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Best Personal Development Books

Category100 of 1,003 books186 recommendations total

The self-improvement books that hold up — habits, focus, decision-making, money and the psychology underneath them. Recommended by people who have applied them rather than only reviewed them, with the source for each pick.

Curated list content

Where to start: Personal Development Books recommended most often

Recommended books, ranked by how many of the 104 people behind this list recommended each one.

  1. 1The Power of Habit26 recommendations · recommended by Derek Sivers, Nat Eliason and Amy Cuddy
  2. 2The Rise of Superman15 recommendations · recommended by Nat Eliason, Matt D’Avella and Chase Jarvis
  3. 3How Will You Measure Your Life?12 recommendations · recommended by Nir Eyal, Ankur Warikoo and Maples, Jr.
  4. 4The Dip11 recommendations · recommended by Derek Sivers, Nat Eliason and Matt D’Avella
  5. 510% Happier10 recommendations · recommended by Nat Eliason, James Clear and Tim Ferriss
1
Book cover for “The Power of Habit”
The Power of Habit

Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

26 recommendations

Recommended by Derek Sivers, Nat Eliason, Amy Cuddy and 20 others

Description

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • This instant classic explores how we can change our lives by changing our habits. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Wall Street Journal • Financial Times In The Power of Habit, award-winning business reporter Charles Duhigg takes us to…

2
Book cover for “The Rise of Superman”
The Rise of Superman

Decoding the Science of Ultimate Human Performance

15 recommendations

Recommended by Nat Eliason, Matt D’Avella, Chase Jarvis and 6 others

Book Summary

Packed with narratives of surfers, skiers, and climbers achieving the impossible, the book reads like a high-octane documentary. Kotler ties these feats to flow science, but the connection often feels more anecdotal than instructional. Useful for inspiration and a glimpse into extreme performance, but those seeking a how-to guide will find it skips the practical application. The breathless tone sometimes glosses over the dangers, leaving a lopsided thrill ride.

3
No coverHow Will You Measure Your Life?
Description

How do you lead a fulfilling life That profound question animates this book of inspiration and insight from worldclass business strategist and bestselling author of The Innovator's Dilemma, Clayton Christensen.After beating a heart attack, advancedstage cancer and a stroke in…

4
No coverThe Dip
The Dip

A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick)

11 recommendations

Recommended by Derek Sivers, Nat Eliason, Matt D’Avella and 7 others

Description

A New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller In this iconic bestseller, popular business blogger and bestselling author Seth Godin proves that winners are really just the best quitters.

5
Book cover for “10% Happier”
10% Happier

How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found SelfHelp That Actually WorksA True Story

10 recommendations

Recommended by Nat Eliason, James Clear, Tim Ferriss and 5 others

Description

After having a nationally televised panic attack, Dan Harris knew he had to make some changes. A lifelong nonbeliever, he found himself on a bizarre adventure involving a disgraced pastor, a mysterious selfhelp guru, and a gaggle of brain scientists.

6
Book cover for “MONEY Master the Game”
MONEY Master the Game

7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom

7 recommendations

Recommended by Nat Eliason, Matt D’Avella and Ryan Peterson

Book Summary

Reading the book feels like sitting through an extended financial pep talk that periodically hands you concrete action items. Its useful part is energetic motivation blended with a broad set of practical suggestions aimed at helping readers organize priorities around saving, investing, and fees. Main limitation: the tone can be sermon-like and repetitive, and the length means useful advice is interleaved with long motivational detours. Not a compact manual—better picked through selectively than read straight through.

