what to binge on your self-development journey

I love reading, I love podcasts, and I love learning. A self-proclaimed nerd, I read hundreds of books a year, and spend the equivalent amoutn of time listening to new perspectives and ideas on Spotify. I can;t think of a more avluable way to spend my time, and to then pass this knowledge along to you too.

I have broken this list down into five separate categories, and I'll try to come back and update as I continue to binge the new stuff as well. This list is by no means comprehensive... I have a tendency to read really, really fast so it would be impossible to list every single book or podcast that I've binged in the last few years. Hell, I couldn't even name half of them if I tried! But here are a few in each category that I have loved and resonated with.

I did try to get a little bit more analytical about my list, rather than just choosing things I love and so here are the criteria that I tried to adhere to:

1. Must have been an enjoyable read, or at the very least been so interesting that I wanted to keep reading/ listening! Keep in mind that everybody is at a dfferent stage of their journey, and what works for me, might not work for you. I have had some of these on my list for years, and have picked them up a few times on and off before they really resonated with me and I could finish it. If you aren't sure, please feel free to DM me and ask me if it would suit you... I love giving personal recommendations and it was one my favourite tasks as a teacher 🥰

2. Must have stood the test of time. Either it's a classic and endured through the years, it's wildly popular, or the author is celebrated as a leader in their field. Every now and again I find a hidden gem with an intriguing voice and new perspective, but generally speaking, the leaders are leaders in this field for a reason: experience, confidence in their message, and their expertise.

3. Must have taught me something valuable about myself or the world. Some have given me valuable knowledge and advice on a logical, conscious mind level. And some have been a gut-punch to the solar plexus with the strength of their message, the timing and the accuracy of which I needed to hear it. I find that the best resources always seem to find their way into my hands at the EXACT time I needed that message the most, and I hope this is true for you too.

It's really important that we're conscious of the content we're binging, because it sends a clear message to our brain, especially with social media, reality television, and popular music where they deliberately market certain products and lifestyles to us, keeping us stuck in a trap of always wanting more.

The way to flip this on its head is to be super mindful of what you're consuming every day. Be intentional about it and aware of the amount of time you're watching other people's lives, instead of working on your own (I mean actively working on your goals, relationships and identity outside of your paid hours).

Recommended Books 📚

1. How to Influence People and Make Friends Dale Carnegie

One of the first self-development books I ever read. Recieved it from my Dad for my 16th birthday. have read it three times, and always find somehting new to take away from it. A great book to get you out of your own head, and thinking about meeting people where they are instead. A classic and a must-read for anyone who wants to improve relationships or who those work in a people-centered industry.

• Untamed Glennon Doyle

A really fantastic story-writer, you hardly even realise that you're learning while you are reading. A phenomenal story on one woman's journey towards reclaiming herself and her true calling in life amidst societal expectations, divorce, co-parenting, international fame, and career demands.

• When You're Ready, This is How You Heal Brianna Wiest

A series of short essays that offered a really beautiful reframe on tragedy that I desperately needed in the last couple of years. Highly recommend if you need some perspective on how to overcome any sort of hardship in life. You could read one each morning or each night before bed.

• Greenlights Matthew McConaughey

My favourite new-self book. My brother Clay showed me this one as an audio book on the drive home from Queensland one day. We laughed and cried together and listened to it again every time we took that same trip. I still listen keep up the traiditon today and have listened to it about 8 times now. It's a fabulous yarn on life, going for what you really want, and the sometimes bizarre circumstances that the universe chooses to show us our true path... including wet dreams. Narrated by McConaughey himself. You'll laugh until you cry and cry until you laugh. I return to it time and time again and it was a major inspiration behind me packing up my life and taking this roadtrip. Recommend to everyone.

• 5AM Club Robin Sharma

When people ask me how I stick to a morning routine, this is the one book I recommend. I was the type of person who set the alarm as late as possible, scrolled on social media, scoffed down breaky, ran around frantically trying to get dressed, and rushed out the door running late every single day. This changed everything and gave me the science, the habits, and the motivation I needed to change my mornings for the better. A really interesting read, starts off a little bizarre but the story-writing is fantastic and really ends up pulling you in. Great for anyone who wants to change their habits and learn the why behind it as well.

