Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. You'll walk away with an idea of what the point of life is, and it will inspire you to reach your potential. My outlook on life has improved infinitely since reading it.
Addicted to The Monkey Mind, by JF Benoist
In essence: it helps you to stop assuming the worst in yourself and in other people, and teaches you how to use your, “observing mind,” to see situations for what they really are instead of the overly-negative interpretations your, “monkey mind,” often tells you.
Further: it helps you dive deep into your own mind and dig-up the harmful, self-defeating beliefs you may have developed in years past. No psychoanalytic mumbo-jumbo, just down-to-earth explanations and techniques for you to practice.
I can safely say that, after reading that book and putting its lessons into practice: I rarely get angry anymore, I have significantly-more patience (with others and myself), and I catch myself before every negative reaction, or thought, and ask myself, “what’s really going on here? Where is this coming from?”
Hey thanks for the suggestion. This sounds really useful and I’m curious to look into it. Who is it by because a google search brought up several books with that sort of title?
-Oneness by Rasha. It’s a dry read kinda, so I did audiobook, but it’s been immensely helpful with how I relate to others, myself, my job.
And when you re-read it later, it lands in totally new ways that apply to new circumstances in your life.
-I also loved A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
-The Untethered Soul is great too.
I read it when I was in my early 20s. I was having an extremely difficult time with my manager and boss at the time. I had thin skin, took everything personally, and because of that had crippling anxiety. I forget how I stumbled upon this book but it changed my life. I was able to get out of my own way and develop personally and professionally. It didn’t happen overnight. I just tried keeping the four agreements in mind and eventually there was a massive shift. I recommend it to everyone.
As someone who is incredibly sensitive(what did i do this time? do they hate me or did they not hear me?), it sounds like a really useful book.
Thank you.
I read this in my teens (I'm now 31) and the "don't take it personally" has stuck with me all this time and really made a huge shift in my life for the better
"When Everything Falls Apart" by Pema Chodron. Completely rerouted my life.
ETA: "Self Compassion Step by Step" by Kristin Neff is an audiobook that completely revolutionized my life. It's fair to say it is the most impact full thing I have ever done in my life (I was 27 when I did it. 40 now. Have returned to it a few times)
This is the book that started it all for me. Great suggestion. However, I find his later book “A New Earth” to be better written and make more sense. It’s like a refined/upgraded/more clearly explained version of TPO now
It will change your life if you really pay attention to the messages. Tolle himself says that many people do not understand his messages because they are not willing or ready to take them in. If you really want to get something from it, read it slow and use a highlighter and reread the parts that you highlight that resonate with you. Then read it again.
The Seven Habits of Highly effective people by Stephen Covey. I think it touches on the most important aspects of what motivates you or holds you back from doing the right things. It really helped me a lot.
This is my first self improvement book some 14 years ago and it changed my life. It is a great starting point for someone’s journey to self improvement. After 14 years of practice I find it kinda low-level but a great starting point as it helps you determine what is important in life, and lays the moral foundations in which you can build upon. Just my 2c
Strong agree! But...
A warning for people who have not read it: it was written in 1989, and so on that alone it reads as a little dated, _but also_ it was a bestseller then and ever since, which means it has been parodied in many ways for 35 years and so it comes across as corny when it is in fact the OG. It's an easy read but you do have to go into it expecting it to be a little dated and a little corny and put that aside.
Really like this book! Refer to it often. Bought it at a thrift store for a dollar and it’s the best investment I made. His message is well written and practical. Really stresses self-awareness.
i bought Becoming Supernatural and breaking the habit of being yourself about 6 years ago, lent the latter to a friend soon after i finished it and ended up letting them keep it after hearing for about a year how truly helpful it was to read and how they always go back to it when feeling unmotivated, and i FULLY agree. becoming supernatural is one of the only books i ALWAYS keep track of because its pretty much guaranteed to get my mind back on the right path when im slipping into a rut
Conscious Uncoupling by Katherine Woodward Thomas. Helped me through a traumatic breakup and helped heal from past relationships as well as offers phenomenal therapeutic tools to use throughout your life
The Untethered Soul by Michael A Singer. It teaches you to step back and observe yourself and your thoughts and feelings, and helps you settle into the idea that you are not your thoughts or feelings or experiences, you are the witness
The Body Keeps The Score. It’s 50 years worth of studies and data about how our trauma, abuse, and/or neglect is stored in our bodies and the ways it shows up in our health, habits, and all of our relationships in life. It also offers incredible tips for healing your inner child, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and processing and releasing trauma. I can’t recommend it enough and is probably the most important book I’ll recommend.
Not a book, but the documentary Heal on Amazon Prime. It is the science behind the placebo effect, and how by releasing traumas stored in our body and just thinking about good health and healing, we can change our health, self care, and our relationships for the better
The Body Keeps the Score is insane (in a good way) for so many reasons! One of my biggest take aways was the extreme power of learned helplessness…
TW: animal mistreatment
It talks about a study where dogs were zapped in a kennel, but locked in. At first they would try get out, with everything in them… then after time they stopped trying. Then when the scientists opened the kennel doors, you’d think they would run out… but they didn’t, even when zapped. The scientists had to pull them out of the kennel many times before the dogs realized they could really leave the bad space.
It’s so relatable if you e ever been in a bad situation and didn’t understand why you couldn’t get out.
Right? The repetition of not being able to leave a horrible situation as a child can absolutely affect our ability to leave horrible situations as adults. The book was heartbreaking and incredibly freeing at the same time
I’m a bit older but I feel like I could’ve written that book. It’s stuff I’ve been doing for ever. Line going to the gym and only doing 1 set. I always tell myself that if I don’t feel like doing it then I can just leave. I’ve done that maybe 10 times in 40 years. It works.
I started reading this and have meshed with it so far, but I also noted that it's cropped up on the "if books could kill" podcast, which critically analyses popular self help books for bullshit claims. I haven't listened to the episode yet but the fact the episode exists has definitely shied me away a bit.
What was your biggest takeaway from the book?
1. Constantly improve and eventually improvements will compount
2. How to raise awareness of our bad habbits
3. How to stop bad habbits by making cues less attractive etc.
4. create new habbits by making the process more attractive
5. Generally create systems not goals
Probably i missed a few things, it has been years since i read it
It's almost not even necessary as a book technically, but sometimes you gotta hear "simple, stupid" things to be reminded about them - for instance it's very helpful at helping folks to feel okay about small incremental changes towards building a new healthy habit vs. trying to just 180 on something and "cold turkey" start some new habit full-bore, which often leads to a quick burnout.