7
No coverPlay It Away
Play It Away

A Workaholic's Cure for Anxiety

6 recommendations

Recommended by Tim Ferriss, Chase Jarvis and Tony Robbins

Description

Do you live in constant fear Do you worry that something terrible is about to happen Do you have trouble breathing, relaxing, and sleeping Do you think you’re losing control, and that you’re going to die Are you trapped in your own personal hell, and don’t know how to get out…

8
No coverEmergency
Emergency

This Book Will Save Your Life

6 recommendations

Recommended by Derek Sivers, Nat Eliason, Tim Ferriss and 1 other

Description

Terrorist attacks. Natural disasters. Domestic crackdowns. Economic collapse. Riots. Wars. Disease. Starvation.What can you do when it all hits the fanYou can learn to be selfsufficient and survive without the system."I've started to look at the world through apocalypse eyes."…

9
Book cover for “The Body Keeps the Score”
The Body Keeps the Score

Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

6 recommendations

Recommended by Heidi N. Moore, Ashley C. Ford, Tyler Winklevoss and 1 other

10
Book cover for “Strength in Stillness”
Strength in Stillness

The Power of Transcendental Meditation

5 recommendations

Recommended by Ray Dalio, Arianna Huffington and Oprah Winfrey

Description

Instant New York Times BestsellerA simple, straightforward exploration of Transcendental Meditation and its benefits from world authority Bob Roth.Oprah Winfrey and Jerry Seinfeld. Ray Dalio and Ellen DeGeneres. Gwyneth Paltrow and Howard Stern. Tom Hanks and Gisele Bündchen.

11
No coverThe Monk Who Sold His Ferrari
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

A Fable About Fulfilling Your Dreams & Reaching Your Destiny

4 recommendations

Recommended by Melanie Perkins, Eric Mitchell, Terrance McArthur and 1 other

Description

Wisdom to Create a Life of Passion, Purpose, and PeaceThis inspiring tale provides a stepbystep approach to living with greater courage, balance, abundance, and joy.

12
Book cover for “It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be”
4 recommendations

Recommended by Ran Segall, Piter Dimitrov and Casey Neistat

Description

It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be is a handbook of how to succeed in the world: a pocket bible for the talented and timid alike to help make the unthinkable thinkable and the impossible possible.The world’s top advertising guru, Paul Arden, offers up his…

13
No coverThe Formula
The Formula

The Universal Laws of Success

4 recommendations

Recommended by Vinod Khosla, Peter Wang and Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Description

In this pioneering examination of the scientific principles behind success, a leading researcher reveals the surprising ways in which we can turn achievement into success.Too often, accomplishment does not equate to success.

14
No coverThe World Beyond Your Head
The World Beyond Your Head

On Becoming an Individual in an Age of Distraction

3 recommendations

Recommended by Russell Moore and Alan Cooper

Description

A groundbreaking new book from the bestselling author of Shop Class as Soulcraft In his bestselling book Shop Class as Soulcraft, Matthew B. Crawford explored the ethical and practical importance of manual competence, as expressed through mastery of our physical environment.

15
Book cover for “Compelling People”
Compelling People

The Hidden Qualities That Make Us Influential

3 recommendations

Recommended by Amy Cuddy and Tai Lopez

Book Summary

A brisk, practical book that frames personal magnetism as a balance of strength and warmth, then supplies concrete verbal and nonverbal moves to shift others’ impressions. Short anecdotes and meeting- or pitch-focused tips make immediate application plausible for career moments. The main limitation is repetition: the central binary is reiterated through many similar examples, which can feel didactic, and the book favors illustrative scenes over systematic drills, so readers seeking dense theory or step-by-step practice may find it thin.

16
Book cover for “Everything Is F*cked”
Everything Is F*cked

A Book About Hope

3 recommendations

Recommended by Derek Sivers, Mark Manson and Alexander Stubb

Book Summary

Mark Manson mixes blunt, profanity-laced personal essays with pop psychology and philosophy to argue that modern abundance hasn't fixed our emotional crisis of hope. Reading feels like a combative long magazine feature—sharp one-liners, personal anecdotes, and periodic philosophical detours that swing between witty and preachy. Useful when you want candid reframing and provocative challenges to rose-colored optimism; limiting if you prefer balanced sourcing, systematic solutions, or quiet nuance. Repetition of themes and the author's hard-edged confidence are the parts most readers find grating.

