The 25 Best Self-Help Books of All Time

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Are you looking for some of the best self-help books that you should read next? If yes, then you came to the right place. In this post, let me share with you 25 of the best personal development books of all time that would dramatically improve your life!

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Self-help books, as its name implies, are books that focus on improving the self in different areas of life. These include finances, health, productivity, success, happiness, relationship, emotions, time management, communication, social skills, self-esteem, stress management, and personal transformation to name a few.

Self-help is such a big topic and huge niche. In the Amazon website alone, there are over 70,000 self-help books that you could explore. With so many books and authors on this topic, aren’t you overwhelmed with which of them you should read? If yes, then this blog is for you.

I have listed some of the best self-development books of all time on this blog. These self-development books also come with principles and concepts you can use to better improve yourself and therefore, be more useful in the hands of God.

So, let’s start. Check out our list of the top self-help books for women, men, and all Christians today!

Disclaimer: Please note that I don’t necessarily agree on every point given by the authors in their books enumerated on this list. However, they are still a lot of golden nuggets that you can use from these books and these principles are also supported in the Bible. As long as what you learn from these books don’t contradict the teachings of the Bible, then, by all means, apply them in your life.

the 25 best self-help books of all time

What are the best self-help books for improving yourself?

Best self-help book no. 1: How to Win Friends & Influence People

  • Author: Dale Carnegie
  • Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (7,500+ customer reviews)

 

 

Description:

This is certainly one of the most popular books in the self-development niche. How to Win Friends & Influence People is a literary masterpiece of Dale Carnegie. With more than 15 million copies sold worldwide, this book is truly a classic and legend.

How to Win Friends & Influence People has dramatically helped me improved my communication and social skills. The points in this book are practical and down-to-earth. Each chapter is just filled with wisdom on how you can better interact with other people. No doubt, this book has lived up to its title.

The book comes with different anecdotes and stories from Carnegie that further helped to drive home essential points. You can apply the important lessons you’ll learn from this book not just in your career, but also in your marriage and personal life.

Learn how to better handle difficult situations. Discover why people do what they do. Most importantly, develop the necessary social skills to help you win friends and influence people.

I highly recommend this book. If you haven’t read this one, make sure you grab your copy and better yet, buy the book as it is a good investment. You’ll never regret buying it. (Check this book on Amazon.)

Best self-help book no. 2: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

  • Author: Stephen Covey
  • Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (5,400+ customer reviews)

 

 

Description:

Who would believe that this book is already more than 25 years old and yet, its principles, teachings, and concepts are still applicable today?

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is written by Stephen Covey, an internationally respected leadership authority and one of the most influential Americans of the 20th century. His book has been a best-selling wonder and has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide.

The book is about how you can be successful not just in your career but also in your personal life. By reading the book, you’ll learn how to obtain a positive outlook in life, be proactive, start taking responsibilities, set goals, prioritize your life, and understand other people, and much, much more. (Check this book on Amazon.)

Best self-help book no. 3: The One Thing

  • Subtitle: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results
  • Author: Gary Keller, Jay Papasan
  • Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (2,500+ customer reviews)

the one thing

Description:

What’s so special about The One Thing? Well, it is a multi-awarded book written by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. The One Thing made it in the national bestseller lists for more than 400 times. It has also reached the no. 1 Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and New York Times lists. The book has been translated into 30 languages and become one of Hudson’s Booksellers Top 5 business books. Those are just some of the awards of this book.

The One Thing is a powerful book that shows you the importance of focusing your energy on your ONE THING. As Christians, you can also learn to make God’s Kingdom to be your one thing as well – your main focus in life. I personally have a copy of this book and I can say, it has taught me how to enjoy life even if you have less.

The One Thing shows that you can become a better person when you live your life with fewer distractions and eliminate unnecessary stress. The One Thing book shows you how to receive more with having less.

