Self help books

1. Think and grow rich
   1. Think and Grow Rich has been called the “Granddaddy of All Motivational Literature.” It was the first book to boldly ask, “What makes a winner?” The man who asked and listened for the answer, Napoleon Hill, is now counted in the top ranks of the world’s winners himself. The most famous of all teachers of success spent “a fortune and the better part of a lifetime of effort” to produce the “Law of Success” philosophy that forms the basis of his books and that is so powerfully summarized in this one.
   2. In the original Think and Grow Rich, published in 1937, Hill draws on stories of Andrew Carnegie, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and other millionaires of his generation to illustrate his principles. In the updated version, Arthur R. Pell, Ph.D., a nationally known author, lecturer, and consultant in human resources management and an expert in applying Hill’s thought, deftly interweaves anecdotes of how contemporary millionaires and billionaires, such as Bill Gates, Mary Kay Ash, Dave Thomas, and Sir John Templeton, achieved their wealth. Outmoded or arcane terminology and examples are faithfully refreshed to preclude any stumbling blocks to a new generation of readers.
2. THE 400-HOUR WORKWEEK: TIME MANAGEMENT SECRETS FROM 8-FIGURE BUSINESS OWNERS
   1. https://www.librarything.com/work/30016674
   2. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/124945984-the-400-hour-workweek
3. Darrin Donnelly
   1. https://www.librarything.com/author/donnellydarrin
   2. The Mental Game: Winning the War Within Your Mind
      1. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123243795-the-mental-game
4. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World by John Mark Comer
   1. https://www.librarything.com/work/23513405
   2. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43982455-the-ruthless-elimination-of-hurry

Best Books to Improve Self-Esteem, Self-Worth, and Self-Image

https://positivepsychology.com/books-self-esteem-worth-image/

Madhuleena Roy Chowdhury

We are living in an era of confidence and communication.

From the charismatic doctor to the energetic motivational speaker or the loving and friendly teacher – at each level and each age, people are more driven towards those who come across as self-reliant and confident.

Self-esteem, self-worth, and self-image are all counterparts of the umbrella term ‘Self-love.’ They are constructs that denote the way we look at ourselves, perceive ourselves as individual entities, and portray our personalities to the world. Confidence is the key to a fulfilling life, and having high self-esteem is where it all begins.

Self-esteem develops from childhood. The way we interact, observe, and listen to others’ communication patterns can play a significant role in shaping how we see and feel about ourselves.

Building self-esteem and self-reliance is a matter of concern today, and thanks to the recent advancements in science and literature, we now have the right answers to it.

There has been a lot of work around how we can help ourselves and others develop a booming self-system, and in the following sections, we have highlighted some of the prominent ones from the list.

This article brings forth some of the best books available on self-esteem and related topics. The resources you will find here are practical, evidence-based, and suggest effective ways in which we can implement the knowledge in our everyday lives.

The 10 Best Books on Self-Esteem for Adults:

Carmen Jacob, a famous life coach, and holistic counselor presented a list of the best books on self-esteem that one should not miss out on. Here are the top ten books from her record.

1. The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem: The Definitive Work on Self-Esteem by the Leading Pioneer in the Field – Nathaniel Branden

   Nathaniel Branden’s lifetime collection of clinical research and observation is collected in the book ‘Six Pillars of Self-Esteem.’

   The author has creatively presented the benefits of developing self-esteem based on six pillars. The book explains why self-esteem is an essential requirement for a healthy body, mind, and personality, and suggests practical ways for nurturing the same.

   The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem is a highly recommended book for mental health professionals, teachers, and parents who wish to empower themselves and others with a definite sense of self.

2. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are – Brené Brown

   Brené Brown’s bestseller, ‘The Gifts of Imperfection,’ speaks about wholesome well-being and self-acceptance. The book has sold over 2 million copies and has been awarded as the most transformational self-help book by many famous institutions, including Forbes and the New York Times.

   The book pleasantly invites readers to know that they are more than what they think themselves to be. The author explains how normal it is to feel unworthy and ‘low’ at times.

   She offers some meaningful and scientific strategies to accept the inner critic and use it to embrace one’s ‘imperfect’ life in the best possible way.

