21 all time best self help books and book on personal development
My least favorite feeling is feeling stuck.
I could be stuck with my studies, stale in personal growth, failed in my relationships, fresh out of ideas at work… the list is endless.
The fear of remaining stagnant can be crippling.
I’ve felt that way many, many times. Each time it feels like I’ll never overcome it like I’m permanently drained of motivation.
Know what I mean? Perhaps you’ve resigned yourself to living a miserable, boring life. Maybe you even believe you don’t deserve better than that. When you feel so bad for so long, it’s hard to imagine life any other way.
I’ve been there too. Many times.
In fact, I’ve made so many trips to hill stations and back that I’ve proved to myself that my time there isn’t permanent. Some of my trips are definitely longer than others, but I always return.
And because I know I always return home, I’ve made it a habit that every time I’m in a “valley,” I remind myself of other valleys I’ve already been in. I remind myself that this valley is no different than the others, even though it feels like it is. I remind myself that I have felt like this before and that I have overcome it before too.
You don’t have to face the valleys alone. In fact, it’s better not to face them alone. When we’re alone, that’s when the crushing negativity can creep in… all the self-doubt, the worry, and the fear.
We’ve all got little “voices” inside our heads. Sometimes they’re positive, but sometimes they’re negative. When you tell yourself you “can’t” or you’ll “never” or you “don’t deserve it”… those are the voices. And the times when those voices are the loudest? Well, those are the valleys.
To get out of the valleys, you have to shush the negative voices. And the best way to shush ’em isn’t to try and get rid of them — because they’ll always return, saying something different next time. No, the best way to shush the voices is to crowd them out.
How do you crowd ’em out? The answer might surprise you.
Read
Yes, every time you read, you get access to a fresh perspective — and you get to choose that perspective every single time.
Every time you read, you hear other voices besides the ones in your head.
And every time you read, you make your world bigger.
You allow yourself to grow and improve your life… one word at a time.
So where should you start? I can help with that!
Below is a detailed list of 21 Best self help books that helped me to develop a positive perspective towards life make me realize my potential so you can also use these powerful books to fill your mind with positive vibes, empowering ideas, and inspiration to create a life you love.
(The first one is my #1 favorite!)
Let’s dig in!
1. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
[by Mark Manson]
I bet that title grabbed your attention, It does have a bit of shock value — but it also backs it up with legit advice on how you can determine what to care about… and what not to. Pretty bold thinking, right?
2. Think and Grow Rich
[by Napoleon Hill]
This is one of those books that’s a bit older but makes everyone’s “Best Motivational Books of All Time” list. Napoleon conducted dozens of interviews with the most successful and richest people in the early 20th century and drills down into the common traits between them.
3. Awaken the Giant Within
[by Tony Robbins]
Tony Robbins is one of the names most synonymous with self-help books. And for good reason — he’s written six best-selling books about financial freedom, personal development, and more. I especially like this book because he shares what he’s learned about the best ways to help people break through the new levels in life.
4. The Success Principles
[by Jack Canfield]
This is the *perfect* book for those who feel stuck with where they are in life. I’ve totally been there, and this book helped me get out of my slump. With short chapters on each topic, Jack teaches you how to increase your confidence, tackle daily challenges, live with passion and purpose, and make your goals real. You’ll be back on track in no time.
5. Spirit Driven Success
(by Dani Johnson)
Dani Johnson went from being homeless to a millionaire in TWO years. Two years, friends. She’s an ordained minister and teaches how to “unlock the door to biblical wealth and prosperity secrets.” I was so inspired by her story and knew I had to add it to this list.
6. Tools of Titans
(by Tim Ferriss)
Over the last two years, Tim has interviewed the best of the best in the world on his podcast. He’s taken everything he’s learned from those 200+ interviews and packed it into this GINORMOUS inspirational book. But don’t let the size intimidate you — think of it as a giant resource for health, wealth, and happiness.
7. Rich Dad Poor Dad
(by Robert Kiyosaki)
Robert explores the mindset that you don’t have to earn a ton of money to be rich. He’s responsible for changing how millions of people think about money and investing. This is one of the best personal finance books out there.