Give this book, one of the best self-help books, a try and I’m sure you’ll love the lessons and principles taught in this amazing literature! (Check this book on Amazon.)

Best self-help book no. 4: The Compound Effect

  • Subtitle: Jumpstart Your Income, Your Life, and Your Success
  • Author: Darren Hardy
  • Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (1,990 + customer reviews)

the compound effect

Description:

If you are looking for some of the best personal development books, then you should check The Compound Effect. Darren Hardy is among the best business leaders in our time right now. He has been in the success media industry for more than two decades.

In this book, The Compound Effect, you will learn how seemingly minute things in your life can add up over time. I have read this book and I’ve learned not to underestimate the small details in life.

After reading this book, you will know how you can use the Compound Effect to your advantage. It helps you to catch on fire and build up and sustain your motivation.

See how you small things can become the key to your success. Read the Compound Effect today! (Check this book on Amazon.)

Best self-help book no. 5: Living Forward

  • Subtitle: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want
  • Author: Michael Hyatt
  • Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (2,500+ customer reviews)

living forward

Description:

Written by one of my personal favorite authors, leadership authorities, and mentors, Michael Hyatt is definitely a master of his own craft. What I like about Michael Hyatt is that he is a Christian who distills biblical principles in his books, lectures, and courses.

Living Forward shows you the importance of using your one and only life to achieve your greatest purpose. So many people today drift through this world as spectators rather than players.

Living Forward is a great guide for you to understand what it really takes to live a meaningful life – to live life with a purpose.

The beauty about Living Forward is that Daniel Harkavy co-authored this book. He is an executive coach who has already helped hundreds of people overcome their giants and build success in life. Thus, in this book, you get twice of the insights from two of the most brilliant minds in the success media industry.

So, what are you waiting for? Give Living Forward a try. You would be amazed at what you can read from this book! (Check this book on Amazon.)

Best self-help book no. 6: The Power of Habit

  • Subtitle: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want
  • Author: Charles Duhigg
  • Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (4,700+ customer reviews)

the power of habit

Description:

If you are an avid self-development book reader, I’m sure you have heard of Charles Duhigg and his popular book, The Power of Habit. As a multi-awarded book, The Power of Habit teaches you the importance of building good habits and eliminating the bad ones.

You probably have lost your motivation when it comes to starting positive habits. You might be frustrated why you can’t stick on your exercise program; why you can’t seem to finish your project; or why you keep on failing in your career.

The Power of Habit gives you the answer. By understanding how habits work, you will be able to harness the new science behind human behavior and improve all areas of your life. (Check this book on Amazon.)

Best self-help book no. 7: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

  • Subtitle: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
  • Author: Marie Kondo
  • Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars (13,600+ customer reviews)

the life-changing magic of tidying up

Description:

If you are having trouble in keeping your home or office clean and tidy, then this book is for you. Now, a lot of people who thought that they are already tidy has been pleasantly surprised at how they can still become tidier!

Marie Kondo, one of the most influential Japanese cleaning consultants, gives you some of the important keys to simplifying and organizing your dwelling place. Not only that, but this book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, shows you the importance of tidying up and having a clean surrounding.

While cleaning seems to be natural for us and you don’t need anyone telling you how to clean your home, you would surely be happy that you picked this book. There are a lot of new things you will learn from this book and you will discover the different techniques to get organized and stay that way – for good.

Say goodbye to dirty and cluttered home by reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up! (Check this book on Amazon.)

Best self-help book no. 8: The 5 Love Languages

  • Subtitle: The Secret to Love that Lasts
  • Author: Gary Chapman
  • Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (13,600+ customer reviews)

The 5 Love Languages The Secret to Love that Lasts

Description:

Do you know a book on Amazon which received more than 13,000 reviews and near perfect rating? Not a lot of books can rival The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman.

Imagine, The 5 Love Languages has sold more than 11 million copies worldwide. It has become the #1 New York Times Bestseller for more than eight years. After 25 years since its release, The 5 Love Languages has helped thousands of couples rekindle the passion in their relationship and even save it from breaking down.

