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The 7 Best Motivational Books, According to Mental Health Experts

Find your motivation with these inspiring reads

• What to Look For

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust Verywell Mind?

Lacking motivation ? Here are the best motivational books that might help you get back on track, according to mental health experts.

What Your Lack of Motivation Might Mean

“A lack of motivation is often an indication that you need to rest, recharge, and re-evaluate how you’re expanding your energy,” says Aisha R. Shabazz , therapist and licensed clinical social worker who specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders. “Our global society is very goal-oriented, so I think many people struggle with motivation because they’re exhausted from constantly striving toward doing everything, all the time, at 110%.” 

"Atomic Habits" by James Clear

Written by an expert

Outlines actionable, small steps towards lasting change

Easy to read

Non-judgmental

Theory-heavy

A long read

Written by one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation , this book distills the latest research on the psychology and science behind forming healthy, sustainable habits. Then, the author gives actionable advice for making small changes in your life, so you can achieve your goals.

His message is simple: start with small, manageable changes in order to build towards lasting change .

What Experts Say

“I would recommend a motivational self-help book to someone who is trying to start a new hobby — a book like 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear. It offers a nice boost to keep their motivation going because he breaks down his process of forming good habits and speaks to why habits are formed (or not formed) and how to create new habits and resist old ones.” — Aisha R. Shabazz , Therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders

"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey

Great for readers who feel stuck in old habits

40 million copies sold

Some find the writing preachy and dogmatic

Advice is not applicable to all readers

Despite being written over 30 years ago, this book has held up over time and is now known as a classic in the self-help space. It is written to be inspirational and motivating, and it uses real-world examples and anecdotes to distill seven basic tips that you can use in your life to achieve success .

It’s easy to read and, more importantly, easy to learn from.

"The One Thing" by Gary Keller

Dedicated to goal setting

Teaches readers how to focus

Uses clear analogies

Specific topic

Somewhat repetitive

A longer read

If you struggle to find motivation because you’re never sure where to start, this is the book for you. It focuses on one subject— goal setting —but it does so in a way that helps you prioritize your ambitions.

After reading it, you’ll know how to set priorities, get started on tasks, and keep your motivation going until you achieve the outcome you desire.

"The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg

Explains the science of how habits work

Gives actionable advice for changing routines

Written by an award-winning business reporter

Author is not a psychologist

If you’ve ever tried to create a new routine for yourself, you’re well aware of how difficult that can actually be. New routines are hard to stick to, and before long, we’re slipping back into our old habits.

This book breaks down the latest scientific research on how habits work and what we can do to change them. That way, we can create new routines for our lives and our business.

"You Are a Badass" by Jen Sincero

Engaging exercises

Accessible voice

Could be more empathetic

Don’t let fear get the best of you with this book by Jen Sincero. The book is easy to read and will remind you to show yourself more self-love and care, so you can find the motivation to go after your goals.

Best of all, this book contains some engaging, motivating end-of-chapter exercises that you’ll come back to time and time again.

"Own Your Anxiety" by Julian Brass

Based on medical research and personal experience

Some advice feels general

The author uses his personal experiences and medical research to provide readers with actionable tools to help cope with their anxiety . His goal with this book is to help readers harness their anxiety and use it to motivate themselves to live a healthier, happier life.

The chapters are short and easy to read. The tone is compassionate.

“Reading motivational books when you have anxiety can be helpful because you can learn about someone who has been through a similar situation to yours. Maybe they went through something really difficult in life, like a divorce, and they had to find the light in the middle of the darkness. Reading a book about someone who is going through something very challenging can offer help and inspiration and even make you feel grateful for the good things in your life. Motivational books are helpful when you feel hopeless.” — Katie Ziskind , Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

"Work Simply" by Carson Tate

Targeted tips aimed at different productivity styles

Encouraging voice

Promotes signing up for a class

When it comes to getting motivated, no two people are exactly alike. That’s because, as this author explains, people have different productivity styles—they’re either arrangers, visualizers, planners, or prioritizers. So if you want to get productive and develop better time management , the first step is to figure out what style you are—and this book can help you do that.

“Motivation and lack thereof looks considerably different for different people—like for those who are neurotypical, neurodivergent, experiencing depression, challenged by focus, attention, and hyperactivity, or experiencing grief and loss. We have to look at the cultural implications of how we are defining motivation and who is defined as motivated and unmotivated.” — Aisha R. Shabazz , Therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders

Final Verdict

Ultimately, the best motivational book is one that speaks to you, your personality, and the issues behind your lack of motivation. That’s why “Work Simply” by Carson Tate is a great book for most readers: it starts by acknowledging that people have different productivity styles, before offering targeted tips for getting productive.

Meanwhile, “Atomic Habits” by James Clear will help you better understand the science behind good habits so you can take small—but meaningful—steps towards positive change.

What to Look for in a Motivational Book

Do you like the way the author writes? Skim a few pages and try to gauge whether their writing style feels relatable and engaging to you. See if they sound empathetic to the struggles you’re experiencing. If you don’t like the writing style, you won’t want to read the book and might give up on it halfway through. 

Author Credentials

Ideally, the author should have some expertise on the topic they’re writing about. This expertise can be academic or personal, but you’ll generally want a book written by someone who has the credentials to write about the psychology of motivation.

“Look for an author that makes you feel empowered,” says Schroeder. “Do a little research. There are self-help books on almost any topic, and finding an author that resonates with you is key.”

Some authors will offer free content on their website or will have done web or podcast interviews. "Look for those interviews, because it can give you a feel for who they are," says Shabazz.

Actionable Advice

Some books will include exercises to help you learn how to implement their motivational tips. This can help guide you to change your habits and outlook. 

“You want to make sure you are being encouraged to take small attainable steps,” says Schroeder. “If your goal is to run a marathon and you currently don’t run, you won’t read this book and suddenly be able to run a marathon. Aim for a book that gives you a goal-setting process.” 

To a certain extent, motivation varies from person to person because, as Shabazz explains, "different things cause people to feel motivated or unmotivated.” So the first step is often to look at your individual circumstances and figure out what is holding you back from feeling motivated.

For example, “in the case of those who experience anxiety in an intense way, I encourage people to consider what is at stake if they don’t take action,” Shabazz says. “It’s a modern version of a pros and cons list but the purpose is to get to the bottom of what’s holding someone back from moving forward.”

For others getting motivated involves letting go of societal expectations and focusing on doing one thing, every day, that makes them happy. “Do what makes you truly happy, and that is where you will see the motivation increase,” says Schroeder. If you do something that makes you happy first, she continues, you can “fill your cup, and the motivation for other tasks will follow.” 

The activity that makes you happy doesn’t have to be complicated either: it can be as simple as going for a walk, meeting up with a friend, or taking an hour for self-care. 

Some people also find motivation in either starting the day with a simple task that they can do quickly—like making the bed or checking an easy item off your to-do list—so that you feel a sense of accomplishment early in your day. 

Others feel motivated by having a clear plan or routine for the day that allows them to track their progress, like starting out with a regular morning routine that increases productivity, for example.

Even if you get motivated to do something, it’s not always easy to stay motivated over time. Here are some tips you can try to sustain your motivation: 

Be clear on why you’re doing something: “For most tasks that we set out to accomplish, it’s important to determine what the value attached is with getting this project complete,” says Shabazz. Focus on why you’re doing something and what you’ll get out of it when the task is complete. 

Don’t bite off more than you can chew: This is especially important if you start a new hobby or project. “Break your project into small attainable steps,” says Schroeder. “If you are starting to feel overwhelmed by a step in the process, break that down into more manageable chunks. Be realistic with yourself and the time you give yourself to complete these goals.”

Surround yourself with supportive or motivated people : People cheering you on to accomplish your goals will keep you motivated. 

It can also be helpful to be around other ambitious people that are motivated to go after their goals because you might get inspired by their passion. 

Just make sure those people aren’t too competitive or negative. If they are too competitive and unsupportive of your goals, it could lead you to compare yourself or feel less accomplished, which could begin to affect your self-esteem and your follow-through. 

Keep learning: This is where self-help books can play a role. Learning about new things and new ways to pursue your goals can be extremely motivating. 

Give yourself breaks: “Motivation often ebbs and flows, so it is important to give yourself grace in times you don’t have as much,” says Schroeder. “That way you are able to capitalize on the motivation when it is at a high.”

Why Trust Verywell Mind? 

As an experienced health and science reporter, Simone Scully understands the importance of picking thoroughly researched products to promote wellness and self-care.

By Simone Scully Simone is the health editorial director for performance marketing at Verywell. She has over a decade of experience as a professional journalist covering mental health, chronic conditions, medicine, and science. Simone has a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University, where she was awarded the John Horgan Award for critical science and health journalism at graduation, and a bachelor's degree from the London School of Economics.

• The 31 Best Motivational Books Ever Written

Do you know that glowing feeling you get after you finish the last couple pages of a really inspirational book?

You know, that sense of wonder, the goosebumps, the moment when your creativity seems to know no limits and you imagine yourself facing all of your challenges – and succeeding.

I think you should have that feeling more often.

Recently, when I was scouring the web for motivational books, none of the lists I found really made me want to pick up one of their books, mostly because:

• I knew all the books already,
• the books were only for a specific demographic (entrepreneurs, women, etc.), or
• they didn’t even tell me why the book was going to motivate me in the first place.

What’s more, every single list I found was limited to either fiction or non-fiction books only. So I thought: “Why not create one with both?”

To keep it fair and square, I limited myself to include only books I either have read, or am currently reading . This way I make sure I only present you with books I have a solid understanding of, and, which are, to my best, 25 year old knowledge, utterly motivating.

After digging deep (and I mean  really deep, I even called my Mum), I’ve come up with a list of what I believe to be the 31 best motivational books ever written , that’ll unleash your inner greatness.

For every book I’ve included:

• year of publication
• an image of the cover (with a link to the book on Amazon)
• number of copies sold
• a curious fact
• the best quote from the book
• a shareable image with the quote
• why it’s so motivational
• two ways to share the book, depending on whether you’ve already read it, or not

…and of course a link to read its summary right here on Four Minute Books. For the fiction books I’ve included Amazon links, since I only read non-fiction for this site.

Note: Don’t be surprised to see quite a few children’s books and books for teenagers. Since I’m only 25 years old, I still remember a lot of those. Plus, kids are the most motivated human beings on this planet. As adults, we’ve lost most of that lighthearted, curious, motivational mojo, and these books are a great way to get it back.

Now, without further ado, enjoy what I think are the top 31 motivational books of all time!

To make navigating this post super easy, you can jump right to any book that sparks your interest from the table of contents below. Below the box containing each book, you’ll find a “back to top” link to come back up here and pick the next one 🙂

Fiction books:

Non-fiction books:, hidden bonus:.

#31: Secret Bonus Book

Author: Paulo Coelho

Type: Fiction

Published in: 1988

Number of copies sold:  ~150 million

Best quote from the book: 

Summary: A young shepherd boy in Southern Spain has the same dream about a hidden treasure in Egypt, over and over again, which eventually leads him to investigate it. He learns that one day, everyone finds out what their destiny is and that it requires passion and desire to make your destiny become a reality. Along the journey to find the treasure he meets new and strange people, some of which become his friends and touch his heart. The combined teachings of his companions finally lead him to a realization that is much bigger than even the treasure itself.

Why is it such a motivational book? 

The book’s core theme is destiny . This is combined with many mysterious characters and deep, thoughtful lessons, often in the form of riddles and puzzles. Yet, the book uses such plain language, that anyone can understand it. That’s how this book constantly speaks to your curiosity, without making you feel overwhelmed. It’s impossible to put down, leaves you with a sense of wonder and gratitude about the world and gives you an incredible drive to explore your own destiny .

I remember finishing it in very few sittings, over the course of which I started going to bed at 9 pm (even though I was studying abroad in the US at the time, with 5 party animals as roommates), waking up at 5, watching the sunset, walking around in the nearby forest a lot, and beginning to think about what I really want out of life. That’s the power the book has: it makes you think . A lot.

Tweet if you’ve read this book Share this book with your friends

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Author:  Joanne K. Rowling

Published in:  2000

Number of copies sold:  ~55 million

Curious fact: J.K. Rowling changed her mind about the title – twice. Until 12 days before it was published, the already publicized working title was “Harry Potter and the Doomspell Tournament”. 2 Source:  http://www.ew.com/article/2000/08/04/harry-potter-and-goblet-fire

Best quote from the book:

Summary:  In his fourth year at Hogwarts, the school hosts the legendary Triwizard Tournament, for the first time in 202 years, where three wizards from three schools compete in grueling trials for fame and glory. Technically too young to compete, Harry mysteriously ends up as the fourth participant, and soon has to face challenges he doesn’t feel remotely ready for. With luck, friends, bravery and skill he perseveres until the end, only to find he finally has to take responsibility not only for who he is, but also for the entire wizarding world.

Why is it such a motivational book?

First, I’m a huge Harry Potter nerd, so sue me. That said, the reason this book stands out to me among the series, is that it lets Harry go through a pivotal transformation. In the first three books, he sort of stumbles into things, and, by looking out for himself, somehow ends up saving the day. While he’s thrown into cold water in this book once again, he makes the decision to stop trying to be normal, and instead takes responsibility . This is a crucial part of seeing him succeed in all the tournament challenges, which, by the way, are much tougher than all of the things he faced in the three previous books combined.

This is a book about the things in life worth fighting for , not only because Harry finds love for the first time, but also because things become (deadly) serious. For teens, this is an identity-shaping books, but I’ve re-read it multiple times over the years, because it teaches you that there’s always a choice between what is right, and what is easy, and makes you want to take responsibility for taking the path you feel is right.

Get it on Amazon >>

Author:  Astrid Lindgren

Published in:  1945

Number of copies sold:  ~80 million (series total for 3 books + 3 picture books)

Curious fact:  The main character in Stieg Larsson’s 3-book series of Millennium novels is based on what he believed to be an adult version of Pippi Longstocking. The series has sold 80 million copies – just as many as the Pippi Longstocking books. 3 Source:  http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/the-mystery-of-the-dragon-tattoo-stieg-larsson-the-worlds-bestselling-and-most-enigmatic-author-20110105?page=5

Summary: Pippi Longstocking is an estimated 9 years old (though no one knows for sure), has superhuman strength, and lives in a rainbow-colored house with her monkey, Mr. Nilsson, and her horse Old Man. She takes care of herself entirely, as her father, a famous seafarer, has been lost at sea for a few years, after dropping her off in the village, because he thought life at sea was too dangerous for her. Although Pippi has no manners, can’t do math and neither read, nor write, she lives an extraordinary life, filled with adventures, mostly involving the neighbors’ kids and shows that living by the world’s rules is hopelessly overrated. She never ceases to shock adults, but is living proof that you can make the world what you want it to be, without fitting any template the world would call normal.

This is a Swedish book and much more widely known in Europe than overseas, so you might never have heard of Pippi and her stories. I especially loved the TV movies and series (1969 version) as a kid, because it made me believe that anything is possible . Even the intro song suggests it, among its lyrics are the words “two times three is four widewidewid and three makes nine.” The constant conflict between the adults, who try to get Pippi to conform to what they think is normal, and Pippi’s sheer intolerance for anything that doesn’t match her idea of fun, happiness and adventure, in which Pippi always comes out on top, really makes you question a lot of the ideas we grow up with .

Pippi refuses to grow up, and when you start to look at all the things you’ve slowly let go of and given up on over the years, you’ll see that maybe it might be time to bring a little bit  a lot of that childish, inexperienced, unbiased, bold, let’s-do-it attitude back to your own life.

Author: Eoin Colfer

Published in: 2001

Number of copies sold:  ~21 million (across all 8 books in the series)

Curious fact:  When asked to describe his own book series, Colfer needed only four words to hit the nail on the head, saying Artemis Fowl was “Die Hard with fairies.” 4 Source:  http://www.eoincolfer.com/artemis-fowl

Summary:  Artemis Fowl is just 12-year old, but is already following in his father’s footsteps as a notorious, underground crime lord. Driven mostly by greed, he kidnaps a fairy police officer, in order to blackmail the fairies into giving him their gold. But as he gets to know his prisoner, it is slowly revealed that there is a deeper meaning behind his seemingly evil plan. The battle between good and evil is not as black and white, as it seems, and starts to transcend the borders of fairies vs. humans.

Some people called this “the new Harry Potter”, but that’s not what this is. To me it feels like mixing Wall Street, the 1980s movie, with Lord of the Rings. First, this book is motivating because of Artemis’s  vast accomplishments and genius thought patterns , especially given he’s just 12 years old. Second, it grounds you , because above all, the book shows that Artemis is human, and therefore makes human mistakes. Greed and being torn between good and evil is something we’re all prone to, and even child prodigies are no exception.

Most importantly though, this book gives you one thing: hope . It makes you believe that there’s good in all of us, and that there’s something you can speak to in others, which is incredibly comforting. Especially when you’re trying, against all odds, to turn your dream into reality.

Author: Mark Twain

Published in:  1876

Number of copies sold:  ~20 million (an estimate, since book sales weren’t tracked before 1895)

Summary:  The book begins with the legendary white picket fence painting punishment, which Tom turns into a fun afternoon of hustling his friends out of their little treasures and belongings, in order to let them paint the fence for him. He then courts his classmate Becky, witnesses a murder with his best friend Huck, becomes a lonely pirate on an island, returns to start a treasure hunt and gets himself and his crush into serious danger. Though he faces social and moral issues and crises all through his adventures, he’s still led to the conclusion that his way of approaching things might not be so bad at all.

This book is another exercise in creative thinking . The fence story is worth the price of the book alone, but this goes deeper. In contrast to Pippi Longstocking , Tom doesn’t break or disregard the rules of society – he bends them. Being raised rather comfortably, compared to his best friend Huck, he tries to adhere to society’s rules, but finds this increasingly difficult to unite with his own values. He learns that most of what our society suggests is actually hypocritical, and that there can be freedom in social isolation (=not giving a damn).

Therefore, this book not only gets your imagination juices flowing, it also makes you more effective, because you’ll want to start to take an 80/20 approach to life , follow conventions only, if they make sense, and thus become happier and likely better at what you do.

Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Published in:  1943

Number of copies sold:  ~140 million, making it the third best-selling book of all time (in 250 languages)

Summary: After a short introduction the narrator ends up stranded in the desert, because his airplane crashes. He meets a strange little boy, who came to earth after traveling around the universe and exploring several asteroids. As the days go by and the narrator tries to fix his plane, the prince recounts stories from his travels and his former life on his own asteroid, which highlight and critique lots of elements of society, all the while showing the identity crisis many of us go through at some point, exactly because of those less-than-good parts of society.

Much like The Alchemist , due to the philosophical and poetic nature of this book, many things won’t seem to make sense as you read along – at first – and then miraculously fall into place later on . The gift of inspiration hides in so many places here, like the hand-drawn illustrations from the author, or simple, yet deeply profound sentences, which will almost stand out visually.

The beginning and end of this book make one key point:  you need to listen to your heart, in order to see the world clearly . Everything in-between fuels this message, while giving you many other insights along the way.

Author: Daniel Kehlmann

Published in: 2005

Number of copies sold: ~6 million

Summary:  This incredibly funny and ironic novel re-invents the lives of Carl Friedrich Gauß, famous German mathematician, and Alexander von Humboldt, biologist, adventurer, scientist and explorer. It does away with boring facts and figures, and quickly tells the stories of their discoveries, most of which with humorous (and made up) twists. The narrative perspective switches between the two, eventually having them meet and become long-term pen pals.

I’m 95% sure you’ve never heard of it before, because it’s a German book and was only later translated and published internationally. Yet, there are several things that make this book inspiring and one of my favorites, which is what makes it all the more worth sharing with you.

One, much like Artemis Fowl , this shows you that even the greatest minds of our time make mistakes and have their quirks, so your own become less of an obstacle on your journey. Second, it teaches you to always question your actions and that finding the best way is a constant process, which makes you fret less about adjusting and changing your mind. Third, it shows you that there’s no wrong approach when trying to get what you want . Some of us are introverts, like Gauß, and would prefer a quiet life at home with deep thinking, while others are happy to follow in Humboldt’s footsteps and travel the world, meet people, and learn everything from experience.

Nevertheless, both of them share a huge urge to figure out the world and make it a better place. Some of that spirit is bound to rub off on you.

Author: Dan Brown

Published in: 2003

Number of copies sold: ~80 million

Summary:  When the curator of the famous Louvre in Paris is murdered, Harvard professor and expert in symbolism and cryptography Robert Langdon is called to help. Against the French police’s efforts, who suspect Langdon to be the murderer, and thanks to the help of local police cryptographer Sophie Neveu, the two are soon lead to a safety deposit box at a bank, which contains a cryptex, yet another mysterious item containing more riddles and codes to crack. The chase after the seemingly religious killer, who seeks to find the Holy Grail for his master, leads them to Britain, Scotland and the point where friend can’t be told from foe. They finally discover that there’s a much bigger plot in progress, which might erase the world’s most powerful church, and, as it comes full circle, brings them right back to the beginning.

First of all, don’t watch the movie and then read the book. That’s bad. Do it the other way around. Like Measuring the World , this book speaks to the explorer in you. So many elements and figures are shrouded in mystery, that it not only sparks your curiosity , but also makes you think hard about the skill level one needs to figure out such mysteries.

I can’t think of any other author’s novels, which have more plot twists, sudden story turns and baffling endings, which are likely to leave you with an open mouth, but also get you to believe that fate’s paths are inexplicable and that the goals we fight for often require us to take a leap of faith .

Author: Charles Dickens

Published in: 1843

Number of copies sold: 6,000 copies in the first 5 days (which was huge, back then), by now millions of copies in thousands of variants and adapted forms, including thousands of movies, theater plays, public readings, radio programs, recordings and operas.

Summary: Ebenezer Scrooge is rich beyond measure. Sadly, the only thing the old man is preoccupied with is turning money into more money, which leaves him roaming the streets alone, clenching his fists, yelling at workers, children and the less fortunate. That night, the ghost of his former business partner appears, warning him of the terrible (same) fate he is about to suffer, if his habits of greed and selfishness don’t change. He tells him that he’ll be visited by the three ghosts of Christmas (past, present and future), which then take him on a tour of various Christmas scenarios. The grief and horror he witnesses transform him over night, and he decides not to waste another second and right his wrongs, feeling blissful at having been granted another shot at life.

I am exactly as sure that you’ve heard this story in one form or the other, as I am that you don’t know Measuring the World . This never gets old. The one thing, above all, that this book’ll give you is  hope.  Hope that it’s not too late to chase your dreams. Hope, that the best days of your life haven’t even happened yet, and that there’s good in everyone.

Here’s a good thinking exercise: After you read the book, imagine what the ghosts would tell and show you, if they arrived at your doorstep this Christmas. Would they congratulate you? Or show you a future just as bleak as Scrooge’s? This book is a wonderful way to measure how virtuous the life you live actually is and at the same time a great reminder that it’s never too late to struggle to get there .

Author: Suzanne Collins

Published in:  2009

Number of copies sold:  ~19 million just for this second book in the trilogy, total sales of the series are 65 million for the US alone.

Summary: After both Katniss and Peeta make it out of the 74th Hunger Games alive, they’re supposed to visit all the districts of Panem on a victory tour. This instantly turns dark, as people seem to take inspiration in how Katniss broke the rules to make it possible for two people to win, instead of just one, and a rebellion dwells underneath the surface. To nip this in the bud, the Capitol comes up with a terrible twist: All participants for the next year’s Hunger Games are to be drawn from a pool of previous victors, dragging Katniss and Peeta right back into the arena. Deadlier and trickier than ever before, the struggle for survival forces the tributes to join forces, and once again the grand scheme only unfolds to Katniss (and the reader) in the final pages of the book.

If anything, these books show you that life is short . Death is ever-present in them, lurking behind every corner. Katniss and Peeta must fight for the ones they love, including each other, all the time. There’s a sense of urgency in this book, that you can’t really shake, which makes you want to get off your butt and do stuff .

The reason I picked this book over the first one is that it’s pivotal, similar to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire . Before, Katniss landed in the games by chance and had plenty of luck to help her get through. But fate sometimes throws more than one terrible blow, so when she ends up as a participant again, the stakes and her approach change. Even when it seems there’s no possible way to go on, Katniss always finds a way to persevere, and if what you do matters, then so should you .

Author: Cornelia Funke

Number of copies sold:  ~3 million worldwide

Summary: When Meggie spots a stranger in front of her father Mo’s house, who’s a bookbinder, weird things begin to happen. Dustfinger, as the stranger and apparently old friend of Mo is called, seems to be a troublemaker, whom aunt Elinor isn’t happy to see, when the three arrive at her house full of books, where Mo has some work to do. Soon Meggie discovers that the perpetual presence of books in her life is no coincidence, as her father can make them come to life when reading out aloud.

His past mistakes with this incredible ability slowly start to catch up with the family when the evil Capricorn Mo once freed resurfaces, bringing everyone into great danger. As the story unfolds, Meggie learns she has inherited her Dad’s ability, and must master it, if she wants to save everyone, all while discovering her family’s history, including why her mother’s been gone for 9 years…

A book about books. Perfect! I’m a strong believer that the answer to any question is always in a book. Therefore, anything that’ll make you pick up more books makes me happy. If anything, that’s what this book does. It’s not only an against-all-odds display of astonishing perseverance , but also reignites your spark of consistent learning .

If I had to describe this book in just two words, I’d say it’s both magically human, while also humanly magical, truly a tribute to readers all over the world . You have to read it, to grasp it. Plus, I’m pretty sure since it’s another book of German origin, you won’t have heard of this before.

Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald

Published in: 1925

Number of copies sold:  ~25 million

Summary: In 1922, Nick Carraway takes a new job and moves to West Egg, a fictional village on Long Island. When he visits his cousin Daisy and her husband Tom, he meets the attractive, but cynical Jordan Baker, and soon finds out that the lavish lifestyle they all lead comes at many a terrible price, including infidelity, depression, alcoholism and identity crises. The mysterious millionaire owner of the mansion next door, Jay Gatsby, soon invites Nick to one of his extravagant parties, which Jay himself never attends. When Nick discovers they all have a shared history of romance, including his cousin Daisy and Jay, he tries to help reunite two estranged lovers, which ends in disaster.

When I picked this book to read it for a school project, I had entirely different expectations, and didn’t understand many aspects of it as I read it the first time. Only when I started researching the book’s themes, did I slowly get what it’s about.

First and foremost, it’s an enormous warning sign . You might get everything you’ve ever dreamed of in life, only to find it wasn’t what you’re looking for and doesn’t make your life easier in the slightest. It shows you that there’s plenty to be happy about right now and that you really have all you need. Plus, it’ll help keep your feet on the ground once you reach whatever you define to be success for you.

Second, this is contrasted by the insane wealth the characters have amassed, though some un-earned or attained with illegal measures. The 2013 movie with Leonardo DiCaprio  will give you a good visual grasp of it. Feeling like Artemis Fowl  for adults, this book will inspire you to view life as a balancing act of human achievement and virtue.  Its motivational capacities are very subtle and not as obvious as in some of the other books on this list, but it still makes you want to do the right thing.

Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Published in: 1887

Number of copies sold:  ~60 million for the most popular book of the series ‘ The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes ‘, which contains 12 short stories, which puts this one (the first of only four full-length novels featuring Holmes) easily into the millions of copies sold as well.

Summary:  This book introduces Sherlock Holmes and his companion and biographer Dr. John Watson, starting off with them meeting via a mutual friend and deciding to share the flat at 221B Baker Street, in order to save money. Next to Holmes obvious quirks, like experimenting with drugs and playing the violin in the middle of the night, Watson notices many guests come and go, who turn out to be Holmes’s clients.

When a Scotland Yard messenger arrives and requests help with a new murder case, Watson eventually persuades Holmes to investigate the crime scene and Holmes invites him to tag along. As the two analyze and interpret the odds and ends of the murder, the plot thickens and a second murder takes place. The hunt finds a sudden end in Holmes’s apartment, with the second part of the novel explaining the entire story leading up to the murderer’s malicious actions and capture, including how Holmes deciphered minute details and thus identified the suspect.

Really? Do I need to explain this? How can you not be inspired by Sherlock Holmes? This is the ultimate piece of fiction writing to show you the value of deliberate practice , which combines effort with thorough feedback analysis to make you world-class at what you do. Yes, at first Sherlock’s genius seems like something you can only marvel at from a distance, but the more you read, the clearer it becomes that you can, and must, cultivate an intense focus to detail in your work yourself .

If you’re looking for a book to make you stop fretting and complaining about your work, so you can become a true craftsman on your journey to 10,000 hours of skill training , this is it. Also, Holmes’s great sense of humor and irony shows you that you shouldn’t take yourself too seriously, in spite of being an absolute professional.

Author: George Samuel Clason

Published in: 1926

Number of copies sold:  ~2 milllion

Summary:  Since the book is a collection of short stories, it’s divided into 9 major parts, many of which have sub-chapters, the first and foremost being the story giving the book its title. It reveals how Arkad, the richest man in Babylon, owes much of his wealth to simply saving 10% of his income each year. This is followed by the “Seven Cures for a Lean Purse”, a series of seven lessons on how to save money and “The Five Laws of Gold”, which lay out a simple philosophy for investing.

Then, “The Clay Tablets from Babylon” draws lessons from the fictional translation of five ancient, Babylonian tablets by an English archeology professor. It turns out he used them to pay off his debts and save for his own retirement, a story he shares in a fictional letter. The other five parables are more singular in their nature and each hold one or two more lessons to be learned about building wealth.

This is probably one of the most compelling personal finance books of all time, due to the power of storytelling . Setting the lessons in this ancient context and disguising them as life lessons from an old, rich man, makes them really seep into your brain. Most of the ideas repeat themselves, and since they’re simple to begin with, they stick .

This is a book about the power of habits , showing you that  incremental progress compounds . So even if all you can do right now is take baby steps, by all means, take them. We often don’t really feel in control of our finances, but actually we are (or at the very least, we can get it back). This is the book to put you back in the driver’s seat.

Author: Jules Verne

Published in: 1873

Number of copies sold:  ~millions (?), sadly I could not find any source of how many copies this book has sold to date, but seeing there are hundreds of thousands of ratings and reviews online alone, I’m confident that sales numbers lie in the millions, especially given that the book has been translated into

Summary: Phileas Fogg is a rich English gentleman of the old school, with discipline like clockwork and few pleasures, one of which is engaging with his friends at the Reform Club. When his friends discuss an article in The Daily Telegraph, stating it is now possible to travel around the world in 80 days, thanks to a new railway line in India, he takes a £20,000 (£1.6 million today) wager and sets off with his newly hired valet, Jean Passepartout (whose last name translates to “passport”). Using mostly trains and steamboats, the two make new friends, face lots of setbacks, get lost, find each other again, and even gain an entire day (which eventually helps them win the bet), returning to London at the same time, exactly 80 days later.

This is a book about possibility . Until Roger Bannister broke the four minute mark for running a mile in 1954 , people thought it was impossible for more than a decade. Anything is impossible, until one man or woman does it. All of a sudden what’s possible is redefined (someone else ran a mile in less than four minutes a month after Bannister). Sometimes we just need someone to step up, take charge and say: “Alright, this is worth failing at, so I’ll do it.” This book makes you want to be that person.

Also, this book shows you the power of stakes. This depends on your personality, but if the risk of losing something, like a big sum of money, gets your butt in gear, then maybe taking a bet up front might be what motivates you. For example, sites like Go Fucking Do It  make it easy to put some money on the line in order to get yourself to make something happen.

Author: Peter Drucker

Type: Non-fiction

Published in: 1999

Number of copies sold:  ~in the millions, since it was initially published in Harvard Business Review, which reaches a global audience

Summary:  This might be the most concise book of all time. Peter Drucker has kept it so short and to the point that you can read it in less than an hour. It asks you a whole bunch of questions and gives you examples, so you can become self-aware about how you learn and work, and then directly apply that in your career. Some sections of the book are “What are my strengths?”, “How do I perform?”, “Where do I belong?”, “What is my contribution?” and “The Second Half of Your Life.”

You can read this in 45 minutes and take notes as you go along, which makes it one of the most actionable books of all time . I highly recommend listening to the audiobook, which is also 45 minutes long. I’ve listened to it multiple times on various car drives, and find I always learn something new. It’s so motivational because it’s very simple, even just by thinking about some of the questions from the book you become a lot smarter and aware of how you tick.

This book feels like a fog is lifted, and your entire communication and thinking become clearer , and you’ll likely want to march into work the next day with some of the ideas from the book in hand, ready to improve the crap out of your career.

Author:  James Altucher

Published in:  2013

Number of copies sold:  ~350,000 as of May 2015

Summary: The world as we know it is about to fade. Simple jobs are outsourced, automated, or filled with cheap temp staffers. A college degree no longer guarantees a safe career. Work, retirement, politics, it’s all unstable now, because the middlemen are disappearing left and right. People can publish their own books, make their own TV shows and release their own music. Gigantic industries disappear over night – and all of this is great news. Now you can choose yourself. You don’t need to be picked. You can pick yourself. James shows you how, both on the outside, and the inside.

James is one of the most openly vulnerable human beings ever, and it makes you relate to him instantly. Not only will you be able to identify yourself with the book , but also laugh a lot – James is funny. If you feel out of control, this book will show you that the wheel of your life is in your hand. James explains his simple daily practice, a few basic habits that’ll make sure you’re healthy and emotionally well. Then he lines up many practical ways to choose yourself, most of which you’ll instantly want to try for yourself.

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Author:  Steven Pressfield

Published in:  2002

Number of copies sold:  I’m assuming well over a million copies, based on all the ratings, reviews, and the time passed since publishing, but this is nothing more than an educated guess, since I couldn’t find actual sales numbers.

Summary:  If you’ve ever tried to create anything ever, you have faced it. Writer’s block, painter’s block, talker’s block, or whichever other creative block people face when they create what you were making. Steven Pressfield has written this with some tough love, and makes it a wake-up-call for artists. He introduces the universal concept of  Resistance , which is mostly based on fear, and then helps you identify your biggest sources of procrastination, so you can cut them off at the source.

I like to think of Steven Pressfield as a friendly Spartan. Just as disciplined, but not out to kill you in any way. The anecdotes from his own struggles with writing make this book a must-read for aspiring writers, but even if arranging words isn’t your craft, this’ll give you a solid kick in the butt . You’ll become less anxious about all those future problems and learn to focus on the process and creating every day. Before you know it, your small, daily habits will lead you to realize you’re standing on a tall mountain of accomplishments.

Author:  Simon Sinek

Published in:  2009

Number of copies sold:  Based on his Amazon rank, number of reviews for the book (>1,000) and his TED talk views, I expect this to have sold at least 100,000 copies (a very conservative estimate).

Summary: The book first explains the status quo and how we currently live in a world that just assumes you know why anyone’s doing anything and therefore instantly jumps to the carrots and sticks approach. Then Sinek introduces his idea of the golden circle and how we should communicate it from the inside out, in order to appeal to the way we’re biologically trimmed to make decisions. Lastly, the book explains how you can start a movement to find those, who believe what you believe, and, through communicating your why clearly, figure out the how and the what of how you’ll bring change to the world.

This book doesn’t speak to your mind. It speaks to your heart . It’s a business book, but it doesn’t feel like one for even a second. It turns your view inward and makes you feel like you’ve been wandering the world upside down, talking to it through a megaphone you’re holding backwards – and then sets you straight while showing you how to hold the megaphone .

This book is full of aha-moments  and the many examples help cement those, so you’ll intuitively start approaching things from a purpose perspective a lot more often. This is a much more sustainable way to find motivation in your work, which is what makes this book so helpful in finding motivation that lasts.

Author:  Stephen R. Covey

Published in: 1989

Number of copies sold: ~25 million

Summary:  You might have guessed it, but the book describes 7 habits, which will make you a very effective person. However, there is a progression in the book, starting with the status quo, where your life  depends on others. By acquiring the first three habits, you switch to an independent mindset and take control of your life. The second three habits then take it one step further and help you thrive in a world of  interdependence , by improving the way you interact with others. The last habit stands alone, serving to renew your energy so you can improve at the other six. The 7 habits are:

• Be proactive
• Begin with the end in mind
• Put first things first
• Think Win/Win
• Seek first to understand, then to be understood
• Sharpen the saw

Much like Start With Why , this book views success as something that is developed from the inside out. Most self-help books focus on principles, which Covey says only determine what happens  if  you behave in a certain way (like a law of nature). The problem is that knowing the consequences doesn’t get you to change your behavior, because your behavior is determined by your values. That’s why this book focuses on aligning your own , unique values with some of the universally valid principles, which means it has the potential to actually change your behavior .

It’s focused on the ethics of character, so it’s super adaptable to you, no matter what your values are . This book focuses on you as an individual, and speaks directly to your deepest beliefs , giving it an incredible power to motivate.

Author: Jerry Weintraub

Published in:  2011

Number of copies sold:  Tens of thousands of copies.

Summary:  The book starts with Jerry’s childhood adventures in New York City, his fathers talent for selling, running away from home, and his time in the army, when his cunningness and sense for business already started to shine. Determined to break into the entertainment industry, Jerry jumps from one job to the next (and you won’t believe how he gets some of them), but his quick rise is followed by a steep fall. Starting again from zero, he bothers Elvis’s manager long enough (365 days in a row, to be exact) until he agrees to let Jerry take the king on tour, and that’s when things start to get really crazy…

When I read this book I was constantly laughing, nodding, shaking my head in disbelief and my jar dropped in awe more than once. This is a book that elicits real feelings , I can still remember lying in bed reading it, and it’s these kinds of books that we remember. I’ll never forget the most memorable sentence from the book, which is the quote I picked.

Jerry’s incredible hunger for life shows you that we must make every minute count , since we’re all just given this short time on earth. Even if you’re the complete opposite of Jerry and, like me, an introvert, maybe especially then, you can learn a lot. Jerry’s life was an unforgettable tribute to fun, passion and persistence, which makes the lessons from this book  impossible to forget. They’ll ring in your ears long after you’ve put down the book and thus have everyday motivation power.

Author: Chris Guillebeau

Published in:  2014

Number of copies sold: ~100,000+, according to Chris’s LinkedIn profile.

Summary:  The book is divided into three parts: the beginnings of your quest, the journey, and arriving at the destination. The first explains where quests originate from, and how they often result from discontent with the status quo and answering a calling. If you then have the courage to pursue your quest, your journey will force you to become self-reliant and cultivate a sense of everyday adventure. Chris shows you how you can adjust time and money to make any quest practical and shines a light on some of the people he encountered in his own quest, so you can see that the long road is worth traveling. The last part explains the transformative powers of a quest and how to get through the common post-quest funk by, well, setting a new one!