• Women Who Run With Wolves Clarissa Pinkola Estés
  

Particularly fascinating for those women interested in the traditional role of women, storytelling and folklore over the years. These short stories are deeply rooted in laws, old fairytales, wives tales, and legend. It can be a bit dense,adn I had to stop and start several times over the eyars before I felt called to it, but it made me realise how much power I had over my own life and how to reclaim the sacred feminine that had been absent.

• The Secret Language of Your Body Inna Segal

Holistic health and wellness. A guide or textbook, to refer to in times of illness, rather than a 'story'. This is for those who are interested in learning more about the way our psychological emotions are directly related, and often cause our physiological ailments. For example, asthma is often caused by trying to hard to please others, wanting to be perfect, not having boundaries etc. She tells you the probbale cause, and then gives you some spiritual solutions for clearning the stuck emotion. I use this quite a bit when I am doing energy work with clients, such as reiki.

• The Body Keeps the Score Bessel van der Kolk

A powerful and comprehensive study of the way that trauma impacts our bodies, often unbeknownst to us. If you are interested in trauma, physiology, psychology and epigenetics, then this is the book for you. It really helped me understand how some of my unconscious patterns were playing out in my life, and also helped me greatly understand the people around me and in my work. While the common understanding of trauma is often a severe event, the book discusses the impact of 'smaller' traumas as well, of which nearly everyone has experienced in their lifetime. It removes the blame from how others treated you, to look at how you can better understand and help yourself and those around you with your actions and habits. A classic and groundbreaking text for a reason.

• The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment Eckhart Tolle

Teaches you about the importance of the living in the present moment, and how dangerous it is for your mind to be too preoccupied with the past or the present. I listened to this in audio format, and it had taken me a few months to get through it. I am often impatient with slow talks, and this ironically, was exactly the lesson that I needed to learn. If you find yourself often with anxious or depressed feelings, preoccupation with past or future events, then this would be a great book to slowly lean into for a new perspective.

• Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond the Self Michael A Singer

For those seeking a deeper understanding of the soul and how we can actually remove ourself from those pesky thoughts that trap us in a state of negative feeling and bring us down. This was one of those books that felt like it had just gut punched me in the best possible way. I really took a lot away from this. It is spiritual, but it's also rooted in neuro-science. A deeply profound way of looking at, and living life.

• Think and Grow Rich Napolean Hill

Essential for those who want to escape the drudgery of their everyday lives and create something big. It will give the practical manifestation tips to overcome your current circumstances and grow rich, with plenty of evidence. Every single person I know could benefit from reading this and completing the exercises. The only difference between where you are right now and where you dream of being, has to do with the quality of your thoughts.

• The Barefoot Investor Scott Pape

A really easy read for anyone who wants to consolidate their debts and increase their savings and investments. An interesting read (even for a finance book!) and basic budgeting at its finest.

Recommended Podcasts 🎧

• The Quote of the Day Show: usually 10 minutes in length, released every weekday. Snippets of mindset and motivational speakers that give you great advice for turning your life around and becoming the version that you're supoposed to be. I listen to one episode every morning while I'm getting ready and it's been a game-changer to start my mornings with a positive mindset.

• AG University: A holistic health girly, diving into all aspects of spirituality and mediumship. Start right at the beginnign with Episode 1. Has completely changed my perspective on life and death, and every beautiful moment in between.

• Miss Mindset: The legend who first sold me on this self-development journey. A former teacher/ journalist/ lawyer, turned life and emotional intelligence coach, and now Mind School Owner. Breanna is a laugh and a learn in one package.

• The Mel Robbins Podcast: Down to earth, relatable, deeply funny, and will impart you with a firm belief in your own ability to achieve anything. One of the most successful women in this industry for a reason.

• The Diary of a CEO: Entrepreneur, investor, and thought-leader. He shares really great insghts and interviews people from all walks of life, with all different prespectives. Great for thinking outside the box.
  

• Hubermann Lab: These episodes are kind of long and very sciencey, but if you have a particular topic that you want to research ore on, than Hubermann is your guy. Learnt so much about biohacking and taking my life to the next level, with plenty of free activities, as well as what it's worth spending the money on.
  

Recommended Docos/Films 🎥

• The Social Dilemma

Opened my eyes up to the reality of social media and the algorithm that rules of everyday lives. A truly terrifying watch, but so, so necesary because of this. Every single person with a smart phone should watch this, and especially parents because you set the bar for your children and their minds are even more susceptible than yours.