17
No coverLead Yourself First
Lead Yourself First

Inspiring Leadership Through Solitude

3 recommendations

Recommended by Brene Brown

Description

"Lead Yourself First makes a compelling argument for the integral relationship between solitude and leadership." The Wall Street JournalThroughout history, leaders have used solitude as a matter of course.

18
No coverJoy at Work
Joy at Work

Organizing Your Professional Life

3 recommendations

Recommended by Chip Conley and Adam Grant

Description

Marie Kondo, author of the worldwide #1 bestseller The LifeChanging Magic of Tidying Up, and organizational psychologist Scott Sonenshein team up to bring joy to work.The workplace is a magnet for clutter and mess.

19
Book cover for “Letters from a Self-Made Merchant to His Son”
Description

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible.

20
No coverTED Talks
TED Talks

The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking

3 recommendations

Recommended by Nicholas C. Zakas

21
Book cover for “Relentless”
Relentless

From Good to Great to Unstoppable

3 recommendations

Recommended by Tom Bilyeu, Ryan Switzer and Anthony Pompliano

Description

For more than two decades, legendary trainer Tim Grover has taken the greatsMichael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, and dozens moreand made them greater.

22
Book cover for “The 10X Rule”
The 10X Rule

The Only Difference Between Success and Failure

3 recommendations

Recommended by James Clear, Ran Segall and David Cancel

Book Summary

Grant Cardone's The 10X Rule is an aggressive, short book that urges readers to multiply goals and commit to 'massive action' instead of cautious planning. Its useful contribution is a vivid push to scale ambition and break timid, incremental habits through relentless focus on output. The book's limits are its one-note tone, frequent repetition of the same mantra, and modest attention to pacing or sustainable systems; readers wanting careful, measured argument or step-by-step operational guidance may feel shortchanged.

23
Book cover for “Discipline Equals Freedom”
3 recommendations

Recommended by Joe Rogan, David Goggins and Alex and Books

Description

The instant New York Times bestseller!FIND YOUR WILL, FIND YOUR DISCIPLINEAND YOU WILL FIND YOUR FREEDOMJocko Willink's methods for success were born in the SEAL Teams, where he spent most of his Adult, life, enlisting after high school and rising through the ranks to become the…

24
Book cover for “The Power of Starting Something Stupid”
Description

What if the smartest people in the world understand something that the rest of us don’t (They do.) What if they know that in order to achieve success, they will sometimes have to do things that others may initially perceive as stupid The fact of the matter is that the smartest…

25
Book cover for “Getting the Love You Want”
Getting the Love You Want

A Guide for Couples

3 recommendations

Recommended by Derek Sivers, Whitney Cummings and Julie Rice

Description

The New York Times bestselling guide to transforming an intimate relationship into a lasting source of love and companionship, now fully revised with a new forward and a brand new chapter.Getting the Love You Want has helped millions of people experience more satisfying…

26
No coverThe Economists' Diet
The Economists' Diet

The Surprising Formula for Losing Weight and Keeping It Off

2 recommendations

Recommended by Tom Keene

Description

FEATURED ON CBS THIS MORNING AND CNBC’S SQUAWK BOX Combining the authors’ personal weightloss stories with their passion for economics, this bold new behavioral approach to dieting recommends micro habits and metarules that will enable dieters to control their impulses to…

27
No coverSuperhuman by Habit
Superhuman by Habit

A Guide to Becoming the Best Possible Version of Yourself, One Tiny Habit at a Time

2 recommendations

Recommended by Derek Sivers and James Clear

Description

Our willpower is limited, yet we rely on it every day to get our tasks done. Even if we build willpower slowly over time, it's never enough to reach all of our goals.

28
No coverHow to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less
Description

Make instant, meaningful connections. For interviewing, selling, managing, pitching an idea, applying to college—or looking for a soulmate—the secret of success is based on connecting with other people.

29
No coverDiscover the Power Within You
Discover the Power Within You

A Guide to the Unexplored Depths Within

2 recommendations

Recommended by Jerrod Carmichael

Description

The Inspirational Classic That Has Sold More Than 250,000 Copies!In this 40th anniversary edition of Eric Butterworth's inspiring tour de force, the author shares the greatest discovery of all time: the ability to see the divine within us all.