The book has been popular because of the many pieces of practical advice. By reading the book, you obtain insightful, relevant, and actionable wisdom that really works. Understanding the love language of your partner would help you better meet his/her emotional and social needs.

The best thing about The 5 Love Languages is that it is not just for married couples or people who are in a relationship. Once you understand the different love languages, you would develop better social skills that you can use in interacting with other people.

The 5 Love Languages has changed thousands of lives. Let it change yours today by getting your copy now! (Check this book on Amazon.)

Best self-help book no. 9: Think and Grow Rich

  • Author: Napoleon Hill
  • Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (6,500+ customer reviews)

think and grow rich

Description:

Many people think that money is evil and being poor will make you a better Christian. Nothing can be farther from the truth. God wants to bless us and He wants to give us abundant life. As long as we have the right motive and we do our part, God is more than willing to provide not just our needs but also our wants.

Think and Grow Rich is a wonderful tool to help you attain your financial goals in life. Sometimes, it only takes a book for you to figure out what you need to do to attain financial freedom.

In this book, Napoleon Hill reveals to you the secret of the wealthy and the rich. It shows you what these great men did to attain affluence.

The thing I love about Think and Grow Rich is that the principles laid out on this book are also relevant in other areas in your life. It teaches you how to treat other people right, see things in a positive light, and become a better person overall.

The book teaches that being rich starts in the mind. Unless you eliminate the delimiting beliefs, you would never succeed. So, use the principles in this book and couple them with biblical wisdom. By doing so, you’ll surely become more successful in life! (Check this book on Amazon.)

Best self-help book no. 10: Grit

  • Subtitle: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
  • Author: Angela Duckworth
  • Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,100+ customer reviews)

grit

Description:

Grit simply means courage, resolve, and strength of character. In this book, Grit, Angela Duckworth shows you the real secret to achieving incredible achievements. It is not simply talent or luck, but Angela tells us that it is grit – a combination of passion and perseverance.

Throughout the years of Angela’s career in business consulting, education, and neuroscience, she learned that talent isn’t enough and sometimes, it becomes the hindrance of achieving success. Grit, a multi-month New York Times bestseller, includes insights from history, experiments, and success stories that show you what it takes to be a success in life.

Read Grit and see what makes the great difference between a success and a failure! (Check this book on Amazon.)

Best self-help book no. 11: Getting Things Done

  • Subtitle: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
  • Author: David Allen
  • Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars (3,000+ customer reviews)

getting things done

Description:

You probably have heard about David Allen. He is among the leading experts on organizational and personal productivity. With over 30 years of experience in research and management consultancy, he has distilled what he learned into this book. He has also been an executive coach to some of the biggest companies in the United States, which include the World Bank, New York Life, and the U.S. Navy.

With this in mind, there’s no doubt that David Allen is an authority to productivity. Getting Things Done is simply what its title say. It helps you get things done in the most efficient way possible.

Discover how you can empty your email inbox, keep your desk organized, your calendar systematic, and do things in a fraction of the time. Get more things done today with Allen’s book! (Check this book on Amazon.)

Best self-help book no. 12: Outliers

  • Subtitle: The Story of Success
  • Author: Malcolm Gladwell
  • Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (5,110+ customer reviews)

outliers

Description:

Malcolm is another author who just knows what to write to his audience and effectively get his message across. Outliers is among Malcolm’s bestselling books and it talks about how successful people differ from the rest of the group.

By giving us an intellectual walkthrough in the lives of the high-achievers, the book gives us fresh and powerful insights on how to be successful in life. Malcolm narrates the stories of these successful men through the lenses of their culture, family, generation, and upbringing.

Among the stories included in Outliers are stories of software billionaires, famous soccer players, mathematicians, and musicians throughout the history.

After reading this book, you’ll learn the common denominator among successful people and be able to apply them in your life! (Check this book on Amazon.)

