“Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested” Francis Bacon
Reading is a superpower which should not be limited to any genres. Self-Help books should be read again and again to improve the quality of your life. In today’s fast-changing world self-help books have become our companion at the hour when we don’t know what is happening in our lives, giving a new dimension to our life we need to unleash the power that lies within us and to help realize our power these self-help books makes our work easier. To save your time here, we are with our picks. Start reading self-help books to know the magic which you have within you.
Believe In Yourself by Dr. Joseph Murphy
The first self-help book in our list is Believe In Yourself by Joseph. The book is a must in our list because just reading the title we as readers feel good. The title itself tells us the need to believe in ourselves & why we need to believe in ourselves. Think for a moment that whether you had before reading the title felt that you should believe in yourself. I am sure very few among us have felt so. Now see the magic which just reading the title has done to our psychological mind, do I need to tell what effect it will have on our life once we finish reading the book. It is not like a fictional book which will leave us in daydreaming, but it is a self-help book which will help us to work on our daydreaming to make our dreams come true. The book is not lengthy, but its quality which it will add to our life is quite praising.
In just a few pages, Dr Murphy has given us his best which will change the world into something good. It is a very thin book but is heavy on the lessons which this book teaches us. The book has only three chapters in it, but each chapter has many important teachings in it to learn in life. The first chapter is on Dreams and how to Make Your dreams come true where there are Biblical references too. Here in this chapter, the writer has also mentioned William Shakespeare, John Milton, Bunyan. The chapters of the book include Make Your Dreams Come True, Using the Subconscious Mind in Business, How To Imagine Success.
How To Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Cornegie
Another self-help book in our list is a book which changed the life of many since the book was published in 1953. The book How To Win Friends And Influence People even changed the life of bigger personalities like Warren Buffett who in appreciation, said “[Carnegie ] changed my life.” The book has 268 pages, but each page gives a new dimension to your life. The book is divided into four parts, and each part has a subpart to help you in new and numerous ways.
The four parts which will make your personality better and at the same time will foster your relationship with people around you are Part One: Fundamental Techniques In Handling People, Part Two: Six Ways To Make People Like You, Part Three: How To Win People To Your Way Of Thinking. Part Four: Be A Leader: How To Change People Without Giving Offence Or Arousing Resentment. Apart from the main chapters the chapters which should be read are How This Book Was Written and Why by the man himself Dale Carnegie, Nine Suggestions On How To Get The Most Out Of This Book, A shortcut to Distinction by Lowell Thomas. The nine principles to learn from this book and implement in your life for much bigger and better results in both your personal as well as professional life are , Don’t criticize, condemn or complain, Give honest and sincere appreciation, Arouse in the other person an eager want, Become genuinely interested in other people, Smile,Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language, Be a good listener Encourage others to talk about themselves, Talk in terms of other person’s interests, Make the other person feel important-and do it sincerely, The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it, Show respect for the other person’s opinions.
Never say ‘You’re wrong’, If you are wrong to admit it quickly and emphatically, Begin in a friendly way, Get the other person saying ‘yes,yes’ immediately, Let the other person do a great deal of the talking, let the other person feel that the idea is his or hers, Try honestly to see things from the other person’s point of view, Be sympathetic with the other person’s ideas and desires, Appeal to the nobler motives, dramatize your ideas, Throw down a challenge, Begin with praise and honest appreciation, Call attention to people’s mistakes indirectly, Talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person, ask questions instead of giving direct orders, Let the other person save face, Praise the slightest improvement and praise every improvement. Be heart in your approbation and lavish in your praise, Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to, Use encouragement, Make the fault seem easy to correct, Making the other person happy about doing the things you suggest.
The best way to get the most out of this book is to re-read it & to keep making notes out of it.
Ignited Minds by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Another self-help book in our list is Ignited Minds: Unleashing The Power Within You by our very own scientist DR.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam whose great words “Low Aim is a Crime” are echoing in my mind as I write this. I remember reading this book, as well as recommending this book to my family and friends. The book should be on your reading list if you are searching for some inspiration because this book will not upset you but will leave you with many inspirational quotes to read the next time when you feel low or defeated in your life. Though the book was published in 2002, it is a forward from his earlier book entitled, India 2020: A Vision for the New Millenium published in 1998.
