The concept of personal development has come a long way in recent years. And with it, the promise of even more personal development books.
Why the change?
I think a lot of it has to do with how the world has progressed. With how people have become more comfortable talking about their emotions, shortcomings, and aspirations. When I was a kid, I remember the genre of self-improvement had a certain connotation to it.
Kind of like when someone would say – “Oh her? She’s in therapy, you know.”
Like there was some sort of judgment placed on people trying to become better versions of themselves. But it seems that with time, those judgments have lessened a great deal. People are much more open about bettering themselves and doing so in a public way.
For instance, now when someone’s running late for lunch with a friend, you’ll hear them casually mention – “Sorry I’m late. I was in a meeting with my psychologist.” You’ll look around and see people carrying books with loud self-improvement-esque titles like The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson.
Must read self help books
At least, that’s how things are for me in California – which comes with its own set of biases. But from my perspective, it’s that willingness to share and improve that has led to a comfort around self improvement.
Which is great!
Because personal development books are awesome and knowing that you are here, embracing them, seeking them out, means that you are willing to change your life for the better. So congrats to you for wanting to change your life.
Seriously. That sounded sarcastic but I’m being sincere.
So many people go through life unquestioning. They drive 45 minutes to the same dead-end job. Sit down at their same boring desk. Eat the same tuna fish salad for lunch. Drive the same 45 minutes home to their disorganized house. Eat the same leftover pizza that they had the night before.
And then wake up to repeat the same thing the next day.
That’s life for many people. But not you.
You are looking to make a change. To set your course in a different direction. And with this post, you will gain resources to make that happen.
Not just nonfiction
When you consider what makes a personal development book powerful, you come to realize that all books are personal development books in some way. Because each book comes with lessons – whether you actively look for them or not.
- Themes
- Narratives
- Takeaways
It doesn’t have to just be nonfiction. Some of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned have come from fictional stories.
So as you navigate through this list, know that the information you seek can arrive in many different forms. I’ll recommend classic personal development books but also some less obvious novels that you can use to enhance your life. Which brings me to my next point…
Look, I know you’re reading this right now because you want to uncover “the best personal development book of all-time.” You know… the one that will finally change your life for the better. But please, allow me to temper your expectations.
No book is going to dramatically change your life unless you let it. It’s one thing to consume a book and an entirely different thing to put those lessons into action.
If you really want to change your life, then, you need to implement what you read.
- Take notes
- Plan out what actions you will take
- And then follow through with those actions
With each book, you must go in with an open mind. Or at the very least, go in with a balanced perspective. Before I buy any book, I make sure to read the reviews.
But not just positive reviews or negative reviews.
Follow this practice
I read five positive reviews, five negative reviews, and then five three-star reviews so that I can get a clear perspective from all parties. Normally the five-star reviewers LOVED the book for certain reasons and the one-star reviewers HATED it for some other reason.
The three-star reviewers often bring it all together by touching on both the high and low points. From there, I feel confident about whether the book will prove valuable and I’ll make my buying decision at that point.
I recommend you follow a similar practice.
Next, when you buy a book and start reading it, don’t expect it to be a game-changer.
Instead, anticipate gaining one, maybe two lessons from the entire thing and if you get more than that, be pleasantly surprised. I read a lot and have only come across a handful of books that have had more than a couple big takeaways.
Most personal development books, or really any book for that matter, will change your life in small increments. With continued reading though, those increments become larger and larger until you look back one day and witness just how much you’ve grown.
The best books for personal growth may not actually be “the best”
When anyone recommends a book to you, myself included, you need to know that… you may absolutely hate it. It’s true. I may recommend a book below that sounds good to you in the moment, but after reading it, you may be annoyed.
You may feel like you wasted your time reading it.
Like you wish you could get those two weeks back. Or that you could find me and throw the book at my face because you disliked it so much.
I get it. I’ve been there.
I just recently went through that with a friend that recommended a book to me. They meant well, but the book didn’t connect to my life in that moment at all. It was an absolute waste of time. I should’ve put it down as soon as I realized it was a dud, but I wanted to keep going for the sake of my friend.
That just made me hate it even more though.
I finished the book, begrudgingly, but will be sure to do more research the next time anyone recommends a book to me that “changed their life.” And, if deemed not a fit, I will be strong and will awkwardly tell the friend that it’s not a good match at the moment. It will be uncomfortable, but hopefully, they will respect the honesty.
*Note: Just because that book was the worst doesn’t mean I’m not still constantly on the lookout for books that people have found especially valuable. Because I am.
