There are many thousands of self-help and personal development books to choose from, so where to start? We’ve picked through – oh so many – and are pleased to present our top 20
1. The Total Money Makeover
Author: Dave Ramsey
Do you want to transform your sad and skinny little bank account into a bulked-up cash machine? Then get with the program, people. There s one sure way to whip your finances into shape, and that’s with The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition. By now, you’ve heard all the nutty get-rich-quick schemes, the fiscal diet fads that leave you with a lot of kooky ideas but not a penny in your pocket. Hey, if you’re tired of the lies and sick of the false promises, take a look at this it’s the simplest, most straightforward game plan for completely making over your money habits.
2. The Sixty-Second Motivator
Author: Jim Johnson
Based entirely on research from peer-reviewed journals and randomized controlled trials, The Sixty-Second Motivator is an easily read story that reveals practical motivational techniques. In less than 100 pages, readers will have the necessary tools to enable them to motivate themselves or others. A handy worksheet is also included which guides the reader through the motivational process.
3. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Author: Stephen R. Covey
In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey presents a holistic, integrated, principle-centred approach for solving personal and professional problems. With penetrating insights and pointed anecdotes, Covey reveals a step-by-step pathway for living with fairness, integrity, honesty and human dignity – principles that give us the security to adapt to change, and the wisdom and power to take advantage of the opportunities that change creates.
4. Learned Optimism
Author: Martin E.P Seligman
Known as the father of the science of positive psychology, Martin E.P. Seligman draws on more than twenty years of clinical research to demonstrate how optimism enhances the quality of life, and how anyone can learn to practice it. Learned Optimism Offers many simple techniques. Dr. Seligman explains how to break an ‘I give up’ habit, develop a more constructive explanatory style for interpreting your behaviour, and experience the benefits of a more positive interior dialogue.
5. Emotional Intelligence
Author: Daniel Goleman
The groundbreaking bestseller that redefines intelligence and success Does IQ define our destiny? In Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Goleman argues that our view of human intelligence is far too narrow, and that our emotions play major role in thought, decision making and individual success. Self-awareness, impulse control, persistence, motivation, empathy and social deftness are all qualities that mark people who excel: whose relationships flourish, who are stars in the workplace.
6. The Power of Positive Thinking
Author: Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
The phenomenal and inspiring bestseller by the father of positive thinking. The Power of Positive Thinking is a practical, direct-action application of spiritual techniques to overcome defeat and win confidence, success and joy. Norman Vincent Peale, the father of positive thinking and one of the most widely read inspirational writers of all time, shares his famous formula of faith and optimism which millions of people have taken as their own simple and effective philosophy of living.
7. As a Man Thinketh
Author: James Allen
As a Man Thinketh is a literary essay by James Allen, published in 1903. It was described by Allen as “… dealing with the power of thought, and particularly with the use and application of thought to happy and beautiful issues. Allen has tried to make the book simple, so that all can easily grasp and follow its teaching, and put into practice the methods which it advises.
8. The Road Less Traveled
Author: M. Scott Peck
In The Road Less Traveled and drawing heavily on his own professional experience, leading psychiatrist Dr M. Scott Peck suggests ways in which facing our difficulties – and suffering through the changes – can enable us to reach a higher level of self-understanding.
9. 59 Seconds: Think a Little, Change a Lot
Author: Richard Wiseman
In 59 Seconds: Think a Little, Change a Lot, psychologist Richard Wiseman is on hand to provide fast-acting, myth-busting scientific answers to a huge range of everyday problems. From job-hunting to relationships, and from parenting to self-esteem, personal and professional success may be less than a minute away.
10. Think and Grow Rich
Author: Napoleon Hill
Think and Grow Rich reveals the money-making secrets of hundreds of America’s most affluent people. By thinking like them, you can become like them.
11. Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway
Author: Susan Jeffers
Internationally renowned author Susan Jeffers has helped millions of people overcome their fears and heal the pain in their lives with her simple but profound advice. Whatever your anxieties, Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway will give you the insight and tools to vastly improve your ability to handle any given situati
12. Awaken the Giant Within
Author: Anthony Robbins
Are you in charge of your life? Or are you being swept away by things that are seemingly out of your control? In Awaken the Giant Within, Anthony Robbins, shows the reader how to take immediate control of their mental, emotional, physical and financial destiny.
13. Life Was Never Meant To Be a Struggle
Author: Stuart Wilde
Stuart helps you identify the cause of struggle in your life and shows you how to eliminate it quickly. Your heritage is to be free because Life Was Never Meant to Be a Struggle. To achieve that freedom, you have to move gradually from struggle into free FLOW.
14. The Millionaire Mindset
Author: Gerry Robert
Why is it that when some poor soul wins the lottery, he is often right back in the poor house within 10 years? It’s because he never changed his thinking. He never acquired a Millionaire Mindset. The Millionaire Mindset reveals how you can finally break the cycle of poverty consciousness and take control of your life.
15. Rich Dad Poor Dad
Author: Robert T. Kiyosaki
Rich Dad Poor Dad is Robert’s story of growing up with two dads — his real father and the father of his best friend, his rich dad — and the ways in which both men shaped his thoughts about money and investing. The book explodes the myth that you need to earn a high income to be rich and explains the difference between working for money and having your money work for you.
16. The Master Key System
Author: Charles F. Haanel
In The Master Key System you will find a twenty four lesson program that, when followed, realizes tremendous results. This is your guide to unleashing the power of the Law of Attraction in your life. You will be amazed at how easily you will change your life with the help of this masterpiece. Join the millions of people who have already found this secret.
17. Your Best Life Now
Author: Joel Osteen
In this accessible, thought-provoking guide, bestselling author Joel Osteen provides a clear and effective 7-step guide showing you how to be the person you always wanted to be. In Your Best Life Now, Joel’s down-to-earth, life coaching style will take you on a journey to accomplish what’s truly important, and you will find yourself with a new strength of mind and purpose.
18. Getting Things Done
Author: David Allen
Is your workload overwhelming? Does it just keep mounting up while your stress levels reach fever pitch? In Getting Things Done David Allen teaches you how to keep a clear head, relax and organise your thoughts while implementing the methods that he has introduced at organisations like Microsoft, Lockheed and the US Department of Justice: Learn the ‘do it, delegate it, defer it, drop it’ principle to empty your in-tray.
19. Developing the Leader within You
Author: John C. Maxwell
In this new, 2.0 edition of his now-classic work, John C. Maxwell reveals how to develop the vision, value, influence, and motivation that are the trademarks of successful leaders. Twenty-five years ago, John Maxwell published Developing the Leader Within You, a book that transformed how we think about leadership.
20. Better than Good
Author: Zig Ziglar
He has spent his life helping other people to realize their dreams and experience maximum success. Now comes Zig Ziglar’s high-impact work entitled Better Than Good calls you to the passion, purpose, and practical tools that can ignite the peak performance you long for.
See also:
How to unlock your true potential
How to balance your life goals
Test your positive thinking