13 Best Self-Help Books Everyone Should Read 

I love books. I love reading. It is my favorite thing to do. But until a few months ago, I exclusively read fiction. Specifically young adult romantasy books by authors like Sarah J. Maas, Victoria Aveyard, and Rebecca Yarros. I mean, a year or two ago, booktok had me on a chokehold. But I digress. 

Self-help books can help you completely transform your life. More than that, they can help you believe that change can happen. 

Do you want to know how someone who completely loathed self-help books went from hating them to writing a blog recommending a few awesome options? Well, well, well, she read a self-help book. 

Okay, why the hate? You might ask? First of all, hate might be a strong word. I just couldn’t picture myself dedicating hours to read what I wrongly assumed was pretentious stuff from someone rehashing a few obvious truths. 

Why the change of heart? I have always had self-help books. I have a few copies I have been moving around with for years, but I just couldn’t bring myself to read them. 

Unfortunately, there was no big “ooh” moment. 

One afternoon, I was bored, so I picked up “The Subtle Art of Not Giving Up.” And well, I was not disappointed. The first chapter had me rolling my eyes at the pessimism, and I was hooked. 

Anyway, what am I getting at? If you are not a big reader or don’t particularly enjoy self-help books but would love to try them, you are at the right place. 

Here are 13 life-changing self-help books everyone, including you, should read. 

1. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck by Mark Manson

This book makes the top of this list simply because it was the first self-help book I read from start to finish. 

The first three chapters or so were too pessimistic for my taste, but surprisingly, that hooked me to the book. 

Instead of promoting the usual positivity narrative, unattainable ideals, and pipe dreams common in the personal development niche, Manson encourages us to accept the hard, real truth: we are flawed, we are not special, and we simply can’t care about everything. 

Manson encourages us to focus on values that will actually lead to genuine fulfillment in our lives. And truth be told, we could all use such razor-sharp focus. We could all use a big red sign that forces you to stop and take a deeper look within. Reflect and decide what truly deserves your energy and attention. 

2. Atomic Habits by James Clear

The next book on my list is Atomic Habits. Research shows motivation alone will never be enough. Motivation runs out. The only way you stick it out when it gets tough, especially when it gets tough, is by building better habits. Routines. 

Atomic Habits is the book you need to learn how to build better habits and break bad ones through small, consistent efforts. Small and consistent is better than big and once in a blue moon. Small and consistent actions compound like money in your favorite low-risk investment scheme. 

What I loved about the book is its emphasis on systems rather than goals. If you fall in love with the systems, the goals are all but given. 

If you actually learn to like going to the gym, weight loss is a given. And it will be sustainable because you’ll keep going long after hitting your fitness goals. 

3. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Now, as a wellness girlie, The Power of Now cannot miss on this list. The book embodies mindfulness. When I talk about the power of a mindful morning routine, it might be difficult to picture it if you don’t believe in living fully in the present. There is no point stressing about the past or worrying about the future. The only moment you’ve really got is RIGHT NOW. 

You should read this to learn how to find happiness in the now. 

4. The Mountain is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage into Self-Mastery by Brianna Wiest

We all like to blame our circumstances, environment, upbringing, lack of resources, other people, or just poor luck for all our misfortunes. It is easier.

Wiest emphasizes that self-sabotage manifesting through unresolved emotions, limiting beliefs, or fear of change are our mountains, and we must climb them to learn how to turn everything around. The takeaway? Take full control of your life, including your mindset, emotions, and actions. 

5. Real self-care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness( Crystals, Cleanses, and Bubble Baths Not Included) by Pooja Lakshmin

Next up is Real Self-Care by Lakshmin. This made the list because it has to be said. A few articles on this website have mentioned bubble baths as a cheap self-care activity you can do to feel better. 

However, Lakshmin argues this is a quick fix and a band-aid solution at best. She insists that “real self-care” is a self-reflection process that involves loads of deeply transformative internal work. 

You need to learn this to live authentically and learn effective ways to put yourself first. 

6. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey

From the title, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, sounds straightforward enough. You assume you’ll learn seven habits that will make you effective. And you will. However, the book is so much deeper than that. Covey emphasizes aligning your actions with core universal principles like integrity and accountability. 

It is refreshing to see a self-help book advocating strategies for moving from dependency to independence and, finally, interdependency. 

7. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t- you’re right” – Henry Ford. 

Your beliefs shape your outcomes. Mindset by Dweck looks at two primary mindsets: fixed and growth. The growth mindset is the belief that abilities can be developed through learning and effort. 

You should definitely get this book if you want to embrace the growth mindset and change how you approach your life, from work to relationships to personal development. 

8. The Four Agreements: A Personal Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz

What are the four agreements? 

1. Be impeccable with your word- Speak with integrity and say what you mean. Let your words actually align with your personal values.
2. Don’t take anything personally: Our circumstances, experiences, environment, upbringing, and everything in between influence our worldview. Everybody has a unique worldview. What others say and do reflects their reality, not yours. 
3. Don’t make assumptions – Don’t make assumptions. Communicate clearly to avoid any misunderstandings. 
4. Always do your best- Your best might vary depending on circumstances, but always give your best. 

These four agreements are simple but can really transform your life if you apply them to your daily life. 

9. Self-compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff

As someone who struggles with self-criticism, I found this book particularly life-changing. Neff insists that treating ourselves with kindness, especially when we feel like failures or when facing any struggle, can lead to better mental clarity, emotional reliance, and overall life satisfaction and happiness. 

Neff argues that high self-compassion is significantly better than high self-esteem, arguing that self-compassion fosters a deeper sense of worth independent of external factors. 

10. Wishcraft: How to Get What You Really Want by Annie Gottlieb and Barbara Sher 

You can turn your dreams into reality by learning what you really want and taking the steps to get there. Sher argues that talent, resources, and experience are less crucial than having a clear vision of what you want to achieve and the willingness to take the first and subsequent steps to get there. 

All you have to do is discover your unique gifts and passions and leverage them to create the life of your dreams. 

11. Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins

This memoir is a tribute to how far mental toughness, willpower, and discipline can push you. In the face of challenges and all other adversities, you can’t simply quit. It is a chance to develop what Goggins calls the “calloused mind, ” a mindset built on perseverance and reliance—a mindset that keeps going even when the going gets tough. 

I usually distaste the idea that “it has to be hard.” Sometimes, it is easy. Sometimes, it just flows. However, I also know the downs come. So, there’s something to be said about the ability to remain strong when it is hard, to get up when you fall. 

12. Awaken the Giant Within You by Tony Robbins 

It is your life. No one is coming to do it for you. Robbins emphasizes taking control of your life to discover and unlock your full potential.  

Every day is an opportunity to take consistent action to get the life you want, personally and professionally. 

This book provides practical advice on mastering emotions, improving relationships, and achieving goals. 

13. 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think by Brianna Wiest 

 This collection of essays will encourage you to reflect deeply on your life, beliefs, and behaviors. 

This is the ultimate wellness book, covering many topics to help you care for your mind, body, and soul. 

These essays will help you reflect deeply and learn to recognize and overcome limiting beliefs and patterns. 

To sum up 

Self-help books are more than just pages of advice or someone rehashing a few truths. They are tools to transform your mindset and subsequently change your life. 

Each of the above books has made my list for different reasons, but they all offer unique insights and actionable tips to get you closer to the life you want.