This book has such a fun and upbeat spirit, it’s just contagious. Riddled with examples, it shows you that no dream of yours is unfeasible , and that, with some adjusting, any quest can be made a reality. Chris is a craftsman, he’s much more about the process than about basking in the sun of his own success, and his “let’s go get it” attitude rubs off on you .

The best part about this book is that you can pick it up again, and again, and again. Every time you complete a quest, you just leaf through it again, and will find yourself scribbling down the next rough draft or sketch of your next adventure.

Author: Robert T. Kiyosaki

Published in: 1997

Number of copies sold: ~26 million

Summary:  The book starts with Kiyosaki re-telling the story of his childhood. His real dad, whom he considers to be his “poor dad” was an academic, who earned a decent living, but, according to him, never really understood some of the most important principles of money. He explains how the father of a friend took the two kids under his wings and taught them how businesses and money work, by having them work in one of his stores for next to nothing, but educating them about money in his spare time. The book then takes a turn and explains what “financial literacy” looks like, how you should approach your personal finances and work, what you can do to leverage taxes and laws to your advantage, before it ends with a few very practical first steps you can take.

Some people love this book, others hate it. I love it. The story of Robert’s childhood (invented or not) is super inspiring, making the book worth a read regardless of the financial advice. Yet, the way it approaches personal finance is very simplistic, which gives you a sense of relief . Yes, his definitions of assets and liabilities might not be 100% accurate, but if you’ve never even understood them before, this’ll help.

It’s more of a beginner’s book for sure, but it gets you in the right mindset for financial success , and shows you what you can do  right now to start building wealth. For example, I used the book’s “pay yourself first” principle to instantly put away 10% of my income, and that alone felt pretty good.

Author:  Seth Godin

Published in:  2007

Number of copies sold: ~100,000+ copies

Summary:  This is a book about choices. Two choices, really. It’s about the decision between quitting, or trying to be the best in the world. It starts with introducing you to the idea that being the best in the world is very underrated. On any top 10 list, number one gets far more than just its fair share of 10% (for example, the top result in Google gets ~40% of all clicks).

But isn’t it almost impossible to become the best in the world today? No, because according to Seth, both “the world” and “best” are two very flexible terms and highly depend on what you do. He uses a few graphs and curves to explain when it’s time to make one of the two choices, and underlines them with several examples so you can get a better grip of which one to make when it’s your turn (and it’s always your turn). The book ends with a series of questions to help you figure out which dip to pursue, and which dead ends it’s time to quit.

This book has had the biggest impact on me all year. It tells you that it’s okay to quit, that it’s actually important to do so, which makes this an unbelievably liberating book . All of a sudden, you won’t feel compelled to keep up with the digital and physical Joneses in your life, whether it’s that extra Twitter account that pulls at your attention, or the vain chase for the next promotion at a company you’ll never lead.

The Dip is a call to greatness in a world of mediocrity . But greatness always entails sacrifice. Luckily, this book also gives you the courage and confidence to happily make those sacrifices, figure out your true mission, smile and return to work that matters.

Author:  Sam Walton

Published in: 1992

Number of copies sold: ~100,000+ copies, based on the number of reviews and the age of the book.

Summary:  Since it’s a biography, the book begins with Sam’s childhood and where he got his sense of entrepreneurship from initially. After an 18-month stunt at J.C. Penney, Walton’s only “job” and a brief intermezzo with the army, Sam took a loan from his father-in-law to start his own retail store in Arkansas. Having missed a clause in the rental contract, the owner of the building didn’t renew Sam’s lease in year three, forcing him to start all over again.

Sam then explains how he built out a chain of 16 stores (all but one under the Ben Franklin franchise), integrated family and business, started the first Walmart in 1962 (due to Ben Franklin franchise disapproving of his discount policy) and slowly grew the team, until eventually taking the company public in 1970 and using the money from the IPO to grow it further. He then explains various aspects of growing the company into the largest retailer of the world, including employee policy, his basic principles, and handing over the reigns. The book concludes with his idea of giving back and his 10 rules for building a successful business.

Hate Walmart or not, you can’t help but admire this man. Since this book covers a long history, it gives you a good sense of  what a privileged world we live in today . The adversities Sam had to go against to make his dream become real would seem insurmountable today, where all we need is a laptop and a domain name to get started. It makes you feel humbled, and  cuts right through the excuses you might have about not starting to chase your dreams just yet.

Sam didn’t know that his company would become the biggest retailer in the world, and he never let the money go to his head, which goes to show all you need to be successful is a humble attitude and an itch for adventure . I highly recommend keeping his 10 rules for building a successful business around and looking at them every once in a while.

Author: Tim Ferriss

Number of copies sold: ~1.8 million copies

Summary:  Tim uses an acronym to describe his 4-step process of removing himself from his own company without having it collapse, and how you can apply the same tactics to your own job, business and career. DEAL stands for definition, elimination, automation and liberation.

The first section explores how you can kill the fears that will inevitably creep up in your mind about applying all of this, for example by visualizing your worst-case scenario. It also shows you that nobody needs a million dollars to live a luxurious life and how you can crunch the numbers in your favor. Elimination highlights some ancient, minimalistic, almost Stoic principles of productivity, like a low-information diet and how to deal with interruptions at work. Automation is where the rubber hits the road. This part shows you how to outsource most of your life and create a “muse” that’ll finance your future ventures. Liberation is the next logical step to take so you don’t end up spending all your precious time managing your muse, and can spend your newly found time in a meaningful way, for example with mini-retirements.

If you’re looking for an IKEA style manual for your entire life, this is as close as you’re gonna get. It feels liberating to just turn off your head and follow Tim’s instructions. This isn’t a thinking book. It’s a doing book . On my first read I instantly downloaded all templates, spreadsheets, and filled them in right after reading each chapter. Planning your life goals and calculating how much money you actually need to drive a fancy BMW (I’m coming for you, 2013 335is convertible) is progress you can feel see .

The productivity section is one of the most helpful I’ve read to this day, because it’s rock solid and there’s hardly anything more motivating than the feeling of having enough time . Yes, you’ll likely get stuck at the automation part, because the rules of the passive income game have changed a lot, but you’ll already know which book to turn to 10 years later, when the cash is flowing while you sleep, but you somehow still don’t spend as much time in bed as you then should.

Author: Cal Newport

Published in:  2012

Number of copies sold: ~100,000+ copies, estimated from the fact that his previous three books have sold a combined number of 125,000+ copies, but this being his most popular one by far and has one a bunch of awards the year it was published, which has surely driven sales a lot.

Summary: This book is broken into four rules. The first rule says don’t follow your passion and breaks down why letting your passion guide you into a job is a bad idea. It uses Steve Job as the most prevalent among many examples of how, contrary to what we’re often told, passion is something you acquire as you get better, and not a pre-existing condition that’ll show you what type of work you’re meant to do.

The three following rules then outline what it  actually takes to end up doing work you love, based on Daniel Pink’s assertions from “Drive” that describe motivation as the result of autonomy, mastery and purpose. Rule two addresses mastery by showing you how to cultivate a craftsman mindset, with which you acquire career capital (=valuable skills). You can then leverage this career capital into autonomy, by gaining more control over your work, for example by turning down promotions and avoiding other control-sapping traps, which Cal describes in rule three. He finally concludes with how you can find purpose in your work, thanks to your new skills and by going on new missions, which you can test with experiments and little bets.

This is a book about where motivation comes from , so, need I really say more? Okay, I’ll say a bit more. If you’ve fallen for the passion presumption (haven’t we all?), you might have an initial knee-jerk reaction to this book. If you do, keep reading . It’s nothing short of a liberation once the gears click and the message falls into place. It shows you that  you can bring motivation to whatever work you’re already doing , and that you’re not a lost cause if you haven’t found your passion at age 42.

So Good They Can’t Ignore You takes all the pressure off choosing a career, and puts it on how you decide to approach it instead – which makes you feel a lot more in control . It doesn’t make finding meaningful work easy, but less mystical and moves it a lot closer within reach.

Author: Hal Elrod

Published in:  2012

Number of copies sold: ~300,000+, which is an estimate based on the book’s number of ratings, Hal’s bestseller rank, the book’s bestseller status and size of his platform, and the time it’s been out, but I could easily understand if this had sold north of 500,000 copies or even a million by now.

Summary:  The book starts with Hal’s story of the accident and the events leading up to his depression and discovery of the morning ritual, including a tip on how you can stop hitting the snooze button (which might be your biggest problem at first). Then he breaks down the six steps of the Miracle Morning in detail, with several options and tips on how to practice each in the best way. The six steps are:

• Affirmations
• Visualization
• Scribing (=Writing)

If you read the first letter of each step in a downward row, you can discover the acronym Hal created to remember his practice better: SAVERS. Hal suggests taking around 60 minutes each morning for your Miracle Morning, but he then also presents a 6-minute version for time-strapped people (like Four Minute Books readers). He gives a few customizing ideas and options and then transitions into how you can make your new morning routine a proper habit by joining his 30-day transformation challenge.

Hal writes like he talks, and if you’ve ever heard him talk, you’ll know that in itself is motivating. His optimism seems to know no boundaries, and it spills over, right into your heart . You can feel that he really believes in you and that life has a lot more in store for you. It’s one of the few books that makes you feel like you’re having a conversation with a friend . I confirmed a lot of his questions or answered them in my head as I was reading. Plus, you can immediately put his practice to the test, there’s no delay between learning and trying.

This book is simple, light, highly practical, not in the slightest overwhelming and instantly actionable. It could help you improve your own motivation tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, the day after that, and everyday henceforth (as opposed to just motivating you once). Thus, it puts the power to motivate in your own hands , which is what makes it one of my favorites.

Author: Peter Thiel

Number of copies sold: ~1.25 million as of January 31st, 2016, according to a tweet by Blake Masters.

Summary:  In short, this book answers the question: “If Peter Thiel were to start another startup, how would he start?” and then digs deeper from there. Peter Thiel isn’t concerned with good businesses, he only cares about great businesses. But great businesses always start out as insane ideas – visions which no one but the founders can see.

That’s why Thiel kicks off finding an idea with the question posted above (and below), before establishing that we can’t rely on the past to tell us what the future should look like. Then he picks apart the economics of competition, arguing that monopoly is not only good for business, it’s actually crucial for great business. He continues by discussing a variety of topics startup founders have to deal with, including mindset, money, ideas, marketing and relationships, before ending with a call to sustainability and vision.

Similar to some of the other books on this list, this feels both limiting and liberating at the same time . If you pay close attention while reading, you’ll probably realize that you neither want, nor need to found a startup – at least that’s what I hope most people learn, because they’re not meant to. However, whether you join a startup, that’s a whole other conversation. If you  are  cut out for the startup world, this book is even more important. But really, it’s not the career advice that makes this book great.

It’s that it makes you feel hopeful . Hopeful, that the world is in better hands than you think it is. That we can rise to the challenges ahead of us. And that many of the best things in your life haven’t happened yet. That alone makes it a winner for me.

Author: Leo Babauta

Published in:  2008

Number of copies sold: ~10,000+ copies, an estimate based on his Amazon rank, number of reviews of the book and ratings on Goodreads.

Summary: This book is divided into two parts: the principles and what they look like in practice. In the first part, Leo walks you through why less is better in the first place and how you can internalize the principle of setting limits in everything you do. After this little mindset upgrade, he then helps you pick the essential things to focus on, and shows you how to cultivate that focus by changing your habits – with very small steps and in very small increments. Part two then details how to bring this new attitude of simplicity to a variety of things, such as goals, projects, tasks, time management, email, internet, your daily routine, your commitments, your home and even your health and fitness. The book concludes with a chapter about motivation.

Now, before you think this is another book that’ll make you feel free and lighthearted by simply cutting back on the things you’re doing (which it totally is), let me make another point: This book accounts for your sense of accomplishment. By doing 3 projects instead of 7 your chances of finishing all 3 of those successfully and in time go way up, meaning you  do more, relatively speaking . A project 80% done doesn’t make you feel proud. It makes you feel bad. But a project shipped out the door does, giving you more confidence to take on the next one.

That’s what this book is great at. More accomplishments, which you can draw motivational fuel from for bigger challenges. Plus the liberating part of course.

Published in:  ?

Number of copies sold:  at least 1 🙂

Curious fact:  This book motivates you more than any other book in the world, for one simple reason: it’s  your favorite. Nobody else might know it, it might have sold only 17 copies, or you might even have written it yourself. But none of that matters, because it’s your favorite story in the world. Nobody can take that away from you, and whether you read it for the first or 50th time, every time you close it you feel inspired, confident, and ready to work on the goals that matter the most to you.

Summary:  I bet your gears are already spinning. “Hm, what  is my favorite book?” Here are some indicators to help you figure it out and “sum up” the book.

It’s the book you’ve read at least three times. You know the blurb on the back and the flap text by heart and can somehow find a quote from it to fit any life situation. If there’s a movie for this book, you’ve seen it not only in your own language, but also in English and potentially Korean with English subtitles, just because. You’ve raved about this book to at least 50 people, some of whom have already gotten annoyed at how obsessed you’re with it. You’ve given this book as a gift at least once, or your copy is all weathered and wrinkled, because you’ve passed it around so much.

Most importantly, even after years and years, you never feel like a second of time is wasted when you open it again. Like Oscar Wilde said:  “If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.”

The answer is simple: because  you picked it . The biggest power to motivate you comes from within yourself, and by picking this book as your all time favorite you’ve bestowed an infinite capacity to motivate you upon it. How we respond to different stories is very subjective. Therefore, there are as many motivating books as there are people, because every book’s power to motivate a person is unique to them. Your favorite book speaks more to you than anyone else because of when you read it, how many similarities you discovered between yourself and the hero of the story, what you were going through at the time, how others perceived you while you read it, and so on. Millions of little factors come together in a single experience, the sum of which makes it your favorite book of all time.

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What are YOUR favorite motivational books?

You might be asking yourself:

“Wow, that’s a lot of books. Which one do I pick up first to not lose time and get the most out of this list?”

No worries, I’ll help you 🙂 Enter your email below, and I’ll send you a snazzy PDF with the 10 very best books from this list. That way, you can not only keep it for future reference but also take your first pick from a smaller selection!

Enjoy, and may inspiration always be with you!

Other Book Lists by Topic

Looking for more of the best books on various topics? Here are all the book lists we’ve made for you so far:

• The 60 Best Business Books of All Time (Will Forever Change How You Think About Organizations)
• The 20 Best Entrepreneurship Books to Start, Grow & Run a Successful Business
• The 14 Best Finance Books of All Time
• The 21 Best Habit Books of All Time to Change Any Behavior
• The 33 Best Happiness Books of All Time That Everyone Should Read
• The 60 Best History Books of All Time (to Read at Any Age)
• The 7 Best Inspirational Books That Will Light Your Inner Fire
• The 40 Best Leadership Books of All Time to Help You Become a Truly Inspiring Person
• The 12 Best Nonfiction Books Most People Have Never Heard Of
• The 35 Best Philosophy Books to Live Better and Become a Great Thinker
• The 34 Best Psychology Books That Will Make You Smarter and Happier
• The 25 Best Sales Books of All Time to Help You Close Any Deal
• The 33 Best Self-Help Books of All Time to Read at Any Age
• The 22 Best Books About Sex & Sexuality to Improve Your Love Life & Relationships
• The 30 Most Life-Changing Books That Will Shift Your Perspective & Stay With You Forever

Other Book Lists by Author

Looking for more books by the world’s most celebrated authors? Here are all of the book lists by the author we’ve curated for you:

• All Brené Brown Books, Sorted Chronologically (and by Popularity)
• Jordan Peterson Books: All Titles in Order of Publication + The 5 Top Books He Recommends
• All Malcolm Gladwell Books, Sorted Chronologically (and by Popularity)
• All Michael Pollan Books, Sorted Chronologically (and by Popularity)
• Peter Thiel Books: A Comprehensive List of Books By, About & Recommended by Peter Thiel
• All Rachel Hollis Books: The Full List of Non-Fiction, Fiction & Cookbooks, Sorted by Popularity & the Best Reading Order
• All Ray Dalio Books, Sorted Chronologically (and by Popularity)
• All Robert Greene Books, Sorted Chronologically (and by Popularity)
• All Ryan Holiday Books, Sorted Chronologically (and by Popularity)
• All Simon Sinek Books, Sorted Chronologically (and by Popularity)
• All Tim Ferriss Books, Sorted Chronologically (and by Popularity)
• All Walter Isaacson Books, Sorted Chronologically (and by Popularity)

Last Updated on January 12, 2024

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35 Best Motivational Books to Read [2024 Update]

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Motivation. When you have it, anything seems achievable. When it is lacking, it's tough to do even the simplest of things .

Motivation is all about what drives you . There is a combination of external and internal motivating factors in our lives, but the internal motivations have proven time and time again to be far more effective.

What motivates one person may not be what motivates the next because we are all unique, and that is the biggest thing to remember when understanding the internal motivation and trying to change your life. ( Learn more about motivation theories here. )

For example, if you are a quiet person that tends to stay to themselves, you may not find much motivation visiting a networking event (or through other ways to meet people ).

However, maybe you can motivate yourself to attend this kind of function if you change the way you think about it. Maybe find a reason to go by understanding the purpose of the networking session, to begin with.

Table of Contents

Why Read Books on Motivation?

When looking for motivation, we need to look at both our strengths and weaknesses and think more positively about how we can change.

Self-awareness is a vital key to success, and the following list of books will help you understand this a bit more and see what drives you.

One of the easiest ways to get motivated is to read a great book. When you read the right book, you want to go out and conquer the world. The book motivates you to succeed.

It is a good motivational book that hands you the tools you need to help you succeed . That is what makes great life-changing books.

And that is what this list is all about. It is a list of the 35 best motivational books to help you take charge of your life .

These books are all nonfiction. Fiction books may be motivational, but they often are short on details for achieving transformational life changes.

To make this list, a book needed to have something important to say. The book needed to provide solid ideas about how to make the changes it proposed in your life, and above all, the book needed to be motivational.

It needed to grab the reader by the wrist and pull them through the book, making them desire, more than anything, to take action and make changes in their lives.

That’s what it takes to be one of the top-flight motivational books. So, without further ado, let’s dig-in and uncover the list of the best motivational books to take charge of your life.

35 Best Motivational Books to Take Charge of Your Life (2024 Edition)

1. the only skill that matters by jonathan a. levi.

• The Only Skill That Matters emphasizes the importance of learning how to learn, offering practical strategies for mastering this essential skill.
• It delves into the concept of meta-learning, providing insights into how individuals can optimize their learning processes and enhance their overall cognitive abilities.
• The book highlights the value of continuous self-improvement and the impact of acquiring new knowledge in an ever-changing world.
• Through the author's personal anecdotes and research-based findings, the narrative underscores the transformative potential of honing one's learning capabilities.
• Readers are encouraged to adopt a growth mindset and embrace a lifelong journey of intellectual development, positioning learning as a cornerstone for personal and professional success.

The sheer amount of information bombarding us every day is overwhelming. How do we stay on top of everything in order to keep our jobs or adapt to the new demands of modern life?

The Only Skill That Matters equips you with what you need to take on the challenges of the future – whether in your professional or personal life. And it’s offered for free. All you need to pay for is shipping and handling.

In the book, Jonathan Levi shares an approach that promises to help you become a super learner. This approach is anchored in neuroscience. Athletes and top performers have used the techniques to propel them to success.

Within the pages, you’ll learn how to build a reading habit : the techniques for reading faster and improving your ability to recall information.

People who have already read this book call it a game changer. If you’re ready to unlock your potential greatness, get the free book.

3 Lessons from The Only Skill That Matters

• Learning is our gateway to everything we experience in life.
• Possessing information and applying it in the right context brings us to transformation.
• The idea of becoming a “superlearner” is not a thing of fiction, but is actually a skill that we can all cultivate.

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RELATED: Habits that Stick!

Want to build a new habit that will stick for the rest of your lifetime? In this video, you will discover a simple 9-step process about building habits that you can immediately implement.

2. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

• You Are a Badass inspires readers to embrace self-love, confidence, and personal empowerment through humorous and relatable anecdotes.
• The book advocates for taking risks, stepping out of comfort zones, and cultivating a positive mindset to achieve personal and professional fulfillment.
• It emphasizes the significance of self-belief and the impact of overcoming self-imposed limitations on achieving goals and dreams.
• Through practical exercises and actionable advice, the narrative encourages readers to take charge of their lives and pursue their passions with unapologetic determination.
• Jen Sincero's candid and motivational writing style resonates with readers, offering a refreshing and empowering perspective on self-improvement and living life to the fullest.

This refreshing must-read inspirational book provides the reader with a guide to creating a life that you love .

Jen Sincero offers the reader 27 short chapters that are packed with captivating stories, humor, sound advice, and simple exercises to help people identify and get rid of their self-sabotaging thoughts and habits that prohibit people from achieving the success that they want.

After reading You Are a Badass , you will have a better understanding of why you act the way you do and how to accept the things that you cannot change.

Readers have found that Jen Sincero is a talented writer who offers an edgy style that can be motivating to a lot of people.

While this book doesn't offer much advice that cannot be found in other self-help books, it is presented in a fun and matter-of-fact way that is meant to entertain the reader while inspiring them to improve their life.

Sincero does use some critical language to describe people who are struggling that may be annoying to some, using words such as “lame-o” and “wuss,” which may hold a bit of shock value at first, but some believe that this language and its offensiveness can get old quickly.

However, this book offers a quick shot of motivation , which can be very useful to people who are looking for an enlightening read that is written by someone who is comical and inspiring.

[Jen is one of the new breed of female self-help authors that are standing up and making people notice over the past couple of years. See more of the best self-help books for women on this list ]

5 Lessons from You Are a Badass

• The world benefits when you live your life in keeping with who you truly are.
• You are responsible only for your words and actions. How people react to what you say or do isn’t your responsibility.
• The only time you fail is when you quit. All the other times, you are gathering information and learning.
• Gratitude strengthens faith. Faith transforms your life.
• Being more concerned about other people’s opinions about you prevents you from living an authentic life. You are awesome just the way you are.
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3. Smarter, Faster, Better by Charles Duhigg

• Smarter, Faster, Better explores the science of productivity and offers insights into how individuals and organizations can enhance their efficiency and effectiveness.
• The book delves into the psychology of motivation, decision-making, and goal-setting, providing practical strategies for optimizing performance in various aspects of life.
• It highlights the significance of fostering a culture of psychological safety, teamwork, and innovation to drive success in both personal and professional endeavors.
• Through compelling real-life stories and research-based findings, the narrative illustrates the power of deliberate practice, mental models, and effective time management in achieving peak performance.
• Charles Duhigg's engaging storytelling and actionable advice make this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their productivity, creativity, and overall quality of life.

Read Smarter Faster Better: The Transformative Power of Real Productivity for eight productivity concepts that help explain why some people and companies are able to accomplish so much more than others.

Drawing from information on neuroscience and behavioral psychology, along with the experiences of successful CEOs, generals, pilots, FBI agents, and Broadway songwriters, this well-researched book reveals how productive people and companies view the world in profoundly different ways than those who find less success.

For example, a group of Google's data scientists conducts a four-year study on how the most effective teams' function and find that a group's interactions are more important than the members of the group.

Additionally, the experts who created the movie Frozen almost gave up after encountering some challenges before they decided to shake up their team in a way that initiated a creative breakthrough, leading to one of the highest-grossing movies to date.

This book explains that what these success stories have in common is that the people know that their productivity relies on making specific choices.

The things that separate busy people from productive people are the ways decisions are made, the ambitions that are embraced, and the seemingly easy goals that are ignored. Leaders are able to establish cultures to prompt innovation and interact with data to create success.

This inspirational book uses rich storytelling to explain how people can improve their everyday lives. This innovative exploration of productivity can help anyone learn how to succeed without having to endure stress, struggle, or sacrifice.

(If you'd like to learn more about this topic, check out this article which details 14 strategies you can use to overcome procrastination and get things done in life .)

In this book, the author explores eight ideas that are the most important to improving one's productivity, including motivation, teams, focus, goal setting , managing other people, effective decision making, innovation, and absorbing data. Readers have stated that this book is written in a lively and eloquent way.

With narratives from some of the best journalists and leaders, the author is able to anchor the reader in many real-world situations to help drive home some key points.

Many valuable lessons are shared with the reader along with dos and don'ts of living a productive life and being successful in business, especially when stressful situations arise and self-limiting beliefs threaten to derail us.

3 Lessons from Smarter, Faster, Better

• Motivation is a skill that you can learn. By reframing your perception this way, you find an easy trigger for choosing to take action.
• In order to accomplish something, focus on fewer things at a time.
• Embrace creativity as a form of productivity. This spark of innovation propels you to discover ways of breaking through the roadblocks caused by stress and fear.

4. Grit by Angela Duckworth

• Grit emphasizes the significance of passion and perseverance in achieving long-term goals, transcending innate talent or intelligence.
• The book explores the concept of grit as a key determinant of success, backed by compelling research and real-life examples of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional resilience.
• It delves into the psychology of achievement, highlighting the role of effort, resilience, and sustained focus in overcoming challenges and attaining mastery in various domains.
• Angela Duckworth's work underscores the value of a growth mindset, deliberate practice, and embracing failure as integral components of the grit-building process.
• Readers are inspired to cultivate grit in their own lives, recognizing the transformative potential of tenacity, dedication, and unwavering commitment to their aspirations.

The author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance , psychologist Angela Duckworth, shows her readers that the secret to success is something she refers to as “ grit .”

She addresses all types of people from parents to students to business people to highlight the importance of the blend of passion and persistence. Duckworth refers to her own experiences beginning early on in her life that made her come to this conclusion.

In “Grit,” the author tells the real-life stories of cadets who are struggling through their initial experiences at West Point, teachers trying to work with students in inner-city schools, and insights from high achievers such as JP Morgan's CEO, Jamie Dimon, and Seattle Seahawks' Coach, Pete Carroll.

Some of the most valuable insights that the reader should take away from this book include why one's efforts are so important regarding a long-term goal , how passion and perseverance can be learned, and how one can trigger a lifelong interest for their craft.

Readers have found this book to be personal and insightful because it addresses what goes through one's head during a failure, and how those thoughts can make a big difference in one's future.

Readers say that this is a great book to read for one's own success, especially if you can accept the idea that success is all about hard work .

4 Lessons from Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

• Grit is something that you can develop, similar to a growth mindset.
• Grit is a better determiner of success than talent.
• Your success can be determined by how well you deal with failure.
• Those who can persevere in mundane tasks are the ones who are most likely capable of giving a stellar performance.

5. Choose Yourself by James Altucher

• Choose Yourself advocates for a mindset shift towards self-reliance, personal empowerment, and embracing unconventional paths to success.
• The book encourages individuals to prioritize their physical, emotional, and mental well-being as foundational elements for achieving fulfillment and professional achievement.
• It emphasizes the value of cultivating multiple skills, fostering creativity, and adapting to a rapidly changing economic landscape in order to thrive in the modern world.
• Through candid personal stories and practical advice, the narrative promotes the idea of taking ownership of one's destiny and creating opportunities in the face of adversity.
• James Altucher's thought-provoking insights and emphasis on resilience, reinvention, and continuous self-improvement make this book a compelling guide for those seeking to navigate the complexities of the contemporary professional landscape.

I have been a fan of James’ books and his excellent podcast since he invited me as a guest many years ago when I first started writing books online. James is a serial entrepreneur, having started as many as 20 different companies.

He also happens to be a brilliant and really nice guy. Rare combinations: smart, entrepreneurial, kind, and with a gift for gab; knowing how to put some complex thinking into digestible bits the rest of us can easily understand.

I love many of his books, but Choose Yourself remains my favorite, and I think it is one of the single best motivational books around. Because that is the entire point of the book when it comes to “what” you should invest in to achieve success, his point is to “choose yourself.”

Showcasing real-life interviews and case studies, James shows us how the current world market is ripe for entrepreneurial self-starters to succeed if they invest their energy in themselves.

It is a wonderful book that is sure to motivate you and inspire you to make the most of your own talents.

Choose Yourself! Choose this book! And choose to work on your personal development .

3 Lessons from Choose Yourself

• Consider a rejection as an opportunity for improvement.
• You have four bodies: spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical. You need to take care of each.
• Choose to only do things that you love doing.

6. High-Hanging Fruit by Mark Rampolla

• The importance of setting audacious goals. The book emphasizes the value of aiming for high-hanging fruit, challenging oneself to achieve ambitious objectives.
• Embracing risk and uncertainty. Rampolla discusses the need to be comfortable with uncertainty and take calculated risks in order to achieve significant success.
• Building a purpose-driven business. The author highlights the significance of creating a business with a clear sense of purpose and values, which can lead to meaningful impact.
• The power of perseverance. High-Hanging Fruit underscores the necessity of perseverance and resilience in the face of obstacles and setbacks.
• Balancing personal and professional life. The book addresses the challenge of maintaining a healthy work-life balance while pursuing lofty goals and ambitions.

High-Hanging Fruit: Build Something Great by Going Where No One Else Will , written by ZICO Coconut Water founder Mark Rampolla, aims to teach the reader that when you reach higher, you will be able to build a successful business, make a great profit, and possibly even leave a lasting mark on the world.

Drawing from his own experience of not being inspired enough in his job and dreaming about more, Rampolla talks about his journey to selling coconut water in the United States.

His ambitious goal created a whole new industry that brought America a healthy beverage alternative while also helping producers of the product in developing worlds profit from this resource.

This book was written for other people who want to succeed in light of their value s. It may be the right book for you if you believe that it is your job to strive to build businesses that are driven by passion and purpose, along with a strong sense of integrity.

This is a great book for a new generation of entrepreneurs to read who want to change the old model of business and exceed in innovative ways.

The lessons in this book can benefit anyone. Not only is the book well written, but it is also a page-turner when talking about the battle that the author had to fight with the American beverage business and his courage to stand up for his beliefs.

Readers respect that the author believes that if people remain true to their core values, they have the ability to be successful and even promote social change.

3 Lessons from High-Hanging Fruit

• These days, success in business no longer means just making lots of money. It’s also about having a personal mission that makes a positive impact on other people’s lives.
• Have the courage to go after what you believe in.
• Trust your product.

7. Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton

• Focus on strengths, not weaknesses. The book emphasizes the importance of identifying and leveraging individual strengths to achieve success, rather than solely focusing on improving weaknesses.
• Unique combination of talents. It highlights the concept that each person possesses a unique combination of talents and strengths, which can be harnessed for personal and professional growth.
• Strengths-based leadership. The authors advocate for a leadership approach that focuses on maximizing the strengths of team members, leading to higher performance and engagement.
• Personal development through strengths. The book encourages individuals to invest in developing their natural strengths, as this can lead to greater fulfillment and success.
• Strengths-based partnerships. It discusses the benefits of forming partnerships and teams based on complementary strengths, leading to more effective collaboration and achievement.

Now, Discover Your Strengths is a follow-up book to Clifton's First, Break All the Rules . The author uses his theories from his first book to help the reader discover what their specific strengths and talents are in life.

This book aims to debunk what the author believes to be a myth that many of us were told as children, which is that anyone can be anything they want to be. Some readers may find this opinion to be unsettling when beginning this book. However, the author presents the idea in a very freeing way.

He argues that instead of following callings that are likely to be dead ends, it is better to pursue the things that you are naturally wired to do. This will result in a happier and more successful life.

This idea can even apply to parenting . If your child comes home with several A's and B's, but also has an F, do you spend your energy focusing on the bad grade or praising your child for the good grades?

Rather than trying to fix weaknesses that your child has no desire in, the author argues that it is better to encourage them in the subjects that they are strong. Focus on the things that your children show interest in and have a talent for and allow those strengths to grow.

This is a great book to change one's way of thinking . Regardless of one's personality, readers have found that this book and test can dramatically change the way you view the world and approach life.

One slight weakness in this book is that it does not go deeper into his theory rather he just scratches the surface; however, the author does a very effective job showing how he developed this process through years of study .

3 Lessons from Now, Discover Your Strengths

• Most organizations spend too much of their resources on training people to fit a certain standard of productivity.
• Success comes more easily when people or organizations are aware of their strengths and apply them.
• People, companies, and organizations should finds ways of managing weaknesses in order to free up more of their resources so they can invest and focus more on letting their strengths work for them.

8. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

• The power of mindset. The book emphasizes the importance of a positive and determined mindset in achieving success and wealth.
• The significance of goal setting. It stresses the value of setting clear, specific goals and maintaining a strong desire to achieve them.
• The impact of persistence. Think and Grow Rich highlights the role of persistence in overcoming challenges and turning desires into tangible results.
• The influence of personal beliefs. It discusses how personal beliefs and thoughts can shape one's actions and ultimately impact their financial success.
• The value of specialized knowledge. The book underscores the importance of acquiring specialized knowledge and leveraging it to create wealth and success.

Think and Grow Rich was written in 1937 and has become a classic. The text and formatting of the original book have been preserved as best as possible to be kept exactly the same as it was in the original release.

This book was originally published during the Great Depression, and it is about the art of convincing yourself to become wealthy. It addresses the highly effective and important steps to take and the equally important steps to avoid in this process.

While some people have not found this book to be very useful, others refute that opinion by saying that one has to implement the strategies in the book in order to upgrade their lives.

There are a lot of captivating points and ideas in this book. For example, the author argues that 99% of people do not have a goal in their life and are therefore trapped in jobs that make them unhappy.

Additionally, he proposes the idea that sex transmutation is an effective strategy to achieve success. This is where one transfers the energy of their libido into other purposes that are aimed at acquiring wealth.

The author also makes a solid point that most people do not achieve full success until later in life or at least after the age of 40. A few examples the author points out are Thomas Edison and Andrew Carnegie, who were both over the age of 40 when they acquired their fortunes.

Readers have found the author's roundtable ideas to be very intriguing and applicable to people of any background. If life is a game, these are the rules.

4 Lessons from Think and Grow Rich

• Autosuggestion trains your mind to manifest your goals.
• Make your own decisions and stand by them.
• Recognize and master the six fears.
• Write down your goals.

9. Illuminate by Nancy Duarte & Patti Sanchez

• The power of storytelling. The book emphasizes the impact of storytelling in effectively communicating ideas and inspiring action within an organization.
• Creating a shared vision. Illuminate discusses the importance of developing a shared vision that aligns and motivates team members toward a common goal.
• Building a culture of innovation. It highlights the need for fostering a culture that encourages innovation, experimentation, and the freedom to express new ideas.
• Leading through change. The book provides insights into leading teams through change and navigating the challenges that come with implementing new initiatives.
• The role of visual communication. It underscores the significance of visual communication in conveying messages and ideas in a compelling and memorable way.

This book focuses on the idea that people who are able to change the world are the ones who truly believe they are able to.

For example, Steve Jobs was able to captivate audiences when beginning his movement that led to Apple Inc. This is because he was telling his audience about his vision for the future and inviting them to join him in his ideas.

Leaders have great potential to anticipate the future with their inventions and inspire others to support their dreams. In this book, the authors provide the reader with the powerful communication tools that are needed for great leadership.

They are able to lay out a plan to help the reader lead people through all of the stages of transformation through the use of speeches, symbols, stories, and ceremonies.

This guidebook shows that while envisioning the future may be one thing, getting other people to follow your lead is another. By using persuasive communication , anyone can turn an idea into a movement.

Due to the valuable insights and the immediate impact that this book provides, many readers choose to read it multiple times to continue to motivate themselves to work alongside their followers rather than try to embark on their vision alone.

3 Lessons from Illuminate

• A leader’s role is to be the torchbearer of the group.
• A leader’s vision is the starting point of a new venture.
• Every venture goes through stages: dream, leap, fight, climb, arrive, and re-dream.

10. Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink

• Taking full responsibility. The book emphasizes the concept of extreme ownership, where individuals take complete responsibility for their actions and the outcomes of their team.
• Leading by example. It highlights the importance of leaders setting a strong example and taking ownership of both successes and failures within their team.
• Decentralized command. Extreme Ownership discusses the benefits of decentralized command, empowering individuals at all levels to make decisions and take ownership of their areas of responsibility.
• Clear and concise communication. It underscores the necessity of clear and concise communication to ensure that everyone understands the mission and their role in achieving it.
• Adaptability and humility. The book stresses the importance of being adaptable and humble, willing to learn from mistakes and make necessary adjustments to achieve success.

Jocko Willink experienced the most violent battlefield in Iraq while serving on the SEAL team before writing this book, granting him great authority to write a book on leadership and success.

While in Iraq, he helped U.S. forces secure Ramadi, and wrote this firsthand account of victory, heroism, and loss in SEAL Team Three’s Task Unit Bruiser.

During his experience, he learned that leadership is the most important element of success or failure. Once he returned to the United States, he began a SEAL leadership training program before expanding his leadership training to successful companies and clients.

In this book, he details the mindset and principles that allow SEAL units to accomplish their combat missions and shows how to apply this methodology to any team or organization.

Each chapter of this book concentrates on a distinct topic such as Decentralized Command and Leading Up the Chain. The author explains what each topic is, their relevance, and how to put them to use in a leadership environment.

This is a compelling read that includes direct instructions and methods of application. It is great for business management , and it tasks existing leaders to fulfill their goal of leading and winning. One great thing about this book is that it is structured in a basic and clear way.

The book focuses on just one main point in each chapter through a story and then calls attention to the main principle of that story and how it can be applied.

5 Lessons from Extreme Ownership

• There are no bad teams, just bad leaders.
• Leaders take responsibility (a.k.a. extreme ownership), for both the success and failure of the team.
• Over-communicating is essential. Never assume anything.
• Always explain why something needs to be done.
• Simplicity is always the key.

11. Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss

• Learning from successful individuals. The book shares insights and lessons from a wide range of high achievers, offering valuable takeaways from their experiences and strategies.
• Diverse strategies for success. Tools of Titans presents a diverse array of tactics and habits used by successful individuals, allowing readers to explore and adapt different approaches to their own lives.
• Embracing experimentation and risk-taking. It encourages a mindset of experimentation and calculated risk-taking, as many of the individuals featured in the book have achieved success through unconventional paths.
• Holistic approach to well-being. The book covers not only professional success but also personal well-being, including physical fitness, mental health, and mindfulness practices.
• Continuous learning and improvement. It emphasizes the value of continuous learning and improvement, showcasing how successful individuals prioritize self-education and skill development.

