9 BEST Self Help Books To Improve Your Life [Reading List 2024]

An Exclusive List of The Best Self-Help Books of All-time. These Self Improvement Books Will Definitely Inspire You To Get Your Life Together:

Life can be hard at times. Our minds are plagued by the struggles pertaining to the daily grind of our mundane lives.

There are times when we are so bogged down by the problems that we wish for someone to come along and help us through it. That seldom happens in real life.

This situation might happen to anyone. This is when Self-help books come into the picture to support us.

Motivating Self-Help Books

It is natural for humans to seek advice and mentorship in making tough life decisions. You might be thinking of making a new career move, or figuring out how to deal with your erratic emotions.

It is impossible to have an expert by your side every time and these questions do push you into despair. Self Help Books allow the readers to get the advice they need from experts without actually being in contact with them.

Regardless of the type of issue it is i.e. financial, marital or dealing with depression in general, a good self-help book can do wonders in helping you navigate through these tough situations.

How Is The Self Help Industry Dominating The U.S?

Over the years, the popularity of self-help books has soared to such an extent that it has managed to form its own industry.

The rising levels of depression and independency amongst the millennial generation have led to the boom of this industry. Many times Self Help books manage to top almost all reputed best-seller lists, even above popular fiction novels.

In the U.S. alone, the self-help industry is valued to be worth $9.9 billion. It is estimated to rise to a whopping $13 billion by the year 2022.

Although the industry seems to be spreading onto other mediums like television & podcasts, books are still the go-to option for many even today. Self-Help books have their roots in almost every aspect of our lives. There is a self-help book for everything right from relationship to business, and even raising kids.

It would not be right to term it as just a business. It is something that deals with ideology. The words written in a self-help book can manipulate the way you think. It can rewire your perception of the world and its influencing power can be quite substantial and change you as a person.

List of the Most Popular Self-Help Books

Let’s check out some of the most popular Self-help books that you can pick up to change your life.

Comparison of the Best Self-Improvement Books

#1) 12 Rules For Life – An Antidote To Chaos

Written By: Jordan Peterson
Release Date: 23rd January 2018.
Pages: 409
Buy Now: Amazon
Price: $15.57

Jordan B Peterson is a modern-day philosopher with a particular interest in the field of personality. You can find his lectures and studies on the male psyche online on YouTube.

He is quite popular amongst young men struggling to cope with life. While reading this book, you’ll know that the author actually understands the struggles of the youth in a fast-moving world.

His words are empathetic and his advice ranges from something as simple as cleaning your room to being proactive when it comes to taking responsibility for your actions.

The author takes you on a spiritual and ideological journey which if followed adamantly, can improve your life to a great extent. The message of this book is simple i.e. Grow Up, and Man Up.

Suggested Read: This book is recommended for males between the ages of 18 – 40 years.

#2) The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide To Personal Freedom

Written By: Miguel Ruiz
Release Date: 7th November 1997.
Pages: 160
Buy Now: Amazon
Price: $4.93

Reading this book is like receiving the wisdom of the old ages. It might have to do with the fact that the author of this book Miguel Ruiz, is a notable healer and shamanic teacher. Miguel imparts the teachings of his Toltec ancestors onto his readers via simple but honest words.

This book is full of rules that teach a simple code of conduct to practice in life.

The Titular Four Agreements are as follows:

• Be impeccable with your word.
• Don’t take anything personally.
• Don’t make assumptions.
• Always do your best.

It’s funny how something as simple as the above principles is ignored by many of us in our day to day lives. Just imagine how easy and happy life would be if we simply abide by the four agreements mentioned in the book.

The book might come off as too preachy for many modern readers, but it is best enjoyed by embracing its original narration.

Suggested Read: Suitable for men and women of all ages. Especially for those who are suffering from depression.

#3) You Are A Badass At Making Money

Written By: Jen Sincero
Release Date: 3rd April 2018.
Pages: 288
Buy Now: Amazon.com
Price: $12.59

All of us wish that one day we can earn the income of our dreams. It is a dream that is very difficult to turn into reality. We indeed believe that once we make the kind of money we hope to make, then all of our problems will be sorted out. But, how do we earn the money of our dreams?

Well, Jen Sincero has the answers in her book You Are a Badass at Making Money. She states that the only thing that’s keeping you from making the income that you desire is your mindset.

In other terms, you are your own worst enemy. Jen Sincero teaches her readers a positive mantra that changes how you perceive money. With the help of some deeply personal stories, Jen succeeds in delivering a message that is not only positive but also really practical.

If you are someone who believes that you can do better financially then this book is for you.

Suggested Readers: Suitable for men and women above 18 years of age. Recommended for individuals seeking financial advice.

#4) A New Earth

Written By: Eckhart Tolle
Release Date: 30th January 2008.
Pages: 336
Buy Now: Amazon.com
Price: $10

The bestselling author behind the spectacular ‘Power Of Now’ is back with his second outing which is even more powerful in its influencing capability than the previous book. Eckhart Tolle knows what the mind wants to hear, and he has the perfect set of words to encourage it.

The underlining message of his books is the same, stop obsessing over your future and stop living in your past.

