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
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.
your erroneous zones- by dr. dyer
yes, your erroneous zones is a gr8 buk!! it has trulychanged de way i look at things!!
i would reccomend this book to anyone who wants to make a difference in their lives..it is also detailed with small steps that you can take immediately ..truly a great buk!!
I actually read that book years and years ago. Actually, I might have listened to the audio version now that I think about it. I'll revisit it to refresh my memory and might add it to the list. Thanks!
How to stop worrying and start living
Try the Steve Hayes ” The happiness trap “
be like a hero in this 'play' of world- living the life
always be in a positive association .
these are great books, i'm definitely going to get some of the audio versions of these books…thanks!
Feel the fear, and do it anyway….I'm about halfway in, and it's a great and inspiring book.
Would like to have Pushing Your Limits for a digest. Thanks. Favour.
Now I get a little lost , not knowing which way to go. My career is fouled up to some degree. And I am searching for some sparkles to pull myself up .
The best book or audio i would recommend if you truly want to change is “THINK AND GROW RICH ” This book is the grand daddy of them all.. Learn and use the principles, and you will not be disappointed.
Sometimes we just need to decide and take action. Deciding is fundamental to creating.
Good Job. Well done for the supperb list of books.
the power of positive thinking is a life changing book. good for all, get a copy and be blessed.
all books are fentastic.i highly recommend the magic of thinking big and think and grow rich.It changed my life completely.
Extreme Focus is something that I have been reading the past week – really great book by Pat Williams
you individuated the books very well. all are really inspiering and motivational.
I was inspired especially by 'think and grow rich'
Great list of books, thank you for that! God bless you. The leader who has no title is a great book!
what about the wonderful book “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle??!!
I can't wait to get my copies.
I am really disappointed that you fail to include fiction books.
I don't really read fiction books so I wouldn't be able to recommend any but if you have some recommendations, feel free to comment on them.
These this book called Life Savers it reary changed my life
magic of believing is a outsanding work as think and grow rich.
I found The Quest of the Sparrows insightful and amazing. It speaks of quitting the insecurity of the future and live up to your potential. It speaks at the heart level and really sets you thinking about what you are doing.
“Count your chicken before they hatch” by Arindam chaudhary and “You can Win” by Shiv Khera are books worth mentioning here.
They are some really good books but The Holy Bible changed my life.
Screw It, Let's Do It: Lessons In Life – Richard Branspon – Amazing book, just finished reading it.
i wish some books of Deepak Chopra should have been included.
You could recommend some if you'd like. I don't think I've actually read any of his books but I've listened to several of his audio programs which I found at a local library years ago.
I highly recommend “Life is a Choice: A Guide to Success in Life” by Dr. David Washington. I just finished reading it. An Epic book. If you need a motivational book that is practical- this is the one. Short and sweet to the point.
“The Secret Code of Success” – Noah St. John. Most self help books talk about the how-to's of success. This book delves into why people either succeed or fail.
THE SECRET IS ALSO A GOOD BOOK
I will definitely try to read some of your recommeded list especially “THE SEVEN HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE.
The seven habits of highly effective people is a great one. I studied it in college and now that I am out in the sales world I think back to it a great deal. It is true that positive thoughts lead to positive things happening in life.
Try reading the bible. For me, Bible is the best motivational book in the whole world.
I have read most of the comments, its really very good. Congrats for each one of you for starting to accomplish your dreams. All the best, don't give up, keep trying folks.
“How to win friends and influence people” is one book everybody should read at least once in life time. “magic of thinking big” is mandatory book at any stage of our lives.
Brian Tracy –“The Goal” and “Eat that frog” are one of the best books to start with and get going.
” Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do! by Robert H Schuller is a good book too.
Surprised Zig Ziglar isn't mentioned here somewhere.
You're right. I can't believe I forgot about him. One of the first books I've ever read was, “See You At the Top”. Thanks for the reminder.
Who Moved My Cheese
You Can Win by Shiv Khera
The power of now by eckhart tolle, The monk who sold his ferrari and who will cry when you
die by robin sharma are great books to read
A book I found motivating, inspiring, easy and fun to read but packs a punch is “excuse me your life is waiting” by lynn grab horn 🙂
Rich dad poor dad by robert kiyosaki. How did u guys forget that one!! Over 20 million copies sold world wide!!
the art of mega living by Robin Sharma.
I found “The Book of Ernest” by Ernest Clement to be very inspirational.
i can urge readers to read lots of books of Brian Tracy, it helped me alot and i am grateful for him.
Yes. Most of them very powerful and inspiring books that I will not hesitate to recommend to friends and associates.
Gifted hands by Dr. Ben Carson is supper! He changed my life!
i love all the motivational books
truly, motivational books uplift the spirits of many who have been going through downs.thanks alot
Hi, i visit your site more often now a days and its truly inspires… But for the first time i came here while searching the video/audio of the great “Napolean Hill”; his master piece ‘think and grow rich’ inspired me a lot and i looked at the world differently… this book will pour enormous energy to anyone.. really a master piece…
I realy enjoy your ideas. please give more tips on selecting books.
48 law of power is on of the best on issue of power
I’m very much pleased and may the lord bless all the motivational authors for the good work they are doing.
I’ve read most of these books. Great list!
the book named ‘THE MONK WHO SOLD HIS FERRARI’ BY ROBIN SHARMA IS ALSO A GOOD BOOK
“You can win” by Shiv Khera makes sense for a yearning soul and is a good starting point for anyone who thinks he or she has a change to cause on the face of this universe.i hav read and chosen to take the hard way cause thats the effort worth taking to realise the idealism in life. i love fellow motivational speakers.good job!!!
It’s been years I heard from you. Still reading your book lets do it. Please share your IG handle. Thanks.
Frank- Coventry, England .