Anthony J D’Angelo says, “Become addicted to constant and never-ending self-improvement”
Personal development books have been known to offer inspiration to many, including those great leaders we admire and look up to. They are often referred to as personal development books/self-improvement books/self-help books, no matter what name you give them, they are still relevant and invaluable to anyone looking to adopt good habits, understand human nature, influence people and become their best self.
The thought leaders of our time have been known to set the pace when it comes to keeping the reading culture alive, almost making it ‘cool’, especially in the area of self-improvement. Personal development books have become extremely popular in the last two decades because many of these influential people have made personal development a core idea in their own lives.
This has, in turn, inspired people to take self-improvement much more seriously than before, because of the belief that if the wealthy and successful people are working on themselves then I should too.
Whether you choose to get a hard copy of these life-changing books at your favorite bookshop or purchase an ebook to read on your smartphone, the knowledge remains the same and its impact is highly dependent on what you do with the information.
Here’s a list of some of the best books for self-improvement recommended by thought leaders of our time
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Recommended by Barbara Corcoran- Businesswoman & Investor on Shark Tank.
How to Win Friends and Influence People is a timeless bestseller by Dale Carnegie that offers solid advice on how you can make friends and transform any situation to work in your favor. Since its release 86 years ago in 1936, over 15 million copies have been sold and millions of lives transformed through these valuable lessons.
Since its release 86 years ago in 1936, over 15 million copies have been sold and millions of lives transformed through these valuable lessons.
Why should you read it?
The simple teachings Dale Carnegie shares in the book are that you hold the key to the good life you so desire for yourself. The most remarkable thing about this book is that the teachings are timeless and are still relevant today.
“It’s a powerful book that especially gets young people’s heads on straight,” Corcoran told Entrepreneur.
This is one of the self-help books this Shark Tank investor and business mogul always recommends whenever faced with the question, what’s the one book you wish everyone read?
Check out – How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
Recommended by Bill Gates- Business Magnate, Software Developer, Co-Founder Microsoft
Why should you read it?
This book will get you thinking deeply about the human mind and how you think about things. Dr. Carol. S. Dweck introduces us to the power of our mind, showing us how our mindset can influence and cause a dramatic change in our work, school, and basically any area of our lives.
Microsoft founder, Bill Gates says, “One of the reasons I loved Mindset is because it’s solutions-oriented.”
This is correct, this wonderful book does not just open up your mind to the importance of positive thinking and having a growth mindset but also offers practical examples on how to make the shift and achieve it.
Check out – Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
The Lean Start-Up by Eric Ries
Recommended by Sheryl Sandberg- COO of Facebook
Statistics show that the average lifespan of most start-ups is approximately 20 months. This is not very encouraging, however, Eric Ries, a start-up founder and author of the book The Lean Start-Up, found a way to make sure he was part of the small percentage of startups that lived beyond this expectancy.
Why should you read it?
In his book, he offers entrepreneurs a different approach backed by scientific research- an approach where new ventures focus on building sustainable models through continuous refining of their products/services based on customer feedback.
As one of her favorite reads, Facebook powerhouse, Sheryl Sanberg highly recommends this book to all entrepreneurs looking to gain a deeper understanding of how to build their business to success in the present moment.
Check out – The Lean Start-Up by Eric Ries
Zero To One by Peter Thiel
Recommended by Elon Musk -Business Magnate, Founder SpaceX & Tesla Motors
The Zero To One concept in simple terms calls for authenticity in innovation.
The author, Peter Thiel, illustrates that building something or doing something that someone else already knows how to do moves the world from 1-n. But, coming up with something completely new the world moves from 0-1.
Why should you read it?
Having founded and built some of the most powerful and profitable companies globally, and achieved both business and personal success, Thiel has grounds to share his thoughts on how businesses can look at the future and re-invent.
Business magnate, Elon Musk has highly recommended this book saying, “Peter Thiel has built multiple breakthrough companies, and this book shows how.”
Check out – Zero To One by Peter Thiel
The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates
Recommended by Brene Brown- Research Professor at The University of Houston, Author of Daring Greatly.
In her journey of philanthropy around the world through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Forbes-recognized 3rd most powerful woman realized one thing; that to lift up a society, you must invest in its women.
Why should you read it?
In her memoir, Melinda introduces us to the women who have inspired her throughout her life starting with her mom.
