It is safe to say that we are all unhappy with our lives to an extent, for whatever reason. And while there are definitely some things you can’t change, and where the only thing you can do is wait for better days to come by, there are those you can change. The problem is, most people don’t believe they have the ability to change their lives and make them better. The truth is, each and every one of us has that strength. All you need to do is believe in yourself, but when you feel like there isn’t any hope left, that’s easier said than done.
We would suggest that you start small, by reading quotes about change to get inspired. Also, there are plenty of books on personal development that can help you see the light at the end of the tunnel, and which can motivate you to start making your life better. We have put together a list of the best ones for you, so keep on reading.
7 Amazing Personal Development Books To Read
1. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Although the title of this book may lead you to believe that it was written for the people looking to succeed in the business world, you would only be partially right, because the lessons found in it are designed to help you improve all areas of your life, not just your finances. The lessons are organized into 13 steps which, if you follow them, will enable you to unlock your full potential and become a more successful, satisfied individual.
This author has compiled 20 years of his research into a single book. He has interviewed and rubbed shoulders with over 500 people, each successful in their own field. Even though the book was originally published almost 80 years ago, the lessons are still as relevant as ever. With over 70 million copies sold, it is truly one of the best self-improvement books out there.
2. The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss
We’ve all thought about telling our boss what we really think of him/her, and then quitting out job the same day in order to travel the world, free of any constraints. Timothy Ferriss has done all of this, and while the title of the book may be a bit exaggerated, there are tons of valuable tips and actionable advice you can use to establish a better balance between your personal and professional life.
While you may or may not be in favor of the author’s approach, which consists of outsourcing your work to freelancers and virtual assistants willing to work for low rates, some advice is pretty great, such as learning the benefits of remote working, or making your boss realize they should pay you for your results, not the number of hours you spend at the office.
3. Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen
Regardless of what you do, today’s world is moving at such a rapid pace that your work day is guaranteed to be stressful, especially if you are working in a dynamic discipline such as IT. The premise of David Allen’s book is that you need to reduce your stress levels, so that you can remain productive. And he doesn’t just write about theory. He offers ground-breaking methods you can apply in your life to stay relaxed and do your job at the same time.
Following the tips inside this book, you will learn how to prioritize tasks, plan ahead, remain focused, and stay on top of every situation. Also, you will learn how to battle your feelings of anxiety, confusion, and being constantly overwhelmed. The book offers both quick fixes you can use today, as well as core principles which will help you out in the long run.
4. How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Yet another book to read on this list that has been published almost 80 years ago, but which is considered a timeless classic when it comes to self-improvement literature. Still as relevant as ever, this book will show that every goal in your life can be achieved, no matter what. All of the advice shared in this book has been tested in real life, and has helped numerous people find fame, success, or anything else they are looking for in life.
For example, you can improve your social life by applying 6 tips designed to get people to like you. There are also 12 tips which will help you persuade people to adopt your way of thinking, as well as 9 tips on how to change people around you, without causing conflicts.
5. Who Moved My Cheese?: An A-Mazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life by Spencer Johnson
Written as a fable, this book tells a story of two mice, and two little people, living inside a maze, where they spend their days looking for cheese. All is well when they encounter a huge piece of cheese. However, they eventually eat the cheese. The mice venture further inside the maze, while the little people suspect someone has taken the cheese away from them, which causes them to dwell on it, instead of looking for more.
It’s a clever metaphor how change shouldn’t always scare us, and that is can be an opportunity for us to conquer our fears, and find out what our limits are. The book also points out how choosing security over progress hinders our professional and personal growth.
6. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
If you prefer a more relaxed and unorthodox approach to self-improvement, but one which is effective nevertheless, you will find much to like about Jen Sincero’s book. A true breath of fresh air, this book will provide you with 35 valuable lessons, tips, and practical exercises, and even stories which will have you in stitches. You will gradually learn how to accept your flaws and love them, how to believe in yourself and your abilities, and how to find energy and motivation to go through life, and take on each new challenge with enthusiasm and confidence.
7. The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
Unlike most of the self-improvement books, this one relies on actual science to tell you that one of the reasons you are not finding more success in your life is because of your poor habits. Being able to present vast amounts of data into a compelling read, Charles Duhigg tells us all about the way brain works when it comes to forming both good and bad habits, why some people seem to have an easier time adopting them, and how large corporations exploit our habits in order to make a profit for themselves. By knowing how our brains work, we can finally figure out a way to form better habits, become more productive, eat healthier, lose weight, and become happier.
Conclusion
Turning your life around is by no means an easy task, but these useful books will help you stay motivated and provide you with all the tips, suggestions, and practical exercises you need for personal development. Good luck!