Some people say self-help books are boring.
If you’re one of them, that’s on you.
But the person you become by reading self-help books isn’t boring at all.
Nah, never.
Because some of the greatest self-help books ever convert you into a kind of person who’s self-confident and smart, and a good communicator and whose life is sorted out, and who can think critically, and tackle any rough situation as it comes.
It’s also someone who’s got a motivational quote ready for every situation.
Do you want to be that kind of person?
It’s a good thing if you’ve read some of these books before. You’re well on your way already. But there are more masterpieces out there, and you can find some of those self-help books here.
Sorry if I missed one of your favorites.
But these self-help books are more or less the best books to read to learn and grow into that fantastic and admirable person you want to be. And if there’s any that you don’t have in your bookshelf, you might want to replenish your bookworm’s stock now. Let’s start.
25 Greatest Self Help Books Ever
#1 You Can Heal Your Life, by Louise Hay
You’ll find affirmations to cure any illness in your body. Physical, or psychological. Louise Hay tells you that every illness, every pain, every hurt can be cured, and she also teaches you how to do it. Simple. The techniques might vary, but if done right, you’ll see the results. The truth that not many of us focus on is that we ourselves can heal our lives, if we are willing to do so. We can choose to be kinder to ourselves, to be calmer, to worry lesser (or probably not at all) and be willing to properly live the only one life that we get. This book, yeah, you won’t regret it.
“Remember, you have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.”
#2 The Almanack of Naval Ravikant, by Eric Jorgenson
Divided in two parts, this book respectively teaches you how to earn wealth and how to be happy. Naval has filled the last pages with some of his precious recommendations regarding books and blogs that he loved himself. I completed this book within just a couple days, feeling mesmerized by his way of thinking, be it regarding technical stuff about wealth generation or regarding how to live a happy life. This is a collection of his most popular and helpful pieces of wisdom. Read a full book summary here. ●●
#3 Same As Ever, by Morgan Housel
From the author of the international blockbuster, The Psychology of Money, comes a powerful new tool to unlock one of life’s most challenging puzzles. Every investment plan under the sun is, at best, an informed and carefully drawn speculation of what may happen in the future, based on a systematic analysis of what happened in the past under similar circumstances. Same as Ever reverses the process, inviting us to identify the many things that never, ever change. Morgan Housel presents a master class on optimizing risk, seizing opportunity, and living your best life, in a commendably interesting storyline manner.
#4 The 5 A.M. Club, by Robin Sharma
I thought I didn’t need one of those non-fiction books to teach me how to wake up at five in the morning. But this book offered me so much more. It inspired me to no end. If you’re going through a low day, where nothing seems to be working, nothing is right, you can just pick up this book and lose yourself in a motivational and ambitious story of two people, who had lost all hope, now finding the will to try (and succeed) again. Robin Sharma wove his lesson into a fantastic story for all, and now I’m inviting you to be a part of the 5 A.M. club too, because after all, this hour is when the legends are made.
#5 Think Like A Monk, by Jay Shetty
Of course, you don’t always need to be running. Every day, every moment is also meant to be savored. In this one of the most influential and calming non-fiction books by Jay Shetty, find different chapters dedicated to our feelings, dedicated to us. Be calm. Be composed. Breathe every moment as it comes. And never panic. Strewn with breathing techniques to calm yourself down, from detailed explanations to why we feel the way we do, this book will teach you all about living your one and precious life without any kind of negative emotion holding you back.
#6 Eat That Frog!, by Brian Tracy
There might never be enough time on you for all the items on your to-do list. That’s just how it is, and you’re not to be blamed. But if eating a frog is the worst thing that you’ve got to do today, you should probably do it first thing in the morning. That’s at least the most challenging activity out of the way, right? That’s also the most effective task done right at first, so that you can spread the mundane, less important tasks throughout the day. That’s essentially what this book teaches us: don’t try to do everything. But eat the most important frog.