3. What to Say When You Talk to Your Self – Shad Helmstetter

   Our inner self-critic often damages our sense of self, and this is what Dr. Shad Helmstetter has addressed in his book ‘What to Say When You Talk to Yourself.’

   This accessible self-help guide is filled with cutting-edge information on how to practice positive self-talk. It provides practical tips on how to counter feelings of low self-worth and take back charge of your happiness.

   The book follows a smooth and straightforward approach and is relatable for readers of all ages.

4. Ten Days to Self-Esteem – David D Burns

   If you have ever felt bad about your achievements in life, or if you are struggling with cultivating productivity in your daily activities, then this book is what you need.

   Ten Days to Self-Esteem by David Burns takes readers through a glorious journey of acknowledgment and self-discovery. The book talks about acceptance, compassion, and innovation as vital components to building a secure self-belief system within oneself.

   The methods and examples mentioned here are individualized and embraces human fallibility. It is practical, evidence-backed, and effectively applicable in today’s context.

5. What’s Right with Me: Positive Ways to Celebrate Your Strengths, Build Self-Esteem, and Reach Your Potential – Carlene DeRoo and Carolyn DeRoo

   When thinking about ourselves, we are more drawn to contemplate the things that went wrong than celebrate the things that worked out well. This book welcomes all the positive self-thoughts and indulges readers in enjoying their lives as it unfolds.

   The book is inspirational and helps in cultivating a firm sense of self. It scientifically explains why positive thinking is the starting point to healthy self-esteem and talks about the different small or big lifestyle tweaks that can help us reach there.

6. Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny! – Tony Robbins

   Mastering our emotions – both good and bad is the key to a healthy self-system. Internationally acclaimed motivational speaker and author Tony Robbins, in his book, Awaken the Giant Within, has presented some life-changing ways which can get us closer to knowing and accepting ourselves better.

   The book follows a step-by-step approach to becoming more self-dependent and in control of themselves. For those struggling to find meaning in their lives, this book can be an eye-opening self-guide for increased self-love and acceptance.

7. The New Psycho-Cybernetics – Maxwell Maltz

   Psycho-Cybernetics has been a bestselling self-help book since the 1960s, with more than 30 million copies sold so far.

   This book by Dr. Maxwell Maltz is helpful for goal-setting and executing vital life plans. He has updated his work time and again to include contemporary aspects of the resources.

   As readers say, ‘from weight management to professional success,’ there is no aspect that is left untouched here.

   It is a recommended read for professionals in demanding jobs or students who are about to start their work life.

8. The Power of Your Subconscious Mind – Joseph Murphy

   The subconscious is a driving force behind what we attract into our lives. In his book The Power of Your Subconscious Mind, Joseph Murphy has shed light on some powerful yet practical techniques on how we can change our destiny by redirecting positive energy from within.

   This book follows an entirely new approach blending parts of religion, culture, literature, and science to explain what happiness means and suggests ways to cultivate it within ourselves.

   An enlightening book on self-love and self-power, this book is an excellent read for people from all walks in life.

9. Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life: The New Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (A New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook) – Stephen C. Hayes

   Self-esteem and self-worth start from accepting ourselves – including our weaknesses and underachievements. And this is what acceptance and commitment therapy aims to provide to clients.

   The process of ACT helps us differentiate between pain and suffering, and the book ‘Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life’ leaps this aspect of well-being. Author Stephen Hayes has brought forth some of the most useful scientific techniques to overpower the temporary struggles and look at the bigger picture.

   Awarded as one of the best self-help guides, this book is a revolutionary approach to dealing with depression, anxiety, and stress disorders. It helps in learning how we can positively address our pains and discover our strengths within the sufferings to enjoy a fulfilling life.

10. Healing Your Emotional Self: A Powerful Program to Help You Raise Your Self-Esteem, Quiet Your Inner Critic, and Overcome Your Shame – Beverly Engel

    Early childhood experiences play a vital role in building and shaping our self-system. Emotional and physical abuse, or growing up in a traumatic or unappreciative environment can prove fatal for a child’s self-esteem and overall development.

    Healing Your Emotional Self addresses a wide range of early life experiences that profoundly affects a child’s self-esteem and suggests successful ways of dealing with them.

    The book is insightful for parents, teachers, counselors, or any person who deals with childhood and adolescent issues and wants to delve deep into the underlying causes of their low self-esteem.

