Self-Help Books Never Go Out of Style – Here are 8 Amazing Ones!
Whether you are looking to get motivated or make a major life shift, self-help books can help you achieve it. Self-help books are great because there is always one that speaks to the angle you are looking for. For example, some tips are rooted in psychology, while other methods are rooted in spirituality.
Now, some of these books below are classics and might be considered by some to be the top self-help books of all time. That said, we think the best self-help book is the one that best serves your needs.
Bruce has read another version of
The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
Starting off with a classic, this book is a must-read if you are living in the past. The main message from Eckhart Tolle is that living in the now is the truest path to happiness and enlightenment. We think he has a point. Lisa especially struggles with the idea of “living in the now” quite a bit sometimes.
Tolle is able to explain complex concepts in simple language so you can learn and reflect quite a bit when reading this book. He includes topics such as the source of Chi, cycle of life, enlightened relationships, etc.
Most people really like the book, but some people don’t seem to enjoy the style of it. Keep in mind, it’s a bit older but we think it is still worth a read for anyone whose thoughts and emotions sometimes get in the way of them living their lives.
You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life
Written by Jen Sincero, this New York Times Bestseller is for anyone who wants to improve their life in general. The book is filled with stories, advice, exercises and is an easy read – it’s very digestible.
The book can help you reflect on and make changes in regards to your beliefs and behaviors, as well as get over your fears so you can work on changing your life. It’s a great book for people who want to make a change but need some extra motivation.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
7 Habits makes people realize that there are lots of simple things they can do to make their lives move in a certain direction. It was intended to be education for people on how to live life effectively and get closer to be a “success”. The author, Stephen R. Covey, uses his model to explain how to achieve this.
Bruce read another version of Covey’s “7 Habits” years ago as a teen and he always enjoyed going back to refresh on his lessons. The important point is that you have to implement the habits and not just read the book!
This book uses a lot of charts so it is not a super easy read. It might take some time to understand what the author is trying to say and you can get a lot of value out of it. This particular version has been an extremely popular book for years now and we would definitely recommend checking it out if you are looking for change.
Of course, the book won’t change all your problems overnight but it is great to make you think about ways you can change your life to become more effective personally and professionally. There is even a workbook that goes along with this book, if you want some additional tips and help!
Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World
Written by William H. McRaven, this book provides simple wisdom as well as encouragement and advice to inspire readers that they can achieve more even when life seems tough.
The author originally gave a speech to a graduating class at the University of Texas with 10 principles that he learned during Navy Seal Training that have helped him in life since. His speech became so popular that he decided to develop it more and make a book out of it – which is this one. In fact, Bruce was familiar with the books messaging through a leadership course he took years ago.
Due to his background, the book talks a lot about his military experience – which is great if you are interested in this perspective. For those that are not into the military angle, this book still has valuable messages and a motivational story.
Unfu*k Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and into Your Life
Written by Gary John Bishop, this is a book for those who feel stuck in their daily routine and want to get out of it. The author describes seven “personal assertions” by which we should live our lives.
One important point of the book is to stop thinking and start doing (his assertion is called “I am not my thoughts: I am what I do) which we can really resonate with. We know that sometimes this might be more difficult to do than you would think!
It’s not as good as some other books on the list, but it is an easy read and a good reminder that you are able to change your life if you make the effort.
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are
Written by New York Times best-selling author Brené Brown, we think this is a great book since the main message is about finding the courage and compassion to accept your imperfections and realize that you are good enough.
The author does this through a concept she calls “Wholehearted Living” and by engaging readers minds, hearts, and spirits in her ten guideposts.
We really think that hers is an important message in today’s world. With an onslaught of advertising and social media – we are often reminded of our “flaws and imperfections” as well as the comparisons to our peers. This can result in the need to prove ourselves to others/live up to expectations!
The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
Written by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu, this is a great book about joy and happiness. It includes their own stories and teachings about joys, recent findings in the science of happiness, and daily practices to follow.
The book was actually written as a conversation between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu during the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday with the help of writer Douglas Abrams. Because of this, the book has a very interesting style.
Not to give away too much but their core message is: “to have joy yourself, you must bring joy to others”. This is great for people looking for more happiness in a complicated world.
The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself
Written by Michael A. Singer, this New York Times Bestseller offers answers to questions like “how to free yourself from limitations” and “what to do to discover inner peace”.
The author talks about the traditions of meditation and mindfulness and shows how development of consciousness can help us live in the present and let go of painful memories/thoughts which hold us back from being happy.
This is a book that makes you think and can change the way you see the world around you. That said, it might not include enough actionable steps for some or might be too religious for others. You could say that it is a similar book to “The Power of Now” but more concise so decide for yourself which book you prefer – or just read both!
And there you have it – 8 self-help books that are sure to inspire inner growth and being a better you. What do you think? Have you read any of these before? Let us know what you think by getting in touch – we’d love to hear about your own journey!
As always, Stay Curious,
-B&L
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