Looking for the best books on finding your purpose? I hope this post helps!
In a recent survey, 89% of young Brits feel that their life lacks purpose.
Meanwhile, across the pond, 57% of Americans regularly wonder how to find more meaning and purpose in their lives.
What about you? Would you like to find the answer to one of life’s biggest questions? Are you still searching for the perfect find-your-purpose book to enlighten you?
To make your life easier (and help you find your purpose faster), I’ve compiled this list of the best books on finding your purpose.
Whether you prefer a secular, philosophical, religious, or even fictitious slant on life, you’re sure to find the right book on the list below.
Keep reading — your true purpose is waiting!
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Here we go then: 20 of the best books about finding purpose!
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The Best Books on Finding Your Purpose
Looking for a general discussion about the meaning of life? Let’s start with some bestselling books about finding purpose.
1. The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything (Ken Robinson & Lou Aronica)
Have you discovered “the element” yet? If not, maybe this is the secret to unlocking your purpose in life!
In this book, the authors describe the meeting point between your natural talents and your personal passions.
When you discover your “element,” you can break down all those barriers to your personal and professional growth.
2. I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was: How to Discover What You Really Want and How to Get It (Barbara Sher & Barbara Smith)
Do you often feel overwhelmed with options? Do you struggle to decide what to pursue because you’re not even sure where to start?
Take a lesson from two Barbaras in this bestselling book about finding passion and direction in a world of seemingly limitless choices.
You’ll learn how to regroup if you missed out on your “big dream”, how to stop being chronically negative, and (most importantly) how to step off the fast track and onto the right track for you.
3. Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action (Simon Sinek)
Have you ever heard someone talk about “finding your why?”
As in, why are you doing what you’re doing?
This find your purpose book will help you do just that. Authored by the same speaker of the third most popular TED Talk of all time, this book dives into how every great leader and influencer thinks and acts the same way — and how you can emulate them in your own life.
4. Man’s Search for Meaning (Dr Viktor E. Frankl)
If you can only read one book on this list, Man’s Search for Meaning should be it.
In fact, it’s considered by many to be one of the most important contributions to the world of psychiatry since the writings of Sigmund Freud.
In this book, you’ll read the first-hand account of Dr Frankl’s time as a prisoner at Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II.
His experiences led to the enlightening theory of logotherapy, designed to help anyone who’s ailing (mentally or spiritually) to find joy and meaning in life in spite of their circumstances.
5. The Last Lecture (Randy Pausch)
What wisdom would you impart to the world if you knew it was your last chance to do so? What legacy do you want to leave for people to remember you by?
Author Randy Pausch bases this book on a lecture he gave after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Far from being dark and depressing, his lecture was entitled “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.”
The book combines humour, intelligence, and inspiration that everyone will appreciate as they contemplate their own path in life.
6. The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business (Charles Duhigg)
Are bad habits like procrastination or negative thinking standing in the way of you and your dreams? This award-winning book can help you to identify, understand, and kick those bad habits — once and for all.
Author Charles Duhigg takes a deep dive into the science behind habits, human behaviour, and why we do the things we do.
Then he explains principles all of us can use to improve our health, be more productive, achieve success in business, or anything else we hope to accomplish.
If you are looking for more find your purpose book, Check out these ones!
7. Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World (Bob Goff)
If you suffer from “the grass is always greener on the other side” syndrome, get a copy of this book right now.
Author Bob Goff does an amazing job of helping you shift your perspective from having all the right answers to simply becoming a more loving and gracious person.
In this book, you’ll learn how to stop looking at others (and their supposed success) and start focusing on yourself.
The writing is fun, light, whimsical, and incredibly profound, drawing on lessons from the author’s life as well as fundamental Christian teachings.
8. The Happiness of Pursuit: Finding the Quest That Will Bring Purpose to Your Life (Chris Guillebeau)
Not to be confused with The Pursuit of Happiness, this book is sure to leave you inspired to pursue all your dreams.
The author ambitiously visited every country on earth before he turned 35, seeking out locals who were pursuing their own challenging quests.
You’ll read about ordinary people striving to accomplish extraordinary things, from artists and mountain climbers to widowers and suburban mothers.
You’ll also explore the fascinating connection between “questing” and long-term happiness, which transcends age, gender, race, and circumstances.
9. Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want (Michael Hyatt)
Is it possible you haven’t found your purpose because you’re simply drifting through life? If you’re ready to stop being a spectator and start being “the star” of your own life, this book can help you get there.
Author Michael Hyatt explains that life is a gift, and we must treat each day as a gift rather than let it slip through our fingers.
He then offers step-by-step advice to help you create the ideal life plan that will help you get from where you are (wherever that may be) to the life you truly want to live.
10. Find Your Passion: 25 Questions You Must Ask Yourself (Henri Junttila)
Are you ready to say goodbye to confusion and frustration? Are you ready to take a deep dive and do some serious soul-searching?
Pick up a copy of this book and use its thought-provoking questions you never thought to ask yourself before.