3 Recommendations on Self-Image

Self-image, or the way we perceive ourselves, is a significant component of our identity. The following books have been suggested as useful resources on improving self-image by eminent authors and researchers like Jon Kabat-Zinn, Jessica Smith, and Diane Ackerman.

1. Who Moved My Cheese? – Spencer Johnson

A timeless self-help classic, the book Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson is a truthful revelation of knowing our strengths and weaknesses and using them to seek happiness and success in life.

The book has components of realism, spirituality, positive interventions, and lifestyle modification tips, all of which aim to show readers how they can adapt to life more efficaciously.

With the quirky metaphor of cheese, the author has taken a deep dig into successfully driving ourselves to a happier life. A highly recommended read and a personal favorite self-help book, this can truly get the ball of self-motivation rolling.

1. Mindsight: Change Your Brain and Your Life – Daniel J. Siegel

   Daniel Siegel’s works on self-image and positive psychology are milestones texts, and this book is no exception.

He introduced the term ‘mindsight’ to refer to the integration of brain science and psychotherapeutic techniques. Through his writing, Siegel has conveyed how we can use inclusive approaches to address real-life problems and successfully come out of them.

The book comes with a selection of case studies from the author’s practice, and each example is followed by practical measures on how readers can implement the steps in their lives.

Siegel has taken into consideration the problems that come with a poor self-image, including social phobia and relationship distress, and has offered reliable ways to deal with them through mindsight.

1. Body Confidence: The Scientific Approach on How to Shine From Within – Dr. Katherine E. Iscoe

   A significant part of self-image lies in the way we perceive our physical appearance. Especially for youngsters, the way they look often decides the way they see themselves. Coupled with societal norms and standards of beauty, body image affects self-image to no small extent.

Dr. Katherine Iscoe’s book sheds light on cultivating positive body image and celebrates radical self-acceptance. The book is divided into three segments, each addressing a crucial aspect of the self-system.

The author has scooped out vital points on the emotional impacts of criticisms and bullying, and has offered state-of-the-art measures to minimize the harm. It is recommended for adolescents, women, and anyone who wishes to identify their strengths and look beyond short-term failures.

Personal development and self-improvement books

1. Learning: The Art of Learning (Book)
2. Persuasion/Sales: Cialdini’s Principles (Book)
3. The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough Thomas Curran
4. Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning Peter C. Brown , Henry L. Roediger III , Mark A. McDaniel
5. The compound effect - Darren Hardy
6. Can’t hurt me - David Goggins
7. Max out - Ed Mylett
8. Outwitting the devil - Napoleon Hill
9. Limitless - Jim Kwik
10. The 5 second rule - Mel Robbins
11. The code of the extraordinary mind - Vishen Lakhiani
12. Getting out of the quagmire
13. The magic of thinking big - David Schwartz
14. The science of getting rich - Wallace Wattles
15. The magic of believing - Claude Bristol
16. Inner engineering
17. 12 rules for life - Jordan Peterson
18. How to Take Smart Notes: One Simple Technique to Boost Writing, Learning and Thinking – for Students, Academics and Nonfiction Book Writers by Sönke Ahrens (don’t have a copy)
19. Anything you want and other books by Derek Silvers (don’t have a copy)
20. Book : Show your work - Austin Kleon (don’t have a copy)

What are some of the truly helpful self-help books?

Howie Reith, I’ve read a ridiculous amount of self-help material, and some of it helped. 2k Views • Howie has 90+ answers in Self-Improvement. A lot of the self-help genre is pretty bad, and much of what seems good is well-written, but not all that helpful. Here are my top 10.

1. Bigger Leaner Stronger: The Simple Science of Building the Ultimate Male Body by Michael Matthew

   An evidence-based approach to bodybuilding that addresses the psychological challenges and cites everything it claims. I consider it the best book on diet and exercise out there. Thinner, Leaner, Stronger is his version for women.

2. Face Your Fears: A Proven Plan to Beat Anxiety, Panic, Phobias, and Obsessions by David Tolin

   David Tolin’s effort to make a self-help version of exposure therapy is successful in my opinion. If you have fears, phobias, or you have OCD you’d like to get rid of, this book will teach you how.

3. Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David Burns

   David Burns’ self-help version of cognitive behavioral therapy, this book will teach you how to deal with self-defeating thoughts, helping you overcome depression and anxiety.

