharma is highly recommended in the personal development community. But after checking out the book from the library, I decided against reading it. The style wasn’t for me.
4. Prioritize Books Based on Urgency
Look at your stack of potential reads (or your growing Amazon wishlist) and ask yourself: "What do I need most right now?"
Maybe you're finally ready to learn photography, so that book on mastering your DSLR camera should jump to the front of the line.
Or perhaps your calendar feels like it's controlling you instead of the other way around, making that book on time management more urgent than the one on leadership development.
Don't feel pressured to read books in the order everyone else reads them. That buzzy new release everyone's talking about? It'll still be there in six months when you actually need its message.
For example, I still haven’t read The 48 Laws of Power, even though it’s been on my shelf for years. I’ve prioritized other books. The best books meet you where you are.
5. Set a Monthly Reading Schedule
Now for the fun part—creating a realistic reading schedule that won't stress you out.
Notice I said, "realistic." This isn't about becoming a speed-reading champion or sacrificing your Netflix time (unless you want to).
One or two books a month is plenty. You might choose to dive into Deep Work this month while focused on productivity, then switch to Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain next month when you're ready to explore your creative side.
And here's something that might sound radical in the personal development world—it's totally okay to just read and enjoy the book. You don't have to implement every strategy or do every exercise.
Sometimes, simply reading and letting the ideas percolate is enough. The insights you need will stick naturally.
Remember, personal development isn't a race. It's better to absorb one book than to skim through five. I often re-read books at different stages of my journey and find new insights each time. Take notes, highlight passages, or keep a reading journal if that helps you process and apply what you're learning—or don't! The choice is yours.
Final Thoughts on Curating Your Personal Development Reading List
Creating a personal development reading list doesn't have to feel like another item on your to-do list. It's about finding the right resources for where you are right now—whether you're learning a new skill, seeking more balance, or simply curious about personal growth.
Remember, there's no "required reading" in life. The perfect reading list is the one that works for you, at your pace, supporting your goals. So grab a book that catches your interest, curl up in your favorite reading spot, and enjoy the journey. Your next chapter (pun intended!) awaits.
Quick Start Guide: Your Next 24 Hours
Right Now: Grab a notebook or open your Notes app. Write down one area where you most want to grow. Be specific—not just “be better at work” but “learn to give confident presentations.”
Within 3 Hours: Ask one person you respect (a mentor, colleague, or friend) for their #1 book recommendation related to your growth area. Or search "[your topic] book recommendations" and save the top 3 titles that catch your eye.
Today or Tomorrow: Visit Amazon or your local library's website. Read the first chapter preview of one book from your list. If it resonates with you, that's your starting point. If not, try the next one.
Optional Step 4: Block out three 30-minute reading slots in next week's calendar. Morning coffee time, lunch break, or before bed—whatever works for your schedule.