8. Lean In
(by Sheryl Sandberg)
Ever heard of Facebook? (LOL!) Sheryl Sandberg is the CEO of the social media empire, and she’s created a name for herself by teaching women how to take control of their careers and be true leaders in their fields. She shows “specific steps women can take to combine professional achievement with personal fulfillment.”
9. How to Win Friends and Influence People
(by Dale Carnegie)
Here’s another old-time classic that you’ll find on many “Best of” lists. It has sold millions of copies over the years and illustrates how to interact with people effectively.
Communication = the key to success in ANYTHING.
10. Losing My Virginity
(by Richard Branson)
Richard Branson is the founder of Virgin Atlantic Airways, Virgin Records, and more top businesses. He’s one of the most iconic entrepreneurs of our day. This autobiography tells the story of his crazy-interesting life and how he writes his own rules in business. It’s a fresh take on the traditional “self-help” book.
11. Big Magic
(by Elizabeth Gilbert)
The author of the wildly successful Eat, Pray, Love is back with another book on inspiration, creativity, and conquering the fears that are holding you back. She’s super inspirational and when you finish reading the book, you’ll want to start taking action stat.
12. The Obstacle is the Way
(by Ryan Holiday)
You know what I say: Being happy isn’t about having zero problems — it’s being able to solve the problems we do have, no matter how big or small. And that’s why I love this book so much. It shows you how to turn problems
into success.
13. Loving What Is: The Four Questions That Can Change Your Life
(by Byron Katie)
Byron Katie created a process called The Work that helps you see your problems in a different light. This book expands on that process through specific examples of people working through their problems and understanding the underlying thought processes behind them. It’s considered one of the leading motivational books on personal transformation.
14. The Now Habit
(by Neil Fiore)
Are you a procrastinator? Always putting things off and either doing them at the last minute or not doing them at all? I used to be just like that until I read The Now Habit. Now I get my booty in gear and get things done so that I can enjoy my free time faster — without feeling guilty.
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15. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
(by Carol Dweck)
You guys know how much I consider the mindset to be an integral part of anyone’s success. Well, this book is THE book about mindset. I got so much out of it that I even based part of my Money Mindset Transformation workshop on the principles taught by Dr. Dweck in this book.
16. The Dip
(by Seth Godin)
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “Winners never quit and quitters never win.” But… sometimes winners DO quit and quitters DO win! But how do you know when to quit or when to push through? Seth teaches exactly that in The Dip.
17. The Millionaire Next Door
(by Thomas Stanley & William Danko)
Being a millionaire doesn’t have to mean you’re flashy or have expensive things. In fact, you could have a millionaire living right next door and not even know it. This book walks you through the seven “rules” all millionaires live by — and they’re probably not what you expect!
18. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
(by Stephen Covey)
Stephen Covey is another highly regarded author in the motivational world. This book came out 25 years ago, but it’s still one of the most recognizable and recommended personal growth books out there.
19. Psycho-Cybernetics
(by Maxwell Maltz)
No, this book is not about robots 😉 It’s a shorter, easier way of saying “steering your mind to a productive, useful goal so you can reach the greatest port in the world, peace of mind.” It’s a fairly unknown book compared to others on this list, but Tony Robbins is a fan — and so am I.
20. The War of Art
(by Steven Pressfield)
Here’s another great book about unleashing your creativity and pushing through roadblocks standing in your way. If you’re a wannabe author, this book is for you — Steven Pressfield was over 40 years old when he first got published. You’re never too old!
21. Change Anything
(by Kerry Patterson & Joseph Grenny)
Have you ever tried to make a change in your life (go on a diet, start exercising, etc.) but couldn’t follow through? There’s a reason for that, and this book dives into how you can change your destructive habits and replace them with better behaviors.
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Our Take
This list ought to get you out of the valleys on your next trip to hill stations. 🙂 Just keep in mind that simply reading one of these books (or even all of them) won’t create change all by itself. self help books aren’t magical in the Muggle world. Mere information is powerless without implementation. So with each book you read, extract the “golden nuggets” — the things that move you to action — and get to work!
What are your favorite self improvement books?
So what do you think? Are you looking forward to a trip to the library or bookstore? Have you given your finger a workout from clicking away on Amazon? I hope so! If you have other books you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments! I’m always looking for more great books to read.
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