EP 11. The Best Personal Development Books Aren’t in the Self-Help Section

When the self-help shelf starts putting you to sleep, it’s time to trade strategy for storytelling, and let fantasy wake up your fire again. In this episode, I unpack how romantasy and spicy fiction sharpened my storytelling, confidence, and creative edge more than any self-help title in years. 🕵🏼‍♀️🔍

🔍 IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL UNCOVER:

• Why fiction > self-help: how pleasure-based reading refuels creativity, originality, and brand voice.
• Shadow work via story: using morally gray characters to explore boundaries, identity, and leadership.
• Power & choice: what fierce heroines teach about unapologetic desire, decision-making, and owning your edge.
• Content ROI of fun: why taking non-business breaks can increase inbound leads and better ideas.

🗂️ CASE EVIDENCE FROM THIS FILE: 

• "The things we consume for pleasure often shape us more than what we consume for productivity."
• "Strong female characters remind me what it means to own my power without apology."
• "Let your obsessions shape your expressions."
• "You don’t always need a mindset coach… sometimes you need a spicy book that reminds you of your own fire."

📌 LET'S CONNECT ON SOCIALS: 

• Instagram: @jelenaostrovska
• Threads: @jelenaostrovska
• Facebook: Jelena Ostrovska
• YouTube: Jelena Ostrovska
• LinkedIn: Jelena Ostrovska

📌 RESOURCES:

🗃️ [Course] The Content Confidential

📝 [Checklist] Create Your Signature Content Series

📋 [Cheat Sheet] 60 Content Ideas for Any Niche

🎧 [Audio Vault] CEO Clues