30
No coverDoing Good Better
Doing Good Better

How Effective Altruism Can Help You Make a Difference

2 recommendations

Recommended by Liv Boeree

Description

Most of us want to make a difference. We donate our time and money to charities and causes we deem worthy, choose careers we consider meaningful, and patronize businesses and buy products we believe make the world a better place.

31
Book cover for “Codependent No More”
Codependent No More

How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself

2 recommendations

Recommended by Whitney Cummings

Description

The healing touchstone of millions, this modern classic by one of America's bestloved and most inspirational authors holds the key to understanding codependency and to unlocking its stultifying hold on your life.Is someone else's problem your problem If, like so many others,…

32
No coverThe Power of Kindness
The Power of Kindness

The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life

2 recommendations

Recommended by Peter Mallouk

Description

The popular guide to living with kindness now includes a new chapter, introduction, and "Kindness Book Shelf" in this tenthanniversary edition.When The Power of Kindness first appeared in 2006 it thrilled and challenged readers with one audacious promise: Your acts of generosity…

33
No coverLife 101
Life 101

Everything We Wish We Had Learned About Life in School -- But Didn't

2 recommendations

Recommended by Charles Poliquin

Description

With quotes from Aristotle to Mae West, this acclaimed commonsense narrative helps to make up for lost time in the classroom of life.

34
No coverBecoming Wise
Becoming Wise

An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living

2 recommendations

Recommended by Matt Mullenweg

Description

InBecoming Wise, Krista Tippett has created a master class in living for a fractured world. Fracture, she says, is not the whole story of our time. The enduring question of what it means to be human has become inextricable from the challenge of who we are to each other.

Show 66 more books with a single recommendation
35
No coverThe Automatic Millionaire
The Automatic Millionaire

A Powerful OneStep Plan to Live and Finish Rich

1 recommendation

Recommended by Abhishek Kar

36
Book cover for “The 12 Week Year”
The 12 Week Year

Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months

1 recommendation

Recommended by Sarah Pritula

Description

The guide to shortening your execution cycle down from one year to twelve weeksMost organizations and individuals work in the context of annual goals and plans; a twelvemonth execution cycle.

37
No coverIron John
Iron John

A Book About Men

1 recommendation

Recommended by Geoffrey Miller

Description

In this deeply learned book, poet and translator Robert Bly offers nothing less than a new vision of what it is to be a man.Bly's vision is based on his ongoing work with men and reflections on his own life.

38
No coverPoke The Box
Poke The Box

When Was the Last Time You Did Something for the First Time?

1 recommendation

Recommended by Derek Sivers

39
Book cover for “Better Than Before”
Better Than Before

What I Learned About Making and Breaking Habitsto Sleep More, Quit Sugar, Procrastinate Less, and Generally Build a Happier Life

1 recommendation

Recommended by Darya Rose

Book Summary

A brisk, conversational guide to habit change built around personality-aware tactics and many concrete tweaks. Rubin gives decision rules and trigger-focused habits framed for different temperaments, backed by plentiful personal examples. The useful part: small, adaptable strategies you can test quickly. The limiting part: repeated anecdotes and editorial cheer dilute momentum, and the book isn't a densely footnoted, step-by-step manual, so readers wanting academic citation or practical drills may find it lightweight.

40
Book cover for “Minimalism”
Minimalism

Live a Meaningful Life

1 recommendation

Recommended by Matt D’Avella

41
No coverI Know How She Does It
I Know How She Does It

How Successful Women Make the Most of Their Time

1 recommendation

Recommended by Sheryl Sandberg

Description

Everyone has an opinion, anecdote, or horror story about women and work. Now the acclaimed author of What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast shows how real working women with families are actually making the most of their time.?Having it all?