Prior to writing this book, Tim Ferriss spent two years interviewing over 200 top-notch performers, including celebrities, athletes, legendary Special Operations commanders, and black-market biochemists.

During these in-depth two to three hour interviews, Ferriss was able to learn the distilled tools, tactics, and tricks to getting ahead that readers are unable to find anywhere else.

Ferriss offers his advice to readers with his constant focus on actionable details. He asks his interviewees specific questions such as what their morning routine looks like and how they fit physical exercise into their schedules .

He also inquires about books that have inspired these experts and even things they consider to be a waste of time.

Everything that is written in this book has been explored and applied to the author's own life, so he considers them to be tried and true pieces of advice. He prides his work on the fact that it has made him millions of dollars and saved him from years of wasted efforts.

In this exciting book, Tim does a great job of making the reader feel as if he is talking directly to them. In this well-formatted and easy-to-follow book, the reader is offered advice and success principles that are commonly revisited throughout the years.

Some have referred to this book as being a “manual to life” because it leads to a lot of reflection and positive changes in the people who read it.

5 Lessons from Tools of Titans

• Learn to manage your fears .
• Meditation is essential.
• Set some morning routine habits to start your day right.
• Just start, no matter how small the step, even when you are afraid.
• Cultivate the habit of gratitude .

12. The Power of Broke by Daymond John

• Embracing resourcefulness. The book highlights the power of being broke as a driving force for creativity and resourcefulness in building a successful business.
• Leveraging limitations. It emphasizes the idea of using limitations and constraints as a catalyst for innovation and finding unique solutions.
• Authenticity and hustle. The Power of Broke underscores the importance of authenticity and relentless hustle in pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors.
• The value of partnerships. It discusses the significance of forming strategic partnerships and leveraging collective strengths to overcome financial challenges.
• Overcoming adversity. The book shares stories of entrepreneurs who turned their financial struggles into a source of motivation and resilience, demonstrating the ability to overcome adversity.

This book is written by the well-known Shark Tank star and Fubu Founder, Daymond John. He wrote this book to explain to readers why starting a business on a tight budget can actually be a great advantage for an entrepreneur.

The author has been using the practices described in this book since he was a young entrepreneur selling home-sewn shirts in his neighborhood. On an extremely tight budget, Daymond had to create his own strategies to sell his products.

His creativity led to a campaign that later became the well-known $6 billion dollar industry, FUBU. Daymond's initial hope and drive led to a level of success that no one expected.

In this book, the author shows how starting out broke can actually be an advantage because it will force you to think outside of the box. It teaches you to efficiently use your resources and forces you to authentically connect with customers and create imaginative marketing strategies.

Along with detailing his own experiences, the author also tells the stories of fellow successful entrepreneurs such as Steve Aoki, a deejay who grew a $100 business into a global sensation, and Gigi Butler, who created a cupcake empire with just debt and a dream.

Readers have found this to be a well-written business book that is more relatable and captivating than your average business book. The author is able to teach entrepreneurs at every level how to never give up on their dreams and to seek out an opportunity in every situation, whether it is positive or negative.

After reading this book, many people claim to have a new-found respect for the drive, determination, positive mentality, and passion that it takes to succeed in business.

3 Lessons from The Power of Broke

• Money isn’t the essential ingredient for a successful business venture.
• Being broke causes you to automatically look for creative solutions and resources that others may have taken for granted.
• Start a business today. It gets easier from here on out.

13. Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins

• Empowerment through self-awareness. The book emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and self-awareness as the foundation for personal growth and empowerment.
• Mastering emotional states. It discusses the significance of mastering one's emotions and mental states to take control of one's life and achieve desired outcomes.
• Setting and achieving compelling goals. Awaken the Giant Within provides a framework for setting and achieving meaningful goals, emphasizing the power of clarity and persistence.
• Transforming limiting beliefs. It offers strategies for identifying and transforming limiting beliefs that may be holding individuals back from reaching their full potential.
• Taking decisive action. The book encourages readers to take decisive action and make lasting changes in their lives by leveraging their personal resources and strengths.

Tony Robbins is certainly a powerhouse in the “self-help” field. He has courses, books, videos and more in his arsenal, and of all these books and courses, Awaken the Giant Within has always been one of the most enduringly popular books in the entire self-help field of all time.

Sometimes, I don’t like Robbin's stuff, however. It seems to me he takes other peoples ideas and just adds hype and motivation. Much of his stuff is decent, but others do it with more depth.

What he has, undeniably, is the skill to elicit an incredible amount of motivation from his readers . Since this category is motivational books, Tony Robbins needs to be in the running for the best ever!

Robbin’s point in Awaken The Giant Within is to take charge of your life in all the important ways: emotional, physical, mental, and financial.

All of these important parts dovetail together and work with each other for you to achieve greater success. Only when you are at the peak of performance in all categories can you truly be your best self.

3 Lessons from Awaken the Giant Within

• Set a baseline standard for the things you are willing to accept in life.
• Your decisions determine your destiny, not the conditions of your life.
• Happiness and success come when we constantly work on improving the quality of our lives.

14. Hustle by Neil Patel

• Embracing hard work and persistence. The book emphasizes the importance of hustle, hard work, and persistence in achieving entrepreneurial success.
• Leveraging unconventional strategies. It discusses the value of unconventional and creative approaches to marketing and business growth, highlighting the power of thinking outside the box.
• Prioritizing customer needs. Hustle underscores the significance of understanding and meeting customer needs and preferences to drive business success.
• Continuous learning and adaptation. It encourages a mindset of continuous learning, adaptation, and willingness to experiment with new ideas and strategies.
• Building a strong personal brand. The book provides insights into building a strong personal brand and leveraging it to create opportunities and drive business growth.

While people often spend their days working hard at their jobs, they are often dreaming of bigger success but feel like they are fighting an uphill battle.

Jobs are commonly unfulfilling, and people are disconnected from their company's mission. This book talks about breaking free from menial work and achieving more success on one's own terms by hustling.

The author argues that this can be done by making small changes and placing small bets on hobbies that will help you move forward from who you are today to someone who you are destined to become.

Three top entrepreneurs and consultants collaborate in this book to teach the reader how to view work and life through a fresh lens that revolves around uncovering projects that you love to do and finding people and opportunities to support your dream and talents.

This book offers the reader a three-part framework that includes heart, head, and habits. It teaches the reader how to redefine “hustling” as the best path to success by owning your own dreams, creating your own luck, developing your potential, and staying true to yourself.

Readers enjoy this book because it goes beyond a normal inspirational career guide and aims to change the way people work and live to teach people how to allow themselves to succeed in our ambivalent world.

This book is written to appeal to entrepreneurs with a “go get 'em” attitude. While many enjoy the author's choice of language, others prefer a more analytical approach to creating one's own success.

This motivational book is written very sincerely any many will gain from Neil's particular approach to accomplishing their goals. If you have read previous books written by this author and have enjoyed the style, this book will certainly not disappoint.

3 Lessons from Hustle

• People you interact with provide opportunities for success.
• Remember ABC (always be collaborating).
• Momentum = luck.

15. The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

• The impact of positive thinking. The book emphasizes the transformative power of positive thinking in shaping one's attitudes, actions, and outcomes.
• Overcoming self-doubt and fear. It provides strategies for overcoming self-doubt and fear through the cultivation of a positive mindset and belief in one's abilities.
• Harnessing the power of faith. The Power of Positive Thinking highlights the role of faith and optimism in navigating challenges and achieving personal and professional success.
• Cultivating resilience and hope. It discusses the importance of cultivating resilience and maintaining hope, even in the face of adversity and setbacks.
• Transforming attitudes and relationships. The book offers insights into how positive thinking can transform attitudes, relationships, and overall well-being, leading to a more fulfilling life.

This international bestseller has helped people worldwide achieve fulfillment in their lives through a message of faith and inspiration. This book was written to help people achieve happiness and satisfaction in their lives while also believing that their lives are worthwhile.

The author talks about the power of faith in one's life and offers the reader practical techniques to energize one's life and motivate people to carry out their hopes and ambitions.

After reading this book, the reader should be able to believe in themselves, feel determined, develop power, improve relationships, take control over their lives, and decrease the amount of time they spend worrying about things.

This small book offers a lot of inspiration without adding a lot of fluff. It is very to-the-point and cleanly written. This is a great book to keep around and reference for a boost of motivation .

4 Lessons from The Power of Positive Thinking

• To accomplish more, you have to slow down.
• A positive attitude and mindset bring the best results.
• Learn how to deal with negativity.
• Stop worrying in order to create a more meaningful life.

16. The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferris

• The concept of “lifestyle design” is central to the book, emphasizing the importance of creating a life that prioritizes personal freedom and fulfillment over traditional notions of success.
• The author advocates for the use of outsourcing and automation to minimize time spent on mundane tasks, allowing individuals to focus on high-impact activities and enjoy more leisure time.
• The book encourages readers to challenge the traditional 9-5 work model and explore alternative ways of generating income, such as remote work, entrepreneurship, or passive income streams.
• Ferriss emphasizes the value of mini-retirements and taking extended periods of time off throughout life, rather than deferring leisure until traditional retirement age.
• The book promotes the idea of “fear-setting,” a process for evaluating and addressing fears in order to take calculated risks and pursue unconventional opportunities.

I have a love-hate relationship with Tim Ferris. Okay, maybe the scale is tilted more toward “love” and not really equal, but as much as I love his writing, I sometimes have reservations.

First of all, I DO read everything he writes, and I like it all. 4 Hour Workweek specifically, really put a “title” on what I was already doing. It was inspirational, motivational, and transformational for anyone trying to make a living online.

My slight problem comes from the fact that the book seems to promise a path to how to achieve a truly passive career online when, in reality, any such book would be impossible. There are too many things that change and too many variables to get everything you need to learn into a single book.

If you take it for what it is, however, a motivational book to INSPIRE you to go out and learn what you need to know, then it is unsurpassed.

As a purely motivational book, The 4-Hour Workweek can transform your life and lifestyle.

3 Lessons from The 4-Hour Workweek

• It’s not money that people are after. It’s actually what one can do with money (i.e., having a certain lifestyle) that matters to them.
• Improve areas of your life by applying the Pareto principle .
• It is not laziness when you work less. By getting rid of meaningless work, you have more time to focus on things of more importance.

17. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff and It's All Small Stuff by Richard Carlson

• Don't Sweat the Small Stuff and It's All Small Stuff emphasizes the importance of not letting small, insignificant matters negatively impact one's life, promoting a mindset of resilience and perspective in dealing with everyday stressors.
• Carlson encourages readers to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being by practicing mindfulness, gratitude, and letting go of the need for perfection in every aspect of life.
• The concept of “letting go of the rope” is central to the book, teaching readers to release the need to control every situation and instead focus on acceptance and adaptability.
• The book advocates for fostering compassion and understanding in relationships, highlighting the value of empathy, forgiveness, and effective communication in reducing conflict and enhancing connections.
• Carlson promotes the idea of finding joy in the present moment and cherishing life's simple pleasures, encouraging readers to shift their focus from future worries to appreciating the here and now.

This classic inspirational book aims to teach the reader how to ignore the little things in life that might drive you crazy. The author uses thoughtful and insightful language to teach the reader how to calm down during a hurried and chaotic life.

The reader can learn how to put things into perspective by implementing small changes such as choosing one's battles and learning to accept imperfection. The reader will also learn about mindfulness , living in the moment, giving other people the spotlight, trusting intuitions, and living every day to its fullest.

Readers have found that this book offers gentle and supportive suggestions to help people make their lives peaceful and caring while also living with very little stress.

This straightforward book is essentially an owner's manual of managing one's level of stress, and if the directions are followed, the reader is likely to be a happier and more harmonious person.

Readers have noted that the strategies in this book take discipline, but they are still fun to do. Most think that once you start these strategies, they are often hard to stop.

3 Lessons from Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff and It’s All Small Stuff

• Use a positive, solution-oriented attitude for inconvenient situations. Always be on the lookout for the opportunity to improve something rather than just complaining about it.
• When you’re genuinely kind, more people gravitate toward you and are more willing to help you realize your goals.
• Remember this: “Life isn’t an emergency.” Step back and learn to prioritize. Do not tackle everything at once.

18. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

• The book challenges the traditional self-help narrative by advocating for embracing life's struggles and accepting that not everything can or should be positive.
• Manson emphasizes the importance of choosing meaningful values and being selective about what to care about, rather than pursuing constant positivity or success at all costs.
• The concept of “responsibility over victimhood” is central to the book, encouraging readers to take ownership of their actions and mindset, rather than blaming external circumstances for their problems.
• The book critiques the culture of entitlement and instant gratification, promoting the idea that true fulfillment comes from facing discomfort and adversity with resilience and purpose.
• Manson emphasizes the value of confronting mortality and embracing the inevitable limitations of life, highlighting the liberating effect of accepting one's mortality and living authentically.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck is a self-help guide that is designed well around our current generation. Written by a popular blogger, this book avoids any fluff content that urges people to be “positive” and instead motivates the reader to become a better happier person.

Most are used to hearing that the power of positive thinking will lead to a happy life. This book, however, turns the tables to say that there are a lot of negative things that we have to deal with in life, but you have to learn how to effectively live with that.

The author does not sugarcoat his message in this tell-it-like-it-is book. He offers a dose of raw and honest truth that is hard to come by these days. Readers have found this to be refreshing from the typical self-help book.

Manson uses jokes along with academic research to makes his argument that improving our lives takes more than just trying to see the bright side; people also need to form a thick skin. Life is not fair, and everybody does not always win, and the author advises the reader to get to know their limitations and accept them.

If people are able to recognize their fears and faults, they can confront uncomfortable truths and begin to find the courage and forgiveness that is often sought out.

The author makes it clear that he believes people need to pick their battles in life. Sure, people want to have a lot of money, but having a passion for your life and career is more important because real wealth lies in one's experience.

Readers enjoy the entertaining stories in this book, along with the profane and ruthless humor.

The author's witty use of profanity and satirical comedy is also full of philosophical wisdom. A lot of Manson's inspiration comes from Nihilists and Buddhists, but he also includes philosophies that bring a more modern and agreeable perspective.

This book has empowered many to gain control over their actions and reactions.

5 Lessons from The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

• Chasing after a positive experience is actually a negative experience. Conversely, fully accepting a negative experience counts as a positive experience.
• Failures are stepping stones to growth.
• Give up the quest of trying to find yourself. You are constantly evolving, and that’s actually a good thing.
• Once you’re great at something, challenge yourself to master the next level, or something else that you have not yet tried before.
• Learn to invest your energy in meaningful endeavors.

19. The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz

• The Magic of Thinking Big emphasizes the power of mindset and encourages readers to adopt a proactive, optimistic outlook on life, believing that thinking big leads to big achievements.
• Schwartz highlights the importance of self-belief and confidence, urging readers to banish self-doubt and cultivate a strong sense of self-assurance in pursuing their goals.
• The concept of “excusitis” is central to the book, with Schwartz urging readers to eliminate the habit of making excuses and instead take responsibility for their actions and decisions.
• The book promotes the idea of continuous learning and self-improvement, advocating for the development of new skills, knowledge, and a growth-oriented mindset.
• Schwartz underscores the significance of setting and pursuing ambitious goals, encouraging readers to visualize success, take decisive action, and persist in the face of challenges to achieve their aspirations.

This inspirational book provides the reader with useful methods to use to get the most out of a career, marriage and family life, and community.

The author argues that people do not have to live in a world full of academics or have a natural talent in order to be successful. However, people do need to learn certain habits that will allow them to be successful in anything they do.

Readers have found this to be an inspiring book that teaches the reader how to live beyond their typical mundane routine. It motivates people to go outside of their comfort zone and experience new things in order to achieve the success that they have been unable to do so far in life.

3 Lessons from The Magic of Thinking Big

• Get rid of the habit of constantly making excuses. Instead, look for reasons why success can happen.
• To become successful, speak less and listen more. Ask for guidance more than giving it.
• Let setbacks be your springboard to success.

20. The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins

• The 5 Second Rule is a powerful tool for overcoming procrastination, self-doubt, and hesitation by taking immediate action within 5 seconds of an impulse.
• Mel Robbins emphasizes the role of the brain's natural tendency to resist change and offers a simple technique to outsmart it by using the 5 Second Rule to interrupt negative thought patterns.
• The book encourages readers to leverage the 5 Second Rule to push through fear and anxiety, enabling them to step out of their comfort zones and pursue their goals with confidence.
• By using the 5 Second Rule, individuals can cultivate positive habits and break free from destructive behavior patterns by making deliberate choices in the critical moments after a decision presents itself.
• Robbins stresses the transformative impact of the 5 Second Rule on productivity, motivation, and overall well-being, highlighting its potential to create lasting positive change in various aspects of life.

In this motivational book, the reader is reminded of the support they have probably had throughout their life.

Parents, teachers, coaches, and friends have likely pushed the reader to be stronger than their excuses and better than your fears. But, what if the secret to success and confidence goes beyond knowing how to push yourself and accepting the support from your peers?

The author uses the science of habits, stories, and shocking historical facts to explain to the reader what the power of a “push moment” is. The reader is then provided with a quick and easy tool that can be used to achieve a greater sense of self.

According to the author, it takes just five seconds to become confident, stop procrastinating , face your fears , and be happier. While everyone has the ability to hold themselves back, it is also possible to reverse that and move forward with confidence.

The 5 Second Rule has helped people stay on tasks, get motivated in the morning, and refocus during times of distraction. It has helped people find happiness and hope in lives where those things were otherwise lost.

3 Lessons from The 5 Second Rule

• There is never going to be a “right moment” to start working on your goal. The important thing is to start doing it, regardless if you’re feeling terrified, anxious, or uncertain.
• The 5-second rule can stop your monkey brain , giving you enough time to take even the smallest action towards the fulfillment of your goal. Each time the moment comes when you instinctively know that you have to act on a goal, count down from 5 to 1, then do it. If you don’t make a move after your countdown, your brain will prevent you from accomplishing your goal.
• The only person who has the power to change your life is you.

21. The Mindfulness Journal by Steve Scott and Barrie Davenport

• The Mindfulness Journal offers a structured approach to cultivating mindfulness through daily exercises, prompts, and reflections, making it accessible for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
• Scott and Davenport emphasize the benefits of mindfulness in reducing stress, enhancing self-awareness, and promoting emotional well-being, providing practical tools for integrating mindfulness into daily life.
• The book encourages readers to develop a regular mindfulness practice through journaling, meditation, and self-reflection, fostering a deeper connection with the present moment and one's inner experiences.
• By incorporating gratitude exercises and positive affirmations, The Mindfulness Journal aims to promote a mindset of appreciation and contentment, helping individuals focus on what truly matters in their lives.
• The journal provides a holistic approach to mindfulness, addressing various aspects of well-being such as self-care, personal growth, and building meaningful connections, offering a comprehensive resource for individuals seeking to lead a more mindful and fulfilling life.

Okay, this book is a bit of a cheat. This is a Mindfulness Journal put together by myself and Barrie, my sometimes writing partner.

We have not written the most motivational book for you here. It is not even really a “book.” But if you use this book, YOU WILL likely create your own motivational resource that just can’t be beaten.

The Mindfulness Journal: Daily Practices, Writing Prompts, and Reflections for Living in the Present Moment is not a “traditional” book. It is a journal filled with prompts for YOU to fill out.

When it comes to motivation and encouragement, who can really beat your own self-talk, after all.

TMJ gives you a forum and prompts to share your own thoughts and ideas and may, in the long run, be far more motivational than most books you will find.

3 Lessons from The Mindfulness Journal

• To be truly at peace, strive to live in the present moment.
• Mindfulness brings you closer to self-discovery.
• Self-awareness brings a sense of inner happiness.

22. Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis

• Rachel Hollis empowers women to embrace their ambitions unapologetically, challenging societal expectations and encouraging them to pursue their goals with confidence.
• The book emphasizes the importance of self-worth and self-care, urging women to prioritize their own needs and aspirations without seeking validation or approval from others.
• Hollis advocates for taking ownership of one's life and choices, promoting a mindset of accountability and resilience in the face of obstacles and setbacks.
• Girl, Stop Apologizing offers practical advice on setting and achieving goals, providing actionable strategies for time management, productivity, and overcoming self-doubt.
• The book inspires women to redefine success on their own terms, encouraging them to cultivate a sense of purpose, embrace their unique strengths, and live authentically without fear of judgment or criticism.

In this book, Rachel Hollis invites women to find their own voices, realize their goals, and live life according to their terms.

Sound like a tall order? Well, according to Hollis, a lot of women live their lives pleasing other people—and this means putting their dreams aside in order to fulfill other people’s expectations.

In this book, Hollis discusses the excuses women have to let go of in order to achieve their goals. These include:

• Thinking that there are things that women are not supposed to do
• Pursuing one’s dreams while being a good employee/daughter/mother at the same time
• Worrying about other people’s opinions

She then presents actionable steps in order to overcome these stereotypes. Her method includes changing one’s behavior and developing new skills such as planning, positivity, and persistence.

Delivered in a straightforward manner, Girl, Stop Apologizing is like being counseled by your best friend who wants nothing but the best for you.

3 Lessons from Girl, Stop Apologizing

• Do not apologize for taking action in order to make your dreams a reality.
• Yes, you have time to realize your dreams, and you’re capable of realizing them.
• Surround yourself with people who help you reach your goals.

23. Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo

• Marie Forleo's book promotes a powerful mindset that everything is figureoutable, empowering readers to approach challenges with a can-do attitude and unwavering determination.
• The book emphasizes the value of resourcefulness and resilience, encouraging individuals to tap into their creativity and problem-solving skills to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
• Forleo offers practical strategies for cultivating a growth-oriented mindset, fostering self-belief, and developing the confidence to tackle any problem or pursuit.
• Everything is Figureoutable advocates for taking action and embracing a spirit of experimentation, urging readers to adopt a fearless approach to pursuing their aspirations and dreams.
• The book inspires individuals to break free from limiting beliefs and self-imposed barriers, guiding them to harness their inner potential and create the life they desire through relentless determination and adaptability.

Marie Forleo offers a new paradigm for looking at and overcoming obstacles in life. Everything is Figureoutable tells you that you can figure out everything in life.

You can figure out how to form and strengthen relationships. Success is achievable. And it’s possible to find lasting happiness.

The book reveals the steps you can take to figure out and make it through any obstacle you’re facing. It shows you how to overcome imposter syndrome . You will also learn how to manage your time and money better. Forleo shows you how to reach your goals.

4 Lessons from Everything is Figureoutable

• Develop a growth mindset .
• Stop striving for perfection. Strive for progress instead.
• Let your fears become your ally and propel you to productivity and creativity.
• Ignore the negative self-talk that you’re not ready yet. Dive right into action.

24. Becoming by Michelle Obama

• Becoming offers an intimate and inspiring account of Michelle Obama's life, from her childhood to her years as First Lady, providing insight into her personal journey and the experiences that shaped her.
• The book highlights the importance of resilience and perseverance, showcasing how Michelle Obama overcame adversity and societal expectations to become a powerful advocate for change and empowerment.
• Obama's memoir emphasizes the significance of authenticity and staying true to oneself, encouraging readers to embrace their unique identity and use their voice to make a positive impact in the world.
• Becoming delves into the complexities of balancing family, career, and public life, offering a candid portrayal of the challenges and triumphs that come with navigating multiple roles and responsibilities.
• The book's narrative underscores the transformative power of education, community, and empathy, illustrating how these values have influenced Michelle Obama's life and her efforts to effect meaningful social change.

This book provides a glimpse into Michelle Obama’s world and the experiences that shaped her into one of the most powerful women in America today.

Obama reminisces about her life as a young girl on Chicago’s South Side. She also shares childhood experiences that reveal her developing personality.

Through various experiences, such as her college years at Princeton and her job as an attorney, readers can catch glimpses of her personality and the mindset that she possesses.

Obama shares both amusing and emotional anecdotes. Some of these are about:

• Her experience of death through the passing of her college roommate
• Her engagement to Barack Obama
• Being First Lady

This memoir demonstrates what happens when someone decides to follow a particular path in life. It reminds readers of the importance of having the right mentors to guide you forward.

The book also reveals the author’s different roles as a daughter, wife, mother, businesswoman, and lawyer. It inspires readers to find their own voices and walk their paths to their greatest potential.

3 Lessons from Becoming

• Holding a position of power does not make a person always right.
• Go for your goals, no matter if they seem out of reach.
• Being overly concerned about other people’s opinions could cost you your happiness.

25. Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

• Can’t Hurt Me chronicles David Goggins' extraordinary journey from a troubled past to becoming a Navy SEAL and ultra-endurance athlete, offering powerful lessons in mental toughness and resilience.
• The book emphasizes the importance of embracing discomfort and adversity as a means to grow stronger, both mentally and physically, and to achieve one's full potential.
• Goggins advocates for the concept of “taking souls,” which involves pushing beyond perceived limits and surpassing the expectations of others, showcasing the transformative power of relentless self-discipline and determination.
• Can’t Hurt Me delves into Goggins' “Accountability Mirror” concept, which encourages individuals to take ownership of their actions and hold themselves accountable for their goals and personal growth.
• The book underscores the value of self-mastery and the unyielding pursuit of excellence, inspiring readers to confront their fears, break through self-imposed barriers, and cultivate an indomitable mindset.

This book tells the story of a man who overcame poverty and physical abuse to become one of the world’s best athletes and an iconic figure in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Goggins is a living example that it is possible to push through painful experiences and fears in order to achieve great things. He discusses the fact that he used to be overweight and suffered from depression.

Through hard work, the right mindset, and self-discipline, he was able to overcome these personal challenges and became the only person to complete training in the special forces units of three branches of the US Armed Forces:

• Navy (SEAL)
• Air Force (Tactical Air Controller)
• Army (Ranger)

His achievements were recognized by Outside Magazine, which named him “The Fittest Man in America.”

David Goggins’ story is an inspiration of how you can let go of the past in order to live a life of greatness.

5 Lessons from Can’t Hurt Me

• A sense of purpose takes you farther than motivation can.
• The only person you’re in competition with is yourself. Today, strive to be a better version of you.
• Surround yourself with people who have a winner mentality.
• Call out your own shortcomings in order to make real improvements in your life.
• Make it a point to experience some pain and discomfort in different areas of your life in order to train yourself to be tougher.

26. Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

• Girl, Wash Your Face encourages women to let go of self-limiting beliefs and embrace their true worth, empowering them to pursue their dreams with confidence and authenticity.
• Rachel Hollis shares personal stories and insights to inspire readers to take charge of their lives, confront their insecurities, and cultivate a positive self-image.
• The book emphasizes the importance of self-care, resilience, and perseverance, urging women to prioritize their well-being and pursue their aspirations without succumbing to societal pressures or expectations.
• Hollis challenges common misconceptions and societal norms, advocating for women to define their own paths, set ambitious goals, and push past obstacles with determination and grace.
• Girl, Wash Your Face offers practical advice and affirmations to help women overcome self-doubt, cultivate a mindset of growth, and live a life that aligns with their true desires and values.

This book was published in 2018, and is the precursor to Girl, Stop Apologizing . It earns a spot in this post for exposing the lies that most women believe and demonstrating how to get past them in order to live life fully and joyfully.

Hollis discusses one lie she was made to believe in each chapter. She shares stories from her own life, and these stories are relatable and usually amusing. She also provides actionable steps for overcoming the lies that women tell themselves.

Some of the lies that Hollis shares in the book are:

• Loving him is enough for me
• I need to make myself smaller
• I am defined by my weight
• I need a hero
• I should be further along by now

The key takeaway from the book is that we are the only ones responsible for the quality of our own lives.

3 Lessons from Girl, Wash Your Face

• Only accept what you truly deserve.
• Never allow others’ opinions to determine your worth.
• Develop the habit of keeping the promises you’ve made to yourself.

27. Option B by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant

• Option B explores resilience and the process of coping with adversity, offering practical insights and strategies to help individuals navigate through challenging times and build emotional strength.
• Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant share personal experiences and research to illustrate the impact of loss and setbacks, emphasizing the importance of finding hope and meaning in the face of hardship.
• The book delves into the concept of post-traumatic growth, highlighting how individuals can find new purpose, empathy, and appreciation for life after experiencing trauma or loss.
• Option B provides guidance on supporting others through difficult times, offering advice on fostering resilience in children and helping friends and family members cope with their own challenges.
• Sandberg and Grant underscore the significance of building community and connection, advocating for the power of empathy, support networks, and self-compassion in overcoming adversity and building a fulfilling life.

In this book, Sheryl Sandberg talks about when her family suffered a major loss and traumatic experience: the sudden death of her husband.

Sandberg co-authors this book with Adam Grant, an expert on human resilience. Their collaboration gives readers something to help them find the deeper meaning of their experience of pain, sorrow, anger.

Through the book, readers learn that human beings have the capacity to grow, to begin the business of living again, and even to help others transcend their pain.

The authors reassure their readers that, even when they experience traumatic events, they will recover.

Here is a notable quote about resilience from the first chapter of the book:

“… [C]hildren and adults recover more quickly when they realize that hardships aren’t entirely their fault, don’t affect every aspect of their lives, and won’t follow them everywhere forever. ”

3 Lessons from Option B

• Things happen that are beyond our control. How we respond to these setbacks is essential.
• Accept that failure happens. It is a very important learning tool.
• We can become more resilient by developing the habit of gratitude in the face of negative experiences.

28. Crushing It! by Gary Vaynerchuk

• Crushing It! emphasizes the potential of personal branding and leveraging social media to build a successful and fulfilling career, showcasing real-life examples of individuals who have achieved this.
• Gary Vaynerchuk highlights the importance of authenticity and passion in creating content and engaging with audiences, encouraging readers to share their unique stories and expertise.
• The book provides practical strategies for harnessing the power of social media platforms, offering insights on creating valuable content, engaging with followers, and monetizing one's personal brand.
• Vaynerchuk emphasizes the value of long-term thinking and consistency in pursuing one's goals, advocating for patience and dedication in building a sustainable personal brand.
• Crushing It! inspires readers to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions, take calculated risks, and embrace the opportunities presented by the digital age to create meaningful and impactful ventures.

Looking for something to help your business reach greater heights? Gary Vaynerchuk’s book might be just what you need.

In this book, you’ll learn how to harness the potential power of social media platforms for driving your success in business. Vaynerchuk guides you in developing your personal brand, regardless of your business or career.

However, it isn’t simply Vaynerchuk’s goal for readers to amass riches by applying the tips and strategies he puts forward in this book. Rather, he aims to help them achieve the lives they’ve always dreamed of, to live them on their own terms, and to use social media in order to get there.

The book is divided into two parts:

• Part 1: Get Pumped
• Part 2: Create Your Pillar

In Part 1, you’ll learn how to develop the correct mindset for developing your personal brand and making it a success.

Part 2 discusses how each social media platform can be utilized as a launching pad for your personal brand. Vaynerchuk gives tons of useful information on this. For instance, he details what type of content works best for a specific platform in order to grow your brand and cash in on it.

4 Lessons from Crushing It!

• Technology always gets the upper hand. Be open enough to embrace it.
• Depth is more important than breadth when it comes to creating content.
• Keep your content authentic.
• If you want to profit from doing what you love, be ready to transform yourself into a brand.

29. Fail Until You Don’t by Bobby Bones

• Fail Until You Don’t encourages embracing failure as a crucial component of success, highlighting the valuable lessons and growth that can come from setbacks and challenges.
• Bobby Bones shares personal anecdotes and insights to inspire readers to persist in the face of failure, illustrating how resilience and determination can lead to eventual triumph.
• The book underscores the importance of self-belief and perseverance, urging individuals to learn from their failures, adapt, and continue pursuing their goals with unwavering resolve.
• Fail Until You Don’t emphasizes the role of authenticity and staying true to oneself, advocating for the power of individuality and genuine expression in achieving success.
• Bones provides practical advice and motivation for readers to reframe their perspective on failure, viewing it as a stepping stone toward personal and professional growth rather than a roadblock.

In this book, the youngest National Radio Hall of Fame inductee, Bobby Bones, discusses how failure helps people grow.

Bones, along with several of his celebrity friends, share their personal stories of failure. Their aim is for readers to take inspiration from these stories and realize that failure is what success is born out of.

Through this book, readers will learn to appreciate their own shortcomings. In keeping with Bones’ self-effacing humor, the book has amusing anecdotes, endearing it more to the audience.

The book is divided into three parts, each bearing the keyword of Bones’ mantra: Fight, grind, and repeat.

If you need that push to get going again, this book’s for you.

3 Lessons from Fail Until You Don’t

• We are constantly learning.
• We all have what it takes to succeed.
• Your biggest misses are teaching you how to make the biggest wins in your life.

30. Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven (Ret.)

• Make Your Bed highlights the significance of small daily habits, such as making your bed, in fostering discipline, order, and a sense of accomplishment at the start of each day.
• Admiral William H. McRaven shares valuable lessons from his Navy SEAL training, emphasizing the transformative impact of resilience, teamwork, and determination in overcoming challenges.
• The book underscores the importance of taking on difficult tasks with determination and perseverance, showcasing how incremental progress and attention to detail can lead to significant achievements.
• Make Your Bed provides practical insights on leadership, resilience, and the power of a positive mindset, offering timeless wisdom for individuals striving to make a meaningful impact in their lives and communities.
• McRaven's book inspires readers to embrace a proactive and resilient attitude, encouraging them to approach life's challenges with courage, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence.

This book was built upon the core principles taken from Admiral McRaven’s commencement speech to the University of Texas at Austin’s graduating class of 2014. Within the book are lessons from McRaven’s experiences, as well as of others who have served in the military.

You’ll read about the 10 essential lessons that McRaven learned during nearly four decades as a Navy SEAL.

Each of the chapters discusses a life lesson, including:

• Chapter 1: Start Your Day With a Task Completed
• Chapter 2: You Can’t Go It Alone
• Chapter 3: Only the Size of Your Heart Matters
• Chapter 4: Life’s Not Fair — Drive On!
• Chapter 5: Failure Can Make You Stronger
• Chapter 6: You Must Dare Greatly
• Chapter 7: Stand Up to the Bullies
• Chapter 8: Rise to the Occasion
• Chapter 9: Give People Hope
• Chapter 10: Never Ever Quit

3 Lessons from Make Your Bed

• Begin the day by accomplishing a task that creates momentum for more completed tasks.
• There is no such thing as perfection.
• Face your challenges without fear.

31. Gmorning, Gnight! by Lin-Manuel Miranda

• Gmorning, Gnight! offers a collection of affirmations and reflections, providing daily doses of encouragement and inspiration to uplift readers at the start and end of each day.
• Lin-Manuel Miranda's book celebrates the power of positivity, resilience, and self-compassion, offering comforting and empowering messages to help individuals navigate life's challenges.
• The book emphasizes the importance of self-care, gratitude, and finding joy in the present moment, encouraging readers to cultivate a mindset of appreciation and hope.
• Gmorning, Gnight! provides a source of comfort and reassurance, reminding readers to embrace their unique strengths, pursue their passions, and face each day with courage and grace.
• Miranda's affirmations promote a sense of connection and community, fostering a spirit of empathy, kindness, and solidarity among readers, and encouraging them to support and uplift one another.

This is a compilation of Miranda’s poems and sayings.

Over the years, followers were delighted and motivated by Miranda’s uplifting and original short poems that appeared on his Twitter feed twice a day.

Now compiled in a book and illustrated by Jonny Sun, these words can reach more people and continue to inspire.

Miranda’s writing and Sun’s illustrations are the perfect antidote to those moments when you’re feeling anxious, unappreciated, or discouraged.

Here’s an excerpt from the book, which may help you face whatever lies ahead today:

“ Good morning. Good gracious. Your smile is contagious. ”

3 Lessons from Gmorning, Gnight!

• You deserve happiness.
• Kindness uplifts and inspires.
• Gratitude can be found everywhere.

32. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

• The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment emphasizes the transformative impact of living in the present moment, offering insights on how to release attachment to past and future, and find inner peace.
• Eckhart Tolle's book delves into the concept of ego and its role in creating suffering, providing guidance on transcending the ego's influence and accessing a deeper state of consciousness.
• The book highlights the practice of mindfulness and presence as a means to alleviate mental anguish, offering practical techniques for cultivating awareness and connecting with one's true essence.
• Tolle explores the nature of human suffering and the liberation found in embracing the present moment, encouraging readers to release the burden of mental resistance and surrender to the now.
• The Power of Now offers a profound perspective on spirituality and enlightenment, guiding readers on a path toward inner awakening, freedom from psychological pain, and a deeper connection to the essence of being.

33. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

• The Gifts of Imperfection explores the concept of embracing vulnerability and imperfection as a pathway to living wholeheartedly and authentically.
• Brené Brown's book emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, setting boundaries, and cultivating resilience, offering guidance on how to let go of perfectionism and embrace one's true self.
• The book delves into the impact of shame and the power of empathy, providing insights on how to develop a sense of worthiness and connection in the face of societal pressures and expectations.
• The Gifts of Imperfection offers practical strategies for developing courage, gratitude, and meaningful connections, empowering readers to cultivate a life of authenticity, purpose, and joy.
• Brown's work inspires individuals to let go of the fear of judgment, embrace their vulnerabilities, and live with courage, compassion, and a deep sense of belonging.

34. Think Again by Adam Grant

• Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know challenges the notion of fixed beliefs and encourages the practice of rethinking, adapting, and updating one's perspectives based on new information and experiences.
• Adam Grant's book explores the concept of intellectual humility and the value of being open to learning, offering insights on how to foster a mindset of curiosity and continuous growth.
• The book delves into the psychology of rethinking, highlighting the importance of embracing cognitive flexibility and being willing to reconsider one's opinions and decisions in light of new evidence.
• Think Again provides practical strategies for effective persuasion, constructive feedback, and decision-making, emphasizing the benefits of seeking out diverse viewpoints and being open to change.
• Grant's work inspires individuals to cultivate a culture of rethinking, promoting a spirit of intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to challenge and refine one's beliefs.

35. Do It Afraid by Joyce Meyer

• Do It Afraid: Embracing Courage in the Face of Fear encourages readers to confront their fears and pursue their goals with courage, offering practical insights and encouragement to overcome self-doubt and take bold action.
• Joyce Meyer's book emphasizes the transformative power of faith and resilience in navigating through fear, providing guidance on how to cultivate a mindset of bravery and determination.
• The book delves into the impact of fear on personal growth and success, offering strategies for reframing negative thoughts, embracing discomfort, and stepping outside of one's comfort zone.
• Do It Afraid provides inspiration and motivation for individuals to push past their fears, take risks, and pursue their aspirations with confidence and tenacity.
• Meyer's work inspires readers to embrace fear as a natural part of the journey toward growth and achievement, empowering them to confront challenges and live a life guided by faith, courage, and purpose.