Best self-help book no. 13: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

  • Author: John Maxwell
  • Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,400+ customer reviews)

the 21 irrefutable laws of leadership

Description:

I personally consider The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership as one of the best books in the leadership niche. It is just welling up with so many intellectual insights and practical wisdom.

John Maxwell, the author of the book, is an internationally recognized leadership speaker, writer, and expert. He has already sold millions of books across the globe.

So, what’s so special about this book? You will learn the 21 laws of leadership as explained by Maxwell; read inspirational stories about great leaders throughout the history; know how to apply the principles from this book; and a lot more.

As Christians, we are called to be leaders. We don’t just lead others, but also ourselves. Discover how this book can help you in your Christian calling today! (Check this book on Amazon.)

Best self-help book no. 14: Boundaries

  • Subtitle: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life
  • Author: Henry Cloud
  • Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars (4,300+ customer reviews)

Boundaries When To Say Yes, How to Say No

Description:

Are you the type of person who can’t say no to anyone? Are you afraid of displeasing others to the point that you can’t decline to their requests or offers? Perhaps, you also felt the need to be responsible for other people’s feelings and problems. If you are like this, then Boundaries is the perfect book for you.

The fact is, we can only do so much. We have our limitations that we need to accept whether we like it or not. The main goal of this book is to teach you how to say no in a friendly manner and help you take control of your life.

The best thing that I like about this book is that it comes with biblical insights. Through the pages of the Bible, you would glean how to establish godly boundaries with your friends, co-workers, children, parents, and spouse.

Henry Cloud is an author, speaker, and leadership consultant. He has sold over five million books. He has this unique way of connecting people and businesses to help them achieve success. Thus, it is not difficult to see that many people listen to Henry and read his book to glean important insights.

Best self-help book no. 15: Barking Up the Wrong Tree

  • Subtitle: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Success Is (Mostly) Wrong
  • Author: Eric Barker
  • Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars (4,300+ customer reviews)

barking up the wrong tree

Description:

You probably have heard a lot of people teaching others how to be successful in life. In most cases, these people don’t even know what they are talking about.

In this book, Barking Up the Wrong Tree, Eric shows you why most pieces of advice you receive about achieving success is wrong. He reveals instead what science and research show us about the secret behind what actually determines success and failure.

Eric is among the most favorite bloggers. His website, Bakadesuyo, is filled with a lot of scientific research on how to live this life better. It has even more than 320,000 subscribers!

Barking Up the Wrong Tree is among his life’s work. The book explores why academic achievers rarely become millionaires, whether nice guys finish last, how to increase your confidence, how to improve your grit and establish good habits. This book is definitely a must-read.

So, stop guessing how to achieve success and use the science-backed principles found in this book! (Check this book on Amazon.)

Best self-help book no. 16: Start with Why

  • Subtitle: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
  • Author: Simon Sinek
  • Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (2,270+ customer reviews)

start with why

Description:

If you have been watching TED talks for many years now, you should have already stumbled upon the speaker, Simon Sinek. He is popular in TED for giving a talk based on his book, Start with Why.

If you have asked yourself why some people, companies, and businesses are more influential, innovative, and successful, you should read this book. Start With Why is a book that helps you understand the importance of knowing the reason why you are doing something in the first place. When you have the right why – purpose and goal – you dramatically increase your chance of success.

Start With Why is a must-read book. It will fan the fire of zeal and passion in your heart. It shows you how businesses should operate and how you can sustain your motivation with your Why in mind. Grab this book now! (Check this book on Amazon.)

Best self-help book no. 17: Tools of Titans

  • Subtitle: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers
  • Author: Timothy Ferris
  • Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (2,100+ customer reviews)

tools of titans

Description:

Tim Ferris has become a more popular author and speaker after his book, The 4-Hour Work Week has become a bestselling self-improvement book. However, personally, I like Tools of Titans even more.

