Last Updated on August 9, 2024
Are you looking for ways to make positive changes in your life and bring out the best version of yourself? Do you need help in getting out of the rut?
Self-help books might be able to inspire life improvements, happiness, and productivity. These books have been around forever, but their topics and messages are constantly evolving and growing to meet new needs and challenges.
Here are 12 of the best self-help books you should be reading today.
Best Self Help Books of All Time
1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Some of the best self-help books are timeless classics. They tackle subjects that always remain relevant. The Alchemist is one of these books.
It tells the magical story of Santiago, a shepherd boy who decides to go on an adventure in search of treasure. From Spain, he heads to Tangiers and all across the Egyptian desert until he meets the famed alchemist.
Although the book is written as a story and not as a traditional self-help book, the tale is filled with essential lessons. It reminds readers about the importance of listening to your heart, acknowledging signs along life’s path, and, most of all, having the courage to follow your dreams.
2. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Although Elizabeth Gilbert is often more associated with her other bestseller, “Eat, Pray, Love”, her book, “Big Magic”, is just as exciting. Here, she illustrates the power of ideas and how she thinks that these ideas continuously float around in the world, just trying to find the right person.
She also shares her own experiences with creativity and with carving out a fulfilling and magical life. It’s the perfect read for parents, educators, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to share a creative passion with the world.
3. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
Ever since her show on Netflix premiered, people have been falling in love with Marie Kondo and the Konmari Method. If you want to truly “spark joy” in your life, you may want to read her book.
Utilizing the now famous Japanese Art of organizing, Kondo’s book is one of the most popular self-help books on the market today because it focuses on helping you declutter, not just your surroundings, but also your mind, so you can make time for what really matters.
4. A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
Eckhart Tolle is one of the most renowned thought leaders of modern times. He also penned “The Power of Now” and inspired readers to live in the moment. However, while that was a good read, “A New Earth” delves even deeper and inspires readers learn more about themselves.
The book focuses on suffering and how this suffering can be channeled into peace. As suffering, in its many forms, is a universal concept, everyone will be able to relate.
Through this work, Tolle helps readers see life from varied viewpoints. It helps nudge them toward their real purpose. It’s a good book to read over and over again.
5. Gmorning, Gnight! Little Pep Talks for Me & You by Lin Manuel Miranda
Not all self-help books need to be deeply philosophical or psychological. Sometimes, you just need a quick, inspirational pep talk, and this is what “Hamilton” creator and Broadway actor Lin Manuel Miranda provides in his book. “Gmorning, Gnight” was derived from positive affirmations that the star has shared on Twitter.
This is a good book to read in bursts—a little every day for positive wisdom, like “Don’t wait on anyone to make your favorite thing, make your favorite thing. Go!” to “Don’t get stuck in the comments section of life today”.
6. What Are You Hungry For by Deepak Chopra
Deepak Chopra is a famous self-help guru. He has helped people discover wisdom about a wide array of topics, from love to work to life.
This book specifically shares a unique perspective on a person’s relationship with food. The author challenges readers to see this relationship in a whole new light.
While some consider this a weight loss guide, it offers much more than tips on shedding pounds. Chopra discusses weight loss and proper eating, but he also delves into understanding why we eat the way we do. This understanding can lead to healthier eating habits.
7. You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero
Life coach Jen Sincero is blunt and goes straight to the point. She seeks to help women identify and eliminate the obstacles that are preventing them from getting rich. As a freelance writer, Sincero understands the difficulties of earning.
She made a proactive decision to find ways to make more money. She shares how she did it and inspires other women to do the same. If you want to earn more, nurture a more meaningful career, and improve your life, Sincero shows you how.
8. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Ever since he released the very first “7 Habits” book, author Stephen R. Covey has modelled a way of thinking that applies to both business and life. His approach is principle-centered and holistic.
He teaches readers how to solve problems quickly and efficiently. Additionally, he touches on how to life with integrity, fairness, focus, and service. With these values, he inspires readers to make life changes and to seize important opportunities.
The “7 Habits” approach has become so successful that he even wrote a version for teenagers, focusing specifically on issues that the youth face.
9. The Wisdom of Sundays by Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is one of the most inspiring people in the world. Throughout her stellar career, she has interviewed many exceptional personalities like world leaders, leading therapists, doctors, thought leaders, gurus, and more.
In her book, Oprah shares the best insights from these “super soul conversations” and combines them to help inspire and uplift readers.
The book includes snippets of conversation from Tony Robbins, Thich Nhat Hahn, Shonda Rhimes, and many more. It’s a collection of thought-provoking and valuable insights about love, work, friendships, family, and life.
10. The Power of Self-Discipline by Brian Tracy
If you are falling into a cyclic rut and making the same excuses for not accomplishing tasks or meeting goals, having self-discipline might be your problem.
In his book, Brian Tracy has compiled enriching activities and exercises designed to help you address the problem and prompt you to make the necessary changes.
11. A Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
People may know her from her hit shows like Scandal and Grey’s Anatomy. Those who do can attest that Shonda Rimes certainly has a way with words.
Through her personal memoir, Rimes shares what it was like for her to say “yes!” to everything that came her way, even if something scared her. If you have terrifying, big goals you want to achieve, this book may help thrust you forward.
12. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
This book is probably the most timeless self-help book on the market. Carnegie’s philosophy is that true success doesn’t just come from having good ideas and intelligent insights, but it also roots from possessing the ability to effectively communicate with others.
His novel focuses on the importance of being able to win people over and interact with them in the most productive way possible. The book teaches you important and poignant communication and relationship-building skills.
Blueprints for Success
These are just a few of the wonderful self-help books available today.
If you are looking for books tackling specific topics like work promotions, relationship advice, or diet success, there are also several books that cater to those niche concerns. Overall, any self-help book should be able to give you concrete ideas on how to make positive changes in your life.
But remember, buying these books is just step one on a road map that requires you to put in the work too. If you are willing to make the effort, you are sure to reap the rewards.