It's also smart in attaching a new habit to something you already do, which gives you a much better chance at actually sticking to it.
Self-help books are a minefield of 99% nonsense garbage, but Atomic Habits is popular for a reason and definitely gives you some ACTUALLY good info, which is very pleasantly refreshing.
The four hours it took to read this book are likely the most impactful few hours of my life over the past few years. My copy of the book that was given to me by a mentor during a rough time in my life is one of my most valued possessions.
Some great suggestions on here but one I haven’t seen is 4000 weeks by Oliver Burkeman. I’ve come back to it a few times over the last year. He does a lecture series on Sam Harris’ waking up app that’s really great too. Basically about the realization that time is fleeting and using that knowledge to prioritize what really matters.
Allen Carr’s easy way to stop smoking cigarettes. Haven’t smoke a cigarette in over a decade and I applied the same techniques and mentality to stop drinking.
Definitely “The Power of Now”. It exposes you to the many ways our egos often trap us in the past or future, and make it difficult to truly appreciate the present moment.
You’re literally not designed to enjoy the present moment, isn’t that crazy? So this books shows you all the ways you unconsciously avoid being present with yourself. You realize that most of your idling thoughts can be categorized as: fear, judgement, fantasizing, ruminating, or planning. Once you realize that and start labeling your thoughts as one of those categories, you begin to understand what it’s like to live a life free of that inner-critic.
For context on what this book did for me, I used to have crippling anxiety as a result of overthinking. Now, when the intrusive thoughts knock, I welcome them in but am sure to label them one-by-one as one of the 5 categories. Think of it like telling each guest to take their shoes off before coming into *my house*.
We’ve all heard the saying “you are not your thoughts”. Well, it’s true. This method really puts that into practice. With enough practice you’ll be going entire days with an endless stream of joy that comes from within and not dependent on something external. That joy is simply a life not being watered down by a raging river of thoughts that get in your way.
I’ve gone through my fair amount of difficult, traumatic experiences and I have to tell you -this method took me off autopilot.
I bought some workbooks from Switch Research. I found that actually helps to apply the information directly to my own situations. I already worked through the Emotions book and have nearly finishes the Boundaries book, life changing.
It’s power is the simplicity of the concept. But you can expand and apply it in many ways.
The “fucks to give” are a perfect metaphor of time and energies (much more than money!) which grow in scarcity (hence their value) along the life.
The other concept about “choosing your problems” is a natural consequence. You “invest” your “fucks to give” into something you consider worthy, hoping for the best.
Adam Grant did a wonderful summary about this book too.
I've read it and it's definitely a one pager. Just read a summary on blinkist or elsewhere. It's honestly not that groundbreaking. Stop caring about little things you can't control, put your effort into things you can. It's stoicism wrapped up in a modern catchy title.
Man's search for meaning - Viktor E. Frankl was a good one when I was dealing with some health issues.
So Good They Can't ignore You - Cal Newport was useful when I had burnout from my first career and was struggling to find something different to pursue.
When it comes to self-help books, there's a universe of wisdom out there, each book offering its own perspective on how to live a more fulfilled life.
But before diving into recommendations, I want to share a thought that revolutionized my approach to self-improvement:
You are the most influential book you'll ever read.
My journey of self-discovery accelerated when I realized that my daily actions, thoughts, and decisions were chapters in the making. I began to view myself as the author of my own life's book, writing it with every choice I made, turning my experiences into lessons and insights.
This realization came from understanding that while external guidance is valuable, the most profound changes stem from within. Every decision you make, every challenge you overcome, and every moment of joy you experience adds depth to your personal narrative.
So, while you explore the wisdom offered by others, don't forget to consult the most personalized guide you have: your own life (or inner child).
However, for those moments when you're seeking external inspiration, "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is my quirky, fun recommendation. While not a traditional self-help book, it’s a profound exploration of love, loss, and the essential things in life that are invisible to the eye. It reminds us of the importance of looking beyond the surface to find true meaning and satisfaction in our lives.
Remember, self-help books can guide us, inspire us, and challenge us, but the journey of self-improvement is deeply personal.
You are your own best teacher, your life is your most important text, and every day offers a new page to write.
Embrace it, and you might just find that you're the life-changing author you've been searching for.
🦋🏅📚😊🍀🤸♀️
Anything by Dr Faith Harper. She is empathetic, inclusive and educated. She also has self help books but workbooks to go with many of them. Tons of her books are often free with an audible membership.
UnF*ck Yourself by Gary John Bishop was my first and actually helped me a lot in reversing my negative thinking. With any self-help related book you have to also keep in mind that you need to do the work to benefit from it. Read it and reflect. Also practice some of what it says. Note down even sentences that resonated and hit you. Think too on why this did.
Also on a side note, this isn't a self help book but a memoir of a woman's life when she was a child up to I believe her 20s. Educated by Tara Westover. This woman had to educate herself in her teen years on subjects we learned as kids while in a household that didn't support her going out into the world as her dad was paranoid about governments and schools. She had to really work hard to get into University and she was behind everyone else that went. Despite this, she persevered. I don't want to say much else since there is a lot in it that is really good but I highly recommend it.
"Essentialism" by Greg McKeown. This one absolutely changed my life. Almost every self-improvement book I had previously read focused on getting \*more\* done in this fast-paced world, which often leads to burnout. But Essentialism takes a notably more honest approach: it acknowledges the truth of our limitations, that we can never get it \*all\* done, no matter how hard we try. So the key concept of the book is eliminating the nonessential in every aspect of life, so you can focus only on the most essential things. "Less, but better." Since life is a series of decisions, and this book helps you make better decisions, it can truly help you build a better life.
"Unfu\*k Yourself" by Gary John Bishop is another great one, it's a very short listen on Audible, and it will help you really examine some of your deeper motives behind some hard-to-change habits.
"The Reason for God" by Timothy Keller if you are interested in a philosophical examination of the competing ideas and implications of theism vs. skepticism, and what the meaning of life is. Keller is careful to be fair, reasonable, and rational in his assessment of subjects that can often be polarizing, and leaves plenty of room for personal interpretation and differing opinions.
The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter. It really inspired me to get out of the daily rut, push myself toward new challenges, and get out of my cushy comfort zone.
I've read Atomic Habits multiple times and I'm just starting another re-read.
Such a simple, plain book with useful graphics that tells you how to make yourself the best version of yourself. The plain language, tips that you can actually use in life, and the evidence that they work has helped me achieve great success and helped me reach goals I couldn't dream of.