Final Thoughts on Motivational Books for Personal Development

When you choose to read any or all of the motivational books we have included on this list, you will find that it can make a significant difference in how you see yourself and how you view the world around you.

It helps you see things in a much more positive light and inspires you to combat any of your limitations while choosing to make those better choices and taking more positive actions.

What can motivational books do for you, you ask? They can help inspire creativity when it is needed most, help you take control of your life, and provide you with practical guidance so you can work on achieving your personal and professional goals which ultimately lead to success.

Motivational books can also help change the way we think. So, why not take advantage of the opportunities we have presented on this list? Choose whatever inspires you the most.

Also, if you'd like to discover more books that you can check out, then I suggest you check out some of the lists we've compiled:

• 9 Best Books to Read About Life
• 28 Books for Changing Habits
• 15 Books on Procrastination
• 17 Best Leadership Books to Advance Your Career
• 27 Books on Productivity and Time Management
• 22 Personal Finance Books
• 18 Happiness Books

Have you read many of these self-help books? Do you agree with the book choices? Or disagree with any of the books on success and motivation chosen for this list?

Do you feel there are any other more specific motivational books that should be on this list? Did a specific motivational book inspire you to do something awesome?

Please share your thoughts on these (and other) motivational books in the comments below.

Finally, if you want to take your goal-setting efforts to the next level, check out this FREE printable worksheet and a step-by-step process that will help you set effective SMART goals .

Thanks for your time. Keep Reading.

11 thoughts on “35 Best Motivational Books to Read [2024 Update]”

Fantastic list! I’ve read about 75% of these but it looks like I have a few more to hunt down. Thanks for sharing! And I’m glad I’ve come across your blog. You have some incredible content! Inspiring – both from the content itself and from your success in growing such an impressive website. Keep up the great work!

Thanks for the kind words. Glad you like it.

Fantastic list,keep up this good work for society ‘s welfare and guidence.

This list is almost exhaustive however this is my fav books

The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Peale Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell Why We Do What We Do by Edward L. Deci Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle Give and Take by Grant Adam The Power of Habit by Duhigg Charles The One Thing by Jay Papasan

This is indeed best collection. Books are something everyone of us need irrespective of age and financial position we are in. For ultra rich people to struggling people. For successful to new comer . From actor to businessmen , from sportsperson to a theater artist ..all..yes we all needs books and books were , are and will always remain best friends of human beings. I have also curated and handpicked top motivation books for all. http://www.instantlifechangingbooks.com

Thank you for the article shared.The list is so useful and provides a very good idea about the motivational books.I would like to suggest one more blog which I have gone through last week that is Leadlife Blog by Sean Hughes and it was really on of the best motivational blogs on life.

Great collection of books.Thanks for sharing. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck and The 4 Hour Work Week are my some of my personal favorite books.I have learned many great ideas from these books and have implemented them in my life. These have really helped me to become a better person.

Great stuff,thank you for sharing it.moreso choose yourself by james,awaken giant within by tonny robbins.it has helped me a lot…

best TOP MOTIVATION, PRODUCTIVITY AND SELF-IMPROVEMENT BOOKS

I’ve suffered immense pain, long stretches of hopelessness and depression, and have lived a life unlike that of many of my peers. I spent much of my childhood in hospital, with doctors as my playmates and hospitals as my playgrounds.

my friends and family will tell you that I am one of the happiest people they’ve ever met. My secret? The hope that lives inside me. This is just because of reading. I read a lot of books during my illness. I also recommend others to read motivational books once in a life.

Great collection of books. Thanks for sharing. How To Win Friends & Influence People is my personal favorite. I have learned many great ideas from this book and have implemented them in my life. It has really helped me to become a better person by improving my communication skills and relation with people. You can also include “The Power of Habit”. That’s a wonderful book. I love it.

Comments are closed.

TOP 25 MOTIVATIONAL BOOKS OF ALL TIME

After reading hundreds of books in search of motivation for the readership of TheSTRIVE.co, we decided to create a list of the best motivational books based on those that were most helpful in firing up our audience.

“If We Encounter A Man Of Rare Intellect, We Should Ask Him What Books He Reads.” – ralph waldo emerson –

So, if you are looking for a little something extra to help get you going on that project, dream, or goal you’ve been sitting on, do yourself a favor and check out one of these motivational books (If you want more details on any of them, just click on their image). Because, without a doubt just about every one of them has the ability to help you rekindle your fire and get you back on track towards achieving your goals.

Behold, the 25 Best Motivational Books of all time:

All-Time Best Motivational Books

Disclosure: Each book we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

1. The Magic of Thinking Big

‘ The Magic of Thinking Big’ is a classic motivational book. It ranks first on this list because of the abundance of actionable insights. And every insight provides effective tips to help you improve your life.

In addition to all the insights, it also helps the reader stretch their minds. This is important because bigger thinking is necessary for reconsidering what is possible for your life.

Indeed, this book is a highly beneficial and motivating book that everyone should read.

2. Think and Grow Rich

Everyone has heard of Think and Grow Rich , and it is absolutely one of the best self-development books ever written. But the reason it makes the list for best motivational books, is because of it’s ability to help you believe that you can be rich, and not just rich as it relates to money, but rich in terms of living a quality life.

This books does a great job selling you on how an abundant future is possible for you if you can get your thinking under your own control.

Classic book, highly motivational, and worth every penny (and then some).

3. The Leader Who Had No Title

This books is a gem. It has the ability to help people believe that they can contribute more and rise higher than their current station in life, regardless of their titles. If you’ve ever used your lack of having a title as a reason to not act like a leader or perform to your potential, then you need this book.

Read this book, and then let its message motivate you to take inspired action right where you are, whatever your title may be, right now.

4. The Strangest Secret

No doubt, the secret contained within the pages of this book has a catalyzing effect on people. How do we know? Because it’s done so for countless people, all of who have attested to the power of this book, and it’s ability to change their lives.

Not all motivational books need to be rah-rah to be good. Sometimes, then can subtlety influence your thinking , and in so doing, influence how much action you take towards your dreams and goals. This book was a game changer when it came out, and it still is to this very day.

Let this Earl Nightingale book be your catalyst to chasing your dreams.

5. The Alchemist

‘ The Alchemist ‘ is a book that provides hope. But don’t expect it to motivate you to go jumping onto chairs and waving flags. No, it doesn’t provide that type of motivation. In fact, it won’t motivate you explicitly; however, it will, over time and in a subtle way, give you the courage to take action on those ideas and dreams that you’ve talked yourself out of doing.

So, if you’ve never given this book a read, and you are looking for some subtle motivation , something to slowly encourage you to go for your deepest aspirations, then this is a must read.

6. The Icarus Deception

This Seth Godin book is motivating in that it helps you get over any hangups you may have on trying out your ideas in the marketplace. Seth does an excellent job given examples of the false fear that if we aim to high, we may get burned.

This book is required reading for all entrepreneurs, artists, or anyone with even a sliver of ambition . Yes, this book is for you!

If you are looking for something punchy, something short, sweet, but inspiring none-the-less, then you’ll want to read this powerful book by Price Pritchett.

This book will help you look at how you’ve been doing things from a different angle, and can help motivate you to try something new, and to take the leap of faith that is typically required for most significant achievements. Without a doubt, this little gem deserves to be on our list of best motivational books, and after reading it, you’ll think so too.

8. The Go Giver

If you’ve tried everything under the sun to reach success, but you’ve yet to reach your objective, then this book is helpful. It can help you take a different approach to finding success, one that is based on giving versus getting (or taking).

The Go Giver is listed as a great motivational book, because it can move you to serve, to give, and through those thoughtful actions, succeed.

Read it, and then let it move you to attempt a different approach towards achievement.

9. The Millionaire Messenger

Brendon Burchard wrote a book specifically dealing with motivation, however, it is this book that actually inspires action.

Brendon makes a strong case for how anyone who is an expert in something, can leverage that expertise, becoming and advocate/messenger for that knowledge, and in turn, become a millionaire .

If you are the type of person who has ever thought you could be making more money off of what you know, then read this book. It will give you the blueprint to confidently get started on becoming a messenger of your craft.

10. Reinvent Yourself

James Altucher is an interesting guy who knows a thing or two about reinventing himself. He makes strong case for choosing yourself, and for why you can and should reinvent yourself if you wish to live the life you truly want.

In this book, James gives a plethora of unique insights that can help you rethink what is possible for you, and it will inspire you to try creating for yourself a whole new you.

And it’s consider one of the best motivational books because of its ability to inspire change….which always requires healthy amounts of motivation.

11. Tools of Titans

This Tim Ferris book covers many different subjects, but it delivers on motivation because of all the detailed examples (on top of tips and tricks) related to how many celebrities and high performers were able to succeed.

The book is large, VERY LARGE…and it will take some time to get through, but it has so many insights and helpful tips for improving yourself and your life.

Without a doubt, this a motivational book that you’ll be referencing for years to come.

12. Awaken the Giant Within

If you’ve never read this book you will be astonished at the strategies provided. Anthony Robbins is very good at what he does, and in this case, he provides precise strategies that anyone case use to tap into the best part of themselves.

It’s a big book, with big ideas. Educate yourself with the mental strategies provided for you in this book, then go out and unleash your greatness into the world.

13. The Power of Positive Thinking

Norman Vincent Peale created something special when he wrote this book. Truly it is one of the best motivational books of all time. Much of Norman Vincent Peale’s material is focused on encouraging you to have faith, and to embrace a positive mindset, which in turn can help move you into positive action.

And believe it or not, a little tweak in your self-belief and mindset can add staggering changes in your eagerness to achieve.

So, if you’re lacking faith in your vision, faith in yourself, and a good attitude about what is possible for you, then this motivational book will do the trick.

14. The Millionaire Fastlane

Everybody wants to get rich, but very few people want to learn how to get rich. This book provides not only a great starting point for the type of mindset you’ll need to acquire if you wish to get rich , but it also provides a clear message on the value of execution and taking action on your financial/business goals.

If money motivates you, then this book will help get you started in actually making more of it, and inspire you to do it fast. Don’t miss the gems in ‘ The Millionaire Fastlane ‘.

15. The Dip

Seth Godin’s ‘ The Dip ‘ is a great motivational book because it provides accurate insights into those times when you won’t be very motivated. In it, he lends wisdom to the point in an achiever’s journey towards a goal where they will most likely fail, and it is in the dip.

This book is required reading for motivation, because it can help you rediscover yours if and when you get into “the dip”, and it gives you insights on what you can do to pull yourself out.

16. The Greatest Secret in the World

You’ll have to be hungry for more in life to even pick up a book like this; however, once you’ve read through this book, you’ll have a new awareness of success. And with this new awareness , you’ll almost automatically be inclined to dial up your efforts in every area (at least the ones you wish to be successful at) of your life.

If more accomplishment and fulfillment in life is what you seek, this book will act as a catalyst for helping you find it.

17. Message of a Master

Most people don’t get started on their dreams or big goals because deep down they lack the belief that they’ll ever truly achieve it. If you’ve neglected to honestly consider going for that big dream or big goal, read this book. It will give you the assurance that what you seek, also seeks you.

If you’re on the fence with this motivational book, you can always give these Message of a Master quotes a look first. You know, to see if this book is up your alley.

With that said, be sure to get this book if you truly wish to master your motivation, and in so doing, become a master of your life.

18. See You at The Top

‘ See You at The Top ‘ is a classic self-help book by Zig Ziglar. The ideas and tips contained within this book are useful in helping the reader change how they think about themselves and their work.

Zig Ziglar manages to make very good cases for everyone of his suggestions and uses pithy anecdotes that could convince even the most stubborn and lazy person to do something positive with their time and their lives in general. Truly, this is a go-to-book for anyone who is ready to start their climb towards higher achievement .

19. The 12 Week Year

This book comes highly recommended as a game changer by a few high performers.

The premise of the books is is to focus on goal completing within 12 week blocks. Why? Because there just isn’t enough time to get complacent in this amount of time; as such, the urgency around everything you do will intensify. So, if you are looking to add more clarity, focus, and fire to execute on what matters most, then this book is a must read.

20. The 10X Rule

The 10X Rule is a powerful book. Grant Cardone has catalogued the exact steps and mindset he deployed to help him achieve the massive success he’s found in his life. And his insights culminate into what he calls the 10X Rule. It’s a call to action for massive action.

You can definitely feel Cardone’s energy in this content, and it will have you wanting to go out and start hustling at the end of every chapter. It is for this reason, that this book definitely belongs on this list of books that will get you and keep you fired up to succeed.

21. The Obstacle Is The Way

The Obstacle is The Way belongs on this list, because it provides its readers with the mindset that is necessary for achievement. While most motivational books are great at getting you started, this book is the one you’ll want to read to keep you going during those challenging times.

Ryan Holiday has managed to very eloquently convey the wisdom that all seekers of success will eventually come to realize; that what stands in the way of action, is exactly what should be advancing our action. As such, we can’t recommend this book highly enough.

22. The Magic of Believing

The Magic of Believing is truly a classic book. And the reason it has made our list of top Motivational Books of all time, is because of it’s ability to get you to take action. Regardless of the age of the book, Claude Bristol convincingly teaches the reader about the power belief has in our ultimate success. And if there is one thing that keeps most people from taking action on a thing, it’s their lack of belief that they can succeed or achieve that thing.

So, if you’re a person who doubts what’s possible for you and your life, and you want to learn about a perspective that can give you the motivation you need to change your life, this book is for you.

23. The War of Art

Steve Pressfield is not your typical champion of motivation or success. He’s not a motivational speaker, or a motivational guru. But, he’s pieced together a timeless motivational work of art in his book, The War of Art . With this book, he’s managed to drill down on the resistance that every person, whether it’s an artist, entrepreneur, or corporate climber will face. And it’s refreshingly motivating to know that the obstacles and resistance you’ll be facing is normal. But more importantly, that it’s conquerable.

By the end of the book you’ll have a renewed sense of hope that you can conquer what’s holding you back in life, and achieve whatever it is you are striving for.

24. Relentless

This book has the power to deliver. There are not too many books out there that can prime your mindset for high achievement like this book can. You’ll walk away from this book with the mindset that has helped some of the greatest athletes become, well, the greatest athletes.

To be sure, this book is highly motivating. And after reading, you will have discovered the type of relentlessness that anyone can hone, to achieve great things. This is a motivation book for anyone who is ready to take their life to the next level.

25. How To Win Friends And Influence People

Our final motivational book is nothing short of a classic. How To Win Friends And Influence People is a masterclass is human relations and self-development. But the real reason this book makes the list, is primarily because of it’s ability to motivate the reader into wanting to work on those social/soft skills that lead to success.

There’s not very many books that inspire you to want to get out there in the real world so-to-speak, to put what you learn to immediate use. This book will give you solid encouragement and advice for finding more success in life. As such, this is one motivational book you do not want to overlook.

Bonus Motivational Book

We have one last bonus book for you. Now ‘The Strive Journal’ is not your typical motivational book. In fact, it is not a motivational book at all. However, it makes the list because it takes many if not most of the principles from the previous books just mentioned, and mashes them together to create an easy to use workbook that ensures you stay motivated for the long haul.

No doubt, you’ll have to be motivated to even consider buying a resource like this, but its motivational power comes from helping you stay focused, zeroed-in and engaged to take action on your goals long enough for you to actually achieve them.

“The book you don’t read won’t help” – Jim Rohn

Final Thoughts on This List of Best Motivational Books

There you have it, the top 25 motivational books of all times. Without a doubt, reading just a handful of these highly motivating books (let alone all of them) will help give you the nudge you need to get you back out in the world and striving towards your big goals and dreams.

But all things start with action , even when you’re unmotivated. And the smallest of actions that you can probably take at this very moment to get your motivation back, is to invest in your mind.

So, get yourself one of these motivational books, read it, and then get to work on that important something of yours.

Till next time,

PS – If you enjoyed our list of the top motivational books, then you’ll definitely love our list of top motivational sites as well as this collection of our all-time favorite motivational quotes .

100+ MENTAL TOUGHNESS QUOTES TO STRENGTHEN YOUR MINDSET

100+ ENCOURAGING FINISH STRONG QUOTES TO HELP YOU CROSS THE FINISH LINE

The STRIVE is on a mission to inspire and uplift 1 billion people by 2032. Our primary aim is to help as many people as possible believe in the uncommon thought, that they can be more than they are, do more than they've done, and achieve more prosperity than they've ever dreamed possible. Let's achieve the impossible together.

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100+ MOTIVATIONAL COMEBACK QUOTES TO HELP YOU COME BACK STRONGER

Everyone appreciates a great comeback story. It doesn’t matter if its about a person who after hitting rock-bottom turns their whole life around, or someone who against all odds achieves their dreams. Rooting for the underdog is baked into our DNA.

“It’s Not Over Till It’s Over.”

With that said, we understand that if you’re reading this page right now, there’s a good chance that you may be experiencing your own challenges right now. You may feel like you’re up against the ropes, or like you can’t turn things around in your life. If that is you, just remember, it isn’t over till it’s over… and you can mount a comeback.

We’ve got your back, and we are rooting for you. Which is why we’ve pulled together some of the most powerful and motivating comeback quotes. Our hope is that these quotes remind you to keep fighting, to stay hopeful, and if you’ve fallen, to get back up. May these quotes inspire you to make your comeback .

BEST COMEBACK QUOTES TO OVERCOME SETBACKS

1. “The real glory is being knocked to your knees and then coming back. That’s real glory. That’s the essence of it.” – Vince Lombardi

2. “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” – Kobe Bryant

3. “If I can comeback from where I come from, then you can do it too.” – Tyson Fury

4. “Nothing is cooler and more attractive than a big comeback, and that’ll be me.” – Steven Adler

5. “The comeback is always stronger than the setback.” – Anonymous

6. “What defines us is how well we rise after falling.” – Lionel Block

7. “Celebrate small victories. Although they may not yet count as your big comeback, these will help re-establish your self-esteem and empower you to take on the challenges that lie ahead.” – Salma El-Shurafa  

8. “Great people make failure the cornerstone of their success.” – Anonymous

9. “You don’t lose if you get knocked down; you lose if you stay down.” – Muhammad Ali

10. “A setback is a setup for a comeback.” – Les Brown

11. “Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” – J.K. Rowling

12. “Anytime you suffer a setback or disappointment, put your head down and plow ahead.” – Les Brown

13. “It’s not over till you WIN!” – Les Brown

14. “I am making the comeback of the century.” – Bob Backlund

15. “A setback only paves the way for a comeback.” – Evander Holyfield

16. “I wanted to show the world that it can be done. Anything is possible with the right mindset. If you believe in yourself and you sacrifice and dedicate, with the right help you can come back.” – Tyson Fury

17. “Failure is not the end. Failure is the the start of your comeback story.” – Anonymous

18. “I’m always making a comeback but nobody ever tells me where I’ve been.” – Billie Holiday

19. “When life knocks you down, get back up, and whatever you do, don’t stop swinging!” – The STRIVE

20. “It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.” – Babe Ruth

21. “I just showed the world tonight, everyone suffering from mental health. You can comeback, it can be done.” – Tyson Fury

22. “To anyone who is struggling early in the morning or late at night in pursuit of your dream, struggles that many will never see, and to any leaders out there, who believe in someone who does not yet believe in themselves, keep going. Keep going, because WILL always finds a WAY.” – Tom Brady

23. “A great champion deals with setback with a comeback.” – Donna de Varona

24. “Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.” – Og Mandino

25. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

26. “Success is how high you bounce after you hit bottom.” – General George Patton

27. “Failure is often a prerequisite for your success; not a life sentence.” – Anonymous

28. “Setbacks are part and parcel of life. But, if you can see each set back as but another opportunity to spring you further ahead of where you were before your set back, you’ll become unstoppable.” – The STRIVE

29. “Today’s struggle is tomorrow’s strength, and today’s failure is tomorrow’s reward.” – Comeback Quote

30. “The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is going to hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.” – Rocky

31. “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over again in my life.” And that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan

32. “The true measure of success is how many times you can bounce back from failure.” – Stephen Richards

33. “The secret to mounting a successful comeback is to never stop believing.” – Nathan Lee Morales

34. “Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man. But soon or late the one who wins, Is the one who thinks he can!” – Walter D. Wintle

35. “A champion is defined by the adversity he overcomes.” – Anderson Silva

36. “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” – Maya Angelou

37. “Champions keep playing until they get it right.” – Billie Jean King

Halfway There

You’re more than halfway done, great job! With that said, we hope these comeback quotes are reigniting the fighting spirit within, so you can overcome whatever challenges you may be facing in life.

If you’re not feeling fired up to make your comeback yet, well then, by all means, please keep hammering away at these comeback quotes. The best is yet to come!

38. “The human spirit is never finished when it is defeated…it is finished when it surrenders.” – Ben Stein

39. “All good ideas start out as bad ideas, that’s why it takes so long.” – Steven Spielberg

40. “Sometimes it takes a thousand tries to win.” – Rihanna

41. “There’s nothing as exciting as a comeback – seeing someone with dreams, watching them fail, and then getting a second chance.” – Rachel Griffiths

42. “It’s never too late to make a comeback.” – Christina Katz

43. “You can’t master your future if you’re still a slave to your past.” – Rihanna

44. “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot

45. “My comeback was not about winning or losing; it was about the feeling of being able to compete at top level again.” – Thomas Muster

46. “The biggest comeback is making yourself happy again.” – Anonymous

47. “I don’t know if God is a sports fan or not, but I do know this: He loves a good comeback.” – Lane Kiffin

48. “I just think, as a people in general, we should always look at ourselves as the underdog, so we should always go harder than the next person.” – Shaggy

49. “Energy and persistence conquer all things.” – Benjamin Franklin “

50. “Sometimes, a winner is a dreamer who just won’t quit.” – Rudy

51. “But ultimately what matters most is resilience–the ability to quickly rebound from failures, indeed to see failure as a stepping stone to success.” –  Arianna Huffington 

52. “A comeback is a setback that did its homework, learned the lesson, and then moved forward.” –  Eleanor Brownn

53. “When you’re crying, your tears may be watering the seeds of your come-back.” – Steve Maraboli

54. “Live the Life of Your Dreams. When you start living the life of your dreams, there will always be obstacles, doubters, mistakes and setbacks along the way. But with hard work, perseverance and self-belief there is no limit to what you can achieve.” – Roy T. Bennett

55. “When we give ourselves permission to fail, we, at the same time, give ourselves permission to excel.” –  Eloise Ristad

56. “Brick walls are not there to keep us out, they are there to show us how much we want something.” – Randy Pausch

57. “I was the undersized underdog who people never gave a chance. From that, the motivation to prove people wrong just grew and grew.” –  Baker Mayfield

58. “We develop our character muscles by overcoming challenges and obstacles.” – Stephen Covey

59. “It’s possible that you can bounce back from adversity and reinvent your life.” – Atlas Rowe

60. “You must fail a hundred times to succeed once.” – Sylvester Stallone

61. “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” – Thomas Edison

62. “If you think you are beaten, you are. If you think you dare not, you don’t. If you like to win, but you think you can’t, It is almost certain you won’t.” – Walter D. Wintle

63. “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela

64. “Show me someone who has done something worthwhile, and I’ll show you someone who has overcome adversity.” – Lou Holtz

65. “The belief that I could still do it, inspired me to work harder.” – Phil Mickelson

66. “I had to develop the mentality and stay positive about making my comeback.” – Alonzo Mourning

67. “So don’t give up , don’t look down, cause your time is gonna come around.” – Kevin Rudolpf

68. “Your “I CAN” is more important than your IQ.” – Robin Sharma

69. “You can make a comeback, but ONLY if believe you can.” – Nathan Lee Morales

70. “The secret to life is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.” – Paulo Coelho

71. “In business, setbacks are a part of the game. Whether it’s small losses (losing a deal to a competitor), or big ones (the inability to break even); failure is normal. But, so is dusting yourself off and bouncing back when those setbacks come your way. In fact, your success as an entrepreneur is directly related to how well you bounce back from failure.” – Emily Andrews

72. “It’s not whether you get knocked down, its whether you get back up.” – Vince Lombardi

73. “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” – Dale Carnegie

74. “I think it’s more than whether or not you win or lose. It’s having that opportunity on that final round, final nine, to come down the stretch with a chance to win.” – Phil Mickelson

75. “You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice a work hard for it.” – Lionel Messi

76. “Start today creating a vision for yourself, your life, and your career. Bounce back from adversity and create what you want, rebuild and rebrand.” – Germany Kent

77. “Yesterday I dared to struggle, today I dare to win.” – Bernadette Devlin

78. “Unlike an external enemy, the inner enemy cannot regroup and launch a comeback once it has been destroyed from within.” – Dalai Lama

79. “Remember that just because you hit bottom doesn’t mean you have to stay there.” – Robert Downey Jr.

80. “I stayed true to my dreams, and eventually they came true.” – Kevin Hart

81. “We can stay here and get the shit kicked out of us, or we can fight our way back into the light.” – Coach Tony D’Amato, Any Given Sunday

82. “Setbacks have an upside; they fuel new dreams.” – Dara Torres

83. “In every adversity lies the seed of an equal or greater opportunity.” – Napoleon Hill

84. “Every setback has a major comeback.” – Russell Wilson

85. “I’ve learned that something constructive comes from every defeat.” – Tom Landry

86. “Losers quit when they fail. Winners fail until they succeed.” – Robert Kiyosaki

87. “I’ve always made some legendary comebacks since 1998 when it first started. So that’s kind of just been my MO for my whole career.” – Serena Williams

88. “Everyone falls down. Getting back up is how you learn how to walk.” – Walt Disney

89. “I never view mistakes as failures. They are simply opportunities to find out what doesn’t work.” – Thomas Edison

90. “One has to remember that every failure can be a stepping stone to something better.” – Colonel Sanders

91. “If you can look up, then you can get up.” – Les Brown

92. “There are better starters than me but I’m a strong finisher.” – Usain Bolt

93 . “It’s not how far you fall, but how high you bounce that counts.” – Zig Ziglar

94. “Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly.” – John F. Kennedy

96 . “The most successful people see adversity not as a stumbling block, but as a stepping stone to greatness.” – Shawn Anchor

96. “If I fail, I try again, and again, and again. If you fail, are you going to try again? The human spirit can handle much worse than we realize. It matters How you are going to finish.” – Nick Vujicic

97. “In the depth of Winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” – Albert Camus

98. “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein

99. “Adversity cause some men to break; others to break records.”

100. “You can’t make a comeback if you don’t get back up.” – Atlas Rowe

101. “Falling down is part of life. Getting back up is living.” – Anonymous

102. “One’s best success comes after their greatest disappointments.” – Henry Ward Beecher

103. “From success, you learn absolutely nothing. From failure and setbacks, conclusions can be drawn. That goes for your private life as well as your career.” – Niki Lauda

104.   “We all get distracted, the question is, would you bounce back or bounce backwards?” – Kendrick Lamar

105. “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” – C.S. Lewis

106. “The best story is a comeback story.” – Nathan Lee Morales

107. “It’s only after we’ve lost everything that we’re free to do anything.” – Chuck Palahniuk

108. “Nothing is cooler and more attractive than a big comeback, and that’ll be me.” – Steven Ader

109. “Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.” – Henry Ford

110. “Once you’ve hit rock bottom the only way is up.” – Anonymous

111. “Quite or make a comeback. The choice is yours.” – Anonymous

112. “You can’t lose confidence in yourself, or you’ve lost already. When you get knocked down, you’ve got to keep getting back up.” – Tim Tebow

113. “It is in the valley of failure that we sow our seeds of success.” – James Altucher

114. “In show business, everyone loves a comeback story.” – Chris Connelly

115. “You’re gonna have to go through hell. Worse than any nightmare that you’ve ever dreamed. But in the end, you know you’ll be the one standing. You know what you’ve gotta go. Do it. Do it!” – Apollo Creed

Bonus Comeback Quote

Bonus: Out of all our comeback quotes this one is a bonus as it comes from someone who knows a thing or two about making a comeback. Once ridiculed by his class and his teacher after telling them about his dream to be on the Television someday, to then eventually having to live out of his car, homeless, for three whole years while he struggled to reach his dream, Steve Harvey knows what it means to make a comeback.

“Your Setback Is Just A Setup For Your Comeback.” – steve harvey –

Final Thoughts

Alright, there you have it, the best of the best when it comes to comeback quotes. We hope you got what you came for… massive amounts of encouragement to help you keep your eye on the prize, a reminder to never surrender, and new inspiration to aid you in mounting your own personal comeback.

Your victory is just around the corner!

PS – If you enjoyed these comeback quotes, then you may enjoy one of these extremely inspiring comeback stories:

• Tyson Fury Comeback Story
• Sylvester Stallone Comeback Story
• Rudy Comeback Story
• Grant Cardone Comeback Story

THURSDAY WORK MOTIVATION TO HELP YOU FINISH THE WEEK STRONG

Everyone knows Monday is one of the most challenging days of the week to get motivated. But Thursday’s can be just as menacing. Thursday’s are menacing because the motivation (or lack thereof) that we feel on this day can catch us off guard. If you woke up this morning and thought to yourself, “I can’t believe it’s not Friday yet?” or “Dang, it’s barely Thursday?”, then you’ve got a Thursday motivation problem.

The good news is, you’re not alone. Everyone experiences low motivation from time to time, especially on Thursdays. And the even better news is, we’ve pulled together a few quotes and handful of related resources to help you find some of that elusive Thursday work motivation.

With that said, if you’re looking for that second-wind that we could all use on Thursday to finish the week strong, let’s dive in:

Best Quotes for Thursday Work Motivation

1.  “Energy and persistence conquer all things.” – Benjamin Franklin

2. “On Thursday, no matter how difficult and distracting life is, our job is to focus, to work through it, to keep our eyes and our efforts where they belong.” – Rick Pitino

3. “The best way out is always through.” – Robert Frost

4. “On this Thursday take nothing for granted. Look around and show gratitude for your work, your family, and your friends.” –  Theodore W. Higginsworth

5. “Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work, one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it.“ – Ralph Waldo Emerson

6. “Thursday is one day closer to my expectation that everything I have done through the week culminates in progress.” – Byron Pulsifer

7. “Everything is either an opportunity to learn and grow or an obstacle that keeps you stuck…you get to choose.” – Thursday Thoughts

8. “Don’t stay in bed unless you can make money in bed.” – George Burns

9. “If you keep doing what you been doing, you’ll keep getting, what you been getting.” – Steve Harvey

10. “Great things never come from comfort zones.” – Anonymous

11. “Your competition is hoping you’ll take it easy today, don’t.” – The Strive

12. “Yesterday’s home runs don’t win today’s games.” – Babe Ruth

13. “Every job is a self-portrait of the person who does it. Autograph your work with excellence .” – Quote for Thursday

14. “Let this Thursday be filled with possibilities – be aware of the opportunities around you; don’t just go through the day, live the day with your eyes and your mind open.” – Anonymous

15. “Hard work doesn’t guarantee success, but improves its chances.” – B.J. Gupta

More Thursday Motivation For Work

You’re halfway through our Thursday work motivation resource. Great job! We sincerely hope these curated quotes are motivating you.

But don’t stop now, as there are still a handful of other resources that could help you find the energy to make this Thursday one to remember.

Related: Ways to Find Motivation For Work

16. “Happy Thursday! P.S. It’s almost Friday.” – Thursday Saying

17. “The only difference between a good day and a bad day is your attitude!” – Anonymous

18. “You can’t have a million-dollar dream with a minimum-wage work ethic.”  –  Stephen C. Hogan

19. “If you are working on something exciting that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.” – Steve Jobs

25. “Action will destroy your procrastination.” – Og Mandino

21. “Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

22. “ Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.” – Bill Bradley

23. “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” – Robert Louis

24. “The harder you work for something, the greater you’ll feel when you achieve it.” – Anonymous

25. “Either you run the day, or the day runs you.” – Jim Rohn

26. “We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.” – Maya Angelou

27. “Nothing screws up your Friday like realizing it’s only Thursday.” – Anonymous

28. “I see a light at the end of the tunnel… hopefully its not a freight train!” – Mariah Carey

29. “Start your Thursday with an attitude of optimism. It’s going to be a good day!” – Kate Summers

30.  “Stay positive, work hard, make it happen.” – Thursday Quote

31. “Remember no matter how fast you run, you can’t be the winner if you don’t finish.” – Israelmore Ayivor

32. “The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of tiny pushes of each honest worker.” – Helen Keller

33. “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is just that little extra.” – Jimmy Johnson

34. “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Teddy Roosevelt

35. “Never be satisfied with less than your very best effort . If you strive for the top and miss, you’ll still ‘beat the pack.” – Gerald R. Ford

36. “The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work today.” – Elbert Hubbard

37. “I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have. ”  –   Thomas Jefferson

38. “You are what you do, not what you say you do.”  –  Carl Jung

39. “The extra energy required to make another effort… is the secret of winning.” – Denis Waitley

40. “Starting strong is good. Finishing strong is epic.” – Robin Sharma

Related: Workplace Motivation

Thursday Work Motivation Bonus

Bonus: Here’s a little motivational speech that will surely help you with finding some of that motivation to finish your Thursday strong. Here it is….

Just click on the image or watch it here .

There you have it, a handful of quotes to inspire you this Thursday, as well as access to a few additional resources for finding motivation for the end of your week. We hope you found at least a little bit of motivation so you can finish the week strong.

With that said, if you found value in this page, or if you see someone who is treating their Thursday like it was a Monday , please share this encouraging page with them. Because you just never never who needs a little Thursday motivation for work.

PS – If you enjoyed theseThursday motivational quotes for work, then you’ll definitely love these quotes to push you to work hard everyday of the week: Work Hard Quotes

100+ DAVID GOGGINS QUOTES TO HELP YOU GET AND STAY INSPIRED

David Goggins is a retired Navy SEAL, Iraq War veteran, accomplished endurance athlete, and highly sought after public speaker. He’s authored the New York Times Best-selling book ‘You Can’t Hurt Me’, along with his new book, ‘Never Finished’, and has become an icon when it comes to the power of self-discipline, mental toughness, and hard work.

Having transformed himself from a depressed, overweight young man with no future into one of the toughest men alive — becoming the only person in history to complete elite training as a Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and Air Force Tactical Air Controller, we feel it’s safe to say that Goggins knows a thing or two about self-motivation, determination, and rising up to accomplish the impossible. As such, we’re publishing some of the best David Goggins quotes to help you peer into a mind that knows how to easily overcome obstacles and defy the odds.

So, if you’re ready for a strong dose of motivation and tough love, let’s dive into these powerful David Goggins quotes:

BEST DAVID GOGGINS QUOTES FOR MOTIVATION

1. “Never let people who choose the path of least resistance steer you away from your chosen path of most resistance.” – David Goggins

2. “No one is going to come help you. No one’s coming to save you.” – David Goggins

3. “Life is one big tug of war between mediocrity and trying to find your best self.” – David Goggins

4. “The path to success will leave you callused, bruised, and very tired. It will also leave you empowered.” – David Goggins

5. “There is no better way to grow as a person than to do everyday something you hate.” – David Goggins

6. “Everybody comes to a point in their life when they want to quit. But it’s what you do at that moment that determines who you are.” – David Goggins

7. “I don’t stop when I’m tired, I stop when I’m done.” – David Goggins

8. “You can tolerate doubt as a backseat driver, but if you put doubt in the pilot’s seat, defeat is guaranteed.” – David Goggins

9. “We all have the ability to come from nothing to something.” – David Goggins

10. “Suffering is the true test of life.” – David Goggins

Motivational David Goggins Quotes

David Goggins is not big on leaning on external motivation, but, his quotes sure are motivating, and these quotes in particular are his most motivating. So, if you’re looking to get fired up to take action and get to work on your goals, these motivational David Goggins quotes will help you get it done.

11. “Nobody cares what you did yesterday. What have you done today to better yourself?” – David Goggins

12. “Be more than motivated, be more than driven, become literally obsessed to the point where people think you’re f*cking nuts.” – David Goggins

13. “Don’t focus on what you think you deserve. Take aim at what you are willing to earn.” – David Goggins

14. “Comfort zones: If you live in one too long… that becomes your norm. Get comfortable being uncomfortable.” – David Goggins

15. “Tell yourself the truth! That you’ve wasted enough time, and that you have other dreams that will take courage to realize, so you don’t die a f**king pussy.” – David Goggins

16. “If you want to get better, do the things that no-one else wants to do. Do the things that no-one is even thinking about doing.” – David Goggins

17. “I thought I’d solved a problem when really I was creating new ones by taking the path of least resistance.” – David Goggins

18. “Everybody wants a quick fix. You may get results, but they won’t be permanent. The permanent results come from you having to suffer.” – David Goggins

19. “We don’t rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training.” – David Goggins

20. “ Mental toughness is a lifestyle.” – David Goggins

21. “Read a record number of books in a given month. If you’re focused on intellectual growth, train yourself to study harder and longer than ever before.” – David Goggins

22. “Everybody comes to a point in their life when they want to quit. But it’s what you do at that moment that determines who you are.” – David Goggins

23. “If you don’t challenge yourself, you don’t know yourself.” – David Goggins

24. “I’m different than most people… when I cross the finish line of a big race, I see that people are ecstatic, but I’m thinking about what I’m going to do tomorrow. It’s as if my Journey is everlasting and there is no finish line.” – David Goggins

25. “It’s possible to transcend anything that doesn’t kill you.” – David Goggins

26. “Failure is an option. It’s what you do with the failure that makes you who you are. Our failures mold us. I have failed at several things in my life. What sets some of us apart, is that when we fail, we can’t sleep at night. It haunts us until we have our time at redemption.” – David Goggins

27. “From the time you take your first breath, you become eligible to die. You also become eligible to find your greatness and become the One Warrior. But it is up to you to equip yourself for the battle ahead.” – David Goggins

28. “Greatness pulls mediocrity into the mud. Get out there and get after it.” – David Goggins

29. “Very few people know how the bottom feels, but I do. It’s like quicksand. It grabs you, sucks you under, and won’t let go. When life is like that it’s easy to drift and continue to make the same comfortable choices that are killing you, over and over again.” – David Goggins

30. “It’s time to go to war with yourself.” – David Goggins

Mindset Quotes by David Goggins

This next batch of quotes by David Goggins are related to the importance our mindset plays in how we show up in the world and achieve our goals. They provide excellent insight into how David has used his mind to achieve the impossible , and how you can too.