4. The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It by Kelly McGonigal

   A truly extraordinary book, McGonigal teaches you the science of willpower and how to systematically develop more of it. Useful for accomplishing just about anything.

5. Making Habits, Breaking Habits: Why We Do Things, Why We Don’t, and How to Make Any Change Stick by Jeremy Dean

   Trying to quit smoking? Want to start working out? Dean’s work explains the science behind habits and teaches you systems to change them. I’ve found his suggestions very helpful.

6. Dress Like a Man: A Style Guide for Practical Men Wanting to Improve Their Professional Personal Appearance eBook by Antonio Centeno, Geoffrey Cubbage, Anthony Tan, Ted Slampyak

   The best book on men’s fashion I’ve found, though that’s not saying much. It will teach you to dress yourself.

7. Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by Sue Johnson

   My personal favorite couples therapy book, it will help you identify a wide variety of relationship problems and learn how to address them.

8. When I Say No, I Feel Guilty by Manuel Smith

   Smith’s work is the best book on setting boundaries and developing assertiveness that I’ve found. Unfortunately, that is not saying much. I find his writing style wordy and cumbersome, but the information is solid.

9. The Lost Art of Listening: How Learning to Listen Can Improve Relationships by Michael P. Nichols

   This book is a gem. It teaches you how to be a sensitive and engaged listener. How to Win Friends and Influence People is the “why” to this book’s “how.”

10. The Comic Toolbox: How to Be Funny Even If You’re Not by John Vorhaus

    There are many books on humor. I don’t think any of them hit the nail on the head. Vorhaus’ book comes closest. If you’d like to develop your comedy chops, read this.

Honorable Mentions:

The following are great books, but have some issues.

1. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

   Incredibly valuable insights. Heavy on the fluff and very little help for how to turn the things he suggests into habits.

2. The Charisma Myth by Olivia Fox Cabane

   Incredibly insightful book with a lot of valuable material. I dislike her occasional appeals to evolutionary psychology and I don’t like how she suggests achieving what she suggests. “Giving up to a higher power” externalizes your locus of control and the self-talk stuff can be a little self-deluding (by design). They’re solid suggestions for emergency situations; I don’t think they’re a good foundation for rebuilding your self-perception into that of a confident, charismatic person.

3. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhig

   Valuable insights on the science of habits, and he writes very well. Very heavy on the fluff. The “how to” portion of his book might as well be an afterthought, and is extremely lacking when compared to Jeremy Dean’s book.

4. Models: Attract Women Through Honesty by Mark Manson

   The only men’s dating advice book I recommend, it is lacking in how to achieve the vulnerability Manson points out as the key to dating success. Nevertheless, a valuable read.

5. The Definitive Book of Body Language by Barbara and Allan Pease

   Despite its flaws, the definitive book remains the single best book on body language on the market. It contains no suggestions on how to change your body language habits, relies on questionable sources, and does a poor job citing what comes from where. Nevertheless, the information in this book is invaluable, and simply reading it will improve your social skills immediately.

6. Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

   Heavy on the fluff and lacking in descriptions of how to actually achieve the vulnerability Brown advocates, it is nevertheless a tome of invaluable insights.

7. No More Mr. Nice Guy by Robert Glover

   This book isn’t in the top 10 only because of Chapter 2, which is filled with Glover’s political views and unsubstantiated neo-Freudian conjectures about where men learn to be “nice guys.” Despite this flaw, the book is full of high quality CBT exercises and advocates a series of healthy solutions to the problems such men face.

8. How You Stand How you Move How you Live by Missy Vineyard

   Despite a relative lack of scientific grounding and several suggestions I think are superfluous, Alexander technique provides some valuable insights towards improving your posture, and Vineyard does a fantastic job of breaking it down in this book.

The 10 Best Personal Development Books

I’m often asked which books are most transformational for people like us who want to do fantastic work and lead our best lives.

So here are 10 of the best. Read them. Share them. Study them. LIVE them…

1. Jonathan Livingston Seagull. By Richard Bach.

With lines like: “Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation,” this book will move you deeply. I re-read it in Thailand. Still amazingly good.