The book is dedicated to one of his students whose answer left a deep impression on Kalam’s mind while he was interacting with his students on the question “Who is Our Enemy” out of all the answers the best answer was from girl Snehal Thakkar, a student of intermediate. The book has 205 pages with eleven chapters in it each chapter dealing with various meaningful issues from dreams to teachers to saints to patriotism to the importance of elementary education given by parents and teachers for they become the role model of a child the book covers each and every issue with such simplicity bringing out the original ideas of Kalam in a dynamic way. The book is a must-read for a student or a person who is keen on raising questions and getting answers for his/her questions. The most beautiful quote in the book is from the very first chapter of the book based on Dreams. “Dream, dream, dream, dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action”. The other quotes from the book include “Wisdom is a weapon to ward off destruction”;
It is an inner fortress which enemies cannot destroy”, “Determine that things can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way.” by Abraham Lincoln, and my personal favourite by Kalam Sir is “ As a young citizen of India, armed with technology and love for my nation,I realize, a small aim is a crime.”, “…let my country awake” by Rabindranath Tagore.
The book also throws light upon the famous people from around the globe whose teachings are not to be ignored but needs to be implemented in our life. Some of these great personalities are Albert Einstein, Caliph Omar(R.A), Emperor Ashoka, J.R.D. Tata, Mahatma Gandhi, Satish Dhawan, Verghese {Dr.}. The book is a must-read for its greatness as a whole. The other books to read by Kalam Sir are You Are Born To Blossom, Wings Of Fire: An Autobiography.
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter
Another self-help book in our list is a book written by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter. The book is based on Robert’s own life experiences. The book is a must-read if you really want to educate yourself in building your empire as this book will help you to know about your finances, it will help you in knowing about financial education which is must for you to understand for your financial stability, it will make you financially independent. The book was self-published in the year 1997. The book has many lessons to understand and then apply in your life. The book also gives us an Introduction where the main focus is on need under the line There Is A Need. Chapter One of the book was narrated by Robert himself. The Lessons to learn from the book are The Rich Don’t Work for Money, Why Teach Financial Literacy?, Mind Your Own Business, The History of Taxes and the Power of Corporations, The Rich Invent Money, Work to Learn Don’t Work for Money.
The book also tells us the reasons why rich get richer and why the middle-class struggle under lesson 2 heading. Why the Rich Get Richer Income -> Assets -> More Income
Expenses are low, Liabilities are low & Why the Middle-Class Struggle Income goes up, Expenses go up. Assets do not increase; Liabilities do increase
The other lessons to learn from the book are under the head Getting Started. The following ten steps as a process to develop your God-given powers. Powers only you only have control over.
I need a reason greater than the reality which tells us the power of the spirit as it teaches us that without a strong reason or purpose, anything in life is hard.
I choose daily which tells us the power of choice and to invest first in education
Choose Friends Carefully which is the power of association
Master a Formula and then Learn a new one
Pay Yourself First which gives us the power of self-discipline
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Another self-help book on our list is a book written by Paulo Coelho. The book was originally written in Portuguese. The book has 208 pages. Though the book is a fiction book, yet it embarks on to give us some powerful messages to learn from the book or to learn from the Shepherd Boy Santiago and his journey to reach his destination. The book is divided into two parts. The book is self-help for those who want to do something in life, who want to follow their passion, dreams and personal legend. The book is a book on dreams how to achieve them, how to overcome obstacles to reach your final destination. The book is a treasure house of motivation, inspiration, encouragement, dreams. The book speaks of dreams and only dreams. Some of the quotes from the book which will keep you passionate and inspired about the fulfilment of your dreams and desires are
And dreams are the language of God. When he speaks in our language, I can interpret what he has said. But if he speaks in the language of the soul, it is only you who can understand
It’s the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary; only wise men are able to understand them.
God has prepared a path for everyone to follow. You just have to read the omens that he left for you
Learn to recognize omens, and follow them
To realize one’s destiny is a person’s only obligation.