#7 The Mountain is You, by Brianna Weist
The mountain is you and yours to conquer itself. Conquer it. Go do it. You’re always holding yourself back, consciously or subconsciously, it doesn’t matter. What matters for real is that you can change your destiny, and your destination any time you want. Literally, no one holds you back but the idea of the person you were in the past. You’re afraid of change, I get it, and that is where Brianna Weist is going to help you, becoming a new person. You’re absolutely going to love this book if you suffer from self-sabotage too.
#8 How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie
One of the greatest self-help books ever. All time classic. It has become one of the most successful non-fiction books in American history, having sold over 30 million copies worldwide since the first year of publishing. Dale Carnegie’s time-tested advice about social situations and interactions has made it a most groundbreaking bestseller. It will teach you how to make people like you, win people with your way, change people’s minds—and reach your maximum potential.
#9 The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne
The universe will return every feeling you put forward in it. That’s the ultimate law of the universe. That’s the secret. And it’s yours to believe in. This is the very secret that only a few people in history knew. And I feel like this book has got to reach more people because this knowledge is something they need to know. Definitely. Imagine, the answer to every problem in your life is right in your hands, in front of you, and all you’ve got to do is to see it, and believe in it.
#10 Deep Work, by Cal Newport
This book introduces the difference between shallow and deep work. You’ll probably have more time for other things on your to-do list if you focus singularly on one thing at a time and give it your all. And spending all day doing shallow work is far more distracting and ineffective than just doing a couple most important tasks with all your focus. And that’s what deep work is. You probably need to introduce this concept in your life if you’re lacking behind in meeting deadlines and delivering efficiency in your performance.
#11 The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, by Mark Manson
Life is short and one day all of us will be dead. It’s critical to act right now, to stop letting others dictate your life and this book is going to teach you exactly that. I couldn’t understand how I could’ve lived without this book until now, but the first thing I did after buying it was signing up for Mark Manson’s newsletter. He’s fun, his writing is amazing, and he’s packed this whole stuff with some pretty valuable knowledge. Your choice. Take it or leave it.
#12 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think
An essay for every situation, words that reach into our hearts and pull out to dissect our psychologies and help us understand what is truly going wrong in how we’re handling our situations. And I’ve always felt like reading Brianna Weist is like going to my own personal therapy.
#13 Stop Overthinking, by Nick Trenton
Break free of your self-imposed mental prison. Stop agonizing over the past and trying to predict the future. Overthinking is the biggest cause of unhappiness and so is staying in a never-ending thought loop. Stop Overthinking is a book that understands the exhausting situation you’ve put yourself in, and how you lose your mind with anxiety and stress. It will walk you through detailed and proven techniques to help rewire your brain, control your thoughts, and change your mental habits.
#14 How to Talk to Anyone, by Leil Lowndes
If you find yourself tongue-tied in social situations or in large crowds, unable to carry through even a normal conversation, if you manage to make even a little interaction awkward, this book might be for you. This was definitely for me, it is full of dozens of techniques to find yourself shining in any social environment and be an easy-going, charming, magnetic personality.
#15 Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill
Since its publication in 1937, Napoleon Hill’s seminal Think and Grow Rich has inspired generations of readers to develop their skills and become masters at anything they put their mind to. Through a mixture of sound advice, Hill delivers the ultimate motivational message in Think and Grow Rich—and probably the only one you’ll ever need.
#16 Rich Dad Poor Dad, by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter
Having sold over 32 million copies worldwide and becoming a household name, this is one of the non-fiction books that advocates to the readers the importance of financial literacy, independence and investments for long-term gains. Kiyosaki encourages readers to take control of their financial situations, to learn creating generational wealth, and above all, not to despise money but to actively seek to create financial independence, if that’s what you want.
#17 The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz
The Four Agreements offers a simple yet powerful guide to personal freedom and a happier life. Don Miguel Ruiz, drawing on ancient Toltec wisdom, outlines four trans-formative principles. These agreements are easy to understand and can be applied to any area of life, helping you break free from self-limiting beliefs and create healthier relationships. If you’re seeking a book that will bring more peace and clarity into your life, The Four Agreements is a must-read. Buy it now and start your journey toward inner peace.