For the last two years, Tim has interviewed and talked to some of the world’s most successful people and performers through his show, The Time Ferriss Show.

The book, Tools of Titans, brings you the tools that the superstars and high achievers use for them to be successful. You get an inside look at the habits, strategies, and goals of these people and find a way to duplicate them in your life.

Save yourself from wasted effort and frustration. Know what the devices and tactics the titans use by reading this book! (Check this book on Amazon.)

Best self-help book no. 18: Mindset

  • Subtitle: The New Psychology of Success
  • Author: Carol S. Dweck
  • Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (2,100+ customer reviews)

mindset

Description:

Carol S. Dweck is among the most famous psychologists of our generation. In this amazing book, Mindset, she shows you how our mindset can dramatically affect our success in sports, work, school, and in almost every aspect of our life.

In the book, Carol identifies two types of mindset; the fixed mindset and the growth mindset. She differentiates the two and helps readers understand that only having the growth mindset that will truly set you on the right course. Moreover, Carol also reveals the type of growth mindset that is false and how it may hinder you from achieving your full potential.

There are a lot of things to learn from this book. With the right mindset, you can be better equipped to lead, love, and teach and even transform other people’s lives! (Check this book on Amazon.)

Best self-help book no. 19: Atomic Habits                  

  • Subtitle: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
  • Author: James Clear
  • Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars (480+ customer reviews)

atomic habit

Description:

When you see an almost perfect rating for a book on Amazon, wouldn’t that grab your attention? If you are like me, then it would. That’s why you also need to check Atomic Habits, one of the top self-improvement books today.

Amazon reviewers give this book an average of 4.9 star ratings. There’s no doubt, Atomic Habits received a lot of positive reviews and this is not surprising as the book is just filled with so many golden nuggets.

Aside from Charles Duhigg, I believe James Clear is among the best experts when it comes to habit formation. His strategies are just practical and easy to apply and these strategies are clearly laid out in his book.

After reading this self-development book, you’ll discover what it takes to really form a good habit, eliminate the bad ones, and encourage positive change in your life. Learn how to develop not just small and mediocre habits, but also atomic habits! (Check this book on Amazon.)

Best self-help book no. 20: The Obstacle is the Way

  • Subtitle: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph
  • Author: Ryan Holiday
  • Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (1310+ customer reviews)

the obstacle is the way

Description:

You probably have heard about stoicism. In fact, it is now a common theme in many self-help books. It is an ancient philosophy that teaches how to endure pain and suffering with great endurance and resilience. Actually, the Bible also tells us how we need to go through hardships to attain eternal life. Thus, stoicism somewhat teaches how to improve ourselves, but they just don’t mention the Bible.

In Ryan’s book, The Obstacle is the Way, you will read how some of the most successful people in history were able to overcome difficulty through persistence. You will see why sometimes the quickest way to get to your destination is simply just charging straight through your obstacles.

Discover how you can turn life’s difficulties into triumphs with this book! (Check this book on Amazon.)

Best self-help book no. 21: Drive

  • Subtitle: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
  • Author: Daniel H. Pink
  • Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars (1,140+ customer reviews)

drive

Description:

What really motivates people? With four decades of experience in scientific research on human motivation, Daniel H. Pink reveals the answer in his best-selling book, Drive.

Daniel expresses through his book about how most people are wrong when it comes to instilling motivation in themselves and others. In this book, you’ll learn the three elements of true motivation. Daniel also includes case studies and how businesses today use new approaches to etch motivation in the hearts and minds of their people.

Drive is just simply bursting with great ideas. Read about them today! (Check this book on Amazon.)

Best self-help book no. 22: Daring Greatly

  • Subtitle: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
  • Author: Brene Brown
  • Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (3,100+ customer reviews)

daring greatly

Description:

Many people think that you are weak when you are vulnerable. However, this isn’t what Brene believes. In this book, Daring Greatly, you will discover how being vulnerable points to where courage really comes from.