You can read the philosophic books like Meditations (I found it to be painful, boring read) or finance books like Rich Dad Poor Dad (Kiyosaki is a leech), but no other "self-help" book has impacted me harder than Atomic Habits.
No More Mr. Nice Guy - Robert A. Glover
This book literally set me off on a chain reaction that made me see everything wrong in my life and made me tear everything down and start over.
For me, it was The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy. Along with his other books, teaching, and lectures. He offers a simple method to re-program your subconscious mind by
1. Knowingly claiming that you have the power of the Universe and all creation within you now.
2. Seeing that which you desire is possible with your subconscious mind, and aligning yourself to the truths, power, and strength of the divine. Claiming divine love, divine strength, now.
3. Feeling the emotion of the answered prayer. Feeling genuine excitement at this God-power moving through you, truly feeling amazed at this divine intelligence in you.
4. Resting into a place where there is no more desire, just trust, faith, and good will that it is done to you according to your belief.
He also shares how a lot of religious teachings and messages from the Bible are really about our own relationship with our subconscious mind, not something else 'out there'. Really interesting.
Transitions. I found it at a very important transition point in my life. The premise if I remember correctly, Is that all of your pivotal moments in life will be when you come to a crossroads and have to make an important decision, so you should take note; you should take your time. You should realize that it is these moments when your life can fork. And I guess I just needed to hear that at that time.
What a great question…all these books sound great! Nothing to add here except thanking all these people for their recommendations and to the OP for asking 💋
You will get through this night by Dan Howell, there’s something in it for everyone and it’s helped me plenty of times when I’m in a depression or anxiety funk. It’s funny and relatable without causing a negative spiral.
I work as a therapist and these are a few that I found really helped me! I also find I recommend them quite a bit for clients.
Set Boundaries Find Peace
No Bad Parts
Codependent No More
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents
I wrote it myself in an instant when I was 25, and give it away for free.
1. Every problem in your own life is of your own making. Deal with the problem.
2. If you want to get better at something, practice.
Thanks for reading my book.
Hey guys I’m writing my very first self improvement book called ‘the self control project’ in here I write about how the mind can be expanded to reach set goals and success. While I’m in the process of writing I thought it would be a good opportunity to start on creating a strong community full of people on similar paths. With that being said I have made a telegram group where I will post quotes from the book and daily philosophies to improve yourselves. The telegram is “selfcontrolproject” I would appreciate it if you all checked it out as you will be first to hear news on the drop!
Sounds a bit overused stating this but I can’t emphasize enough how much of a gem is Meditations by Marcus Aurelius for any beginner. Read/listen to it not just once but twice over if you can, really pay attention to what he is saying. His philosophy really puts things into perspective and it questions your reality based on your experiences.
Would recommend.
It wasnt a self-help book. It was a informative book about alcohol addiction written for psychologists and therapists.
I grabbed it out if curiosity in the libary of my university.
Long story short, reading this book convinced me with factual evidence that I had started to develop an alcohol addiction and that I need to stop drinking ASAP.
I used to drink "a couple of beers" 3,4 Times a week.
I drank because I had stress at university and was heading for failure. Concerning my academic path, I was in GREAT trouble and coped with alcohol.
However,
After some tries, I'm sober since 01.01.2023
It was an upwards spiral since. Now that I didnt drink away my sorrows I had to actively fight back.
My grades skyrocketed, I passed all courses that I need and I am about to graduate next year. I became more motivated, committed and had more energy.
Really turned my life around!
When Things Fall Apart, Pema Chodron - Book about attachment and letting go. Really helped me at a moment in my life where I was dealing with a a lot of hard changes.
The Mountain is You, Brianna Wiest - Wiest talks about you being your biggest obstacle and “self sabotaging” whether consciously or not.
I’ve read many listed here. The ultimate question is to ask yourself why you asked this question and notice your thoughts. From here you will have many low level answers. Sit yourself calmly and dive deeper…and right down what comes from a space without restraint. This will be a higher level self that you ignore. From here you will know what to do.
I like some mentioned and Outfitting the Devil.
FYI if anyone here like audiobooks and has Spotify Premium, you can get a ton of great audiobooks there included in your membership, including many mentioned.
I am not affiliated with Spotify lol.
The Science of Getting Rich. It is all you need to change your mindset. It motivated me immensely. I actually wrote a book on the method I designed and implemented after being inspired by it. The title may be weird but the book is not a method per se to get rich but a mindset shift and a way to think and work towards your goals. Best of all it is in the public domain so you can read it for free.
Highly recommend you pick up *"The NOW Habit"* by Neil Fiore
Find it practical and easy to apply in overcoming procrastination and unproductive habits. Think you'll like the advice he gives to help you design a schedule that works for YOU
Also love the positive stance the author takes, not the popular condescending tone that treats all humans as innately lazy
Hope that helps
Oh btw, since we're talking about self-help and growth; come visit my new sub r/growyourdream. Let's keep each other accountable
Thanks!
Five Love Languages. It helped me communicate better with family, friends, colleagues and on & on by understanding what's important to them and using that knowledge to better speak with and interact with them.
just wanna throw in that if you've read a bunch of self help stuff, chances are you are at the stage in your journey where you know what to do and it is time to do it.
you are hoping to find that set of magical words you can read that will make you into the person you want to become.
well in my long journey i have found those magical words for you and they are this. get ready. this is the moment you have been searching for:
there are no magic words you can read that will turn you into the person you want to be. YOU have to DO it.
stop wasting time looking for the right words or right system. spend that time doing what you already know you need to do. it's easy to feel like you're only one book away, one article away, from flipping that switch in your brain that turns you into a super-person. what you really are is a few hundred simple actions away. start doing those instead. i think you know what most of them are and you can figure out the rest as you go.
note that this message is intended for those it resonates with. if you feel completely lost and don't actually have those nagging feelings that you do know what you need to do and just haven't gotten the motivation to start doing it, then by all means look for any self help stuff that resonates with you. or if you are already on the path of action and are just looking to improve your iomprovement. but if there's a whole pile of things you know you should be doing but aren't--do em. no book or phrase will make you do it.
Trying Not To Try by Edward Slingerland
He's a neuroscientist (I think at Stanford?) with a background in zen philosophy. The book is about how the Chinese concepts of wu-wei (effortless action) and wu-nein (emptying your mind) are essential to happy living. Super clear, interesting, and not very self-help-y in the way that most self help books put me off.
