Top 10 Self-Help Books to Read

Self-help books are like a map and guide for reaching your dreams, even if you’re not sure how to start or lack confidence. The best ones are easy to read, motivating, and tell a story that makes their advice come alive. That’s why self-improvement books are always popular—they not only help you change your life but also make you believe that change is possible, which is often the hardest part. This list of top personal development books features authors from various backgrounds and covers a wide range of topics, from managing finances to overcoming challenges.

The Greatest Self-Help Books Of All Time

Self-help books are great for anyone looking to make positive changes in their lives. They share tips and strategies from experts who have faced similar challenges and found ways to overcome them. These books often focus on increasing self-awareness and using techniques to boost productivity and assertiveness.

So, what’s the difference between self-help books, personal growth books, and self-development books? Self-help books are a broad category that covers all kinds of advice for self-improvement. Personal growth books specifically deal with becoming more self-aware and tackling the attitudes and behaviors that hold you back. Self-development books, on the other hand, focus on the specific actions you can take to improve yourself. This list of the 10 best self-help books includes both personal growth and self-development titles.

10. Break the Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma by Mariel Buqué (2024)

“Break the Cycle” mixes scientific research, real therapy stories, and practical advice to help readers stop the cycle of trauma and pass on strength rather than pain to future generations.

If you’re interested in understanding how trauma affects the body, this book is a great choice. Written by Mariel Buqué and published by Penguin Random House, it’s a valuable read for anyone looking to make a positive change.

9. Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker (2017)

Sleep is crucial for everyone, but neuroscientist Matthew Walker says we often overlook its importance and don’t fully grasp its healing powers. In his book, he dives into why sleep is essential and how it helps our brains work at their best.

If you’re not getting enough sleep and need some motivation to change, this book is perfect for you. Matthew Walker’s Why We Sleep is published by Simon & Schuster.

8. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey (2004)

For twenty years, this book has been a bestseller, and it’s easy to see why. Stephen R. Covey shares clear, practical advice for success, like “be proactive” and “don’t play the victim.”

If you’re looking to boost your effectiveness at work or at home, this book is for you. Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is published by Simon & Schuster.

7. Lead from the Outside: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change by Stacey Abrams (2019)

Stacey Abrams is a truly inspiring leader who’s navigated the challenges of being a Black woman and a Democrat in conservative Georgia. In her book, she shares the lessons she’s learned about harnessing her passion and pushing through obstacles.

If you’ve ever felt sidelined or powerless, this book is for you. Stacey Abrams’s Lead from the Outside is published by Macmillan.

6. Get Good with Money: Ten Simple Steps to Becoming Financially Whole by Tiffany Aliche (2021)

Understanding finances is a crucial life skill, and Tiffany Aliche’s straightforward guide can really change the way you handle your money. Her bestselling book from The New York Times and Wall Street Journal lays out a simple 10-step plan to help you achieve financial security.

If you’re unsure about your money management or need a solid plan for retirement, this book is for you. Tiffany Aliche’s Get Good with Money is published by Penguin Random House.

5. Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff (2015)

Self-criticism can hold you back from everything, whether it’s advancing at work, sticking to a gym routine, or handling everyday challenges. Kristin Neff believes that practicing self-compassion, rather than just boosting self-esteem, is key to overcoming emotional struggles, whether you’re working on weight loss, aiming for a promotion, or navigating parenting.

If self-doubt is getting in your way, this book is for you. Kristin Neff’s Self-Compassion is available from HarperCollins.

4. The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down: How to Be Calm in a Busy World by Haemin Sunim (2017)

Does anyone not feel busy these days? Probably not. But being busy doesn’t mean you can’t take things slow sometimes. Haemin Sunim believes that slowing down can actually help you find spiritual strength.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your endless to-do list, this book is for you. Haemin Sunim’s The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down is available from Penguin Random House.

3. Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brené Brown (2018)

Brené Brown is a big name in the self-help world, and her books are always popular. This one might just be her best yet. It shows that real leadership isn’t about having all the answers but about seeing the potential in others and helping them bring it out.

If you want to build more empathy and lead with heart, this book is perfect for you. Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead is available from Random House.

2. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron (1992)

It’s not often that a self-help book stays relevant for so long, especially with all the new research and therapy techniques coming out. But Julia Cameron’s warm advice on kicking off your creative journey is still just as powerful today as it was over 30 years ago. She provides practical tips to help you explore your own creativity.

If you’re an aspiring artist, writer, or any kind of creative, this book is perfect for you. Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way is available from Penguin Random House.

1. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear (2018)

James Clear, who first honed his habits as a college athlete and then in his business career, breaks down how to change habits in Atomic Habits. He offers simple, clear steps for breaking bad habits and building positive ones.

This book is great for everyone because we could all benefit from changing at least one habit. You can find James Clear’s Atomic Habits from Penguin Random House.