And when you want something all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it
The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times
No matter what he does, every person on earth plays a central role in the history of the world. And normally he doesn’t know it
Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma
Another self – help book in our list is The Monk Who Sold his Ferrari by the man himself Robin Sharma who has written this book in a beautiful way which keeps the reader intact even after reader has finished reading the book. It is a self- help book which should be read at least once. The book deals with Robin’s own experiences as a litigation lawyer. He wrote this book after he left his job as a litigation lawyer in his twenties. It is a book about A Fable About Fulfilling Your Dreams and Reaching Your Destiny. It is an inspiring book for everyone to read irrespective of your age. The book has thirteen chapters in total and each chapter teaches us a new way of living life as it is. Some of the most captivating chapters from this book are The Wisdom of Personal Change (chapter 6) , Kindling Your Inner Fire (chapter 8), The Power of Discipline (chapter 10), and the last two chapters dealing with The Ultimate Purpose of Life and last but not the least the chapter dealing with Happiness as the Timeless Secret of Lifelong Happiness. The book has only 181 pages but these 181 pages are enough to lead a happy life and a guide on how to live life in a better way. The book has a number of motivating quotes by famous personalities from around the world such as
Another self-help book in our list is The Monk Who Sold his Ferrari by the man himself Robin Sharma who has written this book in a beautiful way which keeps the reader intact even after reader has finished reading the book. It is a self-help book which should be read at least once. The book deals with Robin’s own experiences as a litigation lawyer. He wrote this book after he left his job as a litigation lawyer in his twenties. It is a book about A Fable About Fulfilling Your Dreams and Reaching Your Destiny. It is an inspiring book for everyone to read irrespective of your age. The book has thirteen chapters in total, and each chapter teaches us a new way of living life as it is. Some of the most captivating chapters from this book are The Wisdom of Personal Change (chapter 6) , Kindling Your Inner Fire (chapter 8), The Power of Discipline (chapter 10), and the last two chapters dealing with The Ultimate Purpose of Life and last but not the least the chapter dealing with Happiness as the Timeless Secret of Lifelong Happiness. The book has only 181 pages, but these 181 pages are enough to lead a happy life and a guide on how to live life in a better way. The book has a number of motivating quotes by famous personalities from around the world such as
“Life is no brief candle for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations” by George Bernard Shaw, “Great dreamers’ dreams are never fulfilled, they are always transcended” by Alfred Lord Whitehead “I am an artist at living — my work of art is my life” by Suzuki, “Most people live—whether physically, intellectually or morally—in a very restricted circle of their potential being. We all have reservoirs of life to draw upon of which we do not dream” by William James, “Trust yourself. Create the kind of life you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into the flames of achievement” by Foster C. McClellan, “Well arranged time is the surest mark of a well-arranged mind.” by Sir Isaac Pitman, “When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in the worship of the Creator” by Mahatma Gandhi
Even the characters of the book have amazing thoughts which are reflected in their words said by them especially of Julian Mantle for example “In the fable, the garden is a symbol for the mind,” said Julian. “If you care for your mind, if you nurture it and if you cultivate it just like a fertile, rich garden, it will blossom far beyond your expectations. But if you let the weeds take root, lasting peace of mind and deep inner harmony will always elude you
The Power of Your Subconscious Mind By Dr. Joseph Murphy
Another self-help book in our list is yet another one by Joseph Murphy. The book has 297 pages in total, and each page helps you to unlock the truly staggering powers of your subconscious mind. The book explains to us how our subconscious human mind influences every single aspect of our life. The book will help you to enhance the quality of your life. After finishing reading this marvellous creation from an affirmative thinker, you will be open to a new world of success, happiness, prosperity and peace for you. The combination of spiritual wisdom and scientific research is the foundation of this book which will make your life more worthwhile. The book has twenty chapters in total, and each chapter has inspiring subheadings. Some of the chapters from the book are The Treasure House Within You, The Miracle Working Power of Your Subconscious, How to Get the Results you Want, Your Subconscious Mind as a Partner in Success, Your Subconscious Mind and your Happiness, How to Stay Young in Spirit Forever.
The other things not to miss reading in this book are Everybody Prays; Wonders Happen When You Pray Effectively, What Do You Believe, Desire is Prayer, There Is One Mind Common To All Individuals.