1. Think and Grow Rich. By Napoleon Hill.

   Fantastic book. Not so much about financial wealth as it is about the making of a rich life. You’ll learn how important it is to have a burning desire (this galvanizes your focus and causes the release of your creativity) + the imperative of setting clear goals + the value of “a mastermind alliance”. This book truly changed my life when I was starting out as a self-published author with nothing but a dream in my hands. Times were tough. This book got me through.

2. The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius. By–well, Marcus Aurelius.

   Marcus Aurelius was a warrior—who then became a Roman emperor. He wrote his lessons on greatness and a life well lived during a multi-year military campaign. Someone got his notes. And put it into this book. I go back to this book often. It strengthens my character. And resolve to help more people.

3. Steve Jobs. By Walter Isaacson.

   One of the best books I’ve ever read. Period.

4. Long Walk To Freedom. By Nelson Mandela.

   Nelson Mandela’s one of my heroes. Noble. Courageous. Focused. A visionary. If I could be 1/100 of who he is, I’d be overjoyed. This is his autobiography. You’ll walk with him through his days as a lawyer, his time as a disruptor, his prison years and his period as the positional leader of South Africa.

5. Stop Acting Rich. By Thomas Stanley.

   Thomas Stanley became famous for “The Millionaire Next Door”. But this book–not so well known–is exceptional. He explains the concept of “The Glittering Rich”, shares how too many of us live beyond our means and how to create true financial freedom. Like most of the books I read, I listened to it.

6. As You Think. By James Allen.

   Maybe 10 times. That’s at least how many times I’ve read this book. And like all great books, it seems better+wiser and deeper every time I read it. Of course, the book hasn’t changed. Just my ability to grasp the information. And understand the concepts. This book is all about the power of your daily thinking. And how it drives your life’s behavior. As you know so well: your behavior shows us your beliefs. And this awesome book will inspire you to build new ones.

7. The Magic of Thinking Big. By David Schwartz.

   Uber-practical. Tons of value. Great concepts, like “Go Through Life First-Class.” Every student, teammate and human being should read this book (along with “How To Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie–that work should also be on my list. True.).

8. Talent is Overrated. By Geoff Colvin.

   Read this one a few years ago. Changed the way I viewed Genius. Confirms a lot of the work of exceptional performance researchers like the famed Anders Ericsson that talent is less about natural gifts and far more about devotion to a skill, relentless practice and patience. Another superb audiobook.

9. Spark. By John Ratey.

   One of the best books I’ve read in years. I’m on my 3rd reading. Shares the latest (and so fascinating) research on how exercise transforms the brain, our performance, our productivity and even builds a new type of brain that is excellent at resisting stress. Please do your life a giant favor. And read this book. Today!

Ok. So there you go. Some of my favorite books. Go study them. And use them.

Please remember, ideas–flawlessly translated into reality are the keys to breathtaking success. And you becoming more of who you truly are.

Oh–and definitely make some time each day to read. Small little advances in your knowledge base lead to quantum improvements in your performance over time.

25 Self-Improvement Books That Will Make You A Better Person

Lifehack.org Brianna Johnson

These 25 self-improvement books will surprise you, make you think, and maybe even insult you. But more than anything, they will help you become a better person.

1. You Are Not So Smart: Why You Have Too Many Friends on Facebook, Why Your Memory Is Mostly Fiction, and 46 Other Ways You’re Deluding Yourself by David McRaney

   “If you see lots of shark attacks in the news, you think, ‘Gosh, sharks are out of control.’ What you should think is ‘Gosh, the news loves to cover shark attacks.”

   While the title may seem a bit insulting, this book is meant to celebrate our irrational nature, and explain human psych in an entertaining way. Sections like Learned Helplessness, Selling Out, and the Illusion of Transparency give a peak into the human brain – in all it’s glory and craziness.

2. The Upside of Irrationality: The Unexpected Benefits of DefyingLogic at Work and at Home by Dan Ariely

   “Upton Sinclair once noted, “It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it.”

   This is another read on human irrationality, again with a positive, explanatory spin. Ariely, an economist, gives insight into human behavior in relationships and the workplace. He also covers the fascinating, underlying reasons why humans cheat.

3. The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell

   “Emotion is contagious.”

   In the age of viral videos, content, and ideas, The Tipping Point explores a very relevant question: what makes something spread? The book covers the topic in a universal manner, helpful to anyone in business or simply anyone with a promising idea in their head.