Along the way, you’ll uncover your true passion in life, identify obstacles that are holding you back, and learn how to activate the creative problem-solving powers inside your mind.
11. Do the Work: Overcome Resistance and Get Out of Your Own Way (Steven Pressfield)
Do you already know what you want out of life? Why haven’t you achieved it yet? Could it be that you’re your own worst enemy?
That’s the premise of this thought-provoking book by Steven Pressfield. He explains that it’s not about forming better ideas — it’s about actually doing the work and finishing what you start.
Best of all, he provides actionable steps you can take to do exactly that.
12. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are (Brene Brown)
Were you raised in an environment where everyone told you what you were supposed to do and who you were supposed to be?
If that’s what’s holding you back, you’ll learn a lot from this bestselling book from author Brene Brown.
The goal is to take you from the “What will everyone think?” mindset to an attitude of “I am brave and I am enough.”
Next up: some of the finding your purpose books in the religious or spiritual aspect.
Spiritual Books About Finding Purpose
Would you like to delve into life’s purpose from a more spiritual or religious perspective? Put some of these finding your purpose books on your reading list.
13. The Purpose-Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? (Rick Warren)
With over 35 million copies sold, this book is a terrific option if you hope to combine your search for purpose with Christian beliefs.
Author and pastor Rick Warren offers an uplifting, thought-provoking read that encourages you to get to know yourself and your Creator.
Designed to be read over a period of 40 days, it includes inspiring scriptures, audio Bible studies, and insightful discussion questions.
14. To Be Told: Know Your Story, Shape Your Future (Dan B. Allender)
Do you believe that you make your own future? Or do you believe that God has a plan for each of us — including you?
In this compelling read from author Dan B. Allender, you’ll be helped to understand what God has written for you personally.
You’ll start your journey by revisiting your past and understanding how you got to where you are now, before finally diving into what the future holds for you.
15. A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose (Eckhart Tolle)
Is your ego standing in the way of discovering your true purpose in life? Take a lesson from spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle in this book designed to help you find meaning and direction.
Once you understand that your ego is the cause of all the conflict in your life, you can take positive steps to rein it in and enjoy more peace, purpose, and abundance.
This book regularly shows up on popular reading lists, including Oprah’s Book Club, and has helped millions of people feel more fulfilled.
16. The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living (HH Dalai Lama & Howard Cutter)
Considered to be one of the premier books on happiness, this book is based solidly on the Buddhist teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
However, author-psychiatrist Howard Cutter writes in a logical, common-sense way that a western audience can easily understand.
Through stories and meditations, the Dalai Lama explains how to overcome daily anxieties, discouragement, anger, and insecurities.
He also explores such important topics as love, relationships, loss, and the pursuit of material wealth.
Last but not least, here are the other great books on the purpose of life that you should check if you haven’t found the right one from the books mentioned above.
Other Great Books on the Purpose of Life
Still haven’t found the right books on purpose yet? Check out one of these “off the beaten track” titles that might have the insight you’re looking for.
17. The Celestine Prophecy: An Adventure (James Redfield)
Intrigue? Suspense? Spiritual awakenings and revelations? You’ll find all that and more in this gripping story from author James Redfield.
Part New Age exploration and part adventure story, you’ll join the author on a journey deep into the rainforest of Peu, where an ancient manuscript reveals nine secrets of life.
The story combines ancient wisdom and long-lost secrets with events happening in our modern world, as well as offering a glimpse into the future of mankind.
18. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
Here’s another work of fiction that could help you discover your purpose in life. First published in the 1980s (and in Portuguese) by Brazillian author Paulo Coelho, it’s now a revered classic about the pursuit of individual dreams.
In this book, you’ll journey with a Spanish shepherd boy named Santiago as he travels the world in search of treasures.
The writing is simple yet compelling, allowing the reader to extract valuable life lessons about following one’s dreams and listening to one’s heart.
19. The Game of Life and How to Play It (Florence Scovel Shinn)
Can you imagine that a book published in 1925 would still be relevant in today’s world? This book has helped countless people over the past century to understand and succeed in their personal lives.
Shinn’s writing is humorous, friendly, and informal, making for a delightful read through the book’s timeless message.
It focuses on using positive attitudes and affirmations to “win” in life, so it’s no wonder it’s one of the world’s most celebrated books on success.
20. The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity (Julia Cameron)
Are you stuck in an artistic rut? Would you like to expand your creativity for personal or professional pursuits?
If so, grab a copy of this book that has inspired millions in their creative endeavours.
It guides readers on a 12-week journey designed to help them overcome fears, be present in the moment, pay attention to the world around them, and express their own individuality.
Which Find Your Purpose Book Will You Read First?
At one point or another, all of us have wondered about the purpose of life.
While the answer may look different to each of us, there are plenty of inspiring books about finding purpose to point you in the right direction.
Read some of these books on purpose and you’re sure to find the path to a happier, more fulfilling life!
Now that the best books on finding your purpose are on your bookshelf, what should you do next?
Why not check out this post full of inspiring thoughts for the day?