31. “We’re either getting better or we’re getting worse.” – David Goggins

32. “The only thing more contagious than a good attitude is a bad one.” – David Goggins

33. “When your mind is telling you that you’re done, that you’re exhausted, that you cannot possible go any further, you’re actually 40% done.” – David Goggins

34. “Denial is the ultimate comfort zone.” – David Goggins

35. “People take classes on self-help, mental toughness, breathing control — the only way to get tougher is to put yourself in hellacious situations.” – David Goggins

36. “You have to build calluses on your brain just like how you build calluses on your hands. Callus your mind through pain and suffering.” – David Goggins

37. “If you’re not physically and mentally prepared for what life is going to throw at you, then you’re just going to crumble, And then, you’re no good to nobody.” – David Goggins

38. “The more things you can do to get outside of that zone that makes you feel good, the stronger your mind is going to get. It starts getting used to doing things like this. It’s not fun, but now my mind is used to it.” – David Goggins

39. “Whenever you decided to follow a dream or set a goal , you are just as likely to come up with with all the reasons why the likelihood of success is low. Blame it on the fu**ed-up evolutionary wiring of the human mind. But you don’t have to let your doubt into the cockpit!” – David Goggins

40. “The mind is the most powerful thing in the world.” – David Goggins

41. “The reason it’s important to push hardest when you want to quit the most is because it helps you callous your mind. It’s the same reason why you have to do your best work when you are the least motivated.” – David Goggins

42. “Most of us we live in a box, and we don’t want to go out of that box at all, ever. Outside of that box is all these possibilities of life, but what we do is shackle our mind and we are a prisoner in our own mind.” – David Goggins

43. “In a human being your character is your foundation, and when you build a bunch of successes and pile up even more failures on a fu**ed-up foundation, the structure that is the self won’t be sound.” – David Goggins

44. “To develop an armored mind — a mindset so calloused and hard that it becomes bulletproof — you need to go to the source of all your fears and insecurities.” – David Goggins

45. “Only when you identify and accept your weaknesses will you finally stop running from your past.” – David Goggins

46. “Pain unlocks a secret doorway in the mind, one that leads to both peak performance, and beautiful silence.” – David Goggins

47. “Only you can master your mind, which is what it takes to live a bold life filled with accomplishments most people consider beyond their capability.” – David Goggins

48. “Everything in life is a mind game! Whenever we get swept under by life’s dramas, large and small, we are forgetting that no matter how bad the pain gets, no matter how harrowing the torture, all bad things end.” – David Goggins

49. “Our culture has become hooked on the quick-fix, the life hack, efficiency. Everyone is on the hunt for that simple action algorithm that nets maximum profit with the least amount of effort. There’s no denying this attitude may get you some of the trappings of success, if you’re lucky, but it will not lead to a calloused mind or self-mastery.” – David Goggins

50. “It’s so easy to be great these days, because everyone else is so weak.” – David Goggins

Inspiring David Goggins Quotes

This next set of quotes consists of some of the most inspirational David Goggins quotes source from his book, interviews, and social media activity. We think they’ll inspire you to want to push your limits and aim for the stars in all you do.

51. “You’re probably living at about 40 percent of your true capability.” – David Goggins

52. “The worst thing that can happen to a man is to become civilized” – David Goggins

53. “You are in danger of living a life so comfortable and soft, that you will die without ever realizing your true potential.” – David Goggins

54. “ A warrior is a guy that goes, I’m here again today. I’ll be here again tomorrow and the next day.’ It’s a person who puts no limit on what’s possible.” – David Goggins

55. “If you can get through doing things that you hate to do, on the other side is greatness.” – David Goggins

56. “The only way that you’re ever going to get to the other side of this journey is by suffering. You have to suffer in order to grow. Some people get it, some people don’t.” – David Goggins

57. “We live in a world where a lot of people need goals, motivation, and a lot of other words to get started. It’s just a big excuse to not get started.” – David Goggins

58. “A warrior is not a person that carries a gun. The biggest war you ever go through is right between your own ears. It’s in your mind. We’re all going through a war in our mind, and we have to callus our minds to fight that war and to win that war.” – David Goggins

59. “The only reason why I became successful was because I went towards the truth. As painful and as brutal as it is, it changed me. It allowed me, in my own right, to become the person who I am today.” – David Goggins

60. “It may be satisfactory, but that’s another word for mediocrity.” – David Goggins

61. “We are all great. No matter if you think you’re dumb, fat, been bullied, we all have greatness. You gotta find the courage. It’s going to be hard work, discipline , and the non-cognitive skills — hard work, dedication, sacrifice — that will set you apart. – David Goggins

62. “Before you start a goal — let’s take care of our insecurities because they are going to surface when you put yourself in the crucible and you’re suffering.” – David Goggins

63. “A lot of people put motivational quotes up on the wall, and all they do is collect dust. Become what that quote says. Live it every day.” – David Goggins

64. “A normal person would give up. They’d say, fu** it, it’s just not meant to be, and refuse to torture themselves one minute more. But I wasn’t wired normal.” – David Goggins

65. “Show people, don’t tell people!” – David Goggins

66. “Most of us fail in life because we are afraid of what everyone around you is thinking. That’s 100% truth.” – David Goggins

67. “When you fall down, focus on the solution, not the problem You might quit or fail 100 times. Keep that clear picture of where you want to be.” – David Goggins

68. “Be true to whoever or whatever you are  and wear it like a bandage of honor. Fit in with one person and one person only: yourself.” – David Goggins

69. “Motivation is crap. Motivation comes and goes. When you’re driven, whatever is in front of you will get destroyed.” – David Goggins

70. “Life is the most brutal endurance sport of all time!” – David Goggins

71. “When you’re exhausted, weak, and tired and everyone around you looks just as bad as you or even worse- that’s the perfect time for you to make a statement. You let everyone around you know that when their life ends, that’s when yours begins.” – David Goggins

72. “If you want to be one of the few to defy those trends in our ever-softening society, you will have to be willing to go to war with yourself and create a whole new identity, which requires an open mind.”  – David Goggins

73. “Most people who doubt you, doubt you because they can never see themselves doing what you are trying to do.” – David Goggins

74. “What put distance between me and almost everybody else in that platoon is that I didn’t let my desire for comfort rule me.” – David Goggins

75. “My work ethic is the single most important factor in all of my accomplishments.” – David Goggins

76. “In every failure a lot of good things will have happened, and we must acknowledge them.” – David Goggins

77. “Thicken your skin. Become more of a human being. Don’t be afraid of the reflection in the mirror.” – David Goggins

78. “If you choose to do something, Attack It.” – David Goggins

79. “Don’t focus on what you think you deserve. Take aim at what you are willing to earn!” – David Goggins

80. “Your entitled mind is dead weight. Cut it loose.” – David Goggins

81. “Most of us are motivated as hell to do anything to pursue our dreams until those around us remind us of the danger, the downside, our own limitations, and all the people before us that didn’t make it. Sometimes, the advice comes from a well intentioned place. They really believe they are doing it for our own good but if you let them, these same people will talk you out of your dreams, and your governor will help them do it.” – David Goggins

82. “Life is one big mind game. The only person you are playing against is yourself.” – David Goggins

83. “Starting at zero is a mindset that says my refrigerator is never full, and it never will be.” – David Goggins

84. “We can always become stronger and more agile, mentally and physically. We can always become more capable and more reliable. Since that’s the case we should never feel that our work is done. There is always more to do.” – David Goggins

85. “We are all fighting the same battle. All of us are torn between comfort and performance, between settling for mediocrity or being willing to suffer in order to become our best self, all the damn time.” – David Goggins

86. “We need to surround ourselves with people who will tell us what we need to hear, not what we want to hear, but at the same time not make us feel we’re up against the impossible.” – David Goggins

87. “In life, there is no gift as overlooked or inevitable as failure.” – David Goggins

88. “Luck is a capricious bi***. It won’t always go your way, so you can’t get trapped in this idea that just because you imagined a possibility for yourself that you somehow deserve it.” – David Goggins

89. “Self-talk and visualization are the two keys to my success.” – David Goggins

90. “In this life, we’re either getting better or we’re getting worse.” – David Goggins

91. “We are all guilty of allowing so-called experts, or just people who have more experience in a given field than we do, to cap our potential.” – David Goggins

92. “In this life there are countless trails to self-realization, though most demand intense discipline , so very few take them.” – David Goggins

93. “To exist in this world, we must contend with humiliation, broken dreams, sadness, and loss. That’s just nature. Each specific life comes with its own personalized portion of pain. It’s coming for you. You can’t stop it. And you know it.” – David Goggins

94. “We live a life defined by the limits we imagine and desire for ourselves because it’s comfortable as hell in that box.” – David Goggins

95. “We all need to start looking at obstacles very differently in life. Obstacles are purely hidden opportunities.” – David Goggins

96. “You have to learn to be the person who really doesn’t care if it is 70 and sunny or 20 and windy. You just don’t care and continue moving forward . The obstacle is the opportunity if you are willing to see it that way. Stay hard!” – David Goggins

97. “There is so much poison that people are feeding people’s minds these days. People want to see you lesser than them. A lot of people want to see you on your back. Be careful who you listen to in this world- they may very well be the infection that keeps your brain sedentary.” – David Goggins

98. “In life, when you miss the shot that can tie the game, before you put your head down, look at the scoreboard because I bet you still have time in the game. And in this game of life, anything can happen at any given second that can turn the tide in that game!” – David Goggins

99. “The Spartans were masters of pain. They knew how to embrace it and push through it. They didn’t just endure pain, they welcomed it. That’s what made them so powerful.” – David Goggins

100. “Taking souls all day everyday.” – David Goggins

101. “I seem to annoy people just by doing me. Well, guess what? A lot of people annoy the hell out of me by not working to their full potential, being lazy and making excuses for their lot in life.” – David Goggins

102. “When you make excuses, you’re running from the truth.” – David Goggins

103 . “The only way we can change is to be real with ourselves.” – David Goggins

104. “Be uncommon amongst uncommon people.” – David Goggins

105. “It’s a lot more than mind over matter. It takes relentless self-discipline to schedule suffering into your day, every day.” – David Goggins

106. “Analyze your schedule, kill your empty habits, burn out the bulls**t, and see what’s left.” – David Goggins

107. “Don’t let your body or mind do exactly what it wants to do. Take control.” – David Goggins

108. “Greatness pulls mediocrity into the fu****g mud.” – David Goggins

109. “ Find strength in the misery, cause you can get a lot of power in misery.” – David Goggins

110. “Stay Hard!” – David Goggins

111. “You’re gonna find peace by going to war with yourself.” – David Goggins

112. “What makes me me, is the dungeon.” – David Goggins

113. “There’s always going to be that mutherf****r in the sewer you came from, that’s grabbing at your fu****g ankle as you’re leaving that sewer, that’s gonna drag your right the f*** back down because you figured it out.” – David Goggins

114. “Every morning starts with a run, and that’s because it’s the one thing I hate to do more than anything in the world. So, that’s like my cup of coffee.” – David Goggins

115. “The most important step we’ll ever take in life, is our next one.” – David Goggins

116. “They don’t know me son!! Who’s gonna carry the boats… and the logs?” – David Goggins

117. “The struggle is real. It never gets any easier… you got to get harder.” – David Goggins

Bonus David Goggins Quote

Bonus: Alright, here is our last David Goggins quote that we want to leave you with. It’s a painful truth, but we all need to hear it, and never forget it….

“You Don’t Get Better On The Daggum Couch.” – David goggins –

Related: David Goggins Net Worth

We hope you enjoyed this collection of motivating David Goggins quotes. If any of them inspired you, please share the page or the quote with someone whom you think could use a friendly nudge from David Goggins to step up their game.

With that said, we hope these quotes help you follow Goggins’ lead to keep your mind strong and stay hard!

Till you reach your aims,

PS – If you enjoyed these David Goggins quotes, you may enjoy this inspiring David Goggins Story of Success.

35+ STRIVE QUOTES TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE THE LIFE YOU DESERVE

To strive means to make great efforts to achieve or obtain something. It means to struggle or fight vigorously ; to battle or compete. It is a word that encompasses what many go through day in and day out as they pursue their most cherished goals and aims in life. Without a doubt, it is a powerful word, especially for those who are reaching for more in their lives. And if you are on this page, that person is likely you. As such, we decided to publish the most inspiring strive quotes of all time, and we are dedicating them to you.

So, fellow achiever, if you’re ready for some inspiration to keep you fighting for all the great things you deserve in life, then let’s dive in to these top quotes about striving.

BEST STRIVE QUOTES TO FOR ACHIEVING SUCCESS

1. “It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness.” – Seneca 

2. “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” –  Albert Einstein

3. “To strive tirelessly and at all times to reach one’s goal – therein lies the secret of success .” – Anna Pavlova

4. “Don’t worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition.” – Abraham Lincoln

5. “In this world, you only get what you grab for.” – Giovanni Boccaccio

6. “Life is so much more rewarding if you strive for something, rather than take what’s given to you on a plate.” – Amy Winehouse

7. “Ambition is your inner voice that tells you, you can, and should, strive to go beyond your circumstances or situation in life.” – Lloyd Blankfein

8. “On occasion we need to make a second effort – and a third effort, and a fourth effort, and as many degrees of effort as may be required to accomplish what we strive to achieve.”  –  Thomas S. Monson

9. “Infinite striving to be the best is man’s duty; it is its own reward. Everything else is in God’s hands.” – Gandhi

10. “There is no failure except in no longer trying.” – Elbert Hubbard

11. “If we are to be a really great people, we must strive in good faith to play a great part in the world.” – Theodore Roosevelt

12. “Even when it is not fully attained, we become better by striving for a higher goal.” – Viktor Frankl

13. “I don’t know what my calling is, but I want to be here for a bigger reason. So I strive to be like the greatest people who have ever lived.” – Will Smith

14. “I’m certainly not saying that my life is what success is all about. To me, success is the ongoing process of striving to become more.” – Anthony Robbins

15. “Achievement eventually befalls the person who never stops striving.” – Strive Quote

16. “Never be satisfied with less than your very best effort. If you strive for the top and miss, you’ll still ‘beat the pack.” – Gerald R. Ford

17. “I was taught to strive not because there were any guarantees of success but because the act of striving is in itself the only way to keep faith with life.” – Madeleine Albright

18. “If one advances confidently in the direction of one’s dreams, and endeavors to live the life which one has imagined, one will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”  –  Henry David Thoreau

19. “Once we get the things we are striving for, we rarely remain satisfied with them. The things are just the bait. Chasing after them forces us to evolve, and it is the evolution and not the rewards themselves that matters to us and to those around us. This means that for most people success is struggling and evolving as effectively as possible.” – Ray Dalio

20. “Mistakes are proof that you are trying.” – Anonymous

21. “Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.” – Newt Gingrich

22. “Success… seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.” –  Conrad Hilton

23. “God provides the wind, but man must raise the sails.” ―St. Augustine

24. “I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have. ”  –   Thomas Jefferson

25. “Sometimes a winner is a dreamer who just won’t quit.” – Rudy

26. “Always remember that striving and struggle precede success, even in the dictionary.” – Sarah Ban Breathnach

27. “Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.” – Confucius

28. “Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.” – Pat Riley

29. “You are what you do, not what you say you do.”  –  Carl Jung

30. “We can not guarantee success, but we can strive to deserve it.” – George Washington

31. “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” – Thomas Edison

32. “All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney

33. “The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.” – Moliere

34. “Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing.” – Barry Finlay

35. “If you strive for excellence, success will follow.” – Shreya Ghoshal

36. “Striving for success without hard work is like trying to harvest where you haven’t planted.” – David Bly

37. “A vision on its own is not enough. Hard work and dedication is required to make that vision a reality.” – Strive Masiyiwa

38. “We all have wounds, but you can’t let that be an excuse to sit on the sidelines. Sometimes in life you have to play in pain.” – Joel Olsteen

39. “God always strives together with those who strive.” – Aeschylus

40. “Success is always possible for the person who just keeps striving.” – The STRIVE

41. “Throughout the more than 40 years Virgin has been in business we have been continuously striving – striving to deliver wonderful products and services, striving to make a positive difference, striving to change people’s life for the better.  Had we not kept striving, we certainly wouldn’t be where we are today.” – Richard Branson

42. “Be a lot, do a lot, do a lot have a lot. ” – Myron Golden

43. “Strive for continuous improvement, instead of perfection.” – Kim Collins

44. “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” – Dale Carnegie

Bonus Strive Quote

Bonus: Out of our entire collection of striving quotes, this one is by far our favorite. We believe it encompasses everything that needs to be said about striving for success. Enjoy!

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly ; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed ; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”  –   Theodore Roosevelt

Takeaways From These Strive Quotes

We hope you enjoyed these strive quotes. Their purpose is to encourage you to stay hell bent on reaching your aims, because that’s what it will take to achieve them.

With that being said, here are some takeaways from these strive quotes:

• Success eventually comes to those who strive hard
• Strive not to be a success but rather to be of value
• Striving doesn’t guarantee success, but shows how deserving you are
• To strive is to reach, and you can’t obtain if you don’t reach

So, keep trying (hard), keep attempting, continue to endeavor, to aim, and make those great efforts towards your goals. Because it is only through dogged persistence, extra effort, and exerting oneself continuously that we move on to better things. Now go out and get what you deserve .

PS – If you enjoyed these quotes about striving, then you’ll love these quotes about hustling .

10 WAYS TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS IN 2024

Setting goals is a crucial part of success. No matter what you want to achieve in life, be it in your career, relationships, or in business, identifying what you want to achieve and then making a plan to move toward that destination is one of the most important steps of all.

When you know what you want and the exact outcome you desire, you can then create a plan and take action to get there. This is why setting goals works. Extraordinary people are able to produce amazing results in life because they have a clear goal that they want to achieve in mind. They know what they want, and then they get to work on their goals, every single day.

With that being said, if you want to master yourself, achieve greater results in life, and ultimately make your dreams a reality, you’ll need to learn how to set and achieve your goals. So, here the top 10 ways to achieve your goals in 2024. Enjoy!

Top 10 Ways To Achieve Your Goals This Year

1. Always Keep Your Goals in Your Mind

One of the most common reasons why some people fail at their goals while others succeed at them, is that those who successfully achieved their goals are really adept at keeping their goals top of mind.

Of course, this is easier said than done. But, it is backed up by the one of the most well-known success phrases of all-time…“You become what you think about most of the time”. It’s a phrase that conveys the fact that your life is organized around your thoughts. Hence, your dominant thoughts will determine how you will live your life.

If you always think about having not enough money, guess what, you will not be having enough money. You will find it hard to come up with extra money and there are always more days left at the end of the money.

Your thoughts dictate your life. Tony Robbins once said, “Where you focus goes, energy flows”, thus, if you always think about your goals and focus on them, that’s what you will create in your life. So, always choose to consciously think about your goals.

This is why you need to write down your goals, review them, visualize them, and see yourself achieve them. Make a vision board for your goals if you want to.

2. Make Sure Your Goals Align With Your Inner Values

Next up on the list of top 10 ways to achieve your goals is to ensure they align with your values. Yes, you have to make sure your goals align with your inner values. You don’t want to set a goal that is not in harmony with your values.

For example, if you are someone who values security more than adventure, setting a goal like traveling alone around the world may not work for you. Even if you force yourself to do it, you will not enjoy the progress and the experience.

Here’s another example, many people set income goals. And if money isn’t their main purpose, their goals will never work. They will find it hard to come up with the drive to put themselves into action and they will find ways to sabotage their own success.

This is what happens when your goals conflict with your values. Instead, learn to set goals that align with your inner values. Set goals that make your heart sing.

Related: Goal Setting Mistakes to Avoid

3. Make Your Goals Measurable

Are your goals measurable? Most people set very general and vague goals like, “I want to become rich”, or “I want to be happy”, etc., but these goals are vague, and they are not measurable.

Let me ask you, if your goal is to live a happy life, how do you know when you have achieved it? That’s the problem. When your goal isn’t measurable, you will never know when you have reached it.

So, make your goals quantifiable. Make them measurable so that you can tell when you have reached them. Plus, when something is measurable, you can then come up with a specific action plan to achieve it.

If your goals are not measurable, you will work day and night without knowing if you have reached them.

4. Identify the Lead Measures

Lead measure is an important measure of your goals. Most people focus on their main target or the results they want, but they don’t focus on their lead measures, and this is why they fail.

Your lead measures are the measures that directly impact the results of your goals.

For instance, if your goal is to lose weight, the two main lead measures are exercise and diet. How much time do you spend to exercise each week? And do you track your diet and calorie intake?

You see, these two measures will directly impact your goal of losing weight. If you want to achieve your goal, then all you need to do is to focus on the two lead measures: exercise and diet.

And you hit your exercise and diet target, you will automatically reach your weight loss goal.

Here’s another classic example. If you want to increase your sales, what should you do? You focus on prospecting and presentation. The more prospects you present to, the higher your number of sales. Therefore, the number of prospects you approach, and sales presentation you deliver are the two lead measures you must work on.

When you achieved your lead measure goals, you will achieve your main goal, which is to increase your sales. So, focus and work on the lead measures.

5. Focus on Making Progress

Next, don’t always think about your goals and the results, when it comes to maintaining your momentum, you need to focus on making progress.

As a blogger, one of my goals is to build a huge responsive subscribers list from my blog. But if I focus on the result, the number of subscribers I get each day, I’m going to fail. Why? When I first started, my blog is new and there are no visitors and subscribers.

So, if I think about my goal of having a ton of subscribers, I will feel dejected, lose my motivation, and eventually give up on my blog. Instead, I choose to focus on making progress.

I know that if I want to grow my subscribers, I will need to publish new articles consistently. Hence, I focus on publishing content. Every time I published a new article, I celebrate and reward myself. I feel good about it and it drives me to continue publishing new content.

And so, day after day, I make progress. And slowly, the number of visitors to my blog increases, and the same goes for my number of subscribers.

Can you notice the difference? Having a goal is important, but to achieve your goal, you need to make progress. Hence, it is more important to focus on the progress than to only think about your goals and do nothing.

Let your progress motivate you and get you to your goals.

6. Work on Improving Yourself Every Day

There is no way you can achieve your goals if you don’t improve yourself. You are where you are because of what you know and what you do. If you want to get to a new place, you need to do something different, and that requires you to improve yourself.

I love to give an example of playing games. If the character in your game is at level 3 and you need to fight a level 5 enemy, you will find the enemy difficult to beat. But as you play the game, gain better experience, and level up your character, say to level 8, the same level 5 enemy will be easy to beat.

Therefore, work on improving your level. When the size of you increase, the problem will become a small problem.

It is the size of you that matters, not the size of the problem. If you think you are having a big problem right now, it is because the size of you is small. You must learn to improve yourself so that the problems become no problem for you.

Related: Motivation Journals for Self-Improvement

7. Set Goals That Are Fun and Exciting

Think about it, if something isn’t fun or exciting, will you have the motivation to achieve it? Obviously, the answer is no. But unfortunately, that’s what most people do. They set goals that are not fun or exciting to them.

You have to understand that if you want to achieve your goals, your goals must be fun and exciting so that you will want to wake up each morning and work on them. If your goals are boring and uninspiring, you will choose to continue to sleep than to wake up and chase them.

Set a goal that makes your heart sing. Be passionate about your goals and make sure you are excited when you think, talk, and work on your goals .

8. Make Your Goals Challenging

Besides making your goals fun and exciting, you must also make them challenging. Why? Because that’s the only way you can grow.

You see, Albert Einstein once said, “A ship is safe at the harbor, but that’s not why it is built for.” Your life is meant to be fun, exciting, and challenging. You want to live a remarkable life, isn’t it? Hence, make your goals challenging.

Think about it, if you are currently earning $5,000 a month, making an additional $100 isn’t going to make you jump out of your bed in the morning. What you want is to have a goal that is challenging and inspiring.

You want your goals to force you out of your comfort zone so that you can grow and become someone better, and worthy of the goals.

9. Take Baby Steps Each Day

It doesn’t matter how big your goals or how difficult they are, as long as you take baby steps and make progress each day, you will eventually get to your goals.

The key is in making progress every day. You can’t achieve your goals by thinking about them, you need to do something.

There is a saying, “If you swing the ax five times, every day, eventually the tree will fall.” Yes, no matter how big the tree, if you just swing an ax at it just five times a day, it will eventually fall.

The same principle applies to your life and your goals. As long as you take action and persist in working on your goals every day, you will eventually arrive at your destination.

Therefore, be consistent. Commit to taking at least 5 baby steps each day, and trust me, you will achieve your goals faster than you thought possible.

10. Believe in Your Goals and Trust Yourself That You Can Do It

Last up on this list of the 10 ways to achieve your goals is related to belief. You need to believe in your goals and trust yourself that you can do it. First, you must believe that your goals are possible. And second, you must trust that you can achieve them.

When you truly believe you can achieve your goals, you will do whatever it takes to reach them. Think about why people buy lottery tickets. Well, it is because they believe that they stand a chance to win, right? If you don’t believe you stand a chance to win, you will never bother buying the lottery ticket.

The same goes for your goals. When you believe that you can achieve them, you will do it with a 100% commitment rather than a half-hearted attempt.

Therefore, believe that your goals are possible and trust that you can achieve them.

There is no way you are going to achieve your goals if you all you do is sit there and do nothing. Reading this article is good because it helps you understand what you need to do to achieve the results you want, but until you implement the knowledge and take action , nothing is going to happen.

“Dream Big, Start Small, But Most Of All, Start.” – Simon Sinek –

Hence, don’t just think and daydream about your goals and the success you want. Make this year your best year ever by using these 10 ways to achieve your goals. If you need a little reminder, you can always print out or save the summarized tips for achieving your goals below:

It is true that this year has been challenging and tough, but if you keep a positive attitude , focus on your goals, and do what is necessary, you can make 2024 a life-transforming year. Use these goal achieving tips to help you.

PS – We hope you enjoyed these top 10 ways to achieve your goals, but never lose sight of this important fact: Achieving goals doesn’t just magically happen. Goal achievement  requires a plan . So, if you truly want to make 2024 a life-transforming year, you’ll want to use this to  make it happen.

100+ INSPIRING EFFORT QUOTES TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR POTENTIAL

One of the key ingredients to achieving success and winning in life, is effort .  In fact, it may be the one sole ingredient to success that each human alive has the ability to control.   Which is why we’ve dedicated this page specifically to effort quotes.

“Effort is the Key to Unlocking Our Potential.”

From most of our research (and life experiences) we’ve observed that the amount of effort and intensity one applies to a given task, goal, or vision; directly impacts the quality and swiftness of that goal’s completion.  Without a doubt, effort is a critical factor in goal achievement. But more importantly, effort is the key to unlocking our potential.

As such we want to help as many people as possible embrace such a philosophy by sharing some of the most powerful quotes on effort we could find.  Please know, that these are the best of the best effort quotes you’ll find. 

There’s no doubt these effort quotes will serve as a reliable reminder of effort’s role in your success. In addition, they will help encourage you to unleash your untapped levels of effort .  And when that happens you will begin unlocking your potential and a bit more success in the process.

So without further ado, here is your new reliable list of the 100 most motivating effort quotes available.  Let them motivate you so you can go forth and unleash your potential!

EFFORT QUOTES TO HELP YOU UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL

1.   “The heights by great men reached and kept, Were not attained by sudden flight, But they, while their companions slept, Were toiling upward in the night.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

2. “For every disciplined effort there is a multiple reward.” –  Jim Rohn

3. “I am grinding while your sleeping.” – Gary Vaynerchuk

4. Plough deep while sluggards sleep.” – Benjamin Franklin

5.  “All the so-called “secrets of success” will not work unless you do.” – Anonymous

6. “The only thing that has kept me around is my effort.” – Ray Lewis

7. “Effort is only effort when it begins to hurt.” – José Ortega y Gassett

8. “There’s not a person on my team in 16 years that has consistently beat me to the ball every play.  That ain’t got nothing to do with talent, That’s just got everything to do with effort, and nothing else.” – Ray Lewis

9. “Ideas don’t work for people unwilling to do the work.” – Robin Sharma

10. “Effort is grossly underrated.” – Gary Vaynerchuk

11. “Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they’ve got a second. Give your dreams all you’ve got and you’ll be amazed at the energy that comes out of you.” – William James

12.  “A great work demands a great sacrifice, and who is not capable of a great sacrifice is not capable of a great work.” – Muriel Strode

13.  “All I ever knew, was that effort would get me seen on tape, effort would get me noticed to get to the league, effort would one day take care of my mom and my kids.  Effort, which is between you and you. Nobody else can give you effort.  Effort is what is inside” – Ray Lewis

14. “If a man is called a street-sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street-sweeper who did his job well.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

15.  “You can’t have a million dollar dream with a minimum wage work ethic.” – Anonymous

16. “ Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still.” – Chinese Proverb

17. “They indeed are fools who are satisfied with the fruits of their past effort and do not engage themselves in self-effort now.” – Swami Venkatesananda

18. “An industrious dunce is often more successful in life than his learned neighbor.” – James Lendall Basford

19. “I CAN is 100 times more important than IQ” –  Anonymous

20. “Success is dependent on effort.” – Sophocles

21. “If you can’t excel with talent, triumph with effort.” – Dave Weinbaum

22. “I’ve got a theory that if you give 100 percent all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end.” – Larry Bird

23. “Winning is not everything, but the effort to win is.” – Zig Ziglar

24. “When I was young, I observed that nine out of ten things I did were failures. So I did ten times more work.” George Bernard Shaw

25. “Great effort springs naturally from great attitude.” – Pat Riley

26. “It is only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage, that we move on to better things.” – Theodore Roosevelt

27. “About the only thing that comes to us without effort is old age.” – Gloria Pitzer

28. “Success is a ladder you cannot climb with your hands in your pockets.” – Anonymous

29. “For us, there is only the trying. The rest is not our business.” – T.S. Eliot

30. “Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment, full effort is full victory.” – Mahatma Gandhi

31. “Many of the great achievements of the world were accomplished by tired and discouraged men and women who kept on working.” –  Anonymous

32. “Give your dreams all you’ve got and you’ll be amazed at the energy that comes out of you.” –  William James

33 . “The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work.” – Emile Zola

34. “Continuous Effort, not strength or intelligence, is the key to unlocking our potential.” – Winston Churchill

35. “Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.” – Napoleon Hill

36.   “The view is better when it is earned.” – Anonymous

37. “Put in 5% more effort than “there’s only so much I can do” and you’ll be way ahead of the game.” – Terri Guillemets

38. “Sweat is the cologne of accomplishment.” – Heywood Hale Broun

39. “The only thing that ever sat its way to success was a hen.” – Sarah Brown

40.   “Much effort, much prosperity.” – Euripides

41. “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” – Will Rogers

42. “Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.” – Abraham Lincoln

43. “There’s nothing like biting off more than you can chew, and then chewing anyway.” – Mark Burnett

44. “Put your heart, mind, intellect and soul even to your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.” – Swami Sivananda

45. “The mode by which the inevitable comes to pass is effort.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

46. “In all human affairs there are efforts, and there are results, and the strength of the effort is the measure of the result.” – James Allen

47. “Nobody ever drowned in his own sweat.” – Ann Landers

48. “The difference between try and triumph is a little umph.” – Anonymous

49. “The level path is easy, but it will not bring you to the mountaintop.” – Dr. Idel Dreimer

50. “Much good work is lost for the lack of a little more.” – Edward H. Harriman

Temperature Check on These Quotes About Effort

One of the things we love most about quotes, is their ability to inspire, uplift, and encourage .  And in the case of these effort quotes, they also have the ability to energize.  If you’ve gotten to this point and have started to feel a bit charged up, then keep reading, because it means the quotes are working.

After you read the next 50 quotes on effort, don’t be surprised if you feel the urge fire up a pot of coffee and start hatching up plans to take over the world!

Related: Work Hard and You Will Succeed

51.  “The elevator to success is not running; you must climb the stairs.” – Zig Ziglar

52. “We all have dreams.  But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.” – Anonymous

53. “Men are made stronger on realization that the helping hand they need is at the end of their own arm.” – Sidney J. Phillips

54 . “Education comes from within; you get it by struggle and effort and thought.” – Napoleon Hill

55. “The healthiest competition occurs when average people win by putting above average effort.” – Colin Powell

56. “Gold medals are made out of sweat, blood, and tears and effort in the gym every day.” – Gabby Douglas

57. “Always make a total effort, even when the odds are against you.” – Arnold Palmer

58. “Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times.” – Aeschylus

59. “Sometimes, things may not go your way, but the effort should be there every single night.” – Michael Jordan

60. “Life can be boring unless you put some effort into it.” – John C. Maxwell

61. “Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.” – John Wooden

62. “Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all.” – Sam Ewing

63.  “Unwearied ceaseless effort is the price that must be paid for turning faith into a rich infallible experience.” – Mahatma Gandhi

64.  “The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.” – Vince Lombardi

65.  “The results you achieve will be in direct proportion to the effort you apply.” – Denis Waitley

66. “You’re always learning.  The problem is, sometimes you stop and think you understand the world.  This is not correct. The world is always moving.  You never reach the point you can stop making an effort.” – Paulo Coelho

67. “Effort only fully releases its reward after a person refuses to quit.” – Napoleon Hill

68. “Make each day count by setting specific goals to succeed, then putting forth every effort to exceed your own expectations.” – Les Brown

69. “It’s the constant and determined effort that breaks down all resistance, sweeps away all obstacles.” – Claude M. Bristol

70.  “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” – Jimmy Johnson

71. “It doesn’t matter if you lose, it matters if you don’t try.” – Unknown

72. “The real tragedy is the tragedy of the man who never in his life braces himself for his one supreme effort, who never stretches to his full capacity, never stands to his full stature.” – Arnold Bennett

73. “God doesn’t require us to succeed, he only requires that you try.” – Mother Teresa

74. “Enthusiasm is the mother of effort, and without it nothing great was ever achieved.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

75.   “Try and fail, but don’t fail to try.” – Stephen Kaggwa

76. “I am a great believer in luck and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.” – Thomas Jefferson

77.   “Each man is the smith of his own fortune.” – Appius Claudius

78. “A pint of sweat, saves a gallon of blood.” – George S. Patton

79. “Hard work is the price we must pay for success.  I think you can accomplish anything if you’re willing to pay the price.” – Vince Lombardi

80. “The one thing that matters is the effort.” – Antoine De Saint-Exupery

81. “The man who succeeds is a man who has withstood the tests of time, trials, and has made every effort count.” – Hermann J. Steinherr

82. “Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” ― Earl Nightingale

83.   “People are rewarded in public for what they’ve practiced for years in private.” – Anthony Robbins

84. “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

85. “Problems are only opportunities in work clothes.” – Henry J. Kaiser

86. “It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.” – Seneca

87. “He who seeks rest finds boredom….He who seeks work finds rest.” –  Anonymous

88. “We are all self-made, but only the successful will admit it.” –  Earl Nightingale

89. “Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can.” – Lowell Thomas

90.   “There is no substitute for work.” – Vince Lombardi

91. “Be willing to give that extra effort that separates the winner from the one in second place.” – H. Jackson Brown Jr.

92.  “Confidence is not something that comes out of nowhere.  It is the result of months and years of practice, constant work, effort, and determination.” – Anurag Prakash Ray

93. “A little more persistence a little more effort, and what seemed hopeless failure may turn into a glorious success.” – Elbert Hubbard

94.  “As one makes an impartial study of successful people, one is drawn to inevitable conclusion that persistence, concentration of effort and definiteness of purpose are the major sources of their achievements.” – Napoleon Hill

95.  “One may walk over the highest mountain one step at a time.” – John Wanamaker

96. “I never dreamed about success.  I worked for it.” – Estee Lauder

97. “Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.” – Vince Lombardi

98. “If you put forth the effort, good things will be bestowed upon you.” – Michael Jordan

99.   “Success in anything will always come down to this:  Focus & Effort, and we control both of them.” – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

100. “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier

101. “Very few people are really capable of sustained effort, and that’s the reason why we have comparatively few outstanding successes.” – James McDonald

102.   “Effort is the route available to the underdog, I may not be able to outspend you, but I can outwork you.” – Malcolm Gladwell

103. “Everything gets easier when you stop expecting it to be easy.” – Tim Grover

104. “Talent without effort is wasted talent. And while effort is the one thing you can control in your life, applying that effort intelligently is next on the list.” – Mark Cuban

105. “Make every effort matter, and always make the following effort better than the last one.” – Hermann J. Steinherr

106. “No matter what you ability is, effort is what ignites that ability and turns it into accomplishment.” – Carol Dweck

107. “Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

108. “It takes hard work to make it to the top. It takes twice the effort to stay at the top.” – Patrick Bet-David

109.   “Consistency of effort over the long run is everything.” – Angela Duckworth

110. “To double your gains you must triple your effort.” – Anonymous

Bonus Effort Quote

Bonus: Here’s our last and final effort quote. We set this one aside because we believe it’s powerful and says a lot a bout what it takes to succeed, namely, that you just have to be willing to put in the effort. Enjoy.

“Do The Work. Everyone Wants To Be Successful, But Nobody Wants To Do The Work.” – gary vaynerchuck –

Final Thoughts on These Effort Quotes

Alright, you made it through the internet’s most inspiring collection of effort quotes.  Hopefully these quotes got you fired up, and ready to go the extra mile in everything you do.

It’s all about effort friends.  We all have the ability to dial it up, or dial it down in our lives.  We can choose to try valiantly to accomplish, or we can choose to just go through the motions. The choice is ours.

That said, we must never forget that we all have the ability to win . Despite what the world tries to tell you, putting in a little more effort and winning more that normal is an option that is available to us all. We are in complete control of how much winning we get to experience in this life through effort .

So, use these powerful effort quotes as a resource to help you live with more intensity.  Let them encourage and support you in all your efforts towards reaching your potential, maximizing your achievements, and creating your own story of success .

Till you reach those aims,

PS – If you enjoyed these effort quotes, then you’ll love these related quotes:

Hard Work Quotes | Hard Work Pays Off Quotes | Work Hard Play Hard Quotes

Winning takes place by going the extra mile, and this new tool was specifically designed to help you go the distance .

TOP 35 QUOTES ABOUT BETTERING YOURSELF

Personal growth is the process of improving yourself over time. It consists of developing new skills, improving your attitude and actions, and it can have a dramatic effect on your over all well-being and outlook on life. In short, bettering yourself is one of the easiest ways to better your life. So, to inspire you to dig deep and put in the time and effort to change your life for the better, we’ve rounded up these handful of bettering yourself quotes.