#18 Ikigai, by Francesc Miralles and Hector Garcia
An international bestseller, this sneaky little thing is a perfect fit for your bedside table. It reminds you again and again the concept of ikigai in the Japanese way of living. Ikigai is the reason to live, “a reason to jump out of bed every morning.” Your ikigai is why you do what you do, why you’re still going on, living and breathing on this planet. As you’d see, knowing your it is very important indeed. Purpose in life is ehat brings us happiness, and this is one of those amazing self-help books that come as a revolution in your life.
#19 Atomic Habits, by James Clear
If you’re tired of struggling with bad habits or failing to make lasting changes, Atomic Habits is the solution you’ve been waiting for. James Clear fantastically breaks down how tiny, consistent actions lead to massive transformations over time, thus leading to impressive results. His method is practical, backed by science, and easy to apply, whether you’re trying to improve your health, work, or personal life. This book gives you a clear road-map for building good habits and breaking bad ones. Atomic Habits is a game-changer—buy it now and start transforming your life.
#20 Mindset: How You Can Fulfil Your Potential
Dr. Carol Dweck’s Mindset: The New Psychology of Success is a thought-provoking and empowering book that explores the profound impact of mindset on our personal and professional lives. Imagine what your life would look like if you chose today to believe in yourself and your abilities, imagining them growing with effort and persistence. What if you decided to change your mindset? With this book, you’ll learn to push past limitations, stay motivated in the face of setbacks, and foster creativity and innovation in every area of your life. Don’t miss the chance to read one of the most influential non-fiction books on personal development—your future self will thank you.
#21 Think Straight, by Darius Foroux
Darius Foroux’s Think Straight is a practical guide to mastering your mind and cutting through all the mental clutter that makes you work less efficiently in your daily life. Foroux offers clear strategies to improve focus, make better decisions, and eliminate distractions. Simplify your thought processes. Take control of your habits. Make intentional choices. With its straightforward advice and actionable tips, this non-fiction book is an essential read for anyone looking to enhance productivity, reduce stress, and live a more focused, purposeful life.
#22 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
One of the best non-fiction books to read to learn and grow into a—well—highly effective person. Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is an extensive guide to achieving personal and professional success. Covey’s seven habits provide an actionable framework for living a balanced, purpose-driven life. From taking control of your actions to fostering meaningful relationships and continuous self-improvement, these habits empower readers to build lasting success.
Buy 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
#23 The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho
Might as well just call it one among the self-help books, just with a fascinating storyline.
This is a timeless, inspiring tale about following your dreams and discovering your purpose. Paulo Coelho’s story of a shepherd on a journey to find his treasure reminds us that life is about pursuing our deepest desires, even when the path seems uncertain. This book is filled with wisdom, magic, and a message that resonates deeply: the universe helps those who follow their heart.
#24 Start With Why, by Simon Sinek
If you’re looking to inspire others, lead with purpose, or find clarity in your career, Start with Why is a must-read. Simon Sinek reveals the secret behind the world’s most successful leaders: they always start with “why.” Using powerful examples from business and history, Sinek shows how finding your “why” leads to greater motivation. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a manager, or just seeking personal growth, this book provides actionable insights to help you achieve lasting success and inspire those around you. Discover your “why” and transform your leadership with this gem among the non-fiction books.
#25 Keep Going, by Austin Kleon
This is a concise, inspiring guide for anyone struggling to stay creative. With practical tips and relatable advice, Kleon presents ten simple rules to help artists push through tough times. His ideas, like focusing on process over results and finding joy in the routine, encourage you to embrace creativity in everyday life. The personal stories and charming illustrations make this a must-read for creatives seeking motivation.
Reading Self-help Books
Reading self-help books is not always the answer you might be looking for, but they show you the way. Just start. Whichever book appeals to you, whichever concept, let yourself be curious regarding it. Expand your horizons. Start by reading five pages a day. You’ll start noticing momentous changes in your life once you build a habit out of it.
These were some of the greatest self-help books ever that I’ve come across, ones that you absolutely need in your library.
So, on which particular path are you starting today?
