Our Top Five Books That Will Change Your Perspective
Some books entertain, some educate … and then there are the ones that stop you in your tracks, make you put them down mid-chapter, and think “wow… I needed that.” Those are the books that change your perspective, the ones that nudge you to see yourself, your patterns, or even the world a little differently.
At be.retreats, we’re all about growth, reflection, and stepping outside of our comfort zones. And sometimes, all it takes is the right book at the right time to spark that shift. Here are some reads we love that do exactly that.
1. Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers
If fear has ever held you back (and let’s be real, it has for all of us), this book is like a compassionate pep talk. It is packed with practical tools for tackling everything from everyday anxieties to the big life decisions that feel overwhelming. Jeffers’ message is simple yet profound: fear doesn’t mean stop. Fear means go for it anyway.
It’s the kind of book that makes you braver without being pushy. Instead of telling you to “just be confident,” it shows you how to build that confidence step by step.
2. The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest
This one is for anyone who’s ever felt like they keep self-sabotaging and getting in their own way. Wiest dives into the idea of self-sabotage, exploring why we do it and how to break the cycle. Instead of seeing obstacles as setbacks, she reframes them as lessons and reminds us that the mountain isn’t something outside of us, it’s within us.
3. Atomic Habits by James Clear
This book is all about how change doesn’t have to be dramatic to be effective. Clear makes the case that tiny shifts like choosing the stairs, writing for five minutes, swapping one habit for another add up to huge transformation over time. It’s a book that reminds us growth is not about perfection, but about showing up consistently.
4. Rising Strong by Brené Brown
Rising Strong is all about what happens after we think we’ve failed and how we can use those moments to grow stronger. Brown walks us through the process of owning our stories, leaning into vulnerability, and getting curious about our emotions rather than running from them. It’s a deeply empowering read, showing that courage isn’t just about taking risks, it’s also about how we rise, reflect, and rebuild when life knocks us down.
5. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist is a timeless story about following your dreams and listening to your heart, even when the path seems unclear. Coelho’s book reminds us that life has a way of guiding us toward what we’re meant to do, as long as we stay open, brave, and curious. It’s a magical read that encourages reflection, self-discovery, and trust in your own journey – which is exactly the kind of perspective-shifting inspiration we love at be.retreats.
Books have a really special way of meeting us exactly where we are - whether we need a push to face our fears, a reminder to be kinder to ourselves, or a spark of inspiration to follow our dreams. Each of the titles on this list offers a lens to see the world differently, challenge old patterns, and step into your own growth.