Relevancy-based objects
Here’s what you need to take away from my story… books have to hit you at just the right moment. Maybe you get a book that’s meant for a beginner when you’re already advanced. Maybe you buy a book that’s extremely technical even though you’ve yet to learn the basics.
Books are relevancy-based objects.
If the book you are reading isn’t relevant to your life in that moment, it’s not going to be a good fit. When you realize that, you’re better off moving on than wasting your time trying to force it (a lesson I continue to learn the hard way).
So as you navigate through this list of personal development books, keep that in mind. If one of my recommendations doesn’t resonate with you, scroll to the next one.
There’s no pressure.
That said, for each book below, I’ve tried to give you as much information as possible so that you can make an informed decision (without spoiling anything). You’ll notice that each book recommendation follows a similar format:
- Title
- Book cover
- Author
- Type: Fiction or Nonfiction
- The format that I completed it in: Physical book or Audiobook
- Suggested experience level: Beginner*, Intermediate**, or Advanced***
- A summary
- Why I found this book valuable
- And links to purchase
*Beginner means that the book is good for someone that is new to that topic/genre.
**Intermediate means the book is likely a good fit if you already have some familiarity with that topic/genre.
***Advanced means that the book is a good fit for you only if you already know a great deal about or are comfortable with that topic/genre.
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Top ten personal development books
Like I mentioned above, I read a great deal. And as someone, like you, who is also on a journey of personal development, I want to share the books that have made a powerful impact on my life. Books that have changed the way I do things for the better.
Now, this list isn’t the only books I recommend. There are so many books out there. So many genres, titles new and old, so many things I have yet to read.
So know that this list is in no way the final list or that I’m excluding any particular book. This is just a list of personal development books that have made a difference in my life. Sure, there are probably some I’ll forget to include.
Or others that I’ll read later on that I’ll want to add in.
And that’s all fine. Don’t worry about that. Just know that the following books have helped me and, I hope, they will help you as well.
From slow reader to speed reader
By the way, as I mentioned, these are all books that I have personally read and enjoyed. For that reason, I feel comfortable using affiliate links to promote them. It doesn’t affect the pricing of the book in any capacity. It just means that if you make a purchase using that link, I’ll receive a small commission for it.
But again, these are all books that I love and highly recommend.
Oh yes, and one final thing I want to touch on.
If you’re skeptical in any way about reading because you are “a slow reader”, take solace in the fact that until recently, I too was a slow reader. If you want to learn how I increased the amount I consume and have since read more this year than ever before, check out this post. And if you’re curious, you can see every book that I’ve read this year right here.
*Note: If you’re really serious about improving your life, you need to have goals. If you’ve struggled with goal setting in the past or are looking to get started with them now, check out my goal success course here.
Best personal development books of all time
- The 4-Hour Workweek
- How to Be a Power Connector
- A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
- Failing Forward
- How To Win Friends and Influence People
- Principles
- The Fountainhead
- The Richest Man in Babylon
- Getting Things Done
- Think and Grow Rich
1. Personal development books: The 4-Hour Workweek
Book details
- Author: Tim Ferriss
- Type: Nonfiction
- The format that I completed it in: Physical book
- Suggested experience level: Beginner
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
Book summary
In this book, author Tim Ferriss explains that many of us are rule followers. We tolerate our jobs until sixty-five, retire, and use our few remaining years to “start living the good life.” That notion is outdated and in Tim Ferriss’, The 4-Hour Workweek, he shows you how to work less, earn more, and create your ideal lifestyle.
He breaks down the material into four main sections that spell out DEAL:
- D – Define your ideal life
- E – Eliminate the unnecessary
- A – Automate the repetitive
- L – Liberate yourself and enjoy your new life
Many of the software applications he mentions are long since outdated but the principles he teaches are timeless. If you want to break free of traditional corporate life and own your time, read this book. It’s by far one of the best self development books you can spend your time on.
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
Why I found this personal development book valuable
This is one of my absolute favorite personal development books by far. At the time, and actually, since reading it, I’ve never read a book that so perfectly spoke to the core of my beliefs as this one did; spoke to how you don’t need to be stuck in a job you hate or live a life of mediocrity.
You can live a different life. A unique life.
And you don’t have to give up money or your material possessions to make it happen. Ferriss essentially teaches you how to create an automated, scalable business that allows you to earn money while not wasting your life away.
Unlike many personal development books that are generic and don’t offer much specificity, Ferriss goes into the actual how of making that business, and your ideal life, a reality.
Now, I know the title of this book feels a little… umm… well… you know… but get past it and give this one a read. It may just change your life – if you let it.