4. The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values, and Spiritual Growth by M. Scott Peck

   “Problems call forth our courage and our wisdom; indeed, they create our courage and wisdom.”

   While The Road Less Travelled is decades old, it is a classic self-improvement best seller for good reason. This is a great read for anyone who wants to improve and better understand their relationships.

5. Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl

   “Man is originally characterized by his “search for meaning” rather than his “search for himself.”

   The more he forgets himself—giving himself to a cause or another person—the more human he is. And the more he is immersed and absorbed in something or someone other than himself the more he really becomes himself.” A profound story, Man’s Search For Meaning tells of the author’s experiences in Auschwitz. Frankl goes on to explain a profound psychological therapy program based on what he learned during these struggles.

6. The Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination and Enjoying Guilt-Free Play by Neil Fiore

   “When you commit to a goal, you’re committing to a form of work that brings ongoing rewards. When you procrastinate, you’re choosing a self-punishing form of work.”

   This one’s for the do-it-tomorrowers. The Now Habit outlines how to accomplish tasks without the negativity and guilt, and how to enjoy your free time in a more meaningful way.

7. For Your Own Good: Hidden Cruelty in Child-Rearing and the Roots of Violence by Alice Miller

   This book drives home the ways in which abusive parenting can deeply damage a child. Miller, a Swiss psychologist, determines what kinds of parenting mistakes lead to major developmental problems in children. She also discusses ways in which adults can finally heal their childhood scars.

8. Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman

   “When we are in the grip of craving or fury, head-over-heals in love our recoiling in dread, it is the limbic system that has us in its grip.”

   Goleman distinguishes between 2 minds: the rational and the emotional, and how your emotional intelligence can determine success in almost any social area, including work and relationships. This book defines a new way to be “smart.”

9. Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip Heath & Dan Heath

   “Knowledge does not change behavior. We have all encountered crazy shrinks and obese doctors and divorced marriage counselors.”

   Knowing that something must change is often simple, but actually changing it is another issue entirely. This book teaches us why change is hard, and gives examples of how uniting the rational and emotional minds can bring lasting change.

10. Whatcha Gonna Do with That Duck?: And Other Provocations by Seth Godin

    “Hard work begins when you deal with the things that you’d rather not deal with: fear of failure, fear of standing out, fear of rejection. Hard work is about training yourself to leap over this barrier, tunnel under that barrier, drive through the other barrier. And then, to do it again the next day.”

    If the title stumps you, it’s a reference to the idiom that instructs us to “get our ducks in a row.” The book is a collection of Godin’s best blog posts on topics like marketing, business, bravery, and communication, all ripe with humor and innovation.

11. The Attention Revolution: Unlocking the Power of the Focused Mind by Alan Wallace

    “Meditation is a balancing act between attention and relaxation.”

    A cross between Buddhism and science, this book perfectly conveys the importance of an underrated skill: paying attention. Wallace shows how profound levels of attention can be reached through meditation, and how it can change our lives.

12. The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom by Jonathan Haidt

    “If you are in passionate love and want to celebrate your passion, read poetry. If your ardor has calmed and you want to understand your evolving relationship, read psychology. But if you have just ended a relationship and would like to believe you are better off without love, read philosophy.”

    This book delves back in history to extract wisdom and guidance for modern times. Taking a psychological perspective to determine how happiness is achieved, this book reminds us of the hidden wisdom in basic truths.

13. The Wisdom of the Enneagram: The Complete Guide to Psychological and Spiritual Growth for the Nine Personality Types by Don Riso and Russ Hudson

    “If we observe ourselves truthfully and non-judgmentally, seeing the mechanisms of our personality in action, we can wake up, and our lives can be a miraculous unfolding of beauty and joy.”

    If there is one thing this book will help you achieve, it’s a higher level of self-understanding. The book includes questionnaires for you to categorize your perspective, as well as detailed advice depending on your results.

14. The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature by Steven Pinker

    “Human material existence is limited by ideas, not by stuff.”

    Pinker’s ultra logical insights nail down some of the most common questions and misconceptions about human nature. He covers a variety of topics including politics, parenting, and art, explaining how common beliefs have distorted the truth about who we are as a species.

