10 Best Self Improvement Books to Help You Change Your Life
Looking for the best self-improvement books?
We’re talking books that’ll help you kick bad habits, renew broken relationships, and change your paradigm? Then look no further. We’ve got the ultimate list for you.
Begin this journey by looking inside yourself. What part of your life do you wish to change? What would that change look like?
Now take a moment to explore what barriers stand in your way? Why haven’t you already changed? What’s stopping you from becoming the best version of yourself?
Armed with that information, you’re now ready to explore the list below. Many of these books with apply to your situation. Some will not.
Read the blurbs and choose only the books which apply to you. When you’re ready for transformation, read on.
1. A New Earth
Written by the world-renowned author, Eckhart Tolle, “A New Earth” broaches the topic of how to turn your suffering into peace. It’s a standalone book. Though readers familiar with his previous book, “The Power of Now,” will feel right at home.
“A New Earth” addresses the solution for all types of suffering:
- Anger
- Grief
- Jealously
- Anxiety
- Sadness
- Depression
- Etc.
Tolle speaks about how to separate yourself from your ego. He gives concrete examples and exercises. Eckhart is a phenomenal teacher with modern, real-world experience.
2. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Written by the late author, Stephen R. Covey, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” dives into the author’s hard-won lessons on success. Mr. Covey was an internationally respected family expert, teacher, organizational consultant, and leader. He was a thought leader of his time.
The book is a classic. It outlines his philosophy on life, spirituality, family, and business. All of his lessons come with tools for real-world application.
In a world in which shortcuts, secrets, and dishonesty run rampant, this classic preaches a message of sincerity, hard work, and smart habits. It’s a must-read for any generation.
3. How to Win Friends and Influence People
The author of this book, Dale Carnegie, died from Hodgkin’s disease on November 1, 1955. But that hasn’t stopped the impact of this, his seminal work on relationships. It’s still required in college classrooms across the U.S.
Communication is at the forefront of any relationship. Carnegie shows you how to use a handful of tactics to navigate this minefield and always come out on top. The lessons are concise and easy to understand, and they’re guaranteed to change the way others see you.
4. Think and Grow Rich
This is another all-time favorite. The author, Napoleon Hill, was a close friend of Teddy Roosevelt. Yeah, that Roosevelt.
His list of friends reached far and wide. Industrial giants to lowly philosophers. He’s distilled their knowledge into a short, easy-to-read book. Each chapter is a parable on the mindset you need to acquire if you’re to reach a life of happiness.
5. You are a Badass
Though the title is off-putting to some, the information is nothing short of genius. The author, Jen Sincero, helps readers reach past their fears to grab onto the life they’ve always wanted.
The book is exercise driven. At the end of each chapter, she gives you lessons that train you to see your fears for what they are: a product of ego. It’s a book that you’ll revisit month to month, and it’ll stay on your shelf for years to come.
6. The Alchemist
Written by Paulo Coelho, the alchemist is a modern classic. It’s sold more than two million copies worldwide.
It tells the story of Santiago, the Andalusian shepherd boy. He longs to travel the world in search of treasure. Readers learn, through Santiago and his travels, about the essential wisdom of listening to our wise hearts. They see that reading the omens strewn in our path leads to deeper insight and success.
It’s a book that teaches the lessons of listening to your heart and following your dreams.
7. What Are You Hungry For?
Deepak Chopra is a self-help guru (or should we say the self-help guru) of our time. This is one of his many books. It focuses on people’s relationship with the food they eat.
And it’ll make you see food in an entirely different light.
Sure, Chopra talks about weight loss and other traditional food-centered self-help books. But the book is really about the reasons behind our desire to seek transformation. Our desire for fulfillment is center stage in this argument.
The book gives quite a few intention-setting tips. It guides readers in understanding the motivations behind their goals. If you struggle with body image, this should be the first book on your list.
8. Big Magic
This book is for you artistic types who struggle with artistic blockages. The author, Elizabeth Gilbert, gives readers no-BS guidance in overcoming these hurdles. From creating helpful habits to surrounding yourself with like-minded friends, her suggestions rock.
Be aware that she shoots it to you straight. If you would prefer an author with a gentle hand, look elsewhere. If you’d rather have one that points out your flaws unapologetically, Gilbert is a great choice.
9. The Wisdom of Sundays
If you haven’t heard of Oprah Winfrey, you’ve been hiding your head in the sand for the last thirty years. She’s the queen of interviews and a business giant to boot. She’s also dabbled in novel writing.
In this book, Oprah divulges what she’s learned from thousands of interviews with thought leaders from around the world:
- Thich Nhat Hahn
- Wayne Dyer
- Tony Robbins
- Cheryl Strayed
- Shonda Rimes
- Etc.
It’s the perfect book for those of you who digest your content in short snippets.
10. Awaken the Giant Within
We just mentioned Tony Robbins as a “thought leader.” He’s also a renowned author and a world famous motivational speaker. In a nutshell, the guy knows how to change lives.
In this book, you’ll find Robbins’ best advice for improving your confidence, finances, and relationships. He’ll also help you discover your purpose and find happiness.
We left this one for last because it covers every one of the self-improvement categories. If you buy only one book, choose this one.
How to Use Your Self-Improvement Books
Arguably the biggest reason self-improvement books don’t create transformation is a lack of follow through. If you follow the guides in the books above, you will see change.
The funny thing about change is that it builds on itself, leading to more change. You just have to stick with it long enough for that initial catalyst to take effect. So don’t just read your new book, use it, and continue using it until the transformation occurs.
If you found this information helpful, take five minutes to browse the rest of our library full of transformative articles.
So long and good luck!