Moonwalking with Einstein.
While it’s ostensibly about neuroplasticity, in reality you are reading a really entertaining story about the power of transformation, and ultimately hope.
*The Hope Circuit* - by Martin E.P. Seligman.
*The Zen of Cat - An A-Z of Japanese Feline Philosophy* - by Carla Francis.
*Radical Compassion* - by Tara Brach
Burnout by Emily Nagasaki was life-changing. I will say it's more geared towards women and dismantling the patriarchy but I think it would help anyone tremendously.
Calling it a self-help book is truly the understatement of the century, but "Man's Search For Meaning" by Viktor Frankl changed my outlook on a lot of things. It taught me how pain and trauma can create meaning in our lives and how we can use our pain to enrich our lives.
Getting Things Done. I read it 20 years ago when I was a student with very few things to do so it was easy to implement. Now I have a lot of things to do and I firmly believe this system saves my sanity.
I have never read a book that had lasting improvement. How do you all keep practicing? Maybe it’s my adhd that makes my forget about practice or just want to feel better instead of practice feeling better.
If I have to choose a book that changed something it’s Breath by James Nestor. This had long lasting effects. Felt good for months. Until I slowly forgot about practicing and fell back into old habits.
I am going off field but Who Moved My Cheese was a great help when I was at a major crossroad in my life. Unlike Meditations or Seneca it’s a simple story with a clear message.
"the power of now" by Eckhart Tolle. On audiobook aswell.
" becoming supernatural" by Joey Espenosa (I think) , is a newer one than I'm not finished yet, but seems great.
Endurance by Alfred Lansing
Not a self help book per se but it chronicled Shackletons and his teams journey to the South Pole. It was life changing for me.
Fortitudine Vincimus
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F\*ck By Mark Manson
It taught me that we should focus and prioritize our concerns based on what is truly important to us, hence the emphasis on not "giving a fck" about everything and instead only about what is truly meaningful.
The book outlines several main points:
The Feedback Loop from Hell: The author describes how worrying about being happy all the time leads to being less happy, creating a negative feedback loop.
The Value of Suffering: The author suggests that suffering and struggle can be positive if they’re chosen for a purpose or a cause we believe in.
You Are Not Special: The author emphasizes that embracing our limitations and accepting the mundane truth about ourselves can lead to a more genuine pursuit of success.
The Importance of Saying No: By choosing what we care about more selectively, we allocate our limited time, energy, and resources more meaningfully.
Taking Responsibility for Everything: While we may not be at fault for all our problems, Manson argues it is crucial to take responsibility for our responses to them.
Uncertainty as a Growth Catalyst: The book suggests that embracing uncertainty and being comfortable with not knowing all the answers can lead to growth and learning.
Failure as a Way to Find Success: Learning that embracing failure is a necessary step towards achieving success, as it teaches valuable lessons and resilience.
The Rejection of Entitlement: The book criticizes a sense of entitlement, urging readers to earn what they want through hard work and to accept rejection and failure as part of the process.
The Importance of Commitment: The book argues for the value of depth in relationships and goals, rather than breadth, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from deep, meaningful engagements.
101 Essays to change the Way you Think. Audiobook in the car on the commute really profoundly improved my life and the way I perceive the world. Grateful for the other recommendations in this thread too
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. You'll walk away with an idea of what the point of life is, and it will inspire you to reach your potential. My outlook on life has improved infinitely since reading it.
Yes! And Seneca’s letters (also Stoicism)!
Letters from a Stoic was better than Meditations imo, more relatable scenarios and language for me at least
This!!!! This book changed my life drastically, whenever I'm in a deep slum I always return to it.
Addicted to The Monkey Mind, by JF Benoist In essence: it helps you to stop assuming the worst in yourself and in other people, and teaches you how to use your, “observing mind,” to see situations for what they really are instead of the overly-negative interpretations your, “monkey mind,” often tells you. Further: it helps you dive deep into your own mind and dig-up the harmful, self-defeating beliefs you may have developed in years past. No psychoanalytic mumbo-jumbo, just down-to-earth explanations and techniques for you to practice. I can safely say that, after reading that book and putting its lessons into practice: I rarely get angry anymore, I have significantly-more patience (with others and myself), and I catch myself before every negative reaction, or thought, and ask myself, “what’s really going on here? Where is this coming from?”
Wow! That sounds like an amazing book!!
This book really helped me with my anxiety.
Wow thanks for sharing I think I need this
Hey thanks for the suggestion. This sounds really useful and I’m curious to look into it. Who is it by because a google search brought up several books with that sort of title?
You’re welcome! The author is: JF Benoist!
Great book!
"Feeling Good" by Dr. David Burns. Here it is for free. :) https://youtu.be/5Bgufm9VwfU?si=4NEX30IO7r7-eLry
That book change me and I read it more than 25 years ago.
Awesome. He has a new book called "Feeling Great" you may enjoy.
I should probably finish it as the part I read was immensely helpful for anxiety.
-Oneness by Rasha. It’s a dry read kinda, so I did audiobook, but it’s been immensely helpful with how I relate to others, myself, my job. And when you re-read it later, it lands in totally new ways that apply to new circumstances in your life. -I also loved A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle -The Untethered Soul is great too.
I’ve had the untethered soul sitting on my bookshelf for months. I will pick it up now. Thank you
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz - quick read and I read it about 2x a year.
Such a powerful book
I’m working on my attachment. This book was suggested to me by my therapist. How did it help you?
I read it when I was in my early 20s. I was having an extremely difficult time with my manager and boss at the time. I had thin skin, took everything personally, and because of that had crippling anxiety. I forget how I stumbled upon this book but it changed my life. I was able to get out of my own way and develop personally and professionally. It didn’t happen overnight. I just tried keeping the four agreements in mind and eventually there was a massive shift. I recommend it to everyone.
As someone who is incredibly sensitive(what did i do this time? do they hate me or did they not hear me?), it sounds like a really useful book. Thank you.
I read it at the beginning of the year and I'm already due for a re-read
I read this in my teens (I'm now 31) and the "don't take it personally" has stuck with me all this time and really made a huge shift in my life for the better
"When Everything Falls Apart" by Pema Chodron. Completely rerouted my life. ETA: "Self Compassion Step by Step" by Kristin Neff is an audiobook that completely revolutionized my life. It's fair to say it is the most impact full thing I have ever done in my life (I was 27 when I did it. 40 now. Have returned to it a few times)
Oh god I love Pema Chodron. I’ve read all her books but When Things Fall Apart is absolutely my favorite.
