The Books That Changed My Life: How Reading Can Transform Your Boundaries and Self-Worth

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I love reading. If you're new here, well, now you know! Books have been a constant in my life, offering me a place of calm, self-reflection, and sometimes, even escape.

I’ve been an avid reader since childhood, but for a while, reading wasn’t exactly seen as ‘cool.’ So, I put it on the back burner. In the past five years, though, I’ve fallen in love with reading all over again. From fantasy fiction and self-help to deep academic dissertations, books have reawakened my curiosity and strengthened my personal growth.

The Power of Reading in a World of Overstimulation

We live in an age of information overload. Social media bombards us with content—flashing images, endless scrolls, and dopamine-driven notifications. But books? Books allow us to slow down. They invite us into a world where we can sip tea, curl up in bed, and truly absorb wisdom without the distractions of modern life.

And some books? They don’t just entertain; they change us. Today, I want to share three books that profoundly shifted my mindset around boundaries, people-pleasing, and self-worth. These are the books that helped me take control of my life, and I know they’ll do the same for you.

1. Difficult People by Dr. Rebecca Ray

Dr. Rebecca Ray, a clinical psychologist from Australia, has a way of making psychology feel personal. What I love most about the audiobook version (which, by the way, is free on Spotify for premium members) is that she narrates it herself—mistakes, laughter, and all—which makes the experience even more engaging.

This book teaches us how to recognize difficult people in our lives, understand their behavior, and most importantly, implement strategies for self-preservation. She even provides scripts for setting boundaries—actual words you can say when dealing with challenging people.

Reading Difficult People helped me understand why people don’t always react well when we enforce boundaries. More importantly, it gave me the tools to protect my energy and stop trying to manage other people’s emotions.

2. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

Mel Robbins is a powerhouse in the self-help world. She keeps it real, cutting through the fluff and delivering actionable advice. The Let Them Theory is a game-changer for people-pleasers and those with anxious attachment styles.

This book is about letting go—of control, of other people’s opinions, of the endless cycle of trying to make everyone happy. It provides a step-by-step guide to reclaiming your own happiness and energy, helping you prioritize what truly matters.

Mel mixes relatable stories with solid psychological science, making her insights easy to apply. If you struggle with putting yourself first, this book will change the way you approach relationships, boundaries, and self-worth.

3. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

Unlike the first two books, The War of Art isn’t specifically about boundaries or people-pleasing. Instead, it’s about resistance—the inner force that keeps us from doing the things we know we need to do. Whether it's starting a business, leaving a toxic relationship, or simply speaking up for ourselves, resistance is always there, trying to hold us back.

This book is short but powerful. It’s that tough-love, wake-up call we all need when we’re stuck. The audiobook is only about an hour and a half (also available on Spotify), but it packs a serious punch. If you’ve ever felt like you’re standing in your own way, The War of Art will shake you up and push you forward.

How These Books Tie Into Your Journey of Self-Discovery

Each of these books played a role in shaping my mindset and strengthening my boundaries. And honestly? They’re the foundation of my Good Girls Liberation Guide.

In The Good Girls Liberation Guide, we start by uncovering the beliefs we’ve carried from childhood—beliefs that aren’t actually ours. We explore how family dynamics, school experiences, and societal expectations have shaped our self-worth. And from there? We rebuild. We set boundaries. We learn to protect the things that truly matter.

If any of these books resonated with you, I know you’ll love The Good Girls Liberation Guide.

Final Thoughts

Books have the power to change lives, and these three? They changed mine. If you’re ready to stop people-pleasing, set boundaries, and step into your power, these are the books you need to read.

If this blog post spoke to you, share it with a friend. Tag me on Instagram if you pick up one of these books—I’d love to hear your thoughts! And if you’re looking for more guidance, The Good Girls Liberation Guide is here to support you on your journey.

Much love, and see you next Wednesday at 7 AM!