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
2. Personal development books: How to Be a Power Connector
Book details
- Author: Judy Robinett
- Type: Nonfiction
- The format that I completed it in: Audiobook
- Suggested experience level: Beginner
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
Book summary
In How to Be a Power Connector, author Judy Robinett gives you a detailed system for managing relationships. In it, she explains how to create a list of your entire network, how to organize them in an effective manner, and how often to reach out to them (plus, what to say when you do).
Her philosophy is all about adding value to your connections. In other words, helping as many people as you can while asking for little to nothing in return.
She goes onto explain how to create a system of your top 155 people through her 5+50+100 formula.
With time, she argues, as you build more relationships and help more people, eventually the efforts of your giving will be rewarded in the residual help you gain on the back end. It’s a long-term strategy but is one that she personally lives and flourishes from.
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
Why I found this personal development book valuable
Relationships are always something I’ve struggled with. Creating new ones, maintaining existing ones, introducing new friends to old. Never been a strength. Why? Well, I’ve noticed that by default I am a creature of convenience. Meaning that I tend to:
- Be “best friends” with whoever I live with.
- Spend time with whoever I live close to.
- And completely forget people that don’t live nearby.
It’s always been something I wanted to fix though. And that’s why I found this book to be so incredibly valuable. Because Robinett provides a detailed breakdown of how to address those problems I just mentioned. She explains what to do, why to do it, and when you should (and should not).
After reading her book, I created an entire system for myself that has allowed me to talk with people that I’ve not spoken to in years. I’ve met people that I never would have had the confidence or know-how to engage with before this book.
Plus, I’ve strengthened my current relationships even more.
Now, I know what you’re thinking… this title sounds… pretty “salesly.” Like it’s for aspiring telemarketers or people who rent sports cars for the sole purpose of taking pictures in them for Instagram. But, like I mentioned with The 4-Hour Workweek, ignore the title, go in with an open mind, and follow the extremely useful lessons of this book.
This is one of the top self help books that I’ve come across.
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
3. Personal development books: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Book details
- Author: Betty Smith
- Type: Fiction
- The format that I completed it in: Audiobook
- Suggested experience level: Beginner
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
Book summary
This powerful story follows an impoverished family in the early 1900s as they try to navigate through life in Brooklyn. The arc follows a young Francie Nolan as she grows up and learns about herself and the world she lives in.
Through the struggles of getting enough to eat, to the little enjoyments of getting a Christmas tree, this story is one of humanity. Of one’s ability to persist, to live and push onward, even through difficult times.
This book was surely not written as a personal development book, but when you read through it you’ll see why I rank it here as one of my favorite books for self improvement.
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
Why I found this personal development book valuable
While this is a fictional book and doesn’t carry the step-by-step lessons of a traditional personal development book, I consider A Tree Grows in Brooklyn to be one of the best books for self development.
This book changed my perspective on many things. On just how powerful getting an education is, on how important reading is, on how challenging life can be – even when working your absolute hardest. When I read something that changes how I view life, it immediately registers as something substantial.
And this novel did just that. I highly recommend it.
By the way, I listened to the audiobook version and would recommend you go with that too over the physical version; the narrator does a fantastic job with the various accents and inflections and it makes the story that much more engaging.
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
4. Personal development books: Failing Forward
Book details
- Author: John C. Maxwell
- Type: Nonfiction
- The format that I completed it in: Audiobook
- Suggested experience level: Intermediate
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
Book summary
Topping the list of motivational books, Failing Forward teaches that failure is an indication that you are making progress.
Author John C. Maxwell goes on to explain that failure is an inside job. That the difference between the average person and the one that achieves greatness is how they view and respond to setbacks.
This book provides anecdotes from real people that have “failed” in the past and what they did to get through it. It also provides detailed instructions as to what you can do when you inevitably encounter hard times.
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
Why I found this personal development book valuable
I have failed a lot. Businesses I’ve started in the past have swiftly died. Goals I set out to accomplish over the years didn’t turn out the way I hoped. I’ve come up short over and over and over again.
In fact, at the time of this writing, I’m going through a very new, very fresh failure related to my business that hurts to think about.
So when I went through Failing Forward, it made me feel so much better. From the real-life examples the author provides that completely spoke to my current struggles, to the specific exercises he recommends, this book gave me the encouraging (and actionable) talk that I desperately needed.
That said, DON’T READ THIS BOOK if your life is perfect right now.