42
No coverChasing Slow
Chasing Slow

Courage to Journey Off the Beaten Path

1 recommendation

Recommended by Paul Jarvis

43
No coverMastermind
Mastermind

How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes

1 recommendation

Recommended by Amy Cuddy

Description

The New York Times bestselling guide to thinking like literature's greatest detective No fictional character is more renowned for his powers of thought and observation than Sherlock Holmes.

44
No coverThis Naked Mind
This Naked Mind

Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life

1 recommendation

Recommended by Arlan Hamilton

Description

This Naked Mind has ignited a movement across the country, helping thousands of people forever change their relationship with alcohol.Many people question whether drinking has become too big a part of their lives, and worry that it may even be affecting their health.

45
Book cover for “Secrets of the Millionaire Mind”
Secrets of the Millionaire Mind

Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth

1 recommendation

Recommended by Jen Sincero

Description

Secrets of the Millionaire Mind reveals the missing link between wanting success and achieving it!Have you ever wondered why some people seem to get rich easily, while others are destined for a life of financial struggle Is the difference found in their education, intelligence,…

46
Book cover for “The Little Book of Stoicism”
The Little Book of Stoicism

Timeless Wisdom to Gain Resilience, Confidence, and Calmness

1 recommendation

Recommended by Ankur Warikoo

Book Summary

A concise, conversational collection of Stoic sayings and short reflections aimed at everyday problems. The useful part is portable phrasing and quick reframes you can re-read when anxiety, loss, or self-doubt crop up. The tone favors clarity and motivational brevity over extended argument, so readers looking for historical context, dense reasoning, or step-by-step activities will find it thin and repetitive. It lacks hands-on exercises. Best used as a pocket reference for single-point reminders rather than a sustained course in philosophy.

47
No coverPsychoCybernetics
PsychoCybernetics

The Original Text of the Classic Guide to a New Life

1 recommendation

Recommended by Patrick BetDavid

Description

A magnificent, deluxe edition of one of the greatest and topselling selfhelp books ever written, suited to a lifetime of reading, rereading, notetaking, and display.Since 1960, Maxwell Maltz's PsychoCybernetics has sold millions of copies in dozens of editions and gained the…

48
Book cover for “The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking”
Description

Now streamlined and updated, the book that has literally put millions on the highway to greater accomplishment and success can show you how to have maximum impact as a speakerevery day, and in every situation that demands winning others over to your point of view.

49
Book cover for “Recovery”
Recovery

Freedom from Our Addictions

1 recommendation

Recommended by Bridget Phetasy

Description

A guide to all kinds of addiction from a star who has struggled with heroin, alcohol, sex, fame, food and eBay, that will help addicts and their loved ones make the first steps into recovery"This manual for selfrealization comes not from a mountain but from the mud...My…

50
No coverThe Power
The Power

The Secret, Book 2

1 recommendation

Recommended by James Aspey

51
Book cover for “Authentic Happiness”
Authentic Happiness

Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment

52
No coverIntellectual Foreplay
Intellectual Foreplay

A Book of Questions for Lovers and LoverstoBe

Description

This solutionsoriented guide offers problem solving and behavior changing strategies for people working on their most intimate relationships.

54
No coverAnger Management For Dummies
Description

Your onestop guide to anger management Anger is a completely normal, healthy human emotion. But when it gets out of control and turns destructive, it can lead to problemsat work, in personal relationships, and in the overall quality of life.

55
No coverNew Atkins for a New You
New Atkins for a New You

The Ultimate Diet for Shedding Weight and Feeling Great.

56
No coverMetahuman
Metahuman

Unleashing Your Infinite Potential

Description

What is higher consciousness and why should it matter to you The New York Times bestselling author of You Are the Universe helps us unlock our peak human potential which can positively affect our physical health, our mind and brain, and the deep wells of our spirituality.

57
Book cover for “Confident You”
Confident You

An Introvert's Guide to Success in Life and Business

Book Summary

Friendly, encouragement-first tone that validates introvert discomfort in extroverted contexts and then supplies quick, actionable tactics—scripts for small talk, meeting behavior tweaks, and low-effort visibility moves. Most useful as a pragmatic handbook for immediate social fixes and confidence boosts rather than theoretical insight. Limiting points: advice often stays at the surface, repeats motivational refrains, and can feel prescriptive; readers expecting deep nuance about personality science or structural critique will be disappointed.