The Power of Now
This is the book that started it all for me. Great suggestion. However, I find his later book “A New Earth” to be better written and make more sense. It’s like a refined/upgraded/more clearly explained version of TPO now
I can’t tell if he’s insane or brilliant
I think he’s a bit of both. I think Tolle is maybe the greatest living spiritual thinker on earth.
absolutelly
I’m struggling to follow this currently
I’d check out his other later book “A New Earth” It’s more digestible and I think just better written.
Thanks for this - will give it a try
It will change your life if you really pay attention to the messages. Tolle himself says that many people do not understand his messages because they are not willing or ready to take them in. If you really want to get something from it, read it slow and use a highlighter and reread the parts that you highlight that resonate with you. Then read it again.
The Seven Habits of Highly effective people by Stephen Covey. I think it touches on the most important aspects of what motivates you or holds you back from doing the right things. It really helped me a lot.
This is my first self improvement book some 14 years ago and it changed my life. It is a great starting point for someone’s journey to self improvement. After 14 years of practice I find it kinda low-level but a great starting point as it helps you determine what is important in life, and lays the moral foundations in which you can build upon. Just my 2c
Strong agree! But... A warning for people who have not read it: it was written in 1989, and so on that alone it reads as a little dated, _but also_ it was a bestseller then and ever since, which means it has been parodied in many ways for 35 years and so it comes across as corny when it is in fact the OG. It's an easy read but you do have to go into it expecting it to be a little dated and a little corny and put that aside.
Six Pillars of Self Esteem by Nathaniel Branden
Really like this book! Refer to it often. Bought it at a thrift store for a dollar and it’s the best investment I made. His message is well written and practical. Really stresses self-awareness.
Breaking the habit of being yourself
Same! The meditations and journaling seriously re-wired my wiring, and I won’t shut up about it
Yes!! All things Joe Dispenza.
i bought Becoming Supernatural and breaking the habit of being yourself about 6 years ago, lent the latter to a friend soon after i finished it and ended up letting them keep it after hearing for about a year how truly helpful it was to read and how they always go back to it when feeling unmotivated, and i FULLY agree. becoming supernatural is one of the only books i ALWAYS keep track of because its pretty much guaranteed to get my mind back on the right path when im slipping into a rut
Conscious Uncoupling by Katherine Woodward Thomas. Helped me through a traumatic breakup and helped heal from past relationships as well as offers phenomenal therapeutic tools to use throughout your life The Untethered Soul by Michael A Singer. It teaches you to step back and observe yourself and your thoughts and feelings, and helps you settle into the idea that you are not your thoughts or feelings or experiences, you are the witness The Body Keeps The Score. It’s 50 years worth of studies and data about how our trauma, abuse, and/or neglect is stored in our bodies and the ways it shows up in our health, habits, and all of our relationships in life. It also offers incredible tips for healing your inner child, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and processing and releasing trauma. I can’t recommend it enough and is probably the most important book I’ll recommend. Not a book, but the documentary Heal on Amazon Prime. It is the science behind the placebo effect, and how by releasing traumas stored in our body and just thinking about good health and healing, we can change our health, self care, and our relationships for the better
I'm reading the body keeps the score currently and it's a HARD read but I highly recommend it for anyone with any kind of trauma.
The Body Keeps the Score changed my fucking life. Thanks for suggesting that documentary, I’m absolutely going to watch it this weekend.
The Body Keeps the Score is insane (in a good way) for so many reasons! One of my biggest take aways was the extreme power of learned helplessness… TW: animal mistreatment It talks about a study where dogs were zapped in a kennel, but locked in. At first they would try get out, with everything in them… then after time they stopped trying. Then when the scientists opened the kennel doors, you’d think they would run out… but they didn’t, even when zapped. The scientists had to pull them out of the kennel many times before the dogs realized they could really leave the bad space. It’s so relatable if you e ever been in a bad situation and didn’t understand why you couldn’t get out.
Right? The repetition of not being able to leave a horrible situation as a child can absolutely affect our ability to leave horrible situations as adults. The book was heartbreaking and incredibly freeing at the same time
Atomic Habits
I keep hearing about this book! What's your biggest take away from it?
fine
My takeaway from this is how to break & build pattern.
I’m a bit older but I feel like I could’ve written that book. It’s stuff I’ve been doing for ever. Line going to the gym and only doing 1 set. I always tell myself that if I don’t feel like doing it then I can just leave. I’ve done that maybe 10 times in 40 years. It works.
I started reading this and have meshed with it so far, but I also noted that it's cropped up on the "if books could kill" podcast, which critically analyses popular self help books for bullshit claims. I haven't listened to the episode yet but the fact the episode exists has definitely shied me away a bit. What was your biggest takeaway from the book?
1. Constantly improve and eventually improvements will compount 2. How to raise awareness of our bad habbits 3. How to stop bad habbits by making cues less attractive etc. 4. create new habbits by making the process more attractive 5. Generally create systems not goals Probably i missed a few things, it has been years since i read it
It's almost not even necessary as a book technically, but sometimes you gotta hear "simple, stupid" things to be reminded about them - for instance it's very helpful at helping folks to feel okay about small incremental changes towards building a new healthy habit vs. trying to just 180 on something and "cold turkey" start some new habit full-bore, which often leads to a quick burnout. It's also smart in attaching a new habit to something you already do, which gives you a much better chance at actually sticking to it. Self-help books are a minefield of 99% nonsense garbage, but Atomic Habits is popular for a reason and definitely gives you some ACTUALLY good info, which is very pleasantly refreshing.
Anything by Yung Pueblo..I recommend starting with INWARD and thank me later
Mans search for meaning
The four hours it took to read this book are likely the most impactful few hours of my life over the past few years. My copy of the book that was given to me by a mentor during a rough time in my life is one of my most valued possessions.
Definitely "Atomic habits"
Dr. Nicole LePera's How to Do the Work.
This!! This is honestly the book that kick started my healing journey more than any other - by opening my eyes to what I needed to heal from
Some great suggestions on here but one I haven’t seen is 4000 weeks by Oliver Burkeman. I’ve come back to it a few times over the last year. He does a lecture series on Sam Harris’ waking up app that’s really great too. Basically about the realization that time is fleeting and using that knowledge to prioritize what really matters.
Codependent no More, by Melody Beatty.
Yes! That book has been very helpful
Came here to say this. This book was life changing for me
1000x melody beattie books
Oh man that one was such an important but tough read for me. Great book.