If things are going well for you at this moment, you will not find this book particularly inspiring. BUT, if you are currently struggling with something, if you took a big swing and missed terribly, I can’t recommend this one enough as far as self improvement books go.
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
5. Personal development books: How To Win Friends and Influence People
Book details
- Author: Dale Carnegie
- Type: Nonfiction
- The format that I completed it in: Physical book
- Suggested experience level: Beginner
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
Book summary
Released in 1936, How to Win Friends and Influence People has sold more than 15 million copies and is one of the best personal growth books written to date. It’s a timeless text that proves that people still want the same thing they have always wanted – friends and influence.
Carnegie’s language in his book serves this purpose well.
The techniques described are easy and natural to apply. They are simple to follow and entirely doable. This is a classic self-help book that will undoubtedly help you build your self-esteem, become a better communicator, and connect with people like never before.
How to Win Friends and Influence People is one of the most well-regarded and best personal growth books available today.
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
Why I found this personal development book valuable
I read this book many years ago while in college. And to be totally honest, a lot of the lessons behind this book don’t stand out as vividly as they used to. Yet, I know that the teachings I gained from Carnegie’s book have laid the foundation for how I interact with people today.
It reminds me of a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson in which he says, “I cannot remember the books I’ve read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me.”
This is one of those times. And because of that, I highly recommend this as one of the best personal development books.
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
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6. Personal development books: Principles
Book details
- Author: Ray Dalio
- Type: Nonfiction
- The format that I completed it in: Physical book
- Suggested experience level: Intermediate
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
Book summary
Ray Dalio is an incredibly successful investor that has distilled his many years of learning into this powerful book. Don’t worry though, Principles isn’t about investing or entrepreneurship, although it does touch on those areas.
At its core, Principles is about how to be successful in whatever you do. How to apply the lessons that Dalio has learned over the years to your own life.
And that’s what he has successfully done in this book; making it one of the best books on self development.
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
Why I found this personal development book valuable
This book is on my list of the top 10 self help books for a specific reason – Ray Dalio is incredibly good at what he does and in Principles, he shares what he knows. It’s strange… I always assumed that people at the top, those in the high echelons of wealth, had some secret.
Some formula or key that ordinary people were unable to attain.
But in this book, Dalio shows that he is just a human with regular worries and struggles. What’s fascinating, though, is how he uses those struggles to create systems that propel him forward into greatness.
Principles literally breaks down those systems.
From how ideas are able to thrive in his organization, to whose advice to listen to (and whose to ignore), this book is filled with tested, well-thought-out ideas that anyone will find useful.
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
7. Personal development books: The Fountainhead
Book details
- Author: Ayn Rand
- Type: Fiction
- The format that I completed it in: Physical book
- Suggested experience level: Advanced
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
Book summary
This novel takes place in what seems like an incredibly dull environment – the architecture industry. More specifically, around those that design buildings and the editorials that report on them.
Within that dry landscape though is a fascinating story.
One of undying integrity and those that try to corrupt it. Of those that have taken easier paths in life while forsaking their dreams, and of those that stick with it even when they are without hope.
Be forewarned. This is a massive novel that will take you some time to work through. It’s worth it though.
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
Why I found this personal development book valuable
First and foremost, this book isn’t perfect. It’s had its critics over the years. However, I have yet to read a book that so perfectly encapsulates what it means to have integrity as Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead.
This book made me question what I do and why I do it – in the best possible way.
It forced me to ask hard questions of myself and, in turn, helped ensure that the path I’m on is the right one for me. And yes, this is fiction, but regardless, I consider it to be one of the absolute best books on personal development that you could read.
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
8. Personal development books: The Richest Man in Babylon
Book details
- Author: George S. Clason
- Type: Fiction
- The format that I completed it in: Physical book
- Suggested experience level: Beginner
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
Book summary
In quite possibly one of the best self improvement books of all time, Clason explains that the richest man in Babylon didn’t make his fortune by spending more than he could afford.
He became rich by setting aside money and investing it.
He took a portion of his income and allotted it in ways that were sure to produce more income. All of the other men in Babylon desired wealth, but, despite working tirelessly, they never had more than just enough to survive.
Clason helps you understand how money works and how to make it work for you in this entertaining fictional story.
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
Why I found this personal development book valuable
This is one of the best books for personal development – especially when it comes to your personal finances. This book, like so many others, found me at a good time.
And while many of the lessons that I encountered weren’t entirely new (the curse of reading a lot), I found this book and the way it was told in a fictional-format, to be helpful and refreshing. It served as a powerful reminder as to the things I should (and should not) be doing when it comes to my finances.