Use them to remind yourself how important it is to change yourself before you can change your life. That said, if you’re ready to be inspired, let’s dive right into these quotes:

BEST BETTERING YOURSELF QUOTES

1. “The time is now. Stop hitting the snooze button on your life.” – Mel Robbins

2. “Every morning, we get a chance to be different. A chance to change. A chance to be better.” – Alan Bonner

3. “Do not bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.” – William Faulkner

4. “There’s always room for improvement.” – Joey Logano

5. “Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.” – Jim Rohn

6. “Look within, for within is the wellspring of virtue, which will not cease flowing, if you cease not from digging.” – Marcus Aurelius

7. “By improving yourself, the world is made better. Be not afraid of growing too slowly. Be afraid only of standing still.” – Benjamin Franklin

8. “Be yourself, but always your better self.” – Karl G. Maeser

9. “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” – Frederick Douglass

10. “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” – Paulo Coelho

11. “I’m a big believer in growth. Life is not about achievement, it’s about learning and growth, and developing qualities like compassion, patience, perseverance, love, and joy, and so forth.” – Jack Canfield

12. “Ever since I was a child I have had this instinctive urge for expansion and growth. To me, the function and duty of a quality human being is the sincere and honest development of one’s potential.” – Bruce Lee

13. “The greatest discovery of our generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.” – William James

14. “No matter where you are, no matter what you did, no matter where you’re from, you can always become a better version of yourself.” – Madonna

15. “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” – John C. Maxwell

16. “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always be where you’ve always been.” – T.D. Jakes

17. “Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

18. “The goal is not to be perfect by the end. The goal is to be better today.” – Simon Sinek

19. “You’ve got to have rule to live by, and one of mine is always say yes. Put yourself in danger of something amazing happening to you.” – Tom Bilyeu

20. “Always be a work in progress.” – Emily Lillian

21. “Make the most of yourself….for that is all there is of you.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

22. “There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” – Ernest Hemingway

23. “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

24. “You’re either green and growing or you’re ripe and rotting.” – John Addison

25. “We cannot become what we want to be by remaining what we are.” – Max DePree

26. “Man is made or unmade by himself. In the armory of thought he forges the weapons by which he destroys himself. He also fashions the tools with which he builds for himself heavenly mansions of joy, strength and peace. By right choice, and true application of thought, man ascends to divine perfection. By the abuse and wrong application of thought, he descends below the level of the beast.” – William James

27. “If you truly want to become a better you, it is imperative that you learn to feel good about yourself.” – Joel Osteen

28. “No matter how good you get you can always get better, and that’s the exciting part.” – Tiger Woods

29. “If I really want to improve my situation, I can work on the one thing over which I have control – myself.” – Stephen R. Covey

30. “If you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse.” – Joe Paterno

31. “There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that’s your own self.” – Aldous Huxley

32. “Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.” – Nelson Mandela

33. “The swiftest way to triple your success is to double your investment in personal development.” – Robin Sharma

34. “We can’t become what we need to be by remaining what we are.”  – Oprah Winfrey

35. “We are products of our past, but we don’t have to be prisoners of it.”  – Rick Warren

Related: Inspiring One Word Quotes

FINAL THOUGHTS

Great job making it to the end of these quotes about bettering yourself. We hope they inspire you to reach for your potential in all that you do.

Remember, if you’re trying to better yourself, you’re further ahead than most. Why? Because most people don’t try to be better, and because the don’t try they rarely hit the mark.

So aim high, reach for the stars, and strive for your potential, and someday you will.

PS – If you enjoyed these bettering yourself quotes then you may also enjoy these self-growth quotes or even these quotes on progress and growth .

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The 25 Best Motivational Books (That Aren't Cheesy as Hell)

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here .

Maybe you’re in between jobs and feeling a little stuck. Maybe you've lost your sense of purpose and drive. Either way, you’re in need of some inspiration. Now’s the perfect time, then, to dive into one of the best motivational books, from decades-old bestsellers beloved by some seriously successful people to crucial reminders that it’s OK to take a breath and reset from time to time.

22 Motivational Podcasts to Add to Your Queue When You Need a Little Oomph in Your Day

1. Drop the Ball: Achieving More by Doing Less by Tiffany Dufu

Do you ever feel so overwhelmed with day-to-day tasks that you’re tempted to just say “screw it” and take a sick day? Tiffany Dufu has been there—and she maintains women truly can have it all (a loving family, a high-power job, a gorgeous wardrobe and relaxing downtime included) by “dropping the ball” on things they don’t find enjoyable or don’t contribute to their larger purpose. So go ahead, let that laundry pile up on the bedroom floor. You have some very important yoga to do.

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

In this 1989 international bestseller, Covey presents an approach to being effective in reaching your goals by aligning yourself to what he calls "true north" principles, which are based on a character ethic that he presents as universal and timeless. Since its initial publication it’s sold more than 25 million copies worldwide, so there’s gotta be something you’ll take away from it.

3. F*ck Feelings: One Shrink's Practical Advice for Managing All Life's Impossible Problems  by Michael Bennett MD and Sarah Bennett  

Written by a father-daughter team (Michael is a psychiatrist and Sarah is a comedy writer), this practical guide is actually more of an anti-self-help book. In funny prose, they argue that modern methods for dealing with life’s problems place unrealistic emphasis on resolving feelings. Instead, they suggest putting doing good over feeling good, and not letting negative emotions distract you from living a good life. Their approach is frank and no holds barred— so  refreshing.

3. The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz

Based on ancient Toltec wisdom (a pre-Colombian Mesoamerican culture), The Four Agreements purports to offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, happiness and love. According to Ruiz, everything we do is based on agreements we have made with ourselves, with others, with God and with life itself. In these agreements, Ruiz argues, people tell themselves who they are, how to behave, what is possible and what is impossible.

4. Untamed by Glennon Doyle

The latest book from bestselling author, mom and speaker Doyle is equal parts intimate memoir and wake-up call. It’s the story of how one woman learned that a responsible mother is not one who slowly dies for her children, but one who shows them how to fully live. Doyle writes about navigating divorce, forming a new blended family, and learning to trust ourselves enough to set boundaries and unleash our truest, wildest selves.

5. Judgment Detox: Release the Beliefs That Hold You Back from Living a Better Life  by Gabrielle Bernstein

This best-selling New Thought leader and speaker has come up with a six-step practice that involves replacing negative assessments of others (and yourself) with a sort of Buddhist Lite acceptance. Meditation, a therapy called Emotional Freedom Technique (in which you tap points on your body to re-train yourself toward positive thinking) and prayer add up to a strictly non-denominational, tricky at first but ultimately rewarding method of self-soothing—no credit cards or Chardonnay needed.

6. The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck by Sarah Knight

Riffing on the title of Marie Kondo’s smash-hit The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up , Knight’s book is all about the art of caring less and getting more. She hilariously lays out rules for ridding yourself of unwanted obligations without feeling guilty, steps for decluttering your mind and tips for channeling your energy toward things that actually matter. The New York Times Book Review called it “the self-help equivalent of a Weird Al parody song,” and we couldn’t agree more.

7. The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale

With more than five million copies in print, The Power of Positive Thinking has, since 1952, sought to help readers achieve fulfillment in their lives. The book outlines practical techniques designed to energize your life and give yourself the initiative needed to carry out your ambitions and hopes. Lessons include how to believe in yourself and in everything you do, how to improve your personal and professional relationships and how to break the worry habit and achieve a relaxed life.

8. The Self-Love Experiment: Fifteen Principles for Becoming More Kind, Compassionate and Accepting of Yourself by Shannon Kaiser

OK, you’re trying to do the things you’re  supposed  to be doing to be a happier, healthier person (Yoga! Meditation! Eating healthy!) and then the guilt of spending so much time on yourself creeps in. Kaiser is here to show us 15 principles to clear away the clutter and simplify your path to happiness and fulfillment without the self-reproach. (Now go take a bubble bath and  enjoy  it, dammit.)

9. Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed

Strayed’s popular advice column (and subsequent podcast ) Dear Sugar is officially retired, but her sweet words live on in Tiny Beautiful Things , a collection her best, most heartfelt wisdom. Strayed’s patient, sympathetic guidance is like a hug from your best friend. (Well, if your BFF were extremely smart and absolutely incredible with words.)

10. Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun And Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes

Shonda Rhimes is an absolute badass. In addition to creating, writing and producing  Grey’s Anatomy  and  Scandal  and producing  How to Get Away with Murder , Rhimes is the best-selling author of an incredible memoir jam-packed with life advice. While poignantly and humorously chronicling her childhood and rise to success, Rhimes dishes out tips for achieving your goals (especially if you, like her, are an introvert). Let’s face it: It’s Shondaland, and we’re just living in it—happily.

11. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Originally published in 1937, Hill draws on stories of Andrew Carnegie, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and other millionaires of his generation to illustrate the principles he sees as keys to acquiring wealth. In this updated version, author and lecturer Arthur R. Pell interweaves anecdotes of how contemporary millionaires and billionaires (like Bill Gates and Mary Kay Ash) achieved their wealth.

12. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth

When Angela Duckworth was a child, her scientist father frequently noted her lack of "genius." Now a celebrated researcher and professor, she draws on her stints in teaching, business consulting and neuroscience to hypothesize about what really drives success: not genius, but a unique combination of passion and long-term perseverance. In Grit , she explains fascinating insights from history and shows what can be gleaned from modern experiments in peak performance. She also shares what she's learned from interviewing dozens of high achievers, including JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon and Seattle Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll.

13. A Complaint Free World by Will Bowen

We, like most people, complain. A lot. Usually about unimportant or petty things. In this incredibly useful book, Will Bowen explains why we do it and why it's destructive. (Hint: When we complain, we focus on the negative instead of actually proposing change.) Not gonna say we never get annoyed anymore, but we’re much more aware of our motives and expectations when lamenting the fact that the waiter forgot to put our dressing on the side.

14. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson

Here’s all you need to know: “Manson makes the argument, backed by both academic research and well-timed poop jokes, that improving our lives hinges not on our ability to turn lemons into lemonade, but on learning to stomach the lemons better. Human beings are flawed and limited. Manson, a self-help author, advises us to get to know our limitations and accept them,” the Amazon synopsis explains. And the nearly 10,000 people who have given this book a five-star review think he’s on to something.

15. Get Over It!: Thought Therapy for Healing the Hard Stuff by Iyanla Vanzant

This Oprah-endorsed spiritual life coach helps both fearful people who’ve been worn down by life and angry people stuck in their righteous outrage. “What. If. The. Problem. Is…You?” she asks, meaning that it’s our attitudes, not circumstances, that determine whether or not we live a happy and fulfilled life. Vanzant deploys “thought therapy” exercises, a combination of spiritual tools and the science of neuroplasticity, to eliminate dominant negative thought patterns and emotional energies.

16. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and It’s All Small Stuff by Richard Carlson

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget that the things weighing on us—deadlines at work, arguments with our spouse about recycling duty—really aren’t that important in the long run. That’s where Richard Carlson’s big-picture message comes in. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff is an excellent reminder to put things into perspective and live in the moment, without making you feel like you’re being petty (even if you are).

17. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

You know and love Eat, Pray, Love , which is why you should absolutely read Gilbert’s most recent book—it manages to be inspirational and empowering without being too sugary sweet. In it, she does a deep dive into her own creative process to share the things she’s learned as a writer, as well as general advice on how to live your most creative life. Gilbert’s passion jumps off the page, and Big Magic is a positive and sunny read.

18. Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…and Maybe the World by William H. McRaven

You’re busy, so a revamp of your entire life probably isn’t in the cards right now. That’s why we appreciate the simplistic approach of this guide. Each chapter outlines a theme like “Life’s Not Fair, Drive On!” and “Never, Ever Quit!” (Can you tell it was written by a Navy SEAL?) We’re extremely here for the lack of sugarcoating in these pages.

19. The Food Therapist by Shira Lenchewski

Trust issues, people-pleasing, fear of the mundane, control issues: These are not just topics that affect your psyche; they’re affecting your diet (and, by extension, your energy level, appearance and long-term health). The Los Angeles dietitian and author has learned, after working with clients, that only by untangling core issues people have with food can they begin a healthy (and non-anxiety-ridden) eating pattern.

20. Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual by Luvvie Ajayi Jones 

There’s a strong chance you know Ajayi Jones from her witty Instagram, her previous  New York Times  bestseller  or her  incredible TED talk . Add to the list: Her new book,  Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual . Ajayi Jones says, “It is the book that I believe I needed 10 years ago when I was afraid to call myself a writer. It's the book that I need now. I usually like to write the books that I want to read…and I know that if it's useful for me, somebody else will find value in it.”

21. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

This book has been a hit since it was first published in 1936, and people are still reading it. If you’re looking to get smart about your interactions with your coworkers, friends and even neighbors, Carnegie’s here to help. He draws on the interpersonal strategies of successful people throughout history to give you tips that’ll help you succeed at work (and also in life).

22. How to Be Fine by Jolenta Greenberg And Kristen Meinzer

Well, this is meta. In their podcast By the Book , Greenberg and Meinzer do a deep dive of one popular self-help book every week and apply the advice to their lives—here, they talk about what advice worked (learning to declutter) and what didn’t (becoming a morning person, ha).

23. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Existential types, this one’s for you. We’ll try not to blow your minds here, but for the uninitiated, Tolle’s book is an exploration of consciousness—he proposes that the only thing that’s real is this present moment. When you focus on the past and the future, that’s just your brain trying to play tricks on you. We’ll let you sit with that for a second (and if it sounds intriguing, give it a read).

The 10 Most Motivational Apps to Help You Kick Butt Today (and Every Day After That)

24. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero

In chapters like “Your Brain Is Your Bitch,” “Fear Is for Suckers” and “My Subconscious Made Me Do It,” Sincero writes in a conversational, witty tone that actually makes self-improvement sound fun. Seriously, we blew through this guy in an afternoon.

25. Wherever You Go, There You Are  by Jon Kabat-Zinn

This enlightening book is basically an intro to mindfulness. (Which, if you’ll remember, is  hugely beneficial .) Kabat-Zinn, a professor emeritus at the University of Massachusetts who has studied Zen Buddhism under Thich Nhat Hanh, has a way of simplifying complex topics into digestible lessons that are easy to actually incorporate into your life. (No hour-long meditation required.) One thing that really stuck with us was the idea of non-doing, or letting things unfold the way they will.

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Blog – Posted on Wednesday, Apr 29

35 inspirational books to change your life 🌅.

Inspiration comes in many forms, particularly when it comes to books. Fiction can propel us to grow just as the characters did. And non-fiction is not far behind, with its steady guidance on how to and how not to do everything from poetry to professional development.

But inspirational books go a little bit further, especially for those among us in need of extra hygge, a Danish saying that encompasses that feeling of cozy contentment. Hygge is perhaps just another way — a fancy way — of saying: let's curl up by the fire with a book that will calm and ease the soul. Within these 35 inspirational books , you'll encounter a variety of genres, tastes, and perspectives from a diversity of authors. Yet despite their differences, they all seek to guide you to a better future — and a better you . Without further ado, let's check out the books that will motivate you to change your life for the better.

1. The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins ⭐ Indie Spotlight

In its blurb, The 5 Second Rule promises to teach you how to become confident, break the habit of procrastination and self-doubt, beat fear and uncertainty, and be happier. As big of an ask as that might sound, Robbins more than delivers in this wildly popular self-help book , which is built on the titular 5 second rule: the five seconds you should take every time you need to push yourself. Robbins launched the 5 second rule in her incredibly successful Ted Talk, which has been watched by more than 8 million people around the world. You can watch that Ted Talk here — or you can read this motivational book, which delves even deeper into the science of habits and productivity.

2. The Alchemist by Paul Coelho

This slim, enchanting fable of a book is worldwide bestseller — and a favorite of celebrities from Will Smith to Madonna. It’s not hard to understand why: The Alchemist packs a lot of wisdom in only 163 pages, which Coelho wrote in a two-week fit of inspiration. Even better, it packages self-help-style advice with a spell-binding story. Follow along as the Andalusian shepherd boy Santiago, beset with prophetic dreams, sets off for the Egyptian pyramids in search of a glorious treasure. Along the way, he’ll hobnob with kings, encounter betrayal. and even fall and love — teaching us how to reach for our own dreams in the process.

3. The American Spirit by David McCullough

You don’t always think of historians as literary stars, but David McCullough is the exception that proves the rule. When it comes to accolades, he’s won everything that can be won, from the National Book Award to the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This deeply inspiring book collects nearly thirty years’ worth of his speeches, delivered before Congress members, college grads, and everyone in between. Erudite but never stodgy, uplifting without being saccharine, The American Spirit ranges widely — treating us to the fascinating stories of doctors, artisans, and performers across the history of the United States. No matter where you hail from, he’ll have you waving the red, white, and blue before you turn the final page.

4. The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler

According to the Dalai Lama, “the very motif of our life is towards happiness.” Still, reaching that final destination can be easier said than done. Fortunately this philosophically rich, compassionately written handbook is here to guide the way. The Art of Happiness spotlights compassion for others as the key to personal fulfillment — appropriate, since it's the work of a Nobel Peace Prize winner. The Dalai Lama tag-teams the capacious topic of happiness with psychiatrist Howard C. Cutler as his coauthor, so you can expect scientific as well as spiritual insights here. In the end, this book's central lesson is at once humbling and deeply motivating: true happiness isn’t a fleeting state, but an art that requires practice.

5. Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living by Krista Tippett

Krista Tippett is the quintessential thought leader when it comes to inspirational speech. Based on her sixteen-year-old radio show On Being , this collection gathers the wisdom of theologians, poets, scientists, and Buddhists alike to address our fractured world with acceptance, grace, and educated hope. Using what she calls “moral imagination,” Tippett pushes us to lean into our inner empath to create a new universe that uses our creativity for social good and justice. The sheer volume of voices in Becoming Wise will give you a lifetime of ideas on smarter living that will feel like a TED talk on steroids — in the very best way.

6. The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker

Steven Pinker’s The Better Angels of Our Nature comes with an endorsement from Bill Gates himself: “If I could give each of you a graduation present, it would be this — the most inspiring book I've ever read.” Pinker’s thesis — that violence in the world has actually declined in both the long and short run — is famously controversial, particularly if you care to point at all the major wars and genocides that the twentieth-century has witnessed. Yet Pinker draws upon a large amount of hard data and statistical analysis to persuasively argue his case, even presenting several political and psychological causes to explain how we might today be living in the most peaceful moment ever in our species’ existence. The next time you’re feeling cynical about the news of the moment, this is the book to pick up to remind yourself of the positive, more hopeful direction we’re heading in the future.

7. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Elizabeth Gilbert is no stranger to the art of motivation: she is perhaps most famous for writing Eat, Pray, Love and inspiring a generation to travel. But you don’t need to leave home in order to unlock Big Magic, which is about drawing out your inner creative whenever you need. This is a love letter to the artist inside of you, written in Gilbert’s conversational, no-frills, no-BS style. Whether your goal is to write a book, make a painting, or create music, Big Magic will help you accomplish it. Funny, honest, illuminating, and encouraging, it is a celebration of art on every level.

8. Black Elk Speaks: The Complete Edition by Black Elk, John G. Neihardt, Philip J. Deloria, Vine Deloria Jr.

A modern classic celebrating the voice of one of the world’s most influential members of the Lakota tribe, Black Elk Speaks has been compared to the Book of Revelation and the Kabbalah for its prophetic likeness. Here, nineteenth-century mystic and healer Nicholas Black Elk of the Oglala Lakota tribe takes center stage with a testimony that’s been adapted by poet John Neihardt. While the ethnography’s been criticized for its questionable depictions of the Lakota people and imperialist undertones, Black Elk’s descriptions of his spiritual visions for humanity and desire for unity on earth have long outweighed those recriminations. A close but respectful reading of Black Elk’s journey is hopeful, even in its heartbreak. A must-read voice to keep in your pocket through the next decade, especially as we face climate change.

9. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The New York Times actually called this book “life-changing” and we agree. Told from the perspective of Death in 1939 Nazi Germany (yikes!), it centers on Liesel Meminger — a young girl who has a curious habit for pick-pocketing books. But these measures end up becoming a saving grace for her own welfare and the welfare of others, most notably a man of Jewish faith hiding out in her father’s house. The Book Thief is an intense but inspiring book, a testament to the transformative power of stories and sentences, even during the very darkest of times. It’s a sobering yet hopeful reminder that no one, no matter how authoritarian, can take away our imagination or capacity to care.

10. Congratulations, By the Way by George Saunders

“Down the rough ages, a traditional form has evolved for this type of speech, which is: Some old fart, his best years behind him, who over the course of his life has made a series of dreadful mistakes (that would be me), gives heartfelt advice to a group of shining, energetic young people with all of their best years ahead of them (that would be you), and I intend to respect that tradition.”

Thus begins George Saunders’ Congratulations, By The Way , a convocation speech to graduates — or more a aptly, little masterpiece that will inspire and humble you by turn. Humorous, warm, wise, modest, and articulate, Saunders is at his brilliant best in this short manual that lays out a few basic principles and tips for a more fulfilling life (one of which is the gentle reminder to always “err in the direction of kindness.”)

11. Educated by Tara Westover

Tara Westover was 17 years old when she stepped into a classroom for the first time. Before then, she lived with her Mormon survivalist family in rural Idaho, working in her father’s junkyard and stockpiling herbs for her midwife mother. Raised with her father’s non-mainstream views, Tara had no conception of the Holocaust, slavery, or World War II — that is, until she found a thirst for knowledge and set out to acquire a formal education.

Educated is the eye-opening, transformative memoir that details this insatiable quest, which spans decades, continents, and universities. Westover is today a Cambridge-educated Ph.D. historian and Gates scholar. How she got to this point is a coming-of-age story of self-invention that delves seriously into the meaning and importance of education without brushing aside the cost at which it can come — in Westover’s case, family.

12. Emma and I by Sheila Hocken

An autobiography written with candor and heart, Emma and I centers on the purest bond of all — the love between a guide dog and her human. Born with a condition that led to progressive vision loss, Sheila Hocken could no longer navigate her own home by sight by the time she turned seventeen. That’s when she met Emma, the chocolate lab who would change her life. With her loyal canine companion at her side, Sheila learned to tackle anything life threw her way, from devastating disappointments to medical miracles to love — the human kind this time. A must-read for all dog lovers, this sweetly touching book will warm your heart (and possibly make you cry).

13. Endings: Poetry and Prose by William Poe ⭐ Indie Spotlight

If the Greeks got by with catharsis, then what makes us any different? While William Poe’s Endings goes headlong into the deep end of despair, the stories and poems here give new language to describe death, loneliness, and the broken parts of our lives. This new “language” can not only help you cope, but name emotions that might otherwise dissipate back into tension, or worse: trauma and guilt. Plus, for those who are ready to face difficult times, Poe’s take on art itself as a tool for healing will be sure to help your spiritual growth this 2020.

14. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

This slim, inspiring book draws on Toltec traditions to help readers attain freedom, happiness, and love. The Four Agreements centers on four promises you’re encouraged to make to yourself, from following through on your word to always doing your best. Ruiz’s advice was compelling enough to snag him an interview with Oprah in 2001 — an appearance that earned his motivational handbook a spot on the New York Times bestsellers list. Full of no-nonsense, actionable tips, The Four Agreements continues to inspire readers two decades after that fateful interview.

15. The Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Anne Morrow Lindbergh took the world by storm with her miniature but massively powerful 1955 memoir, The Gift from The Sea. As she muses on a short break from motherhood and society’s growing technologies while on an ocean-view vacation, readers get an intimate look into Morrow Lindbergh’s thoughts as she tries to slow down to a mindful state. And since she thinks brilliantly in metaphor, you’re in for a treat — from seashells to the flow of the tides, get ready for new connections and ideas that you simply won’t find in modern self-help books. 

What’s particularly relevant are Morrow Lindbergh’s tools for integrating a sense of calm back into a busy life outside of vacation. While she never would have anticipated the blessing and curse that smartphones bring in the 21st century, those who feel burned out from technology will feel especially inspired to take a break after digging into this gift from the sea.

16. Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant

The most common career advice for getting ahead is to put yourself first before others, and keep your good ideas close before someone else steals them and takes the credit. But Wharton professor Adam Grant noticed that study after study showed a different story: helping others actually improves your career’s trajectory dramatically. This mini-bible of charitable case studies will quite simply just blow your mind — and change the way you think about how you behave at work. Even the Scroogiest of Scrooges will find value (and perhaps relief) with Give and Take , now knowing that there’s scientific proof to goodwill. 

17. Hidden Solutions All Around You: Why Some People Can See Them and Some Can't by Daniel Castro ⭐ Indie Spotlight

Why do some people spot the right opportunity and others let it pass by? Author Daniel Castro is one of the first to notice “the why” behind this trash or treasure dynamic. Using neurological and psychological research on the subject, he explains the phenomenon with the intention of helping readers put the knowledge into action. That is, help you see where your blind spots are, why they’re there, and how to supersede them effectively - aka the Hidden Solutions All Around You . So, if you’re amiss at solving problems these days, you might just be missing the obvious: and quite obviously are missing out on Casto’s advice.

18. I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Before Maya Angelou became the Nobel laureate and an award-winning writer, she was a poor Black girl growing up in southern America. I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings is a window into Angelou’s childhood from 1928 to 1944 — one of the most tumultuous eras in American history, fraught with racial tensions and the fight for civil rights. Angelou experienced the lows of Jim Crow and segregation, growing up amidst ignorance and prejudice in almost unendurable circumstances. But she writes about it with her signature grace, humor, and compassion, and the result is a seminal work by a seminal author about the strength that’s required to rise above it all.

19. Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon's Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart by James Doty

As the child of an alcoholic father and a depressive mother who had a stroke, Jim Doty grew up in an environment that was all but stable. But when he met a magic shop owner named Ruth, her lessons on thinking your way out of suffering fundamentally changed the way he viewed his life. Her seemingly simple techniques had a lot to do with neuroplasticity, which inspired him to help others by becoming a neurosurgeon. In this honest memoir and self-help manual, Dr. Doty shares his long journey towards Ruth’s final lesson — the meaning and importance of love — and its role in caring for others as a physician and human being. Into the Magic Shop is the ideal motivational book for anyone feeling ‘stuck’ in their lives, or looking to open their hearts and give more to the world.

20. The Journey is the Destination by Dan Eldon

Dan Eldon was one of Reuters' youngest photojournalists when he was stoned to death while on assignment in Somalia. Eldon was only 22 when he died, but he had accomplished more in those years than most people might have done in a lifetime: he traveled to 46 countries, spearheaded a number of humanitarian fundraising campaigns in Africa, and worked in war zones for newspapers and magazines around the world as a war photographer. Haunting and sad, the journals he left behind in The Journey is the Destination are also uplifting to read — giving us a brief, wonderful glimpse at a short life that was well-lived.

21. Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke

If we could revise this title, we might call it Letters to a Young Artist , since this classic text supersedes poetry lessons (and arguably art, with its contents mirroring life lessons more than anything). A thin but rich volume, Letters to a Young Poet charts the correspondence between Rainer Maria Rilke and a burgeoning cadet struggling to write — and, worse, struggling to accept his circumstances. When the young poet asked Rilke if he thought that he should keep writing, Rilke famously responded: “Go into yourself and test the deeps in which your life takes rise; at its source you will find the answer to the question whether you must create.” 

The lessons shared in this inspiring book are subversive in that sense: instead of seeking approval from others, seek approval from yourself. Rilke goes on to say that if you can’t find inspiration in the life around you at present, then dip into the stories and tragedies of your childhood. For anyone who struggles with a lack of self-confidence, Rilke’s letters is an essential step to help to pull you out of reassurance seeking and into self-acceptance.

Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo takes tidying to a whole new level, promising that if you properly simplify and organize your home once, you'll never have to do it again. Most methods advocate a room-by-room or little-by-little approach, which doom you to pick away at your piles of stuff forever. The KonMari Method, with its revolutionary category-by-category system, leads to lasting results. In fact, none of Kondo's clients have lapsed (and she still has a three-month waiting list).

With detailed guidance for determining which items in your house \'spark joy\' (and which don't), this international best seller featuring Tokyo's newest lifestyle phenomenon will help you clear your clutter and enjoy the unique magic of a tidy home - and the calm, motivated mindset it can inspire.

22. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

Marie Kondo might be the most famous tidying expert in the world, triggering an international craze with her mega-popular Netflix TV show that resulted in millions around the world decluttering their homes — and lives. Yet it’s easy to overlook the pocket-sized, inspiring book that started it all. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up is a wondrously charismatic, straightforward text that tries to help you “spark joy” in your life simply by organizing it. But Kondo goes one step further and argues that tidying doesn’t just mean a cleaner house — it will also transform your mindset and very being for the better. This is one of those rare books that lives up to its title: as evidenced by the millions who swear by it, Kondo’s method is life-changing, and it does seem like magic when you apply her method to your own house and see the results for yourself.

23. Listen by Joseph Kerman and Gregory Tomlinson

This weighty classic might have made its debut in the ‘70s, but it holds up well today. Leaf through its 480 pages, and you’ll be inspired to use your ears in a completely different way. Written by two eminent musicologists, Listen is a crash-course in music appreciation, from the haunting plainsong of the Middles Ages to the jaunty rhythms of modern jazz. This book might be standard fare in college music classes, but don’t be deterred — Kerman and Tomlinson write with clarity and force, and their lucid explanations will shine a light on the most arcane corners of music history. Who knows, it just might make you hear your favorite tune in a completely new way.

24. Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life... And Maybe the World by William McRaven

Navy Seal Admiral William McRaven went from commencement speaker to bestselling author with this little manual of hard-won lessons from his experiences on the sea. When 10 million people watched his University of Texas at Austin speech to graduates in 2014, he adapted it into Make Your Bed : an ice-bucket challenge on self-care that not only builds character, but also puts you in the mindset of service in the world. The ten principles described in the inspiring book aren’t just Navy Seal jargon — they’re life lessons direct from the Admiral’s own experiences keeping his head above water while resisting bullies, failure, and the urge to quit when things get tough. McCraven’s humorous yet humble manuscript is for meaning seekers and how-to lovers alike — and will teach you how the simplest shifts of behavior can change your life.

25. The More You Do The Better You Feel by David Parker ⭐ Indie Spotlight

Procrastination, meet David Parker. Parker’s handbook on getting past everyone’s most dreaded hump breaks down how to overcome avoidance issues step-by-step. Recognizing that these symptoms may come from depression, The More You Do The Better You Feel speaks kindly and sensitively to the exhausted and overwhelmed by encouraging them steadfastly to face the fears that hold them back. In return, readers will be able to walk away with mental health-informed tools for mobilization in work and life. Informed expertise, this is one of the most motivational books on the market.

26. My Bright Abyss: Meditation of a Modern Believer by Christian Wiman

No one would have dreamed that Christian Wiman, long-time editor of Poetry Magazine, would end up a professor at Yale Divinity School teaching religious literature. But after a brush with death from a rare cancer diagnosis, his atheist leanings collapsed as he felt an unexpected calling back to his religious roots. My Bright Abyss touches on the pains and gains that a spiritual person must face in a secular world, and is especially helpful for those questioning their faith. This inspiring book touches believers and non-believers equally, addressing the meaning of life and the questions that come out of the search for it.  

27. Networking Karma: How Today's Cutting Edge Networking Trends Can Help You Connect and Conquer by Gail Tolstoi-Miller ⭐ Indie Spotlight

Nowadays, the word networking just sounds plain spooky! With LinkedIn and the like doing it for us while we sleep, who has the time to RSVP or even go to a speed network event at the town hall? Author Gail Tolstoi-Miller does — that’s for sure. She’s an all-star entrepreneur and CEO with expertise in interpersonal branding. Her theory is to help out, corroborating social scientist Adam Grant’s research on how giving is a key ingredient to personal success.

Networking Karma will explain, in great detail, how to actually cut through the networking nonsense and cultivate a cutting-edge persona that gives instead of takes. By doing things like offering a hand with an office move, advising pro-bono for an hour or so, or making a connection for someone, Tolstoi-Miller argues that this spirit of selflessness will help you relax, boost confidence, and make a difference in the world. Seen through such lenses, networking will no longer teeter on the edge of being too boring (business card swapping) or too extreme (sauna events). This motivational book will help you take control of your career destiny.

28. No One Belongs Here More Than You : Stories by Miranda July

An internationally acclaimed artist and filmmaker’s foray into fiction culminated eleven years ago in this awe-inspiring collection of short stories that’s been translated into multiple languages. Whether it be a tale of two high school graduates trying to “make it” in the world or the legend of a swim coach forced to teach a class on dry land, July’s gems all demonstrate humankind’s desperate yet beautiful attempts to make progress in our lives. Her searching and sarcastic style illuminates the poetry of everyday existence — just like Lorrie Moore’s Self Help . And for the sentimental among us, No One Belongs Here More Than You is a cathartic experience that will stick forever.

29. Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss

Published just one year before his death, Oh, The Places You’ll Go! was one of Dr. Seuss’ last books. It might also be his wisest, packed with all the insight and wit (and he had plenty of both) he had accumulated in his twilight years. With his lively illustrations, inimitable verse, and boundless optimism, Dr. Seuss reassures us that we’re not alone in the maze of life — and that we’ll reach where we need to be eventually! If you need a quick and wonderfully uplifting pick-me-up, Oh, The Places You’ll Go! still can’t be surpassed. 

30. The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton        

Today, The Seven Storey Mountain is considered one of the most influential works of religious literature. But when it was originally slated for a 7,500-copy run in 1948, demand took its publisher by surprise, and the book quickly sold out. This is emblematic of the Seven Storey Mountain itself: a quiet book that snowballs into a transformative story of peace, meditation, and personal enlightenment. When he was 26 years old, Thomas Merton turned his back on a promising literary career and converted to Roman Catholicism. How did he get to that point? This is the profoundly moving account of what motivated him to take his vows with the Trappist monks and enter monastery life at the Abbey of Gethsemani.

In his New York Times bestseller Steal Like an Artist , Austin Kleon showed readers how to unlock their creativity by “stealing” from the community of other movers and shakers. Now, in an even more forward-thinking and necessary book, he shows how to take that critical next step on a creative journey—getting known. Show Your Work! is about why generosity trumps genius. It’s about getting findable , about using the network instead of wasting time “networking.” It’s not self-promotion, it’s self-discovery—let others into your process, then let them steal from you. Filled with illustrations, quotes, stories, and examples, Show Your Work! offers ten transformative rules for being open, generous, brave, productive. In chapters such as You Don’t Have to Be a Genius ; Share Something Small Every Day ; and Stick Around , Kleon creates a user’s manual for embracing the communal nature of creativity— what he calls the “ecology of talent.” From broader life lessons about work (you can’t find your voice if you don’t use it) to the etiquette of sharing—and the dangers of oversharing—to the practicalities of Internet life (build a good domain name; give credit when credit is due), it’s an inspiring manifesto for succeeding as any kind of artist or entrepreneur in the digital age.

31. Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered by Austin Kleon

Ever get down as a creative because you feel that no-one actually sees or read your work? Austin Kleon, bestselling author of Steal Like An Artist , is back with another series of important life lessons to help you fix that. In Show Your Work! , Kleon runs through ten universal ways to get known as an artist or entrepreneur (the “You Don’t Have To Be a Genius” and “Stick Around” chapters are particularly useful — and good examples of his simple, to-the-point way of distilling advice.) Short and entirely actionable, this inspiring book will inspire you to unblock your life by helping you reach the audience you deserve.

32. Through the Door of Life: A Jewish Journey between Genders by Joy Ladin

For forty years, people told Joy Ladin she was a man, but deep-down, she identified as a woman. And while she may have made headlines when she transitioned as the first trans professor at the Orthodox Jewish Yeshiva University, there was more to the story: her own internal wrestling with religiosity and an obligation to keep the peace with her family. Inside Through the Door of Life is an intimate portrait of the kinds of philosophical questions that come with growing into a new self. Anyone who’s questioned their own identity or felt called to starting over would benefit from this brave look at uncovering authenticity against all odds.

33. Trove: A Woman's Search for Truth and Buried Treasure by Sandra Miller ⭐ Indie Spotlight

Underneath it all, Sandra Miller’s life makes sense. She has a lot to be grateful for: she writes for big-name publications, has a family of her own, and even managed a night with the stars: notably, Sting himself. But achieving happiness wasn't always easy, especially coming from a sometimes dysfunctional family and a half-on, half-off mother. This is why treasure hunting was always her go-to — and now, the subject of her debut memoir Trove . Yet, with poetic gusto, Miller sees the meaning behind her search: a physical manifestation of longing for spiritual enlightenment. And for armchair yogis or gurus alike, her story is sure to hit a nerve - and lead you to that mindful state you’ve been after all along.

Check out what Reedsy Discovery reviewer Nicole Dieker has to say about Trove: A Woman's Search for Truth and Buried Treasure !

34. Unf*ck Your Brain: Getting Over Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Freak-Outs, and Triggers with Science by Faith Harper, PhD ⭐ Indie Spotlight

If you’ve ever been at odds with your own mind, this clear, no-nonsense guide to brain chemistry and the basic workings of the brain is here to help you out. Faith Harper's Unf*ck Your Brain navigates this complicated minefield expertly, writing in non-academic prose in order to articulately and effectively explain what happens to our brains whenever anxiety, anger, addiction, or depression take over. Most motivating of all are the actionable techniques, exercises, and tips that she provides, which lay a clear route forward for the reader, particularly those who have — or are — struggling with trauma.

35. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion

For anyone who has experienced loss, you’ll know there’s a period of grieving in which we blindly hope our loved one will return, despite recognizing its impossibility. Joan Didion captures this feeling expertly in her memoir on the death of her husband. Through the ruins of grief, though, she manages to find a silver lining and a sense of recovery, even as she memorializes his faults as well as his strengths. At once tremendously calming but chillingly honest, The Year of Magical Thinking will make life manageable in the face of death. A must-read for anyone going through the inevitable.

Looking for some inspirational poetry? We’ve also got you covered with our definitive list of the best poetry books of all time.

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20 All-Time Best Motivational Books to Inspire You

Sometimes going through life can be a little bit of a roller coaster. There are many ups and just as many downs as we journey through the high and low points.

Life becomes a little simpler when you accept that as we pursue our goals, there will inevitably be challenges and barriers along the way. This is why a few extra sources of inspiration, such as motivational books, never hurt anyone.

The following motivational books were selected because they can fulfill this need for you. These books will challenge you to question your current perspectives and grow in unexpected ways.

20 Best Motivational Books to Inspire You

1. man’s search for meaning by victor e. fankl.

Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl’s discusses in-depth his experience with living in Nazi death camps and describes the lessons it taught him about spiritual survival. Frankl puts forth a convincing argument that avoiding suffering isn’t realistic. However, through choosing how we cope with that suffering and the meaning we ascribe to it, we retain the ability to move forward with renewed purpose.

This certainly is a book for the generations that anyone can gain value from. Man’s Search for Meaning has been listed as one of the most influential books in America and has currently sold over 10 million copies in twenty-four languages.

If you’re looking for motivational books that can help you learn about the value of ascribing meaning to suffering, this is one for you!

2. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero

Of all the motivational books out there, this is a must-read for those who are into life design.

Through this book, Jen provides her readers with simple exercises to help people identify their self-limiting beliefs, attitudes, and habits. She provides some great advice and does so in a humorous way to truly captivate her audience and motivate them to begin achieving the success they want from their lives.

Jen’s goal is to help her readers truly understand why they have developed certain thought and behavior patterns. She helps us to focus on the things that we can change and accept the things which we cannot.

Overall, the book offers a new comical approach towards inspiring and motivating its audiences, and can be enjoyed by anyone who decides to pick it up.

3. Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World by William H. McRaven

If you want to change the world, start by making your bed.

Make Your Bed is a book which outlines the lessons contained in a speech given by Admiral William H. McRaven. In this speech, he shared the 10 principles he learned during Navy Seal training that helped him overcome the various challenges he faced throughout his career.

This speech went viral, gaining over 10 million views as it clearly explained how anyone can use these lessons to better both themselves and the world around them. This book recounts tales from his service and offers simple and practical wisdom and words of advice and encouragement which will inspire readers to achieve more in their daily lives!

4. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a wonderful story about an inspiring journey towards self-discovery. Mysticism and wisdom combine in this classic novel that has sold millions of copies worldwide.

This story outlines the journey of a young shepherd boy who desires to travel the world in search of treasure but ends up discovering a vastly different type of riches than he initially imagined.

Overall, this book encourages each of us to listen to our hearts, recognize our unique opportunities in life, and pursue our passions.

5. Smarter, Faster, Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

Charles Duhigg’s Smarter, Faster, Better outlines 8 productivity concepts that help certain companies and individuals accomplish so much more than others. This book outlines the differences between the perspectives of some of the worlds top performers and those who are less successful.

These productivity concepts explain how everyday people can improve their everyday lives. Overall, this book can help anyone learn how to succeed and ensure that their average day is productive and not just busy.

6. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

Don Miguel Ruiz uses his book The Four Agreements to reveal the limiting beliefs that we commonly hold which rob us of joy and cause us to endure needless suffering. This book provides an insightful code of conduct which imparts its wisdom in an accessible manner to its readers.

The Four Agreements encourages self-reflection and encourages us to do better within our everyday lives. This is why the book has sold over 6 million copies in the U.S. alone and has been a New York Times bestseller for over 8 years.

7. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth

In this book, psychologist Angela Duckworth, takes her readers on a journey to argue that the secret to being a success relies largely on an individual’s grit, a unique blend of passion and persistence.

The insights offered by Duckworth in this book encourage us to never underestimate the power of consistent, long-term action towards a goal, especially when you’re passionate about it.

Duckworth addresses the thoughts which commonly intrude into our heads when we fail and gives us methods to combat them.

If the idea that success is about your perseverance and your ability to persist even when times get tough resonates with you, this is one of the motivational books for you.

8. Mindset: the New Psychology for Success by Carol S. Dweck

Psychologist Carol Dweck outlines years of research in her book Mindset. She argues that the mindset we adopt is a huge predictor of our success and achievement. She believes that nearly every area of human endeavor can be influenced by the mindset we adopt and how we select to approach our goals .

She discusses the downsides of adopting a fixed mindset as well as the benefits commonly associated with adopting a growth-oriented mindset. Whereas one mindset believes our abilities are fixed, the other believes our skills and abilities can be developed assuming we are willing to put in the effort.

This is a highly motivating paradigm shift which can encourage amazing accomplishments.

9. Choose Yourself by James Altucher

Choose Yourself by James Altucher is one of the best motivational books around. James argues that the most valuable asset we have and the one which we should be investing the most time, effort, and resources into is — ourselves. This whole book is about how we can achieve success simply by choosing to invest in ourselves and our growth.

This book is sure to inspire and motivate you to invest in developing your talents further and would be an excellent resource for anyone with an entrepreneurial mindset.

10. High-Hanging Fruit: Build Something Great by Going Where No One Else Will by Mark Rampolla

High-hanging Fruit by Mark Rampolla encourages us to reach higher in our life endeavors, especially business if we want to achieve more success and leave our mark on the world.

In this novel, the reader is encouraged to find ways to align their passion, purpose, and integrity to achieve success. These lessons can benefit anyone in any field of work and encourage us to stand up for our beliefs and what’s important to us.

Overall, Rampolla wants each of us to remain true to our ore values so that we can each reach our personal definitions of success and promote significant changes in areas of life we are passionate about.

11. The Power of Positive Thinking: 10 Traits for Maximum Results by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

This international bestseller has sold over 5 million copies worldwide and has helped many people live more fulfilling lives through adopting Dr. Peale’s message of faith and inspiration.

Not only does this book help people to achieve happiness and higher levels of life-satisfaction, but it also teaches us that each life is worthwhile.

This book instills a belief in one’s self and a feeling of determination and motivation to pursue our goals with power, control, and persistence.

Overall, it’s a great motivational book for those individuals seeking a boost of motivation in their daily lives.

12. Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis

When it comes to motivational books, Rachel Hollis nails it!

Girl, Stop Apologizing was written primarily for a female audience she was trying to inspire. She wrote this book because all too often, she was seeing women failing to live up to their full potential due to the fear of falling short of perfection and not being enough.

In this New York Times #1 bestselling author, Rachel seeks to send a wake-up call to the women currently defining themselves through the lens established by other individuals, instead of how they wish to define themselves.

She encourages women everywhere to stop talking themselves out of their dreams and to begin fully pursuing them. To help her audience she provides a lot of great information regarding which excuses we should say goodbye to, which habits to adopt, and the skills that will provide you with the confidence to live your best life!

13. Now, Discover Your Strengths By Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton

This book takes a unique approach, claiming that not anyone can become anything they want, despite what we were told as children. However, when discussed in-depth, the opinion is quite freeing.

This book’s main purpose is to encourage us to ignore those routes which are likely to lead us to dead ends, in favor of pursuing those which we are passionate about and that are more likely to bring us greater success and happiness.

Why waste so much time trying to fix our weaknesses when we can double-down on our strengths and allow them to flourish and grow?

Definitely think about adding this one to your collection of motivational books.

14. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

This book, originally published in 1937, was written during the Great Depression and addresses the highly effective and important steps to take if we wish to encourage ourselves to become wealthy. Equally important, Hill outlines the steps we should avoid in this process as well.

Readers have continually enjoyed some of the timeless information, words of wisdom, and excellent advice that is presented by Hill in this book. This book is about so much more than getting rich; it’s about figuring out how to get what you want from life!

15. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson

In this self-help guide, Mark Manson tells us to cut it out and to stop trying to be positive all the time so that we can figure out what we need to do to truly become better and happier people.

This book offers a refreshing take which counters the motivational books currently out there. Mark refuses to sugarcoat his lessons and tells it how it is through his brutally honest approach. Mark encourages us to accept our faults and limitations, the fact that life is not always fair, and that despite our best efforts, not everybody is going to win.

Overall, this book presents some great philosophical wisdom for our modern generation and has empowered many individuals to gain control over their actions and their life as a whole.

16. Everything Is F*cked by Mark Manson

Mark Manson follows his previous #1 international bestseller with this guide discussing the problems we currently have surrounding hope.

Despite believing that we live in the best time in human history, Mark outlines that everything seems to be pretty messed up. There is global warming, corrupt governments, collapsing economies, and everyone is getting offended far too easily. Mark examines our relationships with money, entertainment, and the internet, and discusses that too much of these good things can destroy us.

In this book, Mark challenges us to be more open and honest with ourselves and to connect more with the world around us.

17. Hustle: The Power to Charge Your Life with Money, Meaning, and Momentum by Neil Patel

Hustle offers a game-changing guide to finding success by encouraging us to outsmart the system. Too many of us feel like we’re fighting a system that’s stacked against us and forcing us to live unfulfilling lives. This book will encourage you to break free from the rat-race and begin achieving more success on your terms through projects you actually enjoy!

This book will help you redefine what hustling means and will help you realize your best path to success is through taking charge of your dreams, creating your own luck, and staying true to yourself.

If you’re looking for actionable and practical advice that goes beyond simply motivating you, this is a book you will certainly enjoy reading.

18. Unfu*k Yourself by Gary John Bishop

This book presents a refreshing take on self-empowerment and provides an honest, no-nonsense, tough-love guide which aims to help you challenge and get over your self-limiting beliefs

In this book, Bishop gives you the tools and advice required to overcome your self-imposed limitations and to begin creating your unrestrained best-self. He argues that commonly, it isn’t other people standing in our way nor is it our circumstances. Commonly, it’s our negative mindsets and beliefs which are holding us back.

So if you’re looking for motivational books to help you get over these limiting beliefs, you will not regret investing in this novel.

19. The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage by Mel Robbins

In The 5 Second Rule, Mel Robbins reminds us of the vast amount of support we have received from individuals throughout our lives; and that this should push and motivate us to overcome the excuses we have created to impede our progress and achievement.

Through discussing a variety of different habits and entertaining stories, Mel Robbins argues that it only takes us about 5 seconds to become confident, stop procrastination, overcome fear, and live overall happier lifestyles. Just like we can all hold ourselves back, we can also push ourselves forward.

This is a motivational book that is great for anyone looking to quickly add a positive push to their daily life.

20. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

This novel which shared the wisdom Mitch Albom received from his college professor Morrie Schwartz, has sold over 12 million copies around the world.

In this book, Mitch joins Morrie through the final months of his dying professor’s life every Tuesday to discuss the important messages of life in a truly beautiful and heartwarming fashion.

In the end, the two come together to create one final class: lessons on how to live a good life.

This book is going to inevitably touch your heart and inspire you in ways many other motivational books could never even dream of doing.

Final Thoughts

If you are able to pick up even just 2 or 3 of these motivational books, you will be well on your way to living a more inspired life.

Happy reading and stay motivated!

Featured photo credit: Florencia Viadana via unsplash.com

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Best Motivational Books of all Time

September 26, 2018 By

“Nothing happens until you decide.” ― William Hutchison Murray

The importance of a motivating force can’t be understated. How can we explain something as pivotal as the force of motivation? Though motivation sometimes seems like fodder for bargain-bin self help or pop psychology titles, it is a deeper and multifaceted concept when we stop to think about it. The best motivational books seem to tap into this.

Whether it comes from a life experience, the wise counsel of a friend, or a deep inner urge, motivation seems elusive and mysterious to many of us, but life-changing when it shows up. Luckily, many authors have written motivational books explaining how you can make it show up.

The best motivational books come from a wide number of fields, yet all have the same effect. They fill the reader with energy enough to take on the world, educate us, fill us with ideas, and inspire us to go out and take action in the world.

Read one of these books, then go out and do something great.

Classics: The Best Motivational Books of all Time

Man’s search for meaning – viktor frankl.

Drawing on his own experiences as a prisoner in a Nazi death camp, Viktor Frankl asked “Why did some of us in the cames survive and some of us die?” The difference, Frankl explains, was a sense of meaning and purpose. The extremes of Frankl’s ordeal are almost unbelievable, but impart him with a wisdom that reveals itself on every page. This book will teach you how to face life’s inevitable suffering, and to forge a life of purpose that will ultimately create more happiness in spite of life’s inevitable set backs.

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success – Carol S. Dweck

Carol Dweck coined the term growth mindset to explain people who seemed to be able to encounter new challenges and overcome them. In Mindset, she explores the distinction between the growth and fixed mindsets. The book’s simple premise contains big implications for the way we think about challenges, our relationships and ourselves.

Awaken the Giant Within – Tony Robbins

Known to many for his late night infomercials, Tony Robbins can be a conflicting figure for some. Yet, there is no doubting his classic ‘Awaken the Giant Within,’ delivers motivational energy like a defibrillator. Hundreds of successful individuals from actors to CEOs have cited Awaken the Giant within as the book which pushed them to steup to new challenges. If you’re looking for an extra jolt of motivational energy, you’ll want to take on the world after reading this.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life – Mark Manson

Mark Manson gives philosophically-informed life advice with refreshing straightforwardness for the self-help genre. He argues for the virtues of commitment, narrowing one’s focus, and redefining what’s actually important in a world of increasing distraction and information. You’ll be motivated to choose your direction, decide on what matters to you and really get down to work.

The Obstacle is the Way – Ryan Holiday

Holiday gives a 101 lesson to the core tenets of the ancient Roman philosophical school of Stoicism (which has seen a fitting revival over recent years). Stoicism was the philosophical operating system of an empire that once conquered the Western world. This is a highly practical and enlightening read that shows how the school of thought underpinning Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can enrich your life by making you more resilient to setbacks, and more willing to take on challenges and face your fears.

Drive – Daniel H. Pink

Business book author Daniel Pink debunks common myths about motivation in the workplace and shows how outdated models of encouragement may be doing more harm than good. Exquisitely researched, Pink goes on to show how our core motivators are more in line with our innermost needs for autonomy, self-actualization and service to others. This book will show you how you think about motivation and will set you in the right direction for finding it more easily in your own life and work.

Psycho-Cybernetics – Maxwell Maltz

This classic book from the 1960’s is still widely read today, due to it’s simple message of improving self image in order to create the results in life we truly want. Though some crticize it as “pseudoscience,” many successful people cite it as a turning point for them. Maltz shows how the stories we tell about ourselves are integral to the achievement of our goals, our happiness, and our motivation. He looks at how we can rewrite those stories to live better lives.

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Best Motivational Business Books

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance – Angela Duckworth

Psychologist Angela Duckworth coins an often overlooked component of success she calls ‘Grit’. No matter what domain you’re operating in, Duckworth describes how passion and long-term perserverence in the face of challenges is what leads to one being able to achieve practially anything. This is a hugely motivating book that shows through dozens of real life examples that despite what limitations have been put on you externally, simple determination will often be all you need to reach your goals.

Ferris’ hugely popular best-seller on applying automation and outsourcing to internet based businesses inspired thousands to do the same when this book was published. Beneath the  actionable tips however, there was a message on the importance of time as our scarcest resource.  Maybe you can afford to go on nice vacations, but are you doing anything meaningful? Ferris gives a valuable perspective for looking at money, life and what to do with them. Hugely motivating for those considering starting a business or striking out on their own.

Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers – Tim Ferriss

In a follow up to The Four Hour Work Week, Ferris interviewed hundreds of high achievers in order to find the commonalities or peculiarities that allow them to reach their goals. He covers a wide gamut of domains and the advice from those he interviews is both insightful and inspiring. No matter what field you are in, from busienss to music to academia, there will be knowledge in your book from someone already performing well at it.

The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles – By Steven Pressfield

Steven Pressfield, the author of the Legenf of Bagger Vance, wrote this illuminating non-fiction book for artists, business people, and anyone doig creative work showing how they could confront the struggle to create. Whether you are a writer staring at a blank page, a programmer staring at a blank screen, we all face the same problems when trying to put something new into the world. Not just for artists, this book shows us how we are often held back from executing creative acts in all the hundreds of ways they appear throughout our lives. You’ll feel compelled to create something after reading this.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Dr. Stephen Covey

Covey’s book has been popular among managers and business owners for a long time. And for good reason – the seven habits he lays out here are timeless and the strategies he gives for implementing them are actionable and straightforward. If you have aspirations to affect change in your organization or be more of a leader, putting these habits into practice will be one of the most motivating ways to start.

Best Motivational Biographies

Total recall: my unbelievably true life story – arnold schwarzenegger.

Action film star, Olympian and Governor Schwarzenegger sheds the light on his fascinating life, from his beginnings in a small Austrian town, through Hollywood to his inauguration as Governor of California. You’ll see how it’s not Arnie’s biceps, but his willpower that is his strongest muscle. His dogged commitment is evidenced by the amount of success and blessings his accrued over his long career despite humble beginnings.

The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon – Brad Stone

The founding story of Amazon and Founder Jeff Bezos’ begins with a cross country car ride in a mini-van and ends with Bezos as one of the most wealthies and most powerful figures in the world. Bezos began selling books, but that was never the final goal. Stone charts the course of the online retailer’s ability to gradually expand from books into, well, everything, and reveals Bezos’ insights, drive and ambition.

George Washington and Hamilton – Ron Chernow

This pair of biographies from author Ron Chernow chronicle the lives of two of America’s gresatest founding fathers. Washington’s commitment to live by his principles no matter the hardship inspires us to do the same. Hamilton’s rag to riches story starts as a poor immigrant to New York in the years before the American Revolution and ends with him becoming one of the most influential and powerful figures in a new country.

Long Walk to Freedom – Nelson Mandela

One of the most inspiring characters in modern history, Mandela’s story of hope and peace shows the depth of his courage and the extent of the ordeals he was forced to endure at the hands of South Africa’s Apartheid government. Enduring all torment to secure his nation’s presidency as well as a Nobel Peace Prize, his story shows how it is possible to enact change, sometimes against all odds.

Best Motivational Books for Students (and Young Adults)

Jonathan Livingston Seagull – Richard Bach

This is an enduring fable told about the virtues of choosing one’s own path and pursuing your dreams. This was a New York Times Best Seller for some time, and is a motivating case for individualism told in an entertaining and accessible way.

The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter – Mag Jay

Going against the modern idea of ‘thirty is the new twenty’, clinical pschologist Dr. Meg Hay argues for the supreme importance over our early years which shape us into what we will finally become in later adulthood. Jay hows us how our relationships and identity are still more malleable at this stage than almost any other, and stresses the importance of using our early years wisely in order to set ourselves up for more fulfilling careers, relationships and lives down the track. Essential reading for late teens and twenty-somethings that feel stuck or stagnant.

The Alchemist – Paulo Coehlo

Coehlo’s widely-loved classic tells what seems like a relatively simple story of a shepherd’s journey, but is actually filled with deep symbolism and enlightening messages about life and purpose. You’ll find this one in tattered travel backpacks around the world, and for good reason – this is a great introspective read that will help you decide what you really want out of life and your ‘true purpose’. Coehlo also writes beautifully.

Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, A Young Man, and Life’s Greatest Lesson – Mitch Albom

Tuesdays with Morrie tells the story of a young man, Mitch, coming into contact with his mentor Morrie on his deathbed. Knowing his time is near, Mitch repeatedly visits him for the final months of his life and each time learns valuable lessons and reflected wisdom about life.

Last Updated on January 24, 2020 by Taylor

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Best Motivational Books

Get inspired and push your limits with these highly acclaimed motivational books, a staple recommendation by leading book bloggers and influencers..

17 Motivational Books To Inspire, Motivate, and Transform You in 2024

• The Speaker Lab
• July 20, 2024

Table of Contents

If you’re looking for some serious inspiration to kickstart your personal growth journey in 2024, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best motivational books that have the power to transform your life and help you cultivate a happier, more fulfilling existence. These self-improvement books cover everything from developing good habits to achieving career success and learning valuable life lessons. So, whether you’re looking to boost your confidence, find your purpose, or simply live a more meaningful life, these inspirational books have got you covered. Get ready to be inspired, motivated, and transformed!

Best Motivational Books for Cultivating a Growth Mindset

One of the most powerful things you can do for your personal growth is to develop a growth mindset . If you’re ready to start this process, the must-read books below will help you do just that.

• Atomic Habits by James Clear. A New York Times bestseller, this book is a game-changer when it comes to building good habits and breaking bad ones. Clear’s framework is simple, yet incredibly effective.
• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson. Manson’s no-nonsense approach to personal growth is refreshing and empowering. This book will help you focus on what truly matters in life.
• The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown. Brown’s work on vulnerability, courage, and authenticity is life-changing. This book will help you embrace your imperfections and live a more wholehearted life.
• The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. This book is all about cultivating a positive mindset and finding joy in the present moment. In their discussions and guidance sessions, they reveal essential truths for finding inner blissfulness during challenging times.

Other must-read books for cultivating a growth mindset include Mindset by Carol Dweck and The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. These books will challenge you to think differently about your abilities, your potential, and your approach to life’s challenges.

Remember, developing a growth mindset is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, effort, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. But with the help of these powerful books, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking your full potential and achieving your biggest dreams.

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Best Motivational Books for Achieving Career Success

Maybe you’re feeling stuck in your career. Or maybe you’re simply seeking motivation to take your professional life to the next level. In either case, we have some inspiring reads you can use as your starting point. Within these pages await stories of entrepreneurial triumph mixed with nuggets of wisdom. Let’s take a look!

Inspiring Reads to Boost Your Career

One book that stands out is Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. Both authors are life coaches and teach a popular course at Stanford University. In this book, they share their proven framework for designing a fulfilling career and life. Through real-life stories and practical exercises, they guide readers in discovering their passions, skills, and values to create a meaningful career path.

Another inspiring read is Year of Yes  by Shonda Rhimes, the creator of hit TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal . In this memoir, Rhimes shares her transformative journey of saying “yes” to opportunities that scared her, from public speaking engagements to personal challenges. Her story is a powerful reminder that stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to incredible growth and success.

For practical career advice, Radical Candor by Kim Scott is a game-changer. As a former executive at Google and Apple, Scott shares her framework for being a kick-ass boss while also being human. Her credo? To tackle issues head-on, but always from a place of compassion. Accordingly, Scott offers tips on how best to deliver helpful critiques alongside maintaining robust relationships. According to her playbook, creating this balance lays the groundwork for mutual respect coupled with diligent accountability.

Insightful Books on Embracing Change and Taking Risks

Change can be scary, but it’s often necessary for growth and success. Thankfully, there are plenty of books out there to help you embrace that change. Pivot by Jenny Blake is a must-read for anyone considering a career change or seeking to reinvent themselves professionally. In her book, Blake provides the inside scoop on switching careers successfully using her four-step strategy. Each of her insights are based on lessons she learned during her time as a career development program manager at Google and experiences of folks who dared to switch it up.

Another book that encourages embracing change is Originals by Adam Grant. In his book, Grant uses vivid storytelling intertwined with solid data. His goal? To teach you how to learn an enriching career path that impacts more than just your workplace. Grant also argues that taking risks and challenging the status quo are essential for driving innovation and progress.

Best Motivational Books About Conquering Obstacles

Let’s face it, life is full of challenges, both personal and professional. But sometimes, the most powerful motivation comes from hearing how others have overcome adversity and achieved success despite the odds. These inspiring stories remind us that with hard work, perseverance, and a positive mindset, anything is possible.

Powerful Stories About Overcoming Challenges

One such inspiring story is that of Chris Gardner, whose memoir The Pursuit of Happyness was adapted into a hit movie starring Will Smith. In his book, Gardner describes how he moved from homelessness to stock market wins, all while raising his son. His story is a reminder that when the odds feel impossible, persistence is key.

Another powerful memoir is Becoming by Michelle Obama. Growing up on Chicago’s gritty South Side was just chapter one for her. Next came conquering academics at Princeton followed by legal battles fought with grace—all before catapulting herself into global recognition amongst history’s powerhouse women. With an open heart, Obama describes life as a black woman trying to balance career demands and family life while under public scrutiny. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, authenticity, and staying true to your values in the face of adversity.

Sometimes, building resilience means pushing yourself beyond what you thought was possible. That’s the central theme of Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins. Goggins, a former Navy SEAL and ultra-endurance athlete, shares his incredible story of overcoming poverty, abuse, and physical limitations to become one of the world’s top performers. His message? Dig deep, do the work, and surprise yourself with how much more you can accomplish.

Practical Advice for  Cultivating Resilience and Grit

Resilience and grit are essential qualities for achieving long-term success, both personally and professionally. Grit  by Angela Duckworth explores the science behind these traits, arguing that talent alone is not enough to achieve greatness. Through compelling research and real-life examples, Duckworth shows how passion, perseverance, and a growth mindset are the keys to success in any field.

Another book that emphasizes the importance of resilience is Option B by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant. After the sudden death of her husband, Sandberg found herself grappling with grief and the challenges of single parenthood. In this deeply personal book, she shares her journey of finding strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable loss. Along the way, she also offers practical advice and inspiration for anyone facing adversity.

For practical advice on overcoming challenges in your daily life, The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday is a must-read. Leaning on ancient Stoicism, Holiday flips the script by showing how what seems like roadblocks could very well be your launchpad for achieving both success and self-improvement. He also shares strategies for reframing challenges, cultivating a resilient mindset, and taking action in the face of adversity.

These powerful stories and practical insights remind us that no matter what challenges we face in our daily lives, we have the strength and resilience within us to overcome them. By seeking motivation from others who have triumphed over adversity and cultivating a growth mindset, we can achieve our goals and create the life we want, one step at a time.

Best Motivational Books to Transform the Way You Think

Are you feeling stuck or unsure about your life’s direction? If so, you’re not alone. Many of us struggle to find our true calling and unleash our full potential. The good news? The journey to finding yourself is easier once you’ve read some of the best motivational books out there.

One book that comes highly recommended is Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant. Grant, a renowned organizational psychologist, shares compelling stories and research that will inspire you to question your beliefs and see things from a fresh perspective.

Another must-read is Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain. Whether or not you’re an introvert, this book will help you appreciate them more. With well-presented research, Cain sheds light on the unique strengths and challenges that this third of the population faces. In addition, she demonstrates how introverts can harness their qualities to thrive in both their personal and professional lives. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit the extroverted mold, this book will validate your experiences and empower you to embrace your authentic self.

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FAQs on Best Motivational Books

Which book is best for reading for motivation.

Atomic Habits by James Clear tops the list. It’s a game-changer in building good habits and breaking bad ones.

What is an inspiring book to read?

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson offers a raw, refreshing take on living a content life.

What is a self motivator?

A self-motivator drives themselves towards goals with inner passion and determination, no external push needed.

What is motivation book?

A motivational book inspires action, growth, and positive mindset shifts through stories, advice, and practical strategies.

Wow, what a journey! The books that we’ve explored together are so impactful, they leave you different than before. From cultivating a growth mindset to building unshakable resilience, these motivational books have given us the tools to become our best selves.

As you start this journey, remember that personal growth is a lifelong adventure. Embrace a cycle of perpetual growth—read widely, learn eagerly, and chase after those groundbreaking finds. No matter whether it’s hurdles you’re jumping over or big goals you’re aiming for, these reads will prepare you well.

Here’s to a year of incredible growth, unstoppable motivation, and a whole lot of page-turning. You’ve got this!

• Last Updated: July 14, 2024

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Whether you’re on the hunt for a new inspirational read to flip through during the early days of the year or are already looking ahead to snatch a beach read for an upcoming getaway , it’s never too late to reinvent yourself.

While some may reach for an expensive life coach, therapist, or career adviser, those aren’t the only options. Consider investing in a motivational, self-help book to get you back in gear.

“As an example of how many people decide they want to read more as a New Year’s resolution, more people than ever have signed up in the first week of the year to participate in the Goodreads Reading Challenge, which is designed to help people make reading a priority in their lives,” Suzanne Skyvara, vice president of editorial and marketing at Goodreads, told the New York Post.

“The most common range of goals set by Goodreads Reading Challenge participants is between 11 and 25 books, or around one to two books a month,” she adds. “Our members tell us that they find it motivating to mark a book as read on Goodreads and see how they are progressing towards their goal.”

Books like “Atomic Habits” and “Year of Yes” can be super beneficial when making those significant changes you’re craving. Whether you’re looking to get more organized, need guidance on making a career change or need a 101 guide on how to live the life you’ve always wanted — the perfect book is probably right at your fingertips. Not to mention, we curated a list of motivational books we’ve read and *loved*, alongside pulling some top titles Goodreads exclusively shared with The Post.

To highlight some of the best motivational books on the market, the New York Post shopping team rounded up some great options you can shop below.

For more “New Year, New Me” content, check out our articles on planners and the best online classes to master a new skill in 2024.

Click to jump to a specific section:

Best Motivational Books We Reviewed

Best motivational books of 2024, per goodreads, “atomic habits” by james clear.

“Atomic Habits” by James Clear is one you’ve likely seen front and center on Barnes & Noble shelves and on Instagram stories galore. Why? The author pinpoints starting and maintaining a habit in small, atomic-sized steps. Hence, the name, “Atomic Habits.”

When we read this book, we were nerd-ing out with all of the studies, research and actionable points presented with each page turn. And, as Clear *clearly* mentions (we had to incorporate a pun here): If you’re having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn’t you. The problem is your system.

Not only did we enjoy “Atomic Habits” but we equally enjoyed James Clear’s MasterClass on “ Small Habits That Make a Big Impact on Your Life ,” a studio-produced online course that draws upon key talking points in his best-selling book. For more, check out our MasterClass review .

“The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg

If you want to better understand how to take full rein on your productivity, pick up “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg. It’s a staple on our bookshelf for a reason, and it’s all because the insight you’ll gain is incredibly motivating — fitting for this guide — and insightful. Not to mention, “Atomic Habits” references this title within its research, further cementing this book’s tangible resourcefulness.

Here, Duhigg uses businesses — like Procter & Gamble and a top-performing Dow Jones businesses — as case studies, all of which have one thing in common: They achieved success by focusing on the patterns that shape every aspect of our lives .

We’re looking forward to reading Duhigg’s second book, “ Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business ,” a wonderful accompaniment to his first success.

“Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person” by Shonda Rhimes

For an upbeat book that harbors on productivity, “Year of Yes” does it best. Each page is an exclusive behind-the-scenes take on life from born-and-bred success Shonda Rhimes. It underscores how she decided to say “yes” for one year — and all of the fruitful, life-changing moments and experiences that came as a result.

Though the premise may sound cheesy to some, it’s extremely personal and memoir-like in style. The centerfold of the novel includes images of Rhimes, including moments she decided to say “yes” to a major talk show opportunity and “yes” to a university’s commencement address. Overall, it’s a lighthearted, feel-good read that should be on everyone’s TBR list (that’s “to-be read,” for those who aren’t so #bookish).

“Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert

For creatives, “”Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert hits the nail on the head as far as motivational reads. If you love books with beautiful language and even more beautiful takeaways, you’ll love how each page is practically soaked in inspiration.

Inside, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether that looks like writing poetry, conceptualizing that big magic-idea of yours or igniting a creative spark in your personal or professional pursuits, we thoroughly enjoyed this one.

“The Intentional Year: Simple Rhythms for Finding Freedom, Peace and Purpose” by Holly and Glenn Packaim

One of the most recent motivational books we read with a faith-angled lens is “The Intentional Year: Simple Rhythms for Finding Freedom, Peace and Purpose” by Holly and Glenn Packaim. It’s in the perspective of a pastor and his wife, and they both teeter-totter over the following tenets and themes: prayer, rest, renewal, relationships and work .

Though most readers are of the Christian faith, you certainly don’t have to be. In fact, it may be even more insightful if you aren’t. Because there’s a foundational message of slow living and intentionality, it’s the ideal book for the beginning of a new year, season or month.

“Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World” by Bob Goff

We loved this book so much, we emailed the author. And, not much to our surprise, he emailed us back. Why? It’s because that’s what love does .

Going the extra mile insofar as prioritizing communication and connection is exactly why “Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World” by Bob Goff is one of our all-time favorite reads. Each chapter highlights a mesmerizing new story the author reflects upon and shares. By the end, we were already thinking outside-the-ordinary; you truly start living by simply doing.

“Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World” by Jennie Allen

“Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World” by Jennie Allen is a heart-to-heart motivational read about forming connections with all different types of people — regardless of age, social status or season of life.

By the end of the book, you’ll have a firmer understanding of how to overcome barriers to making new friends, how to initiate and nurture new ones and how to be your most authentic selves when approaching relationships. Even if you’re the most outgoing person in the world, we believe you’ll still benefit from the tales in this book.

“The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World” by John Mark Comer

Ah, a book that’s both modern to the times and refreshing to the eyes. “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World” by John Mark Comer is another book grounded in faith that centers on one theme: we need to stop rushing .

This book offers a roadmap to experiencing a more balanced and fruitful lifestyle. Wouldn’t our daily lives be an inch better if we didn’t stress or hurry? Yes, we think so, too, and this book helps you take note of that tenfold.

“To Hell With the Hustle: Reclaiming Your Life in an Overworked, Overspent and Overconnected World” by Jefferson Bethke

Similar to John Mark Comer’s book above, “To Hell With the Hustle: Reclaiming Your Life in an Overworked, Overspent and Overconnected World” by Jefferson Bethke holds the same notion: we need to stop rushing .

After reading, we had a more centered approach on setting boundaries, adjusting to change, embracing silence and solitude and handling stressors that may segue into our weeks. Overall, it’s a reassuring and motivational book simultaneously — and one we wholeheartedly recommend.

“Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living” by Shauna Niequist

If you’re in the mood for a cozy, uplifting and slow living-centered read, pick up “Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living” by Shauna Niequist. This was one of the first motivational books we read and it continues to serve as tentpole for living graciously, patiently and virtually stress-free.

If you’re feeling exhausted or isolated (or both), the humble perspective of Niequist will surely inspire you. Not only that, but it made us consider the most peaceful way forward when it came to a variety of different topics.

“A Healthy State of Panic: Follow Your Fears to Build Wealth, Crush Your Career and Win at Life” by Farnoosh Torabi

“If fear is holding you back, Farnoosh Torabi is here to boost your confidence,” Skyvara told The Post. “Blending anecdotes with research and advice, she helps you see fear in a different light and provides tips to help you work with your fears.”

Growing up in the 1980s as the daughter of Iranian immigrants, Torabi was warned to play it safe, resulting in a childhood grounded in fear, rejection and missed opportunities. Now, she highlights how fear can help you take control of your financial future.

“The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness” by Robert Waldinger, MD and Mark Schulz, PhD

“The title says it all: learn more about what leads to a good life, based on a scientific study following people — and some of their families — since 1938,” Skyvara shares. “Goodreads members say it’s an interesting read that has led to them making changes in their behavior, especially when it comes to relationships and community.”

If you’re on the market for a book that’s molded by psychology and insightful tidbits on the science of happiness, this one is for you.

“Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential” by Brian Johnson

”While the size of this book is daunting (1,060 pages!), it’s divided into short, digestible insights blending wisdom from ancient philosophers to the latest scientific research to help you improve multiple areas of your life,” Skyvara says. “It’s good if you’re looking for a daily resource to dip into for inspiration and exercises.”

What’s more, this title integrates ancient wisdom (as its name suggests), modern science and practical tools to motivate you toward advancing in greatness and upholding newfound potential.

“Speak: Find Your Voice, Trust Your Gut and Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be” by Tunde Oyeneyin

“Readers say this book is full of inspirational quotes to savor during the tough days and packed with lessons on how to become your most authentic self,” Skyvara highlights. “It’s particularly good for people who have experienced grief over the death of loved ones.”

More, “Speak” is said to be ideal for fans of Shonda Rhimes, Brene Brown , and Glennon Doyle .

“The Old Gays Guide to the Good Life: Lessons Learned About Love and Death, Sex and Sin and Saving the Best for Last” by Mick Peterson, et al.

“Want a motivational book that leads you to laughter at the same time?” Skyvara asks. “This guide, from authors who range in age from 67 to 80, is for you. But fair warning, there are tearful moments too as you learn from their hard-won wisdom.”

Oh, and the premise of this book is entirely trending, as the foursome is, collectively, a social media sensation @theoldgays , so it’ll add some humor, inspiration and aspirational advice to your reading list. Plus, it explores the pre-Stonewall time period to the rise of the LGBTQ+ movement to gay marriage and beyond.

“Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life” by Arnold Schwarzenegger

“The vibe this book leaves you with is ’empowered,’ according to readers who are finding the no-nonsense advice both practical and inspiring,” Skyvara notes. “Plus there’s the added bonus of reading anecdotes from Schwarzenegger’s life about the times he used his seven tools to drive his own success.”

In essence, Schwarzenegger — aka, the the world’s greatest bodybuilder, the world’s highest-paid movie star and the leader of the world’s sixth-largest economy — shares his definition of success to both motivate and encourage you to take full rein of your life, wherever you’re at.

“100 Ways to Change Your Life: The Science of Leveling Up Health, Happiness, Relationships & Success” by Liz Moody

“Looking for actionable solutions to life’s challenges? All based on science?” Skyvara questions. “This one is for the time-pressed readers amongst us, as it is comprehensive yet concise.”

From the creator of “ The Liz Moody Podcast ” comes this excellent read, translating her years of experience interviewing the world’s leading doctors, scientists and thinkers into a the-world-is-your-oyster type of page-turner. She also integrates digestible tips for building life-giving habits in all aspects of life, from mental health, careers, relationships, confidence and physical health.

“She Who Wins: Ditch Your Inner ‘Good Girl,’ Overcome Uncertainty and Win at Your Life” by Renée Bauer

“Based on readers’ reviews, you may find yourself highlighting the heck out of this one,” Skyvara says. “If you’re struggling right now, this book will reassure you that you’re not alone and will also shine a light on a way to get back on your feet…without being perfect.”

Here, Bauer breaks down some uncomfortable truths about the things that may be holding us back from truly winning in life. After all, if we can survive a pandemic, homeschooling, loss of income, and even a toilet paper shortage — as she describes within the pages — don’t we deserve to win?

“Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most” by Adam Alter

“Everyone gets stuck from time to time,” Skyvara assures. “But instead of seeing it as a failure, this book helps you to see it as an opportunity to learn, reassess, and find a new path forward. Readers particularly love the stories in this book that show the hard, messy stuff that people went through before they found success.”

Interestingly, Adam Alter has spent the past two decades studying how people become stuck and how they free themselves to thrive. Inside this motivational read, he reveals the formula he and other researchers have uncovered. 

“Your First Million: Why You Don’t Have to Be Born into a Legacy of Wealth to Leave One Behind” by Arlan Hamilton and Rachel L. Nelson

“This is an uplifting book for anyone who is considering entrepreneurship, especially if you’re looking for candid stories about challenges and how to navigate them,” Skyvara recommends. “People really recommend the exercises in this book as a way to kickstart your entrepreneur journey.”

As having lived nearly her entire life in poverty, Arlan Hamilton understands that money is power — though not for the reasons most people believe. You’ll simply have to read this book to understand how the power of community comes into effect when you have a mission to build up your wealth.

“Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things” by Adam Grant

“With this book, you’ll find inspiration from the stories of seemingly average people who’ve gone on to achieve amazing things,” Skyvara shares. “It’s good for people who are early in their reading of popular psychology.”