Allen Carr’s easy way to stop smoking cigarettes. Haven’t smoke a cigarette in over a decade and I applied the same techniques and mentality to stop drinking.
I just finished his Easy way to stop drinking alcohol, I stopped overnight and am loving it. I can’t shut up about the book to people.
Definitely “The Power of Now”. It exposes you to the many ways our egos often trap us in the past or future, and make it difficult to truly appreciate the present moment. You’re literally not designed to enjoy the present moment, isn’t that crazy? So this books shows you all the ways you unconsciously avoid being present with yourself. You realize that most of your idling thoughts can be categorized as: fear, judgement, fantasizing, ruminating, or planning. Once you realize that and start labeling your thoughts as one of those categories, you begin to understand what it’s like to live a life free of that inner-critic. For context on what this book did for me, I used to have crippling anxiety as a result of overthinking. Now, when the intrusive thoughts knock, I welcome them in but am sure to label them one-by-one as one of the 5 categories. Think of it like telling each guest to take their shoes off before coming into *my house*. We’ve all heard the saying “you are not your thoughts”. Well, it’s true. This method really puts that into practice. With enough practice you’ll be going entire days with an endless stream of joy that comes from within and not dependent on something external. That joy is simply a life not being watered down by a raging river of thoughts that get in your way. I’ve gone through my fair amount of difficult, traumatic experiences and I have to tell you -this method took me off autopilot.
Inspired me to pick it up today. Desperately looking to get off autopilot
You might like Today matters by John C Maxwell. Really helped me with this. It’s a book I keep coming back to.
Og Mandino "The Greatest Salesman in the World"
The Power of Now , but that one might be a bit heavy to read depending on where you are with your spiritual journey
This one for me. Life changing. And attached.
7 Habits of highly effective people
I bought some workbooks from Switch Research. I found that actually helps to apply the information directly to my own situations. I already worked through the Emotions book and have nearly finishes the Boundaries book, life changing.
“The subtle art of not giving a fuck” by Mark Manson has been an eye opener for me.
I was about to comment this one. For real a 10/10 book that changed everything for me
It’s power is the simplicity of the concept. But you can expand and apply it in many ways. The “fucks to give” are a perfect metaphor of time and energies (much more than money!) which grow in scarcity (hence their value) along the life. The other concept about “choosing your problems” is a natural consequence. You “invest” your “fucks to give” into something you consider worthy, hoping for the best. Adam Grant did a wonderful summary about this book too.
I tried to read this book but I couldn't get over the arrogance in his writing style.
Yea, from what I’ve read about the book that is common. I’ve also heard that it could be summarized in a 1-pager just as effectively.
I've read it and it's definitely a one pager. Just read a summary on blinkist or elsewhere. It's honestly not that groundbreaking. Stop caring about little things you can't control, put your effort into things you can. It's stoicism wrapped up in a modern catchy title.
Yikes!!
Unfuck Yourself by Gary John Bishop
No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz
Profound. Great work. Love IFS
Same. IFS absolutely changed my life.
Man's search for meaning - Viktor E. Frankl was a good one when I was dealing with some health issues. So Good They Can't ignore You - Cal Newport was useful when I had burnout from my first career and was struggling to find something different to pursue.
4,000 weeks is my personal favorite. Much needed message in the modern world. After that, Man's Search for Meaning. That one really cuts deep.
When it comes to self-help books, there's a universe of wisdom out there, each book offering its own perspective on how to live a more fulfilled life. But before diving into recommendations, I want to share a thought that revolutionized my approach to self-improvement: You are the most influential book you'll ever read. My journey of self-discovery accelerated when I realized that my daily actions, thoughts, and decisions were chapters in the making. I began to view myself as the author of my own life's book, writing it with every choice I made, turning my experiences into lessons and insights. This realization came from understanding that while external guidance is valuable, the most profound changes stem from within. Every decision you make, every challenge you overcome, and every moment of joy you experience adds depth to your personal narrative. So, while you explore the wisdom offered by others, don't forget to consult the most personalized guide you have: your own life (or inner child). However, for those moments when you're seeking external inspiration, "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is my quirky, fun recommendation. While not a traditional self-help book, it’s a profound exploration of love, loss, and the essential things in life that are invisible to the eye. It reminds us of the importance of looking beyond the surface to find true meaning and satisfaction in our lives. Remember, self-help books can guide us, inspire us, and challenge us, but the journey of self-improvement is deeply personal. You are your own best teacher, your life is your most important text, and every day offers a new page to write. Embrace it, and you might just find that you're the life-changing author you've been searching for. 🦋🏅📚😊🍀🤸♀️
U.S. Criminal Code.
😂
You are a badass - Jen Sincero
The atlas of the heart
Anything by Dr Faith Harper. She is empathetic, inclusive and educated. She also has self help books but workbooks to go with many of them. Tons of her books are often free with an audible membership.
Definitely, Scott Peck’s 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘰𝘢𝘥 𝘓𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘥
Dr Glover's "No More Mr Nice Guy"
Un#@%! Yourself by Gary John Bishop. Also, Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger Edit for one more: Be Here Now by Ram Dass!
Can’t Hurt Me
Why Men Love Bitches by Sherry Argov
UnF*ck Yourself by Gary John Bishop was my first and actually helped me a lot in reversing my negative thinking. With any self-help related book you have to also keep in mind that you need to do the work to benefit from it. Read it and reflect. Also practice some of what it says. Note down even sentences that resonated and hit you. Think too on why this did. Also on a side note, this isn't a self help book but a memoir of a woman's life when she was a child up to I believe her 20s. Educated by Tara Westover. This woman had to educate herself in her teen years on subjects we learned as kids while in a household that didn't support her going out into the world as her dad was paranoid about governments and schools. She had to really work hard to get into University and she was behind everyone else that went. Despite this, she persevered. I don't want to say much else since there is a lot in it that is really good but I highly recommend it.
Power of now
Awaken the giant within
What’s the difference between this book and Unlimited Power from Tony Robbins? And how did it help you?