If you’re looking for a personal development book that teaches you how to manage your money while enjoying a good story, this is one of the best books for self improvement to read.
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
9. Personal development books: Getting Things Done
Book details
- Author: David Allen
- Type: Nonfiction
- The format that I completed it in: Audiobook
- Suggested experience level: Beginner
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
Book summary
In David Allen’s book, Getting Things Done, he shares his proven system for, you guessed it, getting things done. What’s great about Allen’s book is that he does a deep dive. He doesn’t speak in generalities or vague ideas.
No.
He says – Here’s exactly what to do. And he does that each step of the way. From the initial introduction of productivity, up through how to create a system of your own, Allen gives you specific directions.
This is one of those personal growth books that I recommend to anyone with an interest in being more productive.
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
Why I found this personal development book valuable
First, Allen has a lot of list examples in this work. But even though I listened to the audiobook version of Getting Things Done, I found this book to be easy to follow and actionable.
Not only that, but as someone that:
- Writes about
- Talks about
- And teaches others how to be productive
I got a great deal of value out of this book. Which I was honestly surprised by.
This is going to sound arrogant, but at this point I don’t expect to gain a lot out of productivity books – simply because I’ve already read a great number in that genre.
I was pleasantly surprised though when, after going through this book, I actually had a solid amount of notes and takeaways. In fact, many of the things I learned in Getting Things Done are now part of my current productivity system.
So while this book is essentially productivity 101, don’t think it’s going to be boring or generic. If I was able to get something out of it, you probably will too. And it’s for that reason that I recommend it so highly as one of the best self improvement books to read.
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
10. Personal development books: Think and Grow Rich
Book details
- Author: Napoleon Hill
- Type: Nonfiction
- The format that I completed it in: Physical book
- Suggested experience level: Beginner
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
Book summary
In this classic personal development book, author Napoleon Hill explores the lessons he learned after interviewing some of the most successful people of his time. People like:
- Thomas Edison
- Andrew Carnegie
- Henry Ford
- And more
Both motivational and action-inspiring, Think and Grow Rich will change the way you view success… for the better.
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
Why I found this personal development book valuable
Remember what I was saying about The Richest Man in Babylon? How many of the lessons weren’t entirely new because I had already read a great deal on the topic? Well, this is one of those best books on personal development that I read.
One that laid the foundation for how I view wealth and one that made every other book on the topic seem lame in comparison.
Now, this is one of those books, like How to Win Friends and Influence People, that I read a long time ago. Where the chapters don’t stand out as strong in my memory when I think back on it. Yet I know that this book changed the way I do things. Changed the way I think of things. Of how I observe things.
Think and Grow Rich made me feel like anything was possible.
But not just in terms of accumulating wealth. More like I could attain whatever desire I chose to pursue. This book is both uplifting and actionable. A motivational read that I recommend to anyone.
→ Get a copy of this book, here.
Best self help books – where to start?
I touched on this at the beginning of this post, but in case you’re still wondering… No. There isn’t a best place to start when it comes to the top self development books. Instead, scroll back up and see which ones stand out to you.
There are so many books out there. Don’t spend too much time contemplating where to start.
Just start.
Oh, what’s that? You still can’t decide? You really want me to recommend one? Fine, fine. I’ll tell you where I think you should begin, but just this once. If I could only recommend one book out of the entire list of self development books, I suggest The 4-Hour Workweek.
It’s inspirational, actionable, and one of my favorite books of all-time. If you’re only able to select one personal development book to read, start there.
Something better than books for personal growth
The list above is what I consider to be the best self help books of all time – from my perspective. Reading is powerful and if you want to change your life for the better, books are a great place to start. But what if you want something a little more?
Something hands-on, engaging, informative?
I have just the thing.
From my many years of goal setting, I have taken that knowledge and focused it into my goal success course. If you’ve struggled with goal setting in the past, this course is a must.
Moving forward with your personal development books
Ten books is a lot of books. Don’t let that overwhelm you though. Instead, let it motivate you! There’s an entire universe of knowledge out there, just waiting for you to absorb it. Think about how much you will grow and change for the better after reading these books.
It’s exciting, right?
So don’t panic. Just choose one of the books for self development that I listed above and start going through it.
Oh and remember, simply reading one personal development book isn’t going to change your life. Because you can read as much as you want, but nothing will happen unless you take action. You need to apply what you learn.
A book can inspire, but it’s on you to put that wisdom into play. So reflect and learn as you go, but never stop moving. Take action, apply the wisdom, and change your life for the better! Remember, only action produces results.
So read, learn, and get after it!