Interestingly, Adam Grant weaves together groundbreaking evidence, surprising insights and engaging storytelling that “takes us from the classroom to the boardroom, the playground to the Olympics and underground to outer space,” per Goodreads. The main message? He shows that progress depends less on how hard you work than how well you learn.

“More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say)” by Elaine Welteroth

“Sometimes the best advice can be found from following the story of others,” Skyvara notes. “Readers are finding this book honest, inspiring and entertaining as they think about designing their own careers.”

From climbing the corporate ladder of media and fashion at Teen Vogue , Elaine Welteroth offers both a refreshing and timely memoir where she unpacks lessons on race, identity and success through her own journey.

“Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You” by Ali Abdaal

“Goodreads members say this is a good starting point if you’re interested in improving your productivity,” Skyvara says. “It’s a fun and quick read with lots of actionable ideas. One particularly helpful section — after so many people are feeling worn down by the last few years — is the section on dealing with burnout.”

Not to mention, we completed Ali Abdaal’s Skillshare class, “ Grow Your YouTube Channel ,” as he is also a skilled content creator.

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30 of the Best Motivational Books of All Time

Mindset is everything, and these books can definitely adjust your mindset.

Whether you're looking for a gift that will satisfy the mindful bookworm in your life or you're a bookworm yourself, the best motivational books approach the art of living from different angles: The practical, the spiritual, the philosophical...Every voracious reader is different, and figuring out what supportive and inspirational resources are best for you or your loved one can be difficult. To make it easy for you, we've narrowed it down to thirty of the very best motivational books on the market today. From inspirational tales to actionable advice, these reads are guaranteed to inspire growth and positivity.

1. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck

This book elaborates on the concept of fixed and growth mindsets that both hold you back and propel you forward.

Who it's best for: A change-maker

Why it's a motivational gift: It teaches you how to dream realistically and embrace failure

Buyers are saying: " I can honestly say that this book was eye-opening for me." - Nicolas

SEE IT: $8.55 at Amazon.com

2. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

Sincero's book is a guide for how to believe in yourself – in her words, "stop doubting your greatness, and start living an awesome life!"

Who it's best for: The secret badass

Why it's a motivational gift: It reminds you how to have confidence and self-reliance

Buyers are saying: " It's easy to read and very motivational. I highly recommend this to anyone needing a friendly nudge in the right direction." – Sarah A.

SEE IT: $9.99 at Amazon.com

3. Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

A memoir from WWI concentration camp survivor and psychotherapist Viktor Frankl, this book will teach you how to believe in miserable times.

Who it's best for: A lifelong fighter

Why it's a motivational gift: It gives a glimmer of hope  

Buyers are saying: " Overall, this is worth reading, especially If the reader struggles with suffering, and the meaning thereof, and how to move with dignity through that suffering." – Matt F.

4. The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins

According to Mel Robbins' 5 Second Rule, you must physically move within five seconds of the drive to act on a goal – read more in this self-help book.

Who it's best for: Someone who has trouble starting

Why it's a motivational gift: It gets you in the mood to start achieving

Buyers are saying: " The book is filled with solid, actionable information that I am putting into action in my own life with awesome success." – Cindy C.

SEE IT: $15.59 at Amazon.com

5. Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

Live and let live and only sweat the stuff you can control, says Mark Manson in this book about how to find meaning in life.

Who it's best for: The worry wart  

Why it's a motivational gift: It instructs on active ways to control anxiety

Buyers are saying: "A much-needed reminder to choose your battles wisely." – Aria U.

SEE IT: $13.99 at Amazon.com

6. Atomic Habits by James Clear

Clear has several atomic habits that you can follow if you want to succeed, like getting 1% better at something every day. 

Who it's best for: The diligently scheduled

Why it's a motivational gift: It'll be loved by someone who already loves being regimented or needs some help getting there

Buyers are saying: " I definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking to improve their lives even in a small way!" – Emma

SEE IT: $11.98 at Amazon.com

7. Designing Your Own Life by Bill Burnet t

Burnett uses this self-help book to teach readers about applying design thinking to larger life planning.

Who it's best for: The creative

Why it's a motivational gift: It stimulates a sense of control and innovation

Buyers are saying: "It gave me clarity and a different perspective." – Jorge D.

SEE IT: $22.79 at Amazon.com

8. Grit by Angela Duckworth

Having a positive mental attitude and perseverance is all it takes to get through tough times, says Duckworth – check out more about her definition of "grit" in this book.

Who it's best for: One who needs strength

Why it's a motivational gift: It's a gentle push in the right direction for someone who needs to learn about courage

Buyers are saying: " Written in an easy-to-read style and full of real people and real stories about success as it pertains to grittiness!" – Cymru K.

SEE IT: $14.99 at Amazon.com

9. The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday

These everyday lessons from Greek Stoics teach about moderation, controlling emotions, and thinking analytically.

Who it's best for: A philosophy junkie

Why it's a motivational gift: The lessons of the Stoics are timeless

Buyers are saying: " The small meditations help me keep my reading streak while I learn more about Stoicism and improve myself." – Renata

SEE IT: $12.99 at Amazon.com

10. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Sean Covey

This classic self-help book is always a safe bet for someone who wants to take their productivity to the next level.

Who it's best for: The hustle culture lover 

Why it's a motivational gift: From Wall Street to Main Street, every entrepreneur can see value in this work

Buyers are saying: " This book will change your life if you implement it." – Zabo

11. Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven

The little things can make the biggest difference in your life, says Admiral McRaven, and even something like making your bed can change your mindset.

Who it's best for: The messy friend

Why it's a motivational gift: It grounds you in tiny but meaningful daily practices

Buyers are saying: " Retired Admiral McRaven does a wonderful job of relating his life lessons gleaned from thirty-seven years of service as a Navy SEAL." – Anthony S.

12. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

Psychologist Brené Brown says that the basic need of all human beings is connection – and this book tells you how to get it for yourself by being vulnerable.

Who it's best for: Someone who needs to learn to trust

Why it's a motivational gift: The book is a guide for how to love healthily and with strength

Buyers are saying: " This is an insightful book about navigating through life." – Alexander J.

SEE IT: $13.00 at Amazon.com

13. The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu

Two of the greatest minds of our time get together and discuss thought-provoking beliefs: The Dalai Lama and anti-apartheid activist Desmond Tutu.

Who it's best for: A deep thinker

Why it's a motivational gift: It shows that two different viewpoints can discuss things civilly and with mutual interest

Buyers are saying: " Two minds and bodies and hearts coming from different philosophies, meeting in the center, with the conclusion and commitment to show our sameness (and not division) to all the world." – Kathleen

14. The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest

West's book is all about how to get rid of resistance to change and overcome some of your greatest inner hindrances. 

Who it's best for: The self-battler

Why it's a motivational gift: It teaches you that you can work with yourself instead of against yourself

Buyers are saying: " This book, even from page one, gives me hope of gaining confidence and understanding myself" – Kenisha W. 

15. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

This classic book from 1937 never goes out of style for those who want to be a little more prosperous in business.

Who it's best for: An old-school theorist

Why it's a motivational gift: It tells you that money isn't the only key to success

Buyers are saying: " Absolutely timeless, perfectly written book. Extremely life-changing." – Magdalena C.

SEE IT: $8.49 at Amazon.com

16. Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss

This amalgamation of lifestyles from billionaires, performers, and global icons is used to inform the habits of everyday people.

Who it's best for: The future Steve Jobs

Why it's a motivational gift: It shows you that acting like a billionaire isn't so hard

Buyers are saying: " If you really want to learn about the mindset of successful people, then you must read this." – Garvit

SEE IT: $17.99 at Amazon.com

17. The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday 

In this second book about stoicism, Holiday explores the idea from Stoicism founder Marcus Aurelius that "what stands in the way becomes the way."

Who it's best for: The young academic  

Why it's a motivational gift: Stoicism is known to grant inner peace and understanding if practiced dutifully

Buyers are saying: " This is one of those books that you will want to read with a notepad nearby to write down some thought-provoking idea." – Kevin J.

SEE IT: $10.99 at Amazon.com

18. Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo

You can do whatever you put your mind to, says Forleo – as long as you start taking accountability for your life.

Who it's best for: The chronically unresponsible

Why it's a motivational gift: It's a gentle reminder that if you persist, you can do anything

Buyers are saying: "This book might stir up some unexpected feelings in you—which might be a good thing." – Sarah P.

19. The 10x Rule by Grant Cardone

Cardone's book on the 10x rule is about how in order to succeed, you must set goals that are ten times more aspirational than what you think you can do. 

Who it's best for: The big dreamer  

Why it's a motivational gift: It doesn't just tell you how to set crazy goals – it tells you how to reach them

Buyers are saying: " It certainly has shifted my mindset in my business and wants possible in my lifetime and working career." – Tyler L.

SEE IT: $16.00 at Amazon.com

20. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

There are four agreements you need to make with yourself to live a serene life, says Ruiz, like "don't take anything too personally." 

Who it's best for: The unbalanced friend

Why it's a motivational gift: You use it to learn moderation and reasonable expectations

Buyers are saying: "This is not a "new age" self-help book! This book is based on modern linguistic theory and philosophical precepts." – Meme  

SEE IT: $7.74 at Amazon.com

21. Start With Why by Simon Sinek

Using marketing principles, Sinek says that you need to reverse your priorities in life and start every task by asking yourself why you're doing it. 

Who it's best for: The impulsive pal

Why it's a motivational gift: This book teaches you to stop and think before you act

Buyers are saying: " The book is certainly inspiring and relevant to some areas of marketing." – David M.

22. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Famous self-help guru Eckhart Tolle teaches about spiritual enlightenment through mindfulness.

Who it's best for: The friend who lost their faith

Why it's a motivational gift: It gets you in touch with your true desires

Buyers are saying: " The way I see problems and approach them is vastly different to my former state. Highly recommended!" – Jaime Tanna

SEE IT: $7.13 at Amazon.com

23. The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor

Success and happiness are one and the same, says Achor, and this book tells you how.

Who it's best for: Anyone stuck chasing goals without ever being satisfied

Why it's a motivational gift: It helps you rethink what achieving your goals in life truly means

Buyers are saying: " If you take the advice to heart, you will have a distinct advantage in the workplace." – Ian M.

24. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

Pulling yourself up by your bootstraps in an untraditional way, says Kiyosaki, who details his own personal experience to inspire others.

Who it's best for: The idealist

Why it's a motivational gift: It shows that anyone can triumph if they just put their mind to it

Buyers are saying: " A great read for anyone starting out in life or who wants to break out of the system of "get an education, earn a living." – Graham M.

SEE IT: $6.82 at Amazon.com

25. The Mental Toughness Handbook by Damon Zahariades

In sports, "mental toughness" is the ability to endure stress with grace – and Zahariades teaches you how to apply it in real life too.

Who it's best for: The one who gives up easily

Why it's a motivational gift: In a soft way, this book tells readers how to buck up without being too hard on them

Buyers are saying: " The writing is comprehensive and continually builds a can-do feeling throughout his work." – F.B.

26. The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz

If you can dream it, you can be it, says Schwartz, even if the idea seems too lofty or unachievable! 

Who it's best for: The practical one

Why it's an motivational gift: We all have that one friend who's too scared to have big dreams – this book will teach you how to have huge aspirations without feeling huge letdowns

Buyers are saying: " It teaches you how to allow your mind to create the greatest reality." – Abraham N.

SEE IT: $15.99 at Amazon.com

27. The 5AM Club by Robin Sharma

Early risers, rise up – it's time to own your mornings, says Sharma! And even if you aren't typically a morning person, Sharma has some habits to instill in even the biggest night owls.

Who it's best for: The 4-alarm snoozer

Why it's a motivational gift: It de-mystifies waking up early

Buyers are saying: " This was a self-help book wrapped in a great story. So much applicable wisdom and insight. This book was truly life-changing." – Kristi

SEE IT: $11.99 at Amazon.com

28. The One Thing by Gary Keller

Until your one thing is completed, says Keller, everything else is just an interference – check out this book to find out how to find your focus and finish your tasks.

Who it's best for: The busybody

Why it's a motivational gift: In a world with dozens of disruptions every second, this gives you tools to remember how to concentrate

Buyers are saying: " Asking yourself that question of the one thing you need to work on to either make everything else easier or unnecessary is incredible." – T.W.

SEE IT: $2.99 at Amazon.com

29. David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell

Iconic modern philosopher and writer Malcolm Gladwell examines the power and strength of the little guy by looking at how we view pitfalls in our own lives.

Who it's best for: The persistent underdog

Why it's a motivational gift: It shows you that even the most unexpected heroes can rise

Buyers are saying: " Here Gladwell comes again with new revelations to knock you off your feet." – Ally

30. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This fictional story about a shepherd boy looking for buried treasure is actually a deep and profound metaphor about following your dreams. 

Who it's best for: The fairytale fan

Why it's a motivational gift: It's an immersive and sweet tale you can find peace in

Buyers are saying: "I can't explain how, but this book found and gave me what I needed." – Cody S.

SEE IT: $13.49 at Amazon.com

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Forced to feel ashamed for her weight and appearance, Kate Winslet struggled with her body image for years. The media loved to tease her for being “the fat girl,” but there was ONE PERSON who saw the real her. What did Leo see in Kate? And what important message does Kate have for young women everywhere?

Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio's True Friendship

Kate Winslet has not always been sure of herself. "I was always comparing myself to others. You see I've been bullied at school, they call me blubber, they teased me for wanting to act."

While it's nearly impossible to think of the gorgeous and talented Winslet as anything other than a force to be reckoned with, years of being teased and the media's love for taking shots at her weight did their damage.

"I was sort of made to feel ashamed of myself, my appearance."

But when co-star and friend, Leonardo DiCaprio stepped in, he had only a few words of encouragement that helped to shape a new outlook for the Titanic actress. An outlook that she was able to share with other women, including her young daughter , Mia.

"You know, happiness it isn't a search for, you know ,facial physical perfection. You know, it comes from inside."

Poor Boy Couldn’t Afford to Bury His Mom - So He Takes Matters Into His Own Hands

Poor Boy Begs For Money to "Bury My Mama" With Heartbreaking Sign

A week ago, 11-year-old Kayden Ely experienced the devastating loss of his mother, Shannon Mount. Her unexpected passing didn't just leave Kayden and his four siblings without their mom, it also left the family in dire financial straits.

Desperate to raise funds for his mom's funeral, Kayden took to the streets of his small town in Georgia begging for help. For two days the heartbroken little boy stood next to the railroad tracks, holding a sign that read, "Please help me bury my mama!"

Grieving Boy's Desperate Plea for Help

Kayden Ely says goodbye to his mom, Shannon Mount; Kayden Ely and his older brother raise funds for their mom's funeral.

Facebook.com/Jennifer Fife

Shannon Mount, 45, went into cardiac arrest on July 8. Her boyfriend, Billy Upton, tried to save her, performing CPR on her until paramedics arrived and were able to revive her. After spending several days on life support, she passed away.

Without life insurance and unable to afford the astronomical bill of her 8 days in emergency care (never mind burial expenses) Kayden didn't have the luxury of taking time to grieve his mom.

Instead, he made it his mission to give her a proper goodbye.

Armed with his homemade sign, Kayden spent hours standing on the side of the road, praying passing motorists would notice and want to help.

Not only did community members step up and come to his aid with donations, hugs, and prayers, but they also shared the young boy's plight on social media and contacted local news stations to spread the word. They even joined him on the ground, helping him set up a hotdog stand to make more money.

But the small town giving didn't stop there. An anonymous donor contacted the family, offering to pay for the cost of a burial plot, and several local businesses put out jars to collect spare change. The funeral home, Good Shepherd, also gave the family a significant discount.

GoFundMe Campaign Raises More Than 10x the Original Goal

www.gofundme.com

Inspired by Kayden's strength and determination to provide a resting place for his mom, Jennifer Grissom, his cousin and guardian, also launched a GoFundMe .

"Shannon did not have life insurance, she has an 11-year-old that is left without the only thing he ever knew," Jennifer wrote on the page.

"He has been standing on [the] side of the road for 2 days with a sign to help bury his mama."

She initially set a goal of $7,100, just enough to cover the costs of the funeral which can run upwards of $12,000 in some states.

But then the donations started pouring in. And that $7,100 quickly became $70,000. More than 1700 people have come forward to donate, all of them motivated by one singular thought: "No child should ever have to worry about paying for a funeral."

Jennifer says she plans on using the extra funds to "make sure Kayden gets to do things children his age get to do; sports, camps, etc." She's also using it to buy him clothes, school supplies, and necessities, and start a college fund.

In an update on the page, she wrote, "Today we took him to Walmart so he could get a bed set and he got a few things he needed."

Adding, "When we were leaving his aunt asked him, 'Why are you so happy' and he replied...'Me and mama didn’t have much money we were poor, and I didn’t get to go buy stuff like this' and all this baby got was a bed set, toothbrush, pillows and pillow cases. He is so thankful. Thank y'all for making him smile."

But most importantly, a grieving little boy is getting his wish. Shannon, who is described as a "straight shooter...who loved her kids fiercely" in her obituary, will be properly laid to rest at the end of the month.

Paying it Forward

Kayden Ely gives away free hot dogs and drinks.

To thank his community for their incredible support, Kayden decided to pay it forward.

He set up another hotdog stand, only this time instead of charging for the dogs and drinks, he gave them away for free; a fitting gesture of gratitude for an 11-year-old boy.

He also appeared in a brief Facebook video with Jennifer, thanking everyone for their donations and helping to get the word out to the community. But even more meaningful than the monetary support was the outpouring of emotional support.

"We want to thank everybody that stopped," Jennifer said. "You know, there were some people who just wanted to give him a hug or some people that wanted to pray with him and tell him they're sorry for his loss."

"Some people stopped and just wanted to help us cook hot dogs. A man stopped and he helped us hold a sign. That means so much to us, it really does."

Grief can be incredibly isolating and when you lose the most important person in your life, it's even more so.

Kayden is only 11 years old, he shouldn't have to know the devastating pain of loss. But having a supportive community will go a long way in making him feel a little less alone.

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40-Year-Old Mother of 3 Goes From Inmate to Princeton Intern

Life can take us down unexpected and scary roads. Sometimes, we don’t know how to get off those roads and begin the climb to a better future. As this mom proved, however, anything is possible with a second chance and a little determination .

A Former Inmate

Woman goes from inmate to Princeton intern.

Mary McCrary is a 40-year-old mother of three who spent three years in prison. According to Good Morning America , she served time at the Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center in Nashville for a parole violation following a conviction for aggravated burglary.

McCrary dropped out of high school in Grade 10 and has since successfully pursued her GED, but it wasn’t until prison that she began thinking about further education . She hit a breaking point behind bars and decided it was time to turn her life around.

“When you get to a point where you're tired and don’t even want to live and you're hopeless and you feel useless and worthless, you have a decision to make,” she told the publication.

“I made the decision to use this time to do something different, to change my life, because I didn’t want to keep doing the same things and getting in trouble and ... doing whatever I had to to survive because it gets you in the exact same place.”

So, McCrary enrolled in a coding class as part of the center’s Persevere program, an initiative aimed at helping inmates earn certifications as front-end or full-stack web developers.

“The class alone made you feel like you’re a human being, that I was working towards something, that there is a goal in sight, I am going to accomplish something, and I did,” she added. “That does give you confidence and hope.”

A Life-Changing Opportunity

For the next six months, McCrary earned her certificate in front-end coding. She decided to develop her skills even more by enrolling at Nashville State Community College, which offers a program for inmates.

This past May, McCrary was granted parole, completed her supervision, and earned extra credits toward an associate’s degree. But not even she could anticipate what would happen next: an internship at Princeton.

The nine-week program is meant for formerly incarcerated undergrad students to gain experience and new opportunities, and so far, McCrary is excelling.

“Her dedication to building her future is evident in how she does not shy away from challenges and the unknown,” Bridgett vonHoldt, an associate professor at Princeton and the head of the internship program said. “She is a role model, demonstrating for anyone who thinks such change is impossible that nothing is impossible.”

As for McCrary, she knows this is an incredible opportunity and hopes the internship is the next step toward earning her AA degree back in Nashville.

“This has been life-changing in more ways than one. This is an unbelievable, sometimes overwhelming experience,” she said. “If you look at my past, it's a crazy shamble mess, but look now, look what can happen. Nothing is ever impossible.”

Second Chances

McCrary hopes to be a role model for those who are having a hard time accepting the idea of a brighter future and so far, she certainly is. She’s a great example of how things can get better and you can change your future when you’re willing to take advantage of the opportunities you have — even if they don’t seem like opportunities at the time.

This story is also a needed reminder that everyone deserves a second chance in life and that sometimes, by allowing someone who has messed up the chance to try again, they may surprise you.

No one is perfect, and everyone stumbles. It’s not how hard we fall that truly matters in life; it's how we pick ourselves back up. But it’s also up to us whether we want to be the person who lends someone on the ground a helping hand or if we want to be the guy who just keeps on walking.

Copyright © 2024 Goalcast

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Insideout Mastery

Create a Life You Love

16 Best Motivational Books to Read for Success

June 7, 2022 by Mick

Motivation, we all struggle with it from time to time.

And that’s okay. 

Motivation is like energy that comes and goes. You can’t expect it to be there all the time. However, what you do when you feel unmotivated matters.

And that’s when the best motivational books are helpful. 

Top motivational books provide insights that propel you forward or, at least, serve as a source of inspiration. And I’ve only included books that have proven their value to many people.

Also, I’ve selected a variety of topics. So there is going to be a great motivational book for you, whether you want to:

• Overcome anxiety, self-doubt, or limiting beliefs.
• Develop new habits and achieve more.
• Build unshakeable self-confidence.
• Find a reason to live and fight for.
• Seek inspiration for success and prosperity.

So, let’s dive in!

P.S. If you prefer audiobooks, you must know about Audible. Learn if Audible is worth it for you .

#1: Awaken the Giant Within

Awaken the Giant Within is the best motivational book to change your life. Or at least, that’s what it did for me. This book opened my eyes when I felt hopeless and frustrated.

And I’ve been excited about life ever since.

This book is very insightful and contains many strategies and tactics for self-discovery and mastery. It will teach you why you think, feel, and act the way you do. And how you can regain control over it.

And it’s written by the great Tony Robbins.

For those who don’t know Tony, he is one of the best motivational and self-help speakers of all time. 

The material in his book helped him become a successful entrepreneur, best-selling author, and life & business strategist, empowering more than 50 million people.

Some of the things you will learn:

• How to regain control over yourself and your future.
• How to change your limiting beliefs forever.
• The forces that shape your life – and how to use them.
• How to use words and questions for reconditioning yourself.
• And a 7-day challenge to unleash your true potential.

I loved this book because every few pages contained eye-opening insights and practical tips and strategies.

This is one of the best books on personal change that everyone should read at least once. And if you feel stuck and frustrated like me, it may just change your life forever.

Get your copy here

#2: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

Do you feel like you care too much about stupid things? Like the opinions of others? Or do you worry about living your life the way you think you should, rather than how you want?

If so, this is the most encouraging book for you.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck is a book that gives you the truth without the bullsh*t. Rather than positively spinning the information, Mark simply tells you how it is.

The counter-intuitive writing of Mark Manson makes it a very thought-provoking and refreshing self-help book to read.

Some of the things Mark writes about:

• Why happiness is a problem.
• Why you aren’t special – and why that’s a good thing.
• What’s really holding you back, and how to overcome it.
• Why suffering is good and how you can appreciate its value.
• Why everyone is wrong about everything – and how to deal with it.

You will love this book if you’re struggling with self-doubt and self-esteem. But, it’s also a fantastic option if you seek a refreshing perspective that’s different from most other books.

#3: Man’s Search for Meaning

Lacking motivation often comes from a lack of clarity. Figure out why you do what you do, and you will become unstoppable.

And that’s exactly what this book is all about.

Victor Frankl was a Jewish psychiatrist. During World War II, he got captured by the Nazis and split from his wife and kids (whom he would never see again). Frankl then had to work under the most dehumanizing conditions in the concentration camps.

What’s so fascinating about his story?

Though his life looked bleak and utterly hopeless, he not only survived but thrived in the death camp. And he arguably experienced more freedom than his captors.

How is that possible?

That’s what you will learn in his book. I loved reading it and recommend it to everyone for various reasons:

• A fascinating story about how finding your purpose will give you unbreakable and ever-lasting motivation.
• Understand the true meaning of life.
• Learn how you can always choose your freedom.
• And how you can let go of judgement and suffering. 

Read this book if you’re in pain, suffering, or lack a bigger purpose in your life. But again, it’s one of those books I recommend everyone to read at least once.

#4: Make Your Bed

Do you struggle with procrastination, and do even the tiniest tasks feel like a burden on your life?

How can you change that?

Well, you might want to read this book. It’s one of the best motivational books to regain your momentum.

Admiral William McRaven is an ex-Navy SEAL with tremendous life experience. And in his book, he turns his wisdom into valuable and practical advice for everyday life.

Here’s what I like about this book:

• Practical advice for self-discipline and motivation.
• Inspiring examples from an ex-Navy SEAL.
• A thought-provoking yet very uplifting read.
• Simple lessons to implement in your life.

This is the best motivational book if you want to develop more discipline, taught by an ex-Navy SEAL. 

#5: Tiny Habits

Do you have moments when you feel motivated, set goals, and take action? But then struggle to stay consistent?

New Years’ resolutions are a great example.

Gyms see a steep increase in memberships at the beginning of each year – just to see 80% of these unsubscribe within months.

That will no longer happen after you read Tiny Habits.

BJ Fogg is a behavioral scientist who has studied such phenomenona for decades. And in his book, he explains the simple yet profound formula: B = MAP.

“Here’s the simplest way to explain it: Behavior (B) happens when Motivation (M), Ability (A), and a Prompt (P) come together at the same moment.”

• Practical tactics based on decades of research.
• A simple yet effective method to create lasting change.
• Top motivational book to change your behavior.

Look no further if you’re seeking a motivational book to develop new habits that last. The methods are simple, practical, and super effective for personal transformation.

#6: The Obstacle is the Way

Are your fears crushing your motivation and holding you back from achieving your goals? 

Then you will love this book for motivation.

While the ideas are not unique, the way Ryan Holiday combines them is. Many of his insights come from Stoicism, a philosophy that teaches the development of self-discipline. 

That’s also why this book contains the perfect combination of philosophical wisdom with practical tips and strategies.  

Some things I liked:

• It dives into the crucial areas of perception (or mindset), self-motivation (or action), and willpower (or discipline).
• Many practical ideas wrapped in age-old wisdom.
• Based on Stoicism: a philosophy that promotes logical and unbiased thinking to improve self-control.

A top motivational book if you want to conquer your fears and crush your goals. And it’s especially great for people who enjoy using logic and reason.

#7: The Alchemist

Do you want a motivational book that reads like a novel instead of a traditional non-fiction book?

The Alchemist is the best motivational novel.

But it’s much more than that. 

The book tells the simple tale of Santiago, a shepherd boy who pursues his dreams of finding treasure in the Egyptian pyramids.

And on his journey, you will learn many life lessons about purpose, self-discovery, overcoming obstacles, motivation, etc. 

Here’s what I enjoyed:

• Learn many life lessons through a simple tale.
• Helps you focus on the areas that matter most in life.
• Inspires you to follow your heart and dreams.
• Teaches how to overcome everyday challenges.

Many people love reading this book because it’s a simple story that contains many (hidden) life lessons.  

#8: Mastery

Do you seek success but feel frustrated because you’re not seeing progress fast enough?

Then Mastery is the best book on motivation for you. It’s also one of my favorite books of all time.

Because it explains the essential ingredients for success through the stories of the most successful people ever lived. Think about Wolfgang Mozart, Albert Einstein, Henry Ford, and Paul Graham.

This book will shift your focus from “quick results” to achieving mastery and long-term and lasting success.

And that’s highly needed in society today.

What I enjoyed about this book:

• Understand the foundational pillars for success.
• Illustrative examples from highly successful people.
• Learn how to find your life’s task.
• Learn how to persevere through challenges, seek the right guidance, and stay consistent in your craft.
• Many different strategies and tactics to unlock your true potential and achieve mastery.

This book is for everyone who truly wants to live up to their full potential – not just get quick results. So if you desire greatness in a specific area, you should read this book.

#9: Total Recall

Are you a fan of biographies ?

I could have listed many books, but the best one I found was this one about Arnold Schwarzenegger. 

He is self-made and did defeat the odds many times. Some of his achievements include:

• First, he became one of the legends in bodybuilding.
• Second, he achieved massive success in Holywood, despite his funny German accent, for which he was ridiculed. 
• Third, he became the governor of California. 
• And during his journey, he achieved many successes in business.
• Finally, he is an author, an investor, a producer, a director, a philanthropist, and more.

If you find a more motivational story than this, let me know.

What fascinates me most is that you will learn about the human side of Arnold. While legendary, he also acknowledges his mistakes, making him very relatable.

So if you enjoy biographies and seek one that will motivate you, I highly recommend you pick up Total Recall.

#10: You Are a Badass

The title of the book says all you need to know. But the subtitle explains why you want to read this book:

“How to stop doubting your greatness and start living an awesome life.”

Jen Sincero is a success coach who focuses on female entrepreneurs. She teaches how you can embrace your inner badass and overcome self-doubts, anxiety, and many other challenges.

While I haven’t read this book myself yet, here are some of the common mentions in the reviews:

• Simple but truthful lessons about motivation and success.
• Especially great for those who struggle with depression, anxiety, self-doubts, limiting beliefs, and self-love.
• A very motivational and inspirational read, especially for female entrepreneurs.

If you are a woman looking for the best book on motivation, you may relate to this book. It has an overwhelming amount of positive reviews from female readers.

#11: The One Thing

Do you lose motivation because you’re getting distracted or lose focus easily?

Then you should read The One Thing.

The core thesis is simple: focus on one thing. But the challenge lies in the implementation. 

How to determine your priorities? What should you focus on? And how can you practically maintain that focus in the real world?

Well, that’s what Gary Keller explains in his book. He dives into purpose, prioritization, productivity, and success.

Here’s what I enjoyed most:

• Simple yet powerful concepts.
• Practical tips to improve your focus and motivation.
• And how to set up your priorities in life.

I will keep this one simple: this is the best book on motivation if you struggle with focus or juggle many things.

#12: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

Do you experience negative self-talk or limiting beliefs that hold you back from being your best self? Or perhaps you procrastinate and fail to understand why?

Then Mindset is the book you need.

Carol Dweck is a psychologist who focuses on motivation and personality development. And she is most known for her work about a fixed and a growth mindset.

A fixed mindset causes people to believe that intelligence is fixed, which affects your motivation. But with a growth mindset, you know that can change if you were to put effort into it.

Everyone experiences both mindsets.

You may experience a growth mindset in your career but then have a predominantly fixed mindset in your relationships.

And your mindset determines your success in each of those areas in life.

What I liked about this book:

• It provides valuable insights to combat self-limiting beliefs, self-doubts, and negative self-talk.
• Explains the link between mindset and motivation.
• Provides tools to help you develop a growth mindset.
• Based on research with many examples.

If your mindset is the main reason holding you back from achieving your greatness, you will love this book.

#13: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

Do you wonder if you should pursue your passion? 

Then you will love this book.

Angela Duckworth is a psychologist with interest in self-control and grit. Grit refers to the psychology between the passion for a specific goal and one’s perseverance in pursuing that goal.

Simply said, how does passion affect perseverance?

What I enjoyed:

• Scientific insights into passion and perseverance.
• Understanding the link between doing what you love and achieving success.
• Many examples illustrate these points.

This book is most useful for parents and teachers who seek to get the most out of children. But also a good read if you want to learn more about the link between passion and motivation.

#14: Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable

Are you an athlete or a high-achiever in need of some tough love?

Then you will love Relentless.

The author Tim Grover is the legendary trainer of the greatest athletes in history, like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.  

And in his book, he gives you direct and unfiltered advice on becoming unstoppable. It’s a great read if you’re not easily offended and ready to step up your game.

The things I enjoyed most:

• Direct and honest advice for self-improvement.
• Wisdom and tips from a legendary coach on success.
• Learn how to adopt the mindset of high-achievers.
• And learn how to unleash your inner beast.

If you’re an athlete or high-achiever and seek inspiration through some tough love, this is the best book on motivation.

#15: Think and Grow Rich

This book has a catchy title that might stir up strong feelings. But it’s more about self-improvement than getting rich.

Think and Grow Rich is also one of the classics. 

In the book, Napoleon Hill observes the most successful people of his time, mainly Andrew Carnegie. And from his observations, he drew 14 principles about success.

Here’s what I like most:

• A timeless book despite being written in 1937.
• Reveals basic yet profound traits for success, mainly about mindset, personal beliefs, and planning.
• Practical insights for personal success.
• Positive and inspiring.

If you want to achieve more success, you should read this classic book for motivation.

#16: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

This book is a classic in the list of personal development. And if you haven’t read it yet, you should.

The principles are timeless, simple, and yet powerful. 

That’s why it continues to be one of the best-sellers. It’s also one of the books that I’ve enjoyed reading several times and will continue to do so.

While this book is more transformational, it’s still a great option to increase motivation. And adopting these habits will improve the quality of your life.

Some of the things I liked:

• A timeless book with transformational ideas.
• Simple yet inspiring ideas to increase your effectiveness.
• Very clear and relatable examples.
• Actionable strategies and tips.

While everyone should read this book, it benefits you most if you look to improve personal and social effectiveness.  

Closing thoughts

This selection of the best motivational books will inspire you to keep going, even through challenging times.

And they are worth reading more than once.

Each book contains a ton of value and will inspire you. That’s also why I read many of the books once a year.

However, not always from cover to cover.

The first time I read a book, I take notes and highlight insightful sections. Then, when I re-read the book, I’ll skim through it and pay extra attention to the notes I made. 

If you do that, too, that will inspire you again. And it also increases the amount of information you retain.

So what are you waiting for?

Get your top motivational books today, become inspired, and achieve some personal breakthroughs. Additionally, check out these books on overcoming fear . And check out the free 30-day trial with Audible to listen to the best audiobooks.

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23 Best Motivational Books That Really Work

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You are stuck and in a rut. You know you need to make some changes in yourself, but taking an initial step feels impossible and overwhelming. If a step feels like it's too much, try a reach and pluck one of these motivational books off of a shelf, reading your way to a better you. With these self-help bibles by your side, you won't need a fairy Godmother to rescue you from anything. These are some of the best motivational books around, and they are all that you need to start your journey.

Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life?And Maybe the World by William H. McRaven

Who better to help you get your act together than a retired Navy SEAL. McRaven does something unique with his motivational read as he steps away from the cheerleading approach and dives headfirst into the "take responsibility for your life" approach. Life is hard, challenges are always waiting in the wings. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, big time. McRaven helps those feeling despondent to move on from whatever is holding them back and get it together.

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The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo

If you need the motivation to change up your physical space, in hopes that cleaning up your environment will clean up your mind and your life (and it very well might,) then this book has everything you will ever need to declutter your universe. Human beings hold on to the unneeded and unnecessary, and this goes for objects as well as attitudes and feelings. Kondo is a master at motivating people to let go and reset their thinking and their environment. She is basically an organizational wizard.

Girl Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis

Hollis writes a smattering of books designed to help people, women in particular, deal with and move through the trials that they are facing. In each chapter, In Girl Stop Apologizing , Rachel looks at a lie that she once believed to be the truth, gives examples of how believing the lie was thwarting and how she managed to overcome the false belief. Her words strike at the heart of anyone who is far too busy pleasing the universe (and mightily failing) and shakes them awake with this idea that you can want it all, have it all, and there is no shame in that game.

Years of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes

Mega-mogul, Shonda Rhimes, shares her secret to success, and it has to do with one single word. She explains that if people want to achieve high levels of success, they have to say yes to more. Holding back out of fear or because of connectivity to comfort zones is never going to catapult you into anything amazing. Rhimes uses her personal journey to help people understand how one word can truly change a person's life.

Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Khaneman

The Nobel-prize-winning writer behind this mind-opening book talks about how people process and make decisions. He challenges those seeking change to consider their own decisions in life, how they arrived at those decisions and how things can turn out when thought systems are changed.

The Joy Diet: 10 Daily Practices for a Happier Life by Martha Beck

Finally! A diet you'll actually want to get behind. The Joy Diet is so great because it helps people at the exact space they are in. Not everyone is able to make massive strides to greatness off the bat. This book says hey, this is where you currently are. Understand it, accept it, and work with it. To move in any direction, a person has to fully embrace where they have been and where they are. It's genius and obvious all at once. The book is broken down into ten steps that become mantras for living a happier, more fulfilling life.

The Power Of Self-Discipline by Brian Tracy

So many people make excuses for why they are failing or why they can't achieve something. Much of the time, the same people lack the self-discipline needed to get things done like a boss. Tracy breaks down the vicious lack-of motivation-make an excuse-fail-feel miserable cycle with his book . He utilized activities, anecdotes, and exercises to help people achieve better self-disciple so that they can do what they need to do even when they really don't want to.

Declutter Your Mind: How to Stop Worrying, Relieve Anxiety, and Eliminate Negative Thinking by S.J. Scott

Mental clutter is a common problem for many busy, overworked, stretched-thin people in today's world. We know we need to rid ourselves of the clutter, but getting there is tricky. In his book , Scott unravels the concept of mental clutter, getting to the "why" and helping people make space in their minds for peace, happiness and clarity.

You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero

To be a badass, you have to adopt that mentality and really own it. Sincero encourages those living in the dreaded rut to carefully and purposefully redesign their lives so that their true vision can be realized. In order to make a change, people have to recognize what negative behaviors and mentalities are currently in place. There are things that can be altered, and other things that simply can't. Focus on what is in your control. Her delivery is offbeat, humorous, and makes readers feel like they are receiving advice from a girlfriend, not a superior mind. This book , one of her many, entertains readers while giving them the hard facts that they need to hear so that they can create some positive change in their universe.

Everything Is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo

How many times do you sit there and think to yourself: I can not figure this problem out! You push it away, refuse to deal with it, convince yourself that it is above you, and find yourself surrounded by issues that feel insurmountable. A massive part of being successful in life is tackling puzzles, figuring out the hard, and coming up with feasible solutions. Hard does not mean impossible. The most successful people in the world have the ability to see issues from varying angles. Forleo gives readers the tools to be problem solvers so that obstacles are only that and never deal breakers.

100 Days to Brave by Annie Downs

Self-help and motivational reads can get weighty. There is often a lot of information to wrap heads around and lots of work to get done. Annie Downs takes a different approach with 100 Days to Brave . This motivational work reads lighter. It builds