She shares her ideas on how to achieve equality in the world, especially for women, and masterfully incorporates data analysis in her storytelling.
Even best-selling author and thought leader Brene Brown was incredibly inspired by this debut book, saying
“[it is]..an urgent call to courage. It changed how I think about myself, my family, my work, and what’s possible in the world.”
Check out – The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
Recommended by Naval Ravikant- Co-Founder & CEO of AngelList
Why should you read it?
Sapiens is a life changing book that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the existence of mankind. It also answers the question why are we the way we are today?
Serial investor and host of the Naval Podcast, Naval Ravikant says, “Sapiens” by Yuval Noah Harari is the best book I’ve read since “The Rational Optimist”. Both orthogonal and deep thinkers.”
Coming from a man who shares mind-blowing information on living a healthy, wealthy, fulfilling life, it says volumes about the book.
Check out – Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
10% Happier by Dan Harris
Recommended by Elizabeth Gilbert- Journalist & Author of Eat, Pray Love.
Why should you read it?
Everyone has that inner voice in their heads that has you raging in anger over the slightest inconvenience, eating when you’re not really hungry, and overly obsessing about the past and future at the expense of the present.
This voice, one that Dan Harris (retired journalist at ABC News) considered his strongest asset, had him have a panic attack on live Television. It is from this experience he realized he needed to get a grip on his stress and that inner voice.
During his journey of self-evaluation and extensive studies into the secrets to living a better life, Harris stumbled upon the true gem to true happiness. Meditation.
Award-winning author of Eat, Pray, Love Elizabeth Gilbert, whole-heartedly recommends the book 10% Happier saying it is, ”An enormously smart, clear-eyed, brave-hearted, and quite a personal look at the benefits of meditation”
Check out – 10% Happier by Dan Harris
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
Recommended by Barrack Obama- Former President of The US.
An American Marriage presents a heated, edge-of-the-seat love triangle. Celestial and Roy are what Gen-Z call #couplegoals, they seem to be living the American dream until disaster strikes. When it rains, it pours, and it sure poured heavily in this story.
Roy is convicted of a crime he didn’t commit and is sentenced to twelve years of imprisonment. Celestial believes he is innocent but as time goes by she seeks comfort in her childhood best friend and their best man, Andre.
Roy’s ruling is overturned seven years early and he returns home ready resume life with his wife who is now battling feelings for both men. Messy!
Why should you read it?
The novel offers an insightful look at wrongful incarceration, the journey of healing from pain, betrayal, and the process of re-entering society, especially for African American youth.
Former US President, Barrack Obama says the book is,“..a moving portrayal of the effects of a wrongful conviction on a young African-American couple.”
Check out – An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle by Steven Pressfield
Recommended by Marie Forleo- Lifecoach and Author of Everything is Figureoutable.
Resistance is your greatest enemy, just ask Steven Pressfield, then find all the answers in his tough-love book The War of Art.
Although it was originally written for writers, it has become a personal development read embraced by creatives, entrepreneurs, military servicemen, and thousands globally.
Why should you read it?
The most prominent teaching in the book is that your resistance is the reason you haven’t executed any of the things you truly desire.
Author, life coach, and thought-leader of the next generation, Marie Forleo says the book is, “..the essential no-bullshit guide for anyone who battles self-doubt or struggles to bring any important project to life.”
Check out – The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle by Steven Pressfield
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
Recommended by Ryan Holiday- Media Strategist and Author of Ego is the Enemy
We cannot avoid suffering, however, we can control and choose how we cope with it and make life easier.
Why should you read it?
Author Viktor E. Frankl teaches in his book that the primary driver for mankind is not pleasure but rather a pursuit of something meaningful. Based on his experience in Nazi concentration camps and the difficult experiences of his patients, Frankl argues that to cope with suffering we must find meaning in it and forge a way forward with renewed purpose.
Bestselling author Ryan Holiday agrees with the teachings in this book, “[The book]…looks at how we find purpose by dedicating ourselves to a cause, learning to love, and finding a meaning to our suffering.”
Originally written in 1946, Man’s Search for Meaning is a timeless piece of wisdom especially now when new generations are facing more difficult times in an ever-complex world.
Check out – Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
Over time, critics have made claims that most self-improvement books promise transformations that are rather unpractical. However, the books listed above do not all fall under the category of self-improvement books, rather books that notable individuals whose success principles have been tried and tested over time, believe would be impactful to the readers.