The influencing quotes from the book are “The Law of your mind is the law of belief,” “All your experiences, events, conditions, acts are produced by your subconscious mind in reaction to your thoughts,” “Be still. Be quiet. I am in control. You must obey me do not belong”, “Change Your thoughts and you change your destiny”, “Choose life love health happiness”, “Man is what he thinks all day long “(Emerson), “As within so without As above so below”, “Marvelous are thy works and that my soul{subconscious} mind knoweth right well”, “Your thought is creative”, “Happiness is a state of mind”.
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
Another self-help book in our list is yet another one by Joseph Murphy. The book has 297 pages in total, and each page helps you to unlock the truly staggering powers of your subconscious mind. The book explains to us how our subconscious human mind influences every single aspect of our life. The book will help you to enhance the quality of your life. After finishing reading this marvellous creation from an affirmative thinker, you will be open to a new world of success, happiness, prosperity and peace for you. The combination of spiritual wisdom and scientific research is the foundation of this book which will make your life more worthwhile. The book has twenty chapters in total, and each chapter has inspiring subheadings. Some of the chapters from the book are The Treasure House Within You, The Miracle Working Power of Your Subconscious, How to Get the Results you Want, Your Subconscious Mind as a Partner in Success, Your Subconscious Mind and your Happiness, How to Stay Young in Spirit Forever.
The other things not to miss reading in this book are Everybody Prays; Wonders Happen When You Pray Effectively, What Do You Believe, Desire is Prayer, There Is One Mind Common To All Individuals.
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
Another self-help book to add to our list is a book which has been changing the lives of millions around the world. The main foundation of this book revolves around the Law of Attraction and how it transforms you in a better way. Byrne, through this book of 185 pages, has shown us the value of the law of attraction, gratitude, and how to use them to achieve our goals. The book was published in 2008 since it’s publication is helping people to be happy and improve their relationships. After finishing reading this book, you are bound to believe that your thoughts can really change a person’s life directly. The chapters include The Secret Revealed, The Secret Made Simple, How To Use The Secret. The later chapters include The Secret to Money, Relationship, Health, to the World, You, Life
Some of the quotes from the book to help you in realizing The Secret is
“Every thought of yours is a real thing- a force,”
“If you see it in your mind, you’re going to hold it in your hand,“
”The predominant thought or the mental attitude is the magnet, and the law is that like attracts like. Consequently, the mental attitude will invariably attract such conditions as corresponding to its nature”,
“The vibrations of mental forces are the finest and consequently the most powerful in existence.”,
“The law of attraction is always working, whether you believe it or understand it or not,”
“Your thoughts and your feelings create your life. It will always be that Way. Guaranteed”
“’You create your own universe as you go along.”,
“All that we are is a result of what we have thought.”,
“Many people who order their lives rightly in all other ways are kept in poverty by their lack of gratitude.”,
The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*uck by Mark Manson
Another book to read in our list is a New York Times Bestseller book The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck (A Counterintuitive Approach To Living A Good Life) by Mark Manson. I remember reading this book a few months back when I had visited the World Book Fair held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. It was a second-hand book for me with a new approach to life. This is the book about which I had read a lot about on many online websites for book lovers. I was always keen on reading this book, and now after reading this book, I know why this book was the talk of the town. The book is of 210 pages where each page gives you something new to add to your life. The book is divided into 9 Chapters in total with many sub-chapters or topics. The book leaves you in tears too, as you read, you will get to know better. The book is a very new kind of book as the book is quite different from the other books and from the sayings that we keep listening from our family and friends. Upon reading the chapter, you will think that there is some problem with the author, but as you read further in the sub-chapters, the idea of the author will get clearer in your mind.
It will make you think again what to do in life & how to do it. Some of the chapters include Don’t Try; Happiness Is A Problem, You Are Not Special, The Value of Suffering, You Are Wrong About Everything, Failure is the Way Forward, ….. And Then You Die. The book deals with his own experiences about everything which gives us his own philosophy that struggles are important as they give more meaning to our meaningless life which is better than trying to be happy always seeing the positive side of everything. The book openly challenges the principles laid down by the self-help industry, which, according to Mark, is neither practical nor helpful. This may be the first time that an author has written with such honesty about his own life, his own mistakes. The book may be said a book of facts which are generally discarded by us. The book will give you a new approach in order to live a good life where you don’t seek to run away from life but are able to face life with all honesty and dignity. If you like this book you should also lay your hands on the next book followed by this book titled Everything is F*cked: A Book About Hope.