58
No coverThe Joy of Less
The Joy of Less

A Minimalist Guide to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify Updated and Revised (Minimalism Books, Home Organization Books, Decluttering Books House Cleaning Books)

Description

Having less stuff is the key to happiness. Do you ever feel overwhelmed, instead of overjoyed, by all your possessions Do you secretly wish a gale force wind would blow the clutter from your home If so, it's time to simplify your life!

59
No coverLiving Fully with Shyness and Social Anxiety
Living Fully with Shyness and Social Anxiety

A Comprehensive Guide to Gaining Social Confidence

Description

Anxiety disorders are among the most commonly diagnosed psychological conditions in America, currently affecting more than 19 million people. In Living Fully with Shyness and Social Anxiety, distinguished therapist and mental health expert Erika B.

60
No coverThe Joy of Sex
61
Book cover for “The Achievement Habit”
The Achievement Habit

Stop Wishing, Start Doing, and Take Command of Your Life

62
Book cover for “The Science of Happily Ever After”
The Science of Happily Ever After

What Really Matters in the Quest for Enduring Love

Description

In this playful and informative exploration of the science behind compatibility, Dr. Ty Tashiro explores how and why we fall in love. Dr.

63
No coverMaking Marriage Simple
Making Marriage Simple

Ten RelationshipSaving Truths

Description

Change the relationship you have into the one you want. Welcome to the Relationship Revolution! "Making Marriage Simple "is the accessible, essential road map to building a strong marriage in the modern world.

64
No coverBody Language For Dummies
Description

If you are puzzled by other people or want to improve the impression you give, knowing about body language could be the key.

65
No coverThe Year of Less
The Year of Less

How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy in a Store

Description

WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLERIn her late twenties, Cait Flanders found herself stuck in the consumerism cycle that grips so many of us: earn more, buy more, want more, rinse, repeat.

66
Book cover for “The Practicing Stoic”
The Practicing Stoic

A Philosophical User's Manual

Description

The great insights of the Stoics are spread over a wide range of ancient sources. This book brings them all together for the first time.

67
No coverOvercoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts
Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts

A CBTBased Guide to Getting Over Frightening, Obsessive, or Disturbing Thoughts

Description

You are not your thoughts! In this powerful book, two anxiety experts offer proveneffective cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills to help you get unstuck from disturbing thoughts, overcome the shame these thoughts can bring, and reduce your anxiety.If you suffer from…

68
No coverIntroverts in Love
69
No coverStories That Stick
Stories That Stick

How Storytelling Can Captivate Customers, Influence Audiences, and Transform Your Business

70
No coverMore Than Two
More Than Two

A Practical Guide to Ethical Polyamory

Description

Can you love more than one person Have multiple romantic partners, without jealousy or cheating Absolutely! Polyamorous people have been paving the way, through trial and painful error. Now the new book More Than Two can help you find your own way.

71
Book cover for “Every Body Yoga”
Every Body Yoga

Let Go of Fear, Get On the Mat, Love Your Body.

72
Book cover for “Go for No! Yes is the Destination, No is How You Get There”
Description

In a world inundated with sales books on getting to yes, this book recommends just the opposite, focusing on how increasing your failure rate can greatly accelerate your movement toward ultimate success. Go for No!