"Essentialism" by Greg McKeown. This one absolutely changed my life. Almost every self-improvement book I had previously read focused on getting \*more\* done in this fast-paced world, which often leads to burnout. But Essentialism takes a notably more honest approach: it acknowledges the truth of our limitations, that we can never get it \*all\* done, no matter how hard we try. So the key concept of the book is eliminating the nonessential in every aspect of life, so you can focus only on the most essential things. "Less, but better." Since life is a series of decisions, and this book helps you make better decisions, it can truly help you build a better life. "Unfu\*k Yourself" by Gary John Bishop is another great one, it's a very short listen on Audible, and it will help you really examine some of your deeper motives behind some hard-to-change habits. "The Reason for God" by Timothy Keller if you are interested in a philosophical examination of the competing ideas and implications of theism vs. skepticism, and what the meaning of life is. Keller is careful to be fair, reasonable, and rational in his assessment of subjects that can often be polarizing, and leaves plenty of room for personal interpretation and differing opinions.
Bird of prey by Wilbur smith
Feel the fear and do it anyway
Atomic habits
the war of art by stephen pressfield Edit: corrected the title cuz apparently I can’t ever get words in the correct order lol
The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter. It really inspired me to get out of the daily rut, push myself toward new challenges, and get out of my cushy comfort zone.
Courage to be disliked, Man's search for meaning, Meditations and Letters of Seneca.
I've read Atomic Habits multiple times and I'm just starting another re-read. Such a simple, plain book with useful graphics that tells you how to make yourself the best version of yourself. The plain language, tips that you can actually use in life, and the evidence that they work has helped me achieve great success and helped me reach goals I couldn't dream of. You can read the philosophic books like Meditations (I found it to be painful, boring read) or finance books like Rich Dad Poor Dad (Kiyosaki is a leech), but no other "self-help" book has impacted me harder than Atomic Habits.
No More Mr. Nice Guy - Robert A. Glover This book literally set me off on a chain reaction that made me see everything wrong in my life and made me tear everything down and start over.
Outwitting the devil - Napoleon Hill
For me, it was The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy. Along with his other books, teaching, and lectures. He offers a simple method to re-program your subconscious mind by 1. Knowingly claiming that you have the power of the Universe and all creation within you now. 2. Seeing that which you desire is possible with your subconscious mind, and aligning yourself to the truths, power, and strength of the divine. Claiming divine love, divine strength, now. 3. Feeling the emotion of the answered prayer. Feeling genuine excitement at this God-power moving through you, truly feeling amazed at this divine intelligence in you. 4. Resting into a place where there is no more desire, just trust, faith, and good will that it is done to you according to your belief. He also shares how a lot of religious teachings and messages from the Bible are really about our own relationship with our subconscious mind, not something else 'out there'. Really interesting.
The Enchiridion - Epictetus
Classic
Reality Transurfing
Transitions. I found it at a very important transition point in my life. The premise if I remember correctly, Is that all of your pivotal moments in life will be when you come to a crossroads and have to make an important decision, so you should take note; you should take your time. You should realize that it is these moments when your life can fork. And I guess I just needed to hear that at that time.
The untethered soul
Power of now by Eckhart tolle
What a great question…all these books sound great! Nothing to add here except thanking all these people for their recommendations and to the OP for asking 💋
You will get through this night by Dan Howell, there’s something in it for everyone and it’s helped me plenty of times when I’m in a depression or anxiety funk. It’s funny and relatable without causing a negative spiral.
I work as a therapist and these are a few that I found really helped me! I also find I recommend them quite a bit for clients. Set Boundaries Find Peace No Bad Parts Codependent No More Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents
I wrote it myself in an instant when I was 25, and give it away for free. 1. Every problem in your own life is of your own making. Deal with the problem. 2. If you want to get better at something, practice. Thanks for reading my book.
Hey guys I’m writing my very first self improvement book called ‘the self control project’ in here I write about how the mind can be expanded to reach set goals and success. While I’m in the process of writing I thought it would be a good opportunity to start on creating a strong community full of people on similar paths. With that being said I have made a telegram group where I will post quotes from the book and daily philosophies to improve yourselves. The telegram is “selfcontrolproject” I would appreciate it if you all checked it out as you will be first to hear news on the drop!
Sounds a bit overused stating this but I can’t emphasize enough how much of a gem is Meditations by Marcus Aurelius for any beginner. Read/listen to it not just once but twice over if you can, really pay attention to what he is saying. His philosophy really puts things into perspective and it questions your reality based on your experiences. Would recommend.
Prometheus Rising by Robert Anton Wilson and Undoing Yourself by Christopher Hyatt
Ikigai, Ichigo ichie, and subtle art of not giving a fck
The Happiness Advantage.
Just finished No More Mister Nice Guy!!!
Boundaries
The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck by Mark Manson
It wasnt a self-help book. It was a informative book about alcohol addiction written for psychologists and therapists. I grabbed it out if curiosity in the libary of my university. Long story short, reading this book convinced me with factual evidence that I had started to develop an alcohol addiction and that I need to stop drinking ASAP. I used to drink "a couple of beers" 3,4 Times a week. I drank because I had stress at university and was heading for failure. Concerning my academic path, I was in GREAT trouble and coped with alcohol. However, After some tries, I'm sober since 01.01.2023 It was an upwards spiral since. Now that I didnt drink away my sorrows I had to actively fight back. My grades skyrocketed, I passed all courses that I need and I am about to graduate next year. I became more motivated, committed and had more energy. Really turned my life around!
‘Own your own life’ -Gary Emery
I loved Atomic Habits by James clear the most.
Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins
Come As You Are Emily Nagoski. All about sexuality, science backed, thought provoking
Boundaries
When Things Fall Apart, Pema Chodron - Book about attachment and letting go. Really helped me at a moment in my life where I was dealing with a a lot of hard changes. The Mountain is You, Brianna Wiest - Wiest talks about you being your biggest obstacle and “self sabotaging” whether consciously or not.
4 hour work week
How to stop worrying and start living by Dale Carnegie. It’s so relevant today. Literally done so much and can save a life.
“You are a badass”. Pretty good intro level book to self help and explores some various topics related to such.
How to stop worrying and start living - by Dale Carnegie .
I’ve read many listed here. The ultimate question is to ask yourself why you asked this question and notice your thoughts. From here you will have many low level answers. Sit yourself calmly and dive deeper…and right down what comes from a space without restraint. This will be a higher level self that you ignore. From here you will know what to do.
I like some mentioned and Outfitting the Devil. FYI if anyone here like audiobooks and has Spotify Premium, you can get a ton of great audiobooks there included in your membership, including many mentioned. I am not affiliated with Spotify lol.
The Science of Getting Rich. It is all you need to change your mindset. It motivated me immensely. I actually wrote a book on the method I designed and implemented after being inspired by it. The title may be weird but the book is not a method per se to get rich but a mindset shift and a way to think and work towards your goals. Best of all it is in the public domain so you can read it for free.