The main point of Daring Greatly isn’t about how you can win or avoid losing. It is about how you can find courage in the midst of your grief, fear, and disappointments.

Many people are afraid to go out of their comfort zone simply because they don’t want to fail. The main point of Daring Greatly is to dare – meaning, you take the courage to put yourself out there. Yes, it may leave you vulnerable, giving people more opportunities to criticize and hurt you. However, it is only by stepping into the arena of life that you would achieve greater success.

Do you want to see where your courage will take you? If yes, check out this book! (Check this book on Amazon.)

Best self-help book no. 23: 12 Rules for Life

  • Subtitle: An Antidote to Chaos
  • Author: Jordan B. Peterson
  • Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (4,350+ customer reviews)

12 rules for life

Description:

Jordan Peterson is a world-renowned psychologist who has a lot to say about how to eliminate the chaos in your life. In this book, 12 Rules for Life, he wittingly combines ancient wisdom with revolutionary scientific research.

The best thing about the rules laid out in this book is that they are practical and highly actionable. You can quickly apply them in your life. While there are a lot of things that you can do to improve your life, Jordan distills them into 12 through this one of the best personal development books.

12 Rules for Life, as its subtitle mentioned, is dubbed as an “antidote to chaos.” If your life is just too stressful and overwhelming to handle, you would definitely benefit from this book. It shows how the mundane and easy tasks in your life, like cleaning your room, could dramatically affect the grand scheme of your existence.

Discover the 12 rules Peterson offers. You will soon see that getting rid of chaos isn’t that hard – if only you know what to do. So, stop guessing and start reading! (Check this book on Amazon.)

Best self-help book no. 24: The Little Book of Talent

  • Subtitle: 52 Tips for Improving Your Skills
  • Author: Daniel Coyle
  • Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (4,350+ customer reviews)

the little book of talent

Description:

Do you want to learn a new skill? If yes, then The Little Book of Talent is just the right book for you. In his book, Daniel Coyle discusses some of the best scientifically proven and clinically tested methods that will help you improve your skills in almost any aspect of your life.

Be it in business, career, school, sports, or personal life, The Little Book of Talent is a great tool to help you master your craft. Get to know the 52 actionable, concise, and clear tips in this book today! (Check this book on Amazon.)

Best self-help book no. 25: MONEY Master the Game

  • Subtitle: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom
  • Author: Tony Robbins
  • Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars (2,800+ customer reviews)

money master the game

Description:

I first heard of Tony Robbins through one of his earlier books, Awaken the Giant Within. The title is so catchy that I wasn’t able to resist and check out the book.

Now, with the knowledge that Tony Robbins is simply one of the highest paid motivational speakers in the world, it is not difficult to see that a lot of people want to hear – or read – what he has to say.

In this book, Money Master the Game, he brings the same dynamic and powerful zeal from his speaking to his writing. The book is based on extensive and scientific research and interviews that show you how to become a huge success when it comes to handling money.

He has interviewed financial giants such as Warren Buffett, Ray Dalio, and Paul Todor Jones. Tony, in this book, discusses a blueprint of financial success through seven steps. The book overflows with practices and pieces of advice that will not just help you financially but also set you to financial freedom for the rest of your life.

Add this book to your list of books to read. You will surely love how it can change your financial perspective! (Check this book on Amazon.)

Read any of these books now!

There you have, our list of the best self-help books in the market today. They say that one of the best investments you can make is to invest in yourself. Invest time in improving yourself so that you can also help other people. After all, you can’t give something that you don’t have.

I’m a big believer that people can take away your material possession, but not your knowledge and wisdom that you have amassed through reading books and your experience. So, don’t forget to check out any of the best self-development books mentioned above.

Do you have any books to add to this list? Let me know through the comment section below. If this list has inspired and helped you, please consider sharing this with your friends and family. I’ll be grateful when you do that. 🙂

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