7 Books to Help You Become the Person You Were Born to Be

Every so often, life taps you on the shoulder. Sometimes it whispers. Sometimes it nudges. And sometimes it shakes you awake with both hands and says, “It’s time.”
Time to stretch.
Time to heal.
Time to step into a version of yourself that’s been waiting patiently for you to say yes.

Whenever I’m in one of those seasons, I turn to books. Books have walked me through some of my most uncertain moments and have celebrated with me through the triumphant ones. They’ve held up mirrors, opened doors, and offered language to feelings I didn’t yet know how to name.

If you’re in a chapter of becoming—of shedding, reclaiming, rediscovering, or rising—these seven books will meet you right where you are. Each one carries a different kind of medicine for the soul.

Let’s dive in.

1. Must: Becoming the Person You Are Meant to Be
by Stephen Rue

Amazon: https://amzn.to/46EpcU5

If you’ve ever felt that gentle tug inside—the one that says you’re not quite living the life you were designed for—this book will resonate deeply. Stephen Rue writes with a grounded clarity that helps you uncover who you truly are beneath expectations, fear, and old conditioning.

It’s not a book about becoming more. It’s a book about becoming you.
And sometimes, that’s the bravest journey of all.

 

2. Finding Your Roar
by Dionne Griffin McGee

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4nLCyVL

There comes a moment in every life when silence becomes too heavy and dimming your light becomes too painful. Dionne Griffin McGee hands you the permission slip you’ve been waiting for.
This book is bold. It’s affirming. It’s the reminder that your voice matters—not someday, not when you have it all figured out, but today.
It invites you to rise in your leadership, your truth, and your courage… loudly, unapologetically, wholeheartedly.

3. Think Your Way Happy
by Stewart P. McClain

Happiness isn’t a mystery reserved for a lucky few. Stewart P. McClain reminds us that joy is a muscle—one you can strengthen with intention, practice, and perspective.
This book is direct and practical, yet compassionate. It’s perfect if you’ve been feeling stuck in your thoughts and need a reset that feels doable, gentle, and real.
Think of it as a mental tune-up for your spirit.

4. Crystal Clear: A Journey of Self-Discovery
by Crystal Harrell

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3IXGmEw

Crystal Harrell takes you on a courageous, intimate journey that reminds you of this truth: clarity isn’t something you stumble upon. You build it, one honest step at a time.Her vulnerability is powerful, and her resilience is contagious.
If you’re navigating identity, purpose, or the lingering weight of old wounds, this book offers a compassionate hand to hold.

5. Becoming Flawesome by Kristina Mand-Lakhiani

Amazon: https://amzn.to/42Gw7uN

Perfection is exhausting. Authenticity is liberating. Kristina Mand-Lakhiani challenges the exhausting chase for flawlessness and invites you into something far more meaningful: becoming “flawesome”—embracing your perfectly imperfect self.
This book feels like a deep exhale.
It gives you space to stop performing, to stop polishing, and to step into a fuller, freer, more aligned expression of who you really are.

6. The Rise
by Danette May

Amazon: https://amzn.to/48p7qa1

Every rise has a story behind it—often one filled with heartbreak, loss, and deep reckoning. Danette May shares her own journey with a raw honesty that reminds you that rising isn’t about pretending you never fell.
It’s about gathering the pieces of who you’ve been and choosing to grow into someone wiser, softer, stronger.
If you’re rebuilding, reinventing, or rediscovering yourself, this book is a powerful companion.

7. Happiness Matters: Unleash Your Superpower in 7 Easy Steps
by Beenie Mann

 Amazon: https://amzn.to/4q2RnVz

Sometimes life feels heavy simply because we’ve forgotten how powerful joy can be. Beenie Mann brings happiness back into focus—not as a luxury, but as a life-giving force that impacts your relationships, your purpose, your confidence, and your daily choices.
Her steps are simple but transformative.
If you’re ready to reclaim your joy, this book will show you the way.

A Final Word

Growth isn’t a race. Completion isn’t the goal. Becoming is a lifelong journey filled with pauses, leaps, stumbles, and breakthroughs.

These books won’t define who you should be. What they will do is illuminate the parts of you that have been waiting for recognition, acceptance, and nurturing.

So choose the title that speaks to your season.
Choose the one that whispers, “Start with me.”

And let it walk with you as you take the next courageous step toward the life you’re ready to create.