Who Moved My Cheese by Dr. Johnson Spencer
Another self-help book on our list is Spencer’s book. The book was published in 2008. The book focuses on the changes in work and personal life and also how to deal with them. The book is a very thin book. It doesn’t have many pages; still; it is one of the most motivational books to read as the characters from the book are people that we met in our daily life. The author has said much in few words. Who Moved My Cheese? is a simple parable that reveals profound truths about change. It is an amusing and enlightening story of four characters who live in a ‘Maze’ and look for ‘Cheese’ to nourish them and make them happy. The Chapters of this book include Parts of All of Us, A Gathering: Chicago, Who Moved My Cheese: The Story, A Discussion: Later That Same Day
The Story chapter includes Four Characters Finding Cheese No Cheese! The Mice: Sniff & Scurry The Little people: Hem & Haw Meanwhile, Back In the Maze Getting Beyond Fear Enjoying The Adventure Moving With The Cheese The Handwriting On The Wall Tasting New Cheese Enjoying Change!
Parts of All of Us The Simple and The Complex ,The four imaginary characters depicted in this story — the mice: “Sniff” and “Scurry;’ and the Little people: “Hem” and “Haw” — are intended to represent the simple and the complex parts of ourselves, regardless of our age, gender, race or nationality. Sometimes we may act like Sniff Who sniffs out change early, or Scurry Who scurries into action, or Hem Who denies and resists change as he fears it will lead to something worse, or Haw Who learns to adapt in time when he sees changing can lead to something better! Whatever parts of us we choose to use, we all share something in common: a need to find our Way in the Maze and succeed in changing times.
Who Will Cry When You Die by Robin Sharma
Another self-help book to add to our list is yet another one by Robin Sharma. Who will cry when you die ? is a book by Robin which deals with many useful lessons to learn from this book. While writing this, I remembered that I too, had read this book a few months back and after reading this book, I remember I was in tears because the beauty of this book amazed me totally. The book originally has life lessons from Robin’s earlier book The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. The book is hard to put down as it has that quality which keeps the reader engaged with curiosity. The book is a treasure house for motivation, encouragement, and inspiration, which flows in every word on every page. The book starts with a very relatable quote “The tragedy of life is not death, but what we let die inside of us while we live” by Norman Cousins. The book has many chapters in it to be precise; it has 101 chapters in total. The book has 225 pages all dealing with life and how to make it more worthwhile. The book also deals with personal growth and the ways how to build yourself help with making your bonds stronger and deeper with the people around you your family and friends. Some of the chapters from the book are must to read for knowing yourself better, for inspiration, for bringing out the best in you, for making yourself and others around you who mean the world to you happy.
It will be difficult for us to write the name of each chapter so we are here naming the chapters from the book which you should not miss reading them. These captivating chapters from the book are Chapter 1 Discover Your Calling, Chapter 5 Keep a Journal , Chapter 11 Talk to Yourself, Chapter 14 Remember, Genius is 99 Percent Inspiration, Chapter 15 Care for the Temple,Chapter 16 Learn to be Silent, Chapter 26 Write Thank You Notes, Chapter 28 Always Carry a Book with You, Chapter 31 List Your Problems, Chapter 43 Build a Library of Heroic Books, Chapter 45 Connect with Nature, Chapter 53 Walk in the Woods, Chapter 60 Find Three Great Friends, Chapter 76 Become the CEO of Your Life,Chapter 79 Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself , Chapter 92 Plant a Tree, Chapter 94 Take More Pictures, Chapter 98 Collect Quotes that Inspire You, Chapter 101 Live Fully so You Can Die Happy. This is not a one-time read kind of book. Once you finish reading this book don’t just leave it untouched, keep re-reading it for it will help you well to cope up with life better. The book has thrown light upon the things which we normally don’t give much importance, but in reality, those un-significant little things have a deep significance in our life which we only realize after we have lost them. The book covers each and every important point, which makes our life easy brilliantly. This book will change you only if you allow yourself to change.
Here were our 12 books to help you live the life you have always dream of. We wish you All The Best in achieving it. We hope that you liked our picks. Happy Reading.