In every person’s journey, there are pivotal moments that shape who we are and who we become. For me, many of those moments came from the books I picked up along the way. These weren’t just any books—they were transformative works that forever changed the way I saw myself and the world around me.

Here are three personal development books that not only shifted my mindset but also helped me grow in ways I never imagined possible.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist is a timeless tale of self-discovery and following one’s dreams. The story follows Santiago, a young shepherd who embarks on a journey to find a hidden treasure he dreams about. Along the way, he learns life-changing lessons about listening to his heart, recognizing the signs from the universe, and finding his true purpose in life. This fable-like novel has inspired millions worldwide with its profound spiritual and philosophical insights.

Why It Changed My Life:  

I first encountered The Alchemist during one of the most difficult times of my life. I had just lost one of my best friends to pancreatic cancer. He had a small bookshelf, and when my sister offered me some of his books, they had been together for ten years, I knew I had to take something that would remind me of him. The Alchemist was the first book I pulled from his shelf, and I remember hearing about it before but never having read it.

At that moment, I was just beginning my personal growth journey. Having been labeled “learning disabled” and diagnosed with ADD, I carried many limiting beliefs about myself. I felt lost, struggling with depression, and searching for meaning. I had no idea what to do next in my life and felt completely directionless and hopeless.

I sat down to read The Alchemist, and I finished it in one sitting. I cried as I read, not just because of the beautiful message of the book but because the timing was perfect. It felt like the universe placed this book in my hands when I needed it most.

The story of Santiago's journey to discover his personal legend resonated with me on such a deep level. It felt like I was being reminded that no matter what obstacles or limiting beliefs I faced, there was a purpose to my journey. Not only did the book open me spiritually, but it also connected me with my lost friend. It was as if I was taking him along on my own journey of growth, carrying his memory as I backpacked through Australia and four other countries. The lessons in The Alchemist stayed with me through every mile of that trip.

What I Learned:

• The universe has a way of guiding you to your personal legend, even when you feel lost.

• Obstacles are not meant to stop you—they are part of the journey.

• Spiritual growth often comes in moments of deep pain and reflection.

If you're feeling directionless, lost, or you're going through some hard times, then please do yourself the favour of getting this book. I don't care if you click here for the book or your rather close this browser and go to Amazon yourself. This book is profound and helped me at one of the most darkest times in my life.

I strongly recommend everyone read this beautiful book to not only ignite you to follow your dreams and pursue fulfillment, but to also remind yourself that even in the darkest of times when you feel helpless and hurt inside, that this book teaches you just how significant you are in a world that needs you.

The Social Animal by David Brooks

In The Social Animal, David Brooks explores the hidden sources of human success by weaving together research from sociology, psychology, and behavioral science. The book tells the story of two fictional characters and uses their lives as a vehicle to explain how our unconscious mind, emotions, and social connections shape our decisions, beliefs, and behaviors. Through captivating storytelling, Brooks illustrates the social and psychological forces that drive human behavior.

Why It Changed My Life:  

I was at the very beginning of my nonfiction reading journey when I picked up The Social Animal. I didn’t have much experience with psychology or sociology books at the time, and I didn’t know what to expect. But as I began reading, I couldn’t put it down. The way David Brooks wove stories into complex ideas about human behavior, relationships, and society felt like he wasn’t just teaching me something—he was showing me.

The book opened my eyes to the subtle dynamics of human interaction. I started to see how people’s actions, beliefs, and connections shaped their lives in ways I had never noticed before. The metaphors and examples in The Social Animal made concepts like human nature and social behavior easy to grasp, even for someone just starting on their learning journey. It was the perfect introduction to understanding human relationships and how they shape the way we move through the world.

What I Learned:

• Human relationships are deeply intertwined with our personal growth and happiness.

• Much of what drives us as individuals is shaped by unconscious social dynamics.

• Learning about ourselves through others is one of the most profound ways to grow.

I can still remember buying this book at a used book store in Victoria, Canada named Russels and walking out with it, only to head straight to a Starbucks at a mall and begin consuming it right away. The way David Brooks wrote the book in a narrative from two perspectives and allowed me to watch two character live out their whole life was nothing short of magical and insightful for me.

If this sounds like something you might be interested in reading cause your looking to better understand people or yourself, then click here to purchase the book and thank me later.

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

The Power of Habit breaks down the science behind why we form habits, how they work, and how we can change them. Charles Duhigg introduces the concept of the habit loop—cue, routine, reward—and explains how understanding this loop can help individuals transform their lives. Using real-world examples from individuals, companies, and organizations, the book highlights how small habit changes can lead to major personal and professional transformations.

Why It Changed My Life:  

By the time I read The Power of Habit, I was already a bit into my personal development journey, but this book gave me something new—a practical framework for understanding myself. Charles Duhigg broke down the science of habits in a way that made it not just understandable, but actionable. His explanation of the habit loop—cue, routine, reward—was simple, yet so profound.

The book opened my eyes to how much of my behavior was driven by habits, and how much power I had to change them. Once I understood how habits worked, I started applying Duhigg’s principles to my daily life. I began to identify the cues that triggered my unproductive habits and replaced them with routines that aligned with my goals. It was like unlocking a new level of self-awareness, and I started to feel like I had more control over my life.

Powerful Links to the Book’s Ideas:

• Cue, Routine, Reward: A simple but powerful framework to identify and change habits.

• Keystone Habits: Small changes that create a ripple effect, transforming multiple areas of your life.

• Willpower as a Muscle: The more you practice self-control, the stronger it gets.

What I Learned:

• Understanding the habit loop helped me take control of my behavior and form better habits.

• Small habit changes can lead to big results over time.

• Willpower is like a muscle—it grows stronger with practice.

This book was the keystone book (pun intended) to my ability to not only quit my old bad habits and to build great habits, but to strengthen my habit building and breaking muscles for the multiple moments of change and pivots that my life did and will eventually bring.

If this sounds like a book you'd like to dive into straight away, then click here to purchase it off amazon and get your playbook to a better and healthier life straight to your door.

Conclusion

These three books—*The Alchemist*, The Social Animal, and The Power of Habit—have shaped me in profound ways. Each one came into my life at the perfect time and offered insights that transformed how I approach growth, relationships, and daily habits. They taught me that life is a journey of constant learning and self-discovery, and they gave me the tools to continue that journey with purpose and intention.

If you’re looking to spark your own growth or gain deeper insights into yourself, I highly recommend these books. And if you’re ready to dive deeper into personal development, check out some of the free resources I’ve created at www.sagemodecoaching.com/resources or join my newsletter for tips and resources straight to your inbox! I would like to help you along your journey of personal growth.