15. Psycho-Cybernetics, A New Way to Get More Living Out of Life by Maxwell Maltz

    “Every human being is hypnotized to some extent, either by ideas he has uncritically accepted from others or ideas he has convinced himself are true. These negative ideas have exactly the same effect upon our behavior as the negative ideas implanted into the mind of a subject by a professional hypnotist.”

    Psycho‑Cybernetics is a program that pioneered the concept of a mind-body connection. The book’s aim is to help you find happiness, health, and success through changing negative habits – and yes, the “how” is explained too.

16. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

    “The illusion that we understand the past fosters overconfidence in our ability to predict the future.”

    Thinking Fast and Slow will get you thinking about thinking. How to optimize your thinking, the dangers of bias and overconfidence, and proper decision making are just a few of the topics covered.

17. The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine Aron

    “Highly sensitive people are cautious, inward, needing extra time alone. Because people without the trait (the majority) do not understand that, they see us as timid, shy, weak, or that greatest sin of all, unsociable. Fearing these labels, we try to be like others. But that leads to our becoming overaroused and distressed. Then that gets us labeled neurotic or crazy, first by others and then by ourselves.”

    The Highly Sensitive Person is a good read for those who want to calm overstimulation and anxiety. However, for those who aren’t in this population, it will help you enrich your interactions with those that are in this group.

18. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

    “The past gives you an identity and the future holds the promise of salvation, of fulfillment in whatever form. Both are illusions.”

    A wildly popular book, The Power of Now is a 101 guide to spiritual growth and enlightenment. Tolle reveals how we shape our relationship with and experience of pain.

19. Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

    “Hard work is a prison sentence only if it does not have meaning. Once it does, it becomes the kind of thing that makes you grab your wife around the waist and dance a jig.”

    Outliers is a fascinating book about what everyone wants to know: what do I need to do to be a huge success? The answer may surprise you. Gladwell draws attention not to what successful people do, but where they are from.

20. Who Moved My Cheese?: An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life by Spencer Johnson

    “The fear you let build up in your mind is worse than the situation that actually exists.”

    Afraid of change? This book will teach you to shift your attitude on change and learn to accept the more difficult ones. Using plenty of humor and practicality, Johnson prepares us for that which has yet to come.

21. This Is How by Augusten Burroughs

    “I’m lonely in some horribly deep way and for a flash of an instant, I can see just how lonely, and how deep this feeling runs. And it scares the shit out of me to be so lonely because it seems catastrophic – seeing the car just as it hits you.”

    Burroughs offers a catch-all solution to just about every different struggle a person can have: resilience. This author has been through it all, and has come out the other side to offer a unique way for us to endure our issues.

22. “Life Was Never Meant to Be a Struggle” by Stuart Wild

    “If you don’t change, reality in the end forces that change upon you.”

    The general theme of this book is to identify the root of a problem and develop an action plan to solve it. This book will change your perception of struggle, eliminating it as a necessity for success. “No pain, no gain” simply becomes “no pain.”

23. “Feel the Fear… and Do It Anyway” by Susan Jeffers

    “The only way to feel better about myself is to go out… and do it.”

    Jeffers gives a no-nonsense approach to overcoming fear in any area of life. While there may not be a way to eliminate it, we can act despite fear. This book will help you move away from a victim mentality and into a place of power.

24. The Art of Happiness by The Dalai Lama

    “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

    The Art of Happiness is a practical guide to “riding it out.” The Dalai Lama provides stories and examples of how we can withstand everyday setbacks, while still maintaing a constant inner peace.

25. Change Your Brain, Change Your Life: The Breakthrough Program for Conquering Anxiety, Depression, Obsessiveness, Anger, and Impulsiveness by Daniel G. Amen

    Amen gives us a peek into our mental health issues from a neuroscience perspective. Thanks to the discovery of neuroplasticity, this book provides simple techniques we can use to literally change how our brains function.

10 Self-Help Books That Will Transform You into A Better Person

Instantly Change your self by reading these 10 self help books

“Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light.”—Vera Nazarian

What exactly is a good book? Although, everyone might have a different perspective on that but P.J. O’Rourke proposes an interesting formula about what to read and what not to. According to him, “You should always read something that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.” Whether you are stuck in life and things are not going your way or you just want to change yourself for better, then this article is for you. Here are 10 self-improvement books that will transform you into a better person as soon as you finish it.

1. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

   Do you want to be successful in life? Well, who do not? Why not learn from successful people who have already achieved success in their life. Stephen R Covey combines habits of best leaders and penned this masterpiece of a book. Before you adopt the seven habits highlighted in this book, Covey suggest that you change your mindset and approach about productivity, positive thinking and time management. After reading this book, you will surely learn some valuable lessons that will help you for rest of your life.

2. The Alchemist

   The Alchemist is a best-selling novel by Brazillian author, Paulo Coelho. He blends empowering and spiritual truths with an intriguing story of a young shepherd to make this novel immortal. Although, the characterization is shallow but remember it was written as a short fable. Statements such as “The fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself… no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams” and “When you want something, all the Universe conspire in helping you to achieve it.” and many more will inspire you to achieve your dreams. If you are a fiction fan and want some motivation then, Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist novel should on top of your reading list.

3. Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience

   Which is the best experience you have ever had in your life? A vacation few years back or a memorable dinner with your family might be your answer. If yes, then this book will change your perspective about experiences. According to the author, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, your optimal experiences are ones where you are giving your best shot for achieving yourself directed goals. Not only that, he went on to show how you can bring flow in your life and channel it to achieve the unthinkable.

4. Thinking Fast and Slow

   Daniel Kahneman dives deeper into psychological to unlock the code on how we make decisions in this book. Initially he breaks down our thinking into two systems and then highlights how both of these systems influence our decision-making. The simple writing style of the author combined with the actionable steps makes this book a good read. Although, the steps he suggest are nothing extraordinary but they do work in every industry including digital marketing. Whether we are making smaller decisions or big ones, this book will surely help.

5. The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do In Life and Business

   “Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, and your values become your destiny.”—Mahatma Gandhi

   I do not know if you have noticed it or not but this is the second book related to habits that made to our list. Charles Dubigg provides a detailed account of habits to readers by analyzing how habits are formed and important elements involved in it through this book. He also discusses how these habits can affect every aspect of your life and create a domino effect. If you are struggling to overcome a bad habit, then you must read this book as it will help you replace those bad habits with good habits.

6. Awaken the Giant Within

   Are you struggling to keep up with life and career? If yes then, you need to awaken the giant within to overcome all the obstacles in your personal and professional lives. This book shows you how to do it. Tony Robbins offers some actionable strategies to regain control of your emotional self. When you are on the driving seat of your inner self, the outer self also acts as the wheels and moves in the same direction as your steer it through steering, It’s not only a fascinating read but it will also transform your life. Best of all, you will feel the change and become a completely different person after reading this book.

7. Outliers: The Story of Success

   Do you make many excuses? Do you blame others for your dismal performance and poor quality of life? If that is what you do then, you sill stop doing all this after reading this book. Malcolm Gladwell thinks that you can master anything you put your mind and effort to. How much time do you need? According to his research, you can become a thorough professional in any field by investing 10,000 hours on it. There are no shortcuts and you cannot achieve overnight success.

8. Think and Grow Rich

   Inspired by a suggestion from a famous Scottish-American business tycoon, Andrew Carnegie, Napoleon Hill wrote this best-selling book. Published way back in 1937, the advice given in this book holds true to this day as the book was written today. The author studied the lives of successful individuals for two decades before penning down this gem of a self-improvement book. A must read for anyone who is looking for a dose of inspiration and motivation.

9. The Autobiography of Malcolm X

   Malcolm X is a self-made man and his autobiography clearly shows that aspect of his life. It main theme is purpose and commitment towards that purpose. Malcolm X went through transformation twice in his life, which broke him away from his past. Despite all that, he still managed to achieve success. New York Times describe this book in three words, “brilliant, painful, important” Time magazine listed it in its list of “required reading” non-fiction books. No matter what the truth might be about Malcolm X, this autobiography is worth reading.

10. Design Your Life: Build A Life That Works For You

    If your life is in disarray and you want to regain control of your life, then this book by Bill Burnet and Dave Evans will help you to back your life back on track. The practical steps in this book will assist readers in building satisfying and meaningful life that you always wanted to live. It does by putting the readers into designer shoes and takes them through the paces in designing their own life.

There are many other self help books out there but these are the ones that deliver instant results. Pick few of these books up and read, you will surely see a transformation begin.