73
Book cover for “Infinite Possibilities”
Infinite Possibilities

The Art of Living Your Dreams

Description

Infinite Possibilities is the masterwork from teacher, author, and featured speaker Mike Dooley. As the next step beyond his immensely popular Notes from the Universe trilogy, and his follow up, Choose them Wisely, this book contains even more enriching wisdom for living an…

74
Book cover for “Eight Dates”
Eight Dates

Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love

75
No coverThe Anatomy of Peace
The Anatomy of Peace

Resolving the Heart of Conflict

Description

NEW EDITION, REVISED AND UPDATED Leadership and Self Deception, The Arbinger Institute's first book, The Anatomy of Peace has become a worldwide phenomenon not because of a media blitz, movie tie in, or celebrity endorsement, but because readers have enthusiastically recommended…

76
Book cover for “Tell Me More”
Tell Me More

Stories About the 12 Hardest Things I'm Learning to Say

Description

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A storydriven collection of essays on the twelve powerful phrases we use to sustain our relationships, from the bestselling author of Glitter and Glue and The Middle Place"Kelly Corrigan takes on all the big, difficult questions here, with great warmth…

77
Book cover for “Developing the Leader Within You”
Book Summary

Developing the Leader Within You feels like a short series of sermon-like chapters that prioritize character, personal discipline, and a biblical foundation for leading others. Its useful part is clear, portable guidance for shaping leadership attitude and priorities—short takeaways you can repeat or discuss. The main limitation is repetition and dated examples: those seeking contemporary case studies, metrics, or tactical procedures will find the treatment thin. Best used as reflection material and conversation starters, not an operations manual.

78
No coverStart Where You Are
79
No coverMethods of Persuasion
Methods of Persuasion

How to Use Psychology to Influence Human Behavior

Description

Over 50,000 copies sold.Using principles from cognitive psychology, Nick Kolenda developed a unique way to subconsciously influence people's thoughts.

80
Book cover for “The Success Principles”
The Success Principles

How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be

Description

Jack Canfield, cocreator of the phenomenal bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul series, turns to the principles he's studied, taught, and lived for more than 30 years in this practical and inspiring guide that will help any aspiring person get from where they are to where they…

81
No coverIf You Can
If You Can

How Millennials Can Get Rich Slowly

Description

If You Can is a short, inexpensive ebooklet aimed at getting twentysomethings with their first 401(k) started on the path to retirement saving and investing.

82
Book cover for “Do More Better”
Do More Better

A Practical Guide to Productivity

Book Summary

Do More Better is a brisk, pragmatic handbook from Tim Challies that packages productivity advice into short, practical rules rooted in his life as a church leader and writer. Most useful are concrete inbox and priority tactics you can try immediately and the steady reminder to match tasks to vocational priorities. Limits include repeated personal anecdotes, short prescriptions instead of a cohesive technical system, and frequent Christian language that will narrow tone for secular readers. Expect early payoffs and shrinking novelty as examples recur.

83
Book cover for “She Comes First”
She Comes First

The Thinking Man's Guide to Pleasuring a Woman (Kerner)

84
Book cover for “Lucid Dreaming”
Lucid Dreaming

Gateway to the Inner Self

Description

Lucid Dreaming: Gateway to the Inner Self is the account of an extraordinarily talented lucid dreamer who goes beyond the boundaries of both psychology and religion. In the process, he stumbles upon the Inner Self.

85
Book cover for “His Needs, Her Needs”
His Needs, Her Needs

Building an AffairProof Marriage

Description

In the classic bestseller His Needs, Her Needs, Willard F. Harley, Jr., identifies the ten most vital needs of men and women and shows husbands and wives how to satisfy those needs in their spouses.

86
Book cover for “Practicing Mindfulness”
Practicing Mindfulness

75 Essential Meditations to Reduce Stress, Improve Mental Health, and Find Peace in the Everyday

87
No coverI Love Female Orgasm
88
No coverDying To Be Me
Dying To Be Me

My Journey from Cancer, to Near Death, to True Healing

89
No coverTime Management Magic
Description

Executive Time Management Secrets from a Life at Disney...During Lee Cockerell's career at Disney as the Senior Operating Executive of Walt Disney World Resort, he led a team of 40,000 Cast Members (employees) and was responsible for the operations of 20 resort hotels, 4 theme…

90
No coverREJECTION PROOF
Description

Rejection Proof is Jia Jiang's entertaining and inspiring account of conquering his fear of rejection, offering a completely new perspective on how to turn a no into a yes.Jia Jiang came to the United States with the dream of being the next Bill Gates.