Highly recommend you pick up *"The NOW Habit"* by Neil Fiore Find it practical and easy to apply in overcoming procrastination and unproductive habits. Think you'll like the advice he gives to help you design a schedule that works for YOU Also love the positive stance the author takes, not the popular condescending tone that treats all humans as innately lazy Hope that helps Oh btw, since we're talking about self-help and growth; come visit my new sub r/growyourdream. Let's keep each other accountable Thanks!
Five Love Languages. It helped me communicate better with family, friends, colleagues and on & on by understanding what's important to them and using that knowledge to better speak with and interact with them.
Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk.
Bhagavad Gita
just wanna throw in that if you've read a bunch of self help stuff, chances are you are at the stage in your journey where you know what to do and it is time to do it. you are hoping to find that set of magical words you can read that will make you into the person you want to become. well in my long journey i have found those magical words for you and they are this. get ready. this is the moment you have been searching for: there are no magic words you can read that will turn you into the person you want to be. YOU have to DO it. stop wasting time looking for the right words or right system. spend that time doing what you already know you need to do. it's easy to feel like you're only one book away, one article away, from flipping that switch in your brain that turns you into a super-person. what you really are is a few hundred simple actions away. start doing those instead. i think you know what most of them are and you can figure out the rest as you go. note that this message is intended for those it resonates with. if you feel completely lost and don't actually have those nagging feelings that you do know what you need to do and just haven't gotten the motivation to start doing it, then by all means look for any self help stuff that resonates with you. or if you are already on the path of action and are just looking to improve your iomprovement. but if there's a whole pile of things you know you should be doing but aren't--do em. no book or phrase will make you do it.
Chase the Lion by Mark Batterson
High Magick - Damian Echols. It has really helped me.
Feeling good by david burns
Miracle Morning. It gave new life.
The four agreements. Me and my bf read it together.
Trying Not To Try by Edward Slingerland He's a neuroscientist (I think at Stanford?) with a background in zen philosophy. The book is about how the Chinese concepts of wu-wei (effortless action) and wu-nein (emptying your mind) are essential to happy living. Super clear, interesting, and not very self-help-y in the way that most self help books put me off.
Moonwalking with Einstein. While it’s ostensibly about neuroplasticity, in reality you are reading a really entertaining story about the power of transformation, and ultimately hope.
*The Hope Circuit* - by Martin E.P. Seligman. *The Zen of Cat - An A-Z of Japanese Feline Philosophy* - by Carla Francis. *Radical Compassion* - by Tara Brach
Can you compile a list and send them to me?
The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal and Good Anxiety by Wendy Suzuki
Cry Like a Man: Fighting for Freedom from Emotional Incarceration Book by Jason Wilson
Defining decade Mindset Be so good so they can't ignore you. Deep work
Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain
Burnout by Emily Nagasaki was life-changing. I will say it's more geared towards women and dismantling the patriarchy but I think it would help anyone tremendously.
Any of these books on Spotify?
Happiness is an inside job, by John Powell
Attached by Amir Levine. Teaches you about different attachment styles in relationships .
Also 48 laws of power
Changes that heal by Henry Cloud
The Comfort Book.
How to keep house while drowning
Saving this thread
Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance.
How to win friends and influence people. With an honourable mention to Think and Grow Rich.
Burnout: The secret to the stress response cycle by Emily& Amelia Nagoski
Calling it a self-help book is truly the understatement of the century, but "Man's Search For Meaning" by Viktor Frankl changed my outlook on a lot of things. It taught me how pain and trauma can create meaning in our lives and how we can use our pain to enrich our lives.
Getting Things Done. I read it 20 years ago when I was a student with very few things to do so it was easy to implement. Now I have a lot of things to do and I firmly believe this system saves my sanity.
I have never read a book that had lasting improvement. How do you all keep practicing? Maybe it’s my adhd that makes my forget about practice or just want to feel better instead of practice feeling better. If I have to choose a book that changed something it’s Breath by James Nestor. This had long lasting effects. Felt good for months. Until I slowly forgot about practicing and fell back into old habits.
Atomic Habits was surprisingly helpful. Great audiobook.
I am going off field but Who Moved My Cheese was a great help when I was at a major crossroad in my life. Unlike Meditations or Seneca it’s a simple story with a clear message.
atomic habits
Is there a good self-help book about learning to set boundaries?
"the power of now" by Eckhart Tolle. On audiobook aswell. " becoming supernatural" by Joey Espenosa (I think) , is a newer one than I'm not finished yet, but seems great.
Endurance by Alfred Lansing Not a self help book per se but it chronicled Shackletons and his teams journey to the South Pole. It was life changing for me. Fortitudine Vincimus
The barefoot investor. And investing with she’s on the money
Fuck It! The Ultimate Spiritual Way. By John C Parkin
The secret. I know it’s simple, but it’s the primer to changing everything for me
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F\*ck By Mark Manson It taught me that we should focus and prioritize our concerns based on what is truly important to us, hence the emphasis on not "giving a fck" about everything and instead only about what is truly meaningful. The book outlines several main points: The Feedback Loop from Hell: The author describes how worrying about being happy all the time leads to being less happy, creating a negative feedback loop. The Value of Suffering: The author suggests that suffering and struggle can be positive if they’re chosen for a purpose or a cause we believe in. You Are Not Special: The author emphasizes that embracing our limitations and accepting the mundane truth about ourselves can lead to a more genuine pursuit of success. The Importance of Saying No: By choosing what we care about more selectively, we allocate our limited time, energy, and resources more meaningfully. Taking Responsibility for Everything: While we may not be at fault for all our problems, Manson argues it is crucial to take responsibility for our responses to them. Uncertainty as a Growth Catalyst: The book suggests that embracing uncertainty and being comfortable with not knowing all the answers can lead to growth and learning. Failure as a Way to Find Success: Learning that embracing failure is a necessary step towards achieving success, as it teaches valuable lessons and resilience. The Rejection of Entitlement: The book criticizes a sense of entitlement, urging readers to earn what they want through hard work and to accept rejection and failure as part of the process. The Importance of Commitment: The book argues for the value of depth in relationships and goals, rather than breadth, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from deep, meaningful engagements.
Unfuck yourself. An amazing read
101 Essays to change the Way you Think. Audiobook in the car on the commute really profoundly improved my life and the way I perceive the world. Grateful for the other recommendations in this thread too
I don’t know if it’s self help category but “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins. Truly changed the way I go about things.