• The Secret

One of the most popular and well-known documentaries in the self-dveelopment space. It is getting a little older now, but the messages are still quite relevent. It will help you understand the universal law of attraction and how to bring more prosperity and fulfilment into your own life. Based on a book, which I haven't read, but the documentary is a great first step towards opening your eyes on the power of manifestation and how the univsere actually works.

• Miss Representation & The Mask You Live In

Two fantastic documentaries on the pressure of societal expectations placed on young men and women. Highly encourage you to watch both of these films. I used to study them with senior students at school and always got such a fantastic reaction of outrage once they realised they were being played by the media and the large corporations profiting off of their lack of self-image.

• Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones

A fascinating study into longevity of the human species and the specific 'blue zones; in the world that have the most centenurians living in them. It will open your eyes to the way that Western society is often it's own biggest enemy in the race towards longevity and health, and will make you question what you could be doing differenlty in your approach to daily life.

• Limitless

New series on NineNow with Chris Hemsworth exploring neuro-science and mindset in his pursuit for better health. Again, really fantastic doco rooted in science with practical tips and stratgeies for everyone to follow on their path towards living a calmer, more peaceful and energising life.

Recommended Instagram Profiles 📲

@haleyoconnell_

If you're not already following me, then what are you doing with your life?! The perfect blend of mindset knowledge, practical tips and strategies, and travel inspo for those who dare to dream big and chase it down 🏹

@the.holistic.psycholigist

Funny, and also informative. Lots of info on healing relationships.

@redapple.life

Health focussed on food/ water/ environmental factors. Will get you thibking about what you're putting inside your body!

@healersofthelight

Holistic health- lots of mind/body connection graphics which are great for becoming aware of the way that our emotions can cause physical problems.

@neddbrockman

All around motivator and legend who really embodies the idea of getting comfortbale being uncomfortable.

@drjoedispenza

Leading doctor and researcher on epigenetics (environment affects health) and neuro-science. Will expand your thinking capacity and challenge societal ideas about illness.

@justnthemoment

Masculine embodiment, motivation, mindset and a good role model for young guys!

@consciousmindvision

Cute little inspirational quotes about the universe that will catch your attention and reframe your day.

@georgiethenaturopath

Holistic health, naturopath, lots of great support for those who suffer from high-functioning anxious feelings.

@allieninfo

Intuitive and medium. Will change the way you think about your body, your life, our health, and every situation in it.

@growwithcolby

Performance and productivity with mindset mixed in. I use his free daily habit tracker and it's been a game- changer for me this year!

@manifestationbabe

For all things manifestation, because it's so much deeper than just chanting affirmations in the mirror every morning!

@nataliebell9

For the singal gals and the gals who aren't sure if they deserve more and the gals who need some self-worth boosting every now and again.

@monicayateshealth

Feminine and masculine embodiment, specifically for health and business.

@stephgorton_

Business coach and mindset guru. She shows you that there's another way it can be done!

@case.kenny

Cute little quotes reminding you to be your weirdest, happiest, truest self every day.

@melrobbins

Bloody funny yarns, mindset and queen of the 5 second rule. If you struggle getting out of bed or sticking to routines- she's your gal.

@jayshetty

Relationship advisor, author, podcaster etc. He has some of the most insightful advice I've ever heard about being in a fulfilling, respectful and equal partnership.

@saltandwhistle

The most beautiful, empowering life quotes to put a pep in your step and remind you who you are and what you're capable of. Em is a legend and has her own podcast too!

If you selected even just one of these resources at time and added it slowly into your rotation, you'd notice a massive shift in how you perceive yourself and the world around you. I am so deeply passionate about our ability to keep learning and evolving and pivoting in our approach to living.

The adage 'the day you stop learning is the day you die', is so true, but many of us are too scared to challenge our current beliefs and we stop seeking out new information to protect ourselves.

We have to realise that real growth only takes place in the challenge zone. If you learn something new than that's fantastic, but if you learn something new that you disagree with that's ok too, it will cause to you reflect on your current stance and strengthen the reasons why you believe it.

Happy reading/ listening/ watching/ viewing. Please reach out if there's something that changed your life that I haven't got here, and I'll add it to my list! And as always, let me know when you choose something and it resonates with you. I love to have open discussions- good or bad!

Haley 🤍