Whether you’re feeling completely lost or just in need of a good kick in the butt, these self-help books are sure to help. After countless hours of reading and implementing the recommended practices, I’ve compiled a list of the best books for self improvement.
Books for self improvement can be absolutely LIFE CHANGING. While many books have similar messages, I’ve found that repetition is key because it really drills basic concepts into your head.
Before you even pick up a book, though, it’s crucial to understand that you’ll only get out of it as much as you put in.
These books are not cure alls. You aren’t going to magically become a new person overnight. You have to go in open-minded and actually put in work to make a change.
I’ve read my fair share of books for self improvement and have found that each one has taught me at least one valuable lesson. From forming healthy habits to understanding the importance of positive self-talk and more, the books I’m sharing have changed my perception and improved my quality of life.
No matter how old (or young) you are, it’s never too late (or early) to pick up one of the best books for self improvement.
This post is all about the seven best books for self improvement.
Best Books for Self Improvement:
Atomic Habits by James Clear
If you are trying to form new habits or get into a new routine, this book is for you.
The whole premise of this book is to become 1% better every day. While 1% may not seem like a lot, if you stick with it, it really does add up!
It kind of reminds me of getting Starbucks. In the moment you’re like “eh what’s four bucks gonna do?” so you buy one… and then you come back the next day…. and the next day… and next thing you know you’ve spent thousands of dollars at Starbucks! (Sadly, I’m speaking from experience.)
Atomic Habits is different from other self-help books I’ve read because it teaches you how to realistically implement new habits.
Doing a complete 180 overnight, while possible, is challenging to maintain for a long period of time because you’re not used to it. This book teaches you exactly how to reach your goal by starting with one small thing at a time.
For example, last summer I realized I only drank black iced coffee and was severely dehydrated. (Obviously!) So, I decided that I wanted to start drinking more water. I started by drinking a glass every morning before breakfast, which seemed like a complete chore at first. However, after a few weeks, it was second nature. Now, I always carry a water bottle with me and never have to think about being dehydrated.
It’s actually insane how one small change can cause such a ripple effect.
Power of the Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy
This book is arguably one of the prettiest books I own, but that’s not the only reason to get it.
While Atomic Habits focuses on change through repetitive actions, the Power of the Subconscious Mind focuses on change through repetitive thoughts. It looks at how our subconscious affects our behavior, perception and ultimately the world around us.
It’s like when you wake up in a horrible mood and then you’re late to work and you forgot your coffee and your boss yells at you. Usually, when this happens I think something along the lines of “life sucks” or “everything’s going wrong.”
Our subconscious mind feeds off suggestions and when we give it negative suggestions, we, in turn, have negative experiences. It reminds me of when someone says they hate when people chew with their mouths open and then suddenly everyone around you chews with their mouths open.
This book teaches you how to reframe your negative thoughts and change the perception you have of the world. Once your perception changes, so too does your experience.
I’m not going to lie, I still go down paths of doubt and self-pity, but the Power of the Subconscious Mind has helped me catch these thoughts and feelings early, so I can redirect them before any more damage can be done.
Practicing the Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
If you are looking for a straight-to-the-point, super quick read, try this one out.
Echkart Tolle is an amazing author. He knows what he’s talking about and how to get his point across in a succinct manner. I’ve read a few of his other books, but this one remains my favorite.
I like it because the focus is on living in and enjoying the present moment. Oftentimes, we get so set on the belief that once this happens, I’ll be happy. The thing is, you never will truly be happy, if this is your mindset.
When I was in high school, all I cared about was getting into college. I thought once I got into college all my troubles would just go away. That was a cute thought!
You see, once I got into college, then I was worried about getting into a sorority and then getting good grades and then an internship and so on.
Practicing the Power of Now gives you exercises and meditations to, as the names suggests, practice being more present. I’d recommend this book to anyone who is particularly anxious, worrisome or fearful.
Why Men Love Bitches by Sherry Argov
Okay so on the surface this pick does not seem like a book for self improvement – BUT I think it is and hear me out.
I’ve always been a people pleaser. I love when people like me. I love making people happy. I love being someone people can depend on.
While that’s all sunshine and rainbows, the truth of the matter is that when you are constantly trying to make other people happy, you may be neglecting to make yourself happy.
Why Men Love Bitches taught me how to establish healthy boundaries and set standards in my relationships, both romantic and platonic. It completely changed the way I interact with other people and made me finally feel less guilty about saying no to something.
So even though it isn’t a self-help book in the traditional sense, it’s a book that has improved my life.
The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein
Right off the bat, this book has a more spiritual undertone than the other books on this list.
As someone who does follow an organized religion, I did feel like this book was a little “woo woo” at times; however, that does not take away from all the good things that happened in my life after reading this book.
Something unique about The Universe Has Your Back is that it has little meditations written into the book and I believe there’s a link where you can access her mediation music. (I didn’t use this feature when I read the book.)
In the book, Bernstein also shares her personal experiences that shaped her perception of the world. She talks about an all-encompassing love and how focusing our energy on positive experiences will drive positive experiences to you.
If you’re on the more spiritual side, this might be a great one to start with.
Stop Doing That Sh*T by Gary John Bishop
Unlike the light and airy language of other authors on this list, Gary John Bishop uses an in-your-face approach in his book, Stop Doing That Sh*t.
If you like books that are brutally honest and tell it like it is, this one’s your best bet.
This book helps you see what you did in the past that got you to where you are today. It shows how habits and patterns have affected your life and will continue to do so unless you break the cycle.
Sometimes it feels like you’re getting a stern talking to, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need to make a change.
The Book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu
I think this was my very first self-help book (awww!)
I bought this book when I was a senior in high school and have no clue why I picked it up. Nevertheless, it’s a book that I continuously go back to and even gift to other people.
While I don’t practice Tibetan Buddhism or Anglicanism, these two religious leaders are so insightful and provided such wonderful commentary that I couldn’t put it down.
I love that this book is different from the other books on this list in that it looks at both joy and suffering. It focuses on improving your life by paying attention to your feelings, rather than accomplishing something.
Another thing that is important to note is that I didn’t find it preachy. Yes, the authors are religious, but I didn’t feel like they were trying to convert me by any means. If anything, it just gave me a new outlook on life.
After reading this article on the best books for self improvement, I hope you have a better idea of where to start (or where to go next) to become the best version of yourself. If you pick up any of these books or have a book you recommend, please let me know in the comments!