Self-Help & Nonfiction Book Recommendations for Career, Life, or Relationship Coaching

Reading at least 10 pages daily from a self-help or nonfiction book has helped me with my life, relationships, and career coaching endeavors. It is also a valuable resource for my clients. Therefore, I want to share my book recommendations to help you in your life, relationship, or career journey.

Why I added Nonfiction Books to My Self-Help Routine

The idea stemmed from a Mel Robbins podcast regarding the “75 Hard Challenge.” While I am not following the whole ideology of the regimen, I did add reading of non-fiction to my daily routine which consists of two workouts a day (a brisk morning (or afternoon – depends on work schedule) walk to the beach with a gratitude recitation, plus home resistance training – for me BODI Lava), daily affirmation, morning prayer, 5-10 minutes of meditation, healthy eating with added protein, service as a hospice companion (once a week), fiction, and now non-fiction reading. When do I work? I don’t consider what I do work. I meet with clients regularly and substitute teach on rare occasions when I don’t have clients. However, my commitment to my career is at least 8-10 hours a day, yet my commitment to myself is all day, every day, to bring the optimal me to my clients.

After reading my idol, Stephen King’s On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, I upped my reading game. I had completed my Master’s in English and then published The Future Professional’s Guide to Cosmetology: Is Beauty School for You when I started writing my first novel, which I am still working on, when I learned the master of horror had penned great writing advice. I was already an avid reader, or so I thought. One of King’s tips is for writers to immerse themselves in reading, and then he detailed how much he reads, including audiobooks, which, to be honest, I never considered “reading.” As a result, I found I was way behind and made reading more of a requirement for writing, adding nonfiction and self-help books to my toolbox, “The More You Know!” So, it was an easy call for me to make to listen to my other idol, Mel Robbins’ The Let Them Theory on Audible.

For additional coaching tools, I have compiled a list of self-help or nonfiction book recommendations (links included). Upon finishing my next read, I will update the list weekly or monthly if it benefits coaching and self-help. I’ve read others about writing and blogging, but for this post, my book suggestions involve coaching and living our best lives, whatever that means for you. Make sure to check back for my updated list of suggestions. If you are curious about my fiction reading, please email me at coachingwithmsd@gmail.com. (I receive no commission from sales of books linked below.)

Self-Help & Nonfiction Book Recommendations for Career, Life, or Relationship Coaching

1. TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves by Alison Wood Brooks is an in-depth view of conversation, including starting, continuing, and savoring dialogue, apologizing, and de-escalating conflict.

2. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins is life-changing. “Let them and let me” control how I show up. I chose the Audible version as I am a massive fan of her podcast.

3. The High 5 Habit: Take Control of Your Life with One Simple Habit, also by Mel Robbins. I told you I’m a fan, but this little self-acknowledgement reward moves the needle toward accomplishing your goals.

4. Living in My Place With Me: The Mask Has Been Removed by Angela Sweetenberg is a heartfelt memoir written by my first coaching instructor/mentor to dig deep and love yourself, offering inspirational courage along the way.

5. Man’s Search for Meaning by Holocaust survivor Viktor E. Frankl will make you appreciate the most minor things in life. I first read it in college and reread it not long ago as I began my coaching career journey. In answer to a student, this profound quote resonates in my daily practice: “The meaning in your life is to help others find meaning in theirs.”

6. The Art of Small Talk: Go Shallow to Go Deep (audio) by Casey Wilson and Jessica St. Clair is an entertaining guide to precisely what the title suggests: small talk. If you struggle with conversation, they offer tips on how to break the ice and lead with style, grace, and humor.

7. How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks is a work my husband and I read aloud to each other to deepen our connection as a married couple of 36 years, perfect for any relationship in your life.

8. The Leadership Handbook: 26 Critical Lessons Every Leader Needs by John C. Maxwell was mandatory reading for the region’s leaders in one of my first management positions, and it proved extremely valuable as I grew in the role and subsequent ones.

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I AM NOT A LICENSED THERAPIST OR PSYCHOLOGIST. COACHING SESSIONS ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THERAPY OR MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING. We focus on the present and future. I provide personalized support and strategies to help you achieve your career goals and self-evaluate your progress. Together, we work towards your ultimate success. Schedule your free consultation now!

Do you want to work in the beauty field? My book, The Future Professional's Guide to Cosmetology, answers all your questions about the industry. Email your inquiries to coachingwithmsd@gmail.com or call me at 732-800-6416 (during Eastern Standard Time business hours).

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©Deirdre Haggerty 2025. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. It is unlawful to reproduce this article or any part without the author’s prior written permission and consent.