91
No coverFeeling Good
Feeling Good

The New Mood Therapy

Description

The good news is that anxiety, guilt, pessimism, procrastination, low selfesteem, and other "black holes" of depression can be cured without drugs. In Feeling Good, eminent psychiatrist, David D.

92
Book cover for “Chakra Healing”
Chakra Healing

A Beginner's Guide to SelfHealing Techniques that Balance the Chakras

Description

Discover the ancient knowledge of chakra healing and restore balance to your mind, body, and spirit.Within all living beings are powerful centers of energy called chakras. Each chakra holds the potential for immense healing and restoration.

93
Book cover for “Teach Yourself to Meditate”
Teach Yourself to Meditate

Over 20 Exercises for Peace, Health and Clarity of Mind

Description

The ideal guide for anyone who wants to learn how to meditate. It explains what meditation is, how to do it and why it works, and contains the 10 core meditation practices which work best for everyone.

95
Book cover for “The Soulmate Secret”
The Soulmate Secret

Manifest the Love of Your Life with the Law of Attraction

96
No coverLove Is Never Enough
Love Is Never Enough

How Couples Can Overcome Misunderstandings, Resolve Conflicts, and Solve Relationship Problems Through Cognitive Therapy

Description

Love Is Never Enough: How Couples Can Overcome Misunderstandings, Resolve Conflicts, and Solve Relationship Problems Through Cognitive Therapy

97
No coverSlay In Your Lane
Slay In Your Lane

The Black Girl Bible

Description

The longawaited, inspirational guide to life for a generation of black British women inspired to make lemonade out of lemons, and find success in every area of their lives.?This book is a gift for anyone who wants to better understand what Black women and girls are up against ?

98
No coverThe OneMinute Workout
The OneMinute Workout

Science Shows a Way to Get Fit That's Smarter, Faster, Shorter

Description

Finally, the solution to the #1 reason we don't exercise: time. Everyone has one minute.A decade ago, Martin Gibala was a young researcher in the field of exercise physiologywith little time to exercise.

99
No coverInsecure in Love
Insecure in Love

How Anxious Attachment Can Make You Feel Jealous, Needy, and Worried and What You Can Do About It

Description

Has your romantic partner called you clingy, insecure, desperate, or jealous No one wants to admit that they possess these qualities; but if you find yourself constantly on the alert, anxious, or worried when it comes to your significant other, you may suffer from anxious…

Recommended Personal Development Books by Derek Sivers

Derek Sivers recommends 8 books on this list. See all book recommendations by Derek Sivers

Recommended Personal Development Books by Nat Eliason

Nat Eliason recommends 6 books on this list. See all book recommendations by Nat Eliason

Recommended Personal Development Books by Amy Cuddy

Amy Cuddy recommends 4 books on this list. See all book recommendations by Amy Cuddy

Personal Development Books: common questions

What are the most recommended personal development books?
The Power of Habit, The Rise of Superman and How Will You Measure Your Life? are the most recommended personal development books on BookMentions, ranked by how many people recommended them.
Who recommends personal development books?
Derek Sivers, Nat Eliason, Amy Cuddy and James Clear are among the people who recommend books on this list. Each name links to their full set of book recommendations.
Which of these personal development books should I read first?
The Power of Habit is the most recommended here with 26 recommendations, which makes it the safest place to start.

Built from recommendation data, category signals, and source-backed book records. Use this list as a starting point; open any book to see proof, context, and Amazon options where available.

Recommendation dataCategory signalsSource-backed book recordsOpen book pages for proof/context

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About this list

This list aggregates books that appear in public recommendation sources, reader-interest signals, and category data. Books are ranked by their position from the source list; recommendation counts and ratings are shown where available. Open any book to see source-backed recommendation proof, editorial context, and Amazon options — the per-book detail page is where the trust signals live.

Recommended books by person: who recommends personal development books

Books recommended by the people below. Open a profile to see everything they recommend, with the source behind each pick.