The only time that matters is the present. Eckhart with his spiritual teachings has managed to touch many lives, some of whom include popular celebrities like Jim Carrey and Oprah Winfrey. If that isn’t validation enough of this man’s talent then I don’t know what could be.

Suggested Readers: Suitable for men and women of all ages. Recommended for those who are suffering from depression.

#5) Declutter Your Mind

Written By: Barry Davenport, S.J Scott
Release Date: 23rd August 2016.
Pages: 156
Buy Now: Amazon
Price: $15

Are you someone who feels overwhelmed by your work? Do you wish to escape your frequent anxiety attacks? This book is for you. The authors Barry Davenport and S.J Scott tackle the very urgent issue of anxiety which is the cause of many failures in our society.

The focus is put on negative thinking to showcase how a negative mindset can be turned on its head and anxiety can be eliminated through meditation and the power of positive thinking. The book teaches you to can gain control over your thoughts and change your future much better.

Suggested Readers: Suitable for men and women above 18 years. Recommended for individuals with severe anxiety issues.

Suggested Reading => Heart Melting Birthday Wishes for your Sister

#6) The War Of Art

Written By: Stephen Pressfield
Release Date: 11th January 2012.
Pages: 192
Buy Now: Amazon
Price: $11

The War of Art is a book for those whose tomorrow never comes. The book deals with the severe issue of procrastination which plagues many of us in the current generation. Stephen Pressfield is the perfect person to talk about procrastination as he himself confesses of being one himself.

Many artists suffer from laziness. We just want to push our work to a tomorrow which never comes. The result is that all the lost time could have been better utilized in achieving greatness.

If you are a writer who doesn’t write, a painter who doesn’t paint then this book is for you. Stephen uses his own personal stories (which are quite hilarious) to push the message of his book to the readers. It is fascinating, intriguing and above all is very influential.

Suggested Readers: Suitable for men and women above 18 years. Recommended for aspiring artists.

#7) The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck

Written By: Mark Manson
Release Date: 13th September 2016.
Pages: 224
Buy Now: Amazon
Price: $15

This book is not for those who do not appreciate vulgarity in their prose. For the rest, however, this book is a blast from start to finish. This book tells you the truth about life as harshly as possible.

It doesn’t pull any punches when talking about serious issues of mental health and anxiety and it is all the better for it. While it is being hilarious and provocative, it doesn’t stop being what it really wants to be, which is the thought to provoke.

For some, it can be a much-needed slap on the face and for some just a good read. But, the message is clear enough i.e. You are not the center of the world, you are not important. Hence, live your life like there is no tomorrow and do things without a care in the world as you will die anyway.

It teaches you to stay strong in the face of your worst adversities and come out winning excellently.

Suggested Readers: Strictly recommended for mature readers only.

#8) Girl, Wash Your Face

Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing The Lies About Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant To Be

Written By: Rachel Hollis
Release Date: 6th February 2018.
Pages: 240
Buy Now: Amazon
Price: $13

Isn’t it weird to feel like everybody has moved past you, while you remain stuck in your comfort zone? Well, in this book, Rachel Hollis – an entrepreneur and mother of 4 explores the lies that people tell themselves and how to debunk them.

Negative thoughts like, ‘maybe this is it for me’ or ‘ I will never amount to anything more than I am now’ have plagued the minds of many aspiring entrepreneurs.

Rachel herself went through that phase until she finally realized that these are all lies that are stopping her from achieving true greatness. She doesn’t shy away from detailing her own messy lifestyle until she was able to conquer her thoughts and win.

Rachel’s story is so inspirational and it will force you to get off your seats and get the job done. If Rachel Hollis can be a mother of four children and run a popular lifestyle company then what is stopping you?

Suggested Readers: Recommended for aspiring female entrepreneurs.

#9) How To Win Friends & Influence People

Written By: Dale Carnegie
Release Date: 1st October 1998.
Pages: 288
Buy Now: Amazon
Price: $12

Dale Carnegie is a genius. The oldest book on this list is still one of the most influential books in the Self-help market. The title How to Win Friends and Influence People could very well be a title that is much suited for a rom-com.

However, the book with a catchy moniker holds a message which remains timeless forever. Dale in his teaching years was intrigued by the human personality and has dedicated his life to learning how the human personality works and how it can be manipulated to your advantage.

Don’t worry; the book doesn’t chronicle nefarious ways by which you can control people. It is just a testament on how to be your best self. It concerns itself with how you can be a better human being yourself by simply understanding the other human being.

By the end of it, you might become a better employee, a better boss, a better friend or a better husband. Written originally in the 1920s, its multiple editions over the years prove why this title is still one of the best Self-help books to ever grace a bookshelf.

Suggested Readers: Recommended for individuals interested in improving their societal status. Suitable for men and women of all ages.

Self-Help Books In A Nutshell

Humans will always have problems which they’ll have to deal with. It is just the natural course of our lives. However, self-help books over the years have proven themselves to be worthy companions to us during tough situations in life.

They motivate us to get our life together. They have the power to shape our ideologies and they have the strength to influence our personalities.

To many, these books have substituted religion and rightfully so. Given the strong numbers these books still pull in the age of visual entertainment, and there should be no doubt in our minds to state that they are here to stay.

I hope these Self-Help books would help you achieve greater heights!!