The Best Motivational Books

Here’s a list of motivational books that I personally recommend. Each has either inspired me, motivated me to take immediate action, helped me to think bigger, or has gotten me to become more excited and passionate about my dreams. Hope they will help you as well. If you’re not much of a reader, you can always look for the audio version as well. These are just numbered for easier reference.

Please keep in mind that although these motivation books or any of the other inspirational books out there are great to read, your life isn’t going to change simply by reading them. Yes, you will get inspired and motivated but unless you take action, all you will get is a nice feeling that will fade away after a few days. I know people who read tons of books but in terms of achieving their goals, they haven’t gotten very far.

Gathering knowledge and expanding your mind by reading books on motivation or self help books is definitely better than not reading at all but I doubt you’re reading these books just to kill some time. I’m guessing that you are looking for something by reading these books. You’re hoping to find the “key” to success in all areas of your life. If you read enough of these self improvement books, you will certainly gather a lot of ideas that will help improve your life. However, I’m sure you have had the experience of reading a book and thinking, “Wow, that’s a great idea. I’m going to apply it to my life” only to have a month go by without actually doing anything.

If you really want your life to change, to have all that you want, then read these personal development books with the mentality of action. If you pick up a great idea, use it right away even if you’re not done with the book. Only through action, no, consistent action, will you have a chance of creating the life that you have always dreamed of. Any of these books can have the power to change your life or at least motivate and inspire you to take action.

Check out my book that is all about motivating you to take action: Let’s Do This!

“When you give someone a book, you don’t give him just paper, ink, and glue. You give him the possibility of a whole new life.” – Christopher Morley

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1. Unlimited Power by Anthony Robbins

Tony Robbins is one of the best motivational speakers out there. His book is a bit technical since he talks a lot about NLP but you will get a lot of great, specific instructions on how to change how you feel which means you will have control over your motivational level.

2. Awaken the Giant Within by Anthony Robbins

This book is similar to his other book but it does have a nice goal program to help you achieve your goals. You’ll also learn a bunch of cool techniques that can be used right away.

I also recommend the shorter audio version. His final message is awesome!

3. The Millionaire Mind by Thomas Stanley

Since being financially independent is something that many people want, this book will open your mind up to what it really takes to be a millionaire. You’ll be surprised to find out that the general public’s image of a millionaire is way off.

4. Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker

Much of your chances of accumulating wealth as well as being successful is mental. In this book, you will find out how millionaires think. When you think differently, you will take different actions. When you take different actions, you will get different results and if the results that you’ve been getting in your life isn’t something you are particular proud of, then a change is in order.

5. Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen

I first heard about Joel Osteen from one of his televised speeches. Although he’s a pastor, he speaks like a motivational speaker. His words about life and success are pretty inspiring. This book talks about expanding your vision, increasing your confidence, and finding strength through adversity among other things.

6. The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz, Ph.D.

If thoughts become things, then it’s to your advantage that you think big thoughts. If you think big, you will achieve big dreams. How you think of yourself, your goals, and your life in general will have a great impact on the results that you actually experience in life. This book will help you have more belief in yourself in order to think big and have the confidence to see those thoughts through.

7. Quantum Success by Sandra Taylor

Part of this book talks about the law of attraction but it also talks a lot about some of the other laws. I like this book because it helped answer a lot of questions I had after seeing The Secret. The law of attraction, although an interesting concept, isn’t enough for you to achieve what you want in life. I see people who see this law as the only thing to focus on as sort of lazy. This book goes beyond just visualizing success.

8. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

This is a classic book on how to get more things done. Effective or successful people get to where they are due to the habits they have developed. Obviously, there are good habits and there are bad habits. This book talks about the 7 habits that many successful people seem to have in common.

For teenagers, I highly recommend The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey, Stephen’s son.

8. As a Man Thinketh by James Allen

This book is about thoughts. It aligns with the whole law of attraction subject and actually helped inspired that whole movement. It’s not exactly an easy read but still a great book to pick up.

9. Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill

This book has probably helped more people become successful than any other self help book out there. This book also aligns with the law of attraction subject although it might not be too obvious. The ideas in this book can help you achieve your goals.

10. The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale

This is another classic self help book. When you think positive thoughts, you will tend to have positive outcomes. From achieving your goals to even improving your health, having the right thoughts is crucial.

11. How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

This is one of the best selling self help books of all-time. This book is all about relating to people. If you’re in sales, this is a must read book.

12. The Magic of Believing by Claude M. Bristol

Believing in yourself is one of the most crucial things you need if you hope to be successful in life. Many people have great ideas and even have the plan to get them there but because of their lack of belief in themselves, they often either never even start or make progress and sabotage themselves. This book will help increase your level of belief and confidence.

13. Maximum Achievement by Brian Tracy

This book is about achieving your goals as well as time management. Brian Tracy has a bunch of other books but this one is one of his best in my opinion.

14. The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino

This book is great for sales people. It’s written in a story format in ancient times which makes it a delight to read. At the same time though, you will learn the secrets of success through scrolls which you will discover in this book.

15. Year to Success by Bo Bennet

This is one of those 365 chapter books where each day, you will have a short article to read covering all types of topics from motivation, time management, success, money, and a bunch of other topics. You will also get to read snippets of biographies of success people. It’s a pretty huge book but it’s full of great information. It’s one of those books where you can just randomly flip to a page and start reading and get inspired.

16. Self-Discipline in 10 Days by Theodore Bryant

This is a book I picked up years ago that talks about self-discipline. Much of success in life deals with your ability to get yourself to do what you know should be done. It offers some great tips to help you take action long enough so that those actions become habits. Possible life changer.

17. See You At The Top by Zig Ziglar

This is one of the very first self improvement books I’ve ever read. I borrowed it from a library over 10 years ago. I believe I listened to the audio version as well. This book basically talks about the 6 steps to get to the top which involve self image, relationship with others, goals, attitude, work, and desire.

If you have some books in the motivational/self-help category that help change your life or helped to motivate you, please list them down below. Thanks.

Also check out the free self help books page.

Tagged as: books, motivation