Self-help books are all about change. A change of habits, character traits, or your physical appearance you name it. The thing is, you have to make the change yourself.
Every New Year’s Eve, you commit to another version of “new year, new me.” But how does it look a few months later? Has it ever happened to you that you ended up resolving to make the same changes again the next year? Two years, three years, four years in a row? Inevitably, we’ll ask ourselves: How many times do I have to try this to succeed? The honest answer is “Forever” because there’ll always be new changes you want to make, a new person you’ll want to become. That’s perfectly okay. Growth is what life is all about. When it comes to making a certain set of new habits stick, however, there are proven methods, tools, tips, and tactics you can use.
Best Books on Self-Help Overall
1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (“When you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it.” — Paulo Coelho)
The Alchemist is a classic novel in which a boy named Santiago embarks on a journey seeking treasure in the Egyptian pyramids after having a recurring dream about it and on the way meets mentors, falls in love, and most importantly, learns the true importance of who he is and how to improve himself and focus on what really matters in life.
Why should you read it?
This novel presents a simple story, yet filled with wisdom. Concentrating on the theme of destiny and integrating mysterious characters, as well as important lessons, it compels the reader to wonder constantly and to come to the conclusion that destiny is what we make of it.
2. Atomic Habits by James Clear (“Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement.” — James Clear)
Atomic Habits is the definitive guide to breaking bad behaviors and adopting good ones in four steps, showing you how small, incremental, everyday routines compound into massive, positive change over time.
Why should you read it?
What does it take to form a habit? There is a lot of information out there in regards to this, but sometimes you might just not have the time to go through all of it. James Clear has put together this useful and practical book, for you to achieve more good habits and avoid the bad ones.
3. Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman (“Nothing in life is as important as you think it is, while you are thinking about it.” — Daniel Kahneman)
Thinking Fast and Slow shows you how two systems in your brain are constantly fighting over control of your behavior and actions, and teaches you the many ways in which this leads to errors in memory, judgment and decisions, and what you can do about it.
Why should you read it?
The human mind is a wonderful, yet still undiscovered place. But what Kahneman can tell you is that two systems form our thinking. If you are looking for a curious conversation about the human mind, this book will not only get you thinking but also transform the way you think.
4. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz (“Death is not the biggest fear we have; our biggest fear is taking the risk to be alive — the risk to be alive and express what we really are…” — Don Miguel Ruiz)
The Four Agreements draws on the long tradition of the Toltecs, an ancient, indigenous people of Mexico, to show you that we have been domesticated from childhood, how these internal, guiding rules hurt us and what we can do to break and replace them with a new set of agreements with ourselves.
Why should you read it?
Our lives are usually conducted by a set of beliefs, and they can sometimes limit us and keep us away from our true calling. According to Don Miguel Ruiz, four agreements could help us transform the way we live our lives and experience its joys to the fullest. And if you are passionate about ancient wisdom, then this book might just be what you need.
5. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey (“The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” — Stephen R. Covey)
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People teaches you both personal and professional effectiveness by changing your view of how the world works and giving you 7 habits, which, if adopted well, will lead you to immense success.
Why should you read it?
Taking control of your life might seem like a difficult thing to do without the proper advice. But Covey has put together a few pieces of advice to help people achieve exactly what they want, from proactivity to success in both their professional and personal lives.
6. Best Self by Mike Bayer (“It’s not selfish to take care of yourself.” — Mike Bayer)
Best Self will help you become the hero you’ve always wanted to be by teaching you how to be honest with yourself about what you desire, identify your toxic anti-self, and discover the traits of the greatest possible version of you that you can imagine.
Why should you read it?
Do people change in order to become happier? If you are unsure how to answer this question, Coach Mike’s book might be a good starting point, as it will help you put into perspective where exactly your life is. Knowing where you stand can show you what you need to do and where to head to live a better life. Has this book made it to your “must-read” list yet?
7. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson (“Who you are is defined by what you’re willing to struggle for.” — Mark Manson)
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck does away with the positive psychology craze to instead give you a Stoic, no bullshit approach to living a life that might not always be happy, but meaningful and centered only around what’s important to you.
Why should you read it?
Nowadays, wherever you turn your head, you hear that positivity is the key to living a happy and fulfilled life. But according to Mark Manson, this might be a flawed way of thinking and he will tell you that in a raw voice that will make you rethink all that you know about living a happy life.
8.Awaken the Giant Within — Tony Robbins (“Achievers rarely, if ever, see a problem as permanent, while those who fail see even the smallest problems as permanent.”)
Why should you read it?
A classic self-improvement book for people who want to embark on a deep psychological investigation of their mind, body, emotions, and finances. You’ll learn about the motivating forces of pain and pleasure, the importance of the questions you ask, and how to clarify and live by your values. Read it slowly and do the exercises.
Your favorite?
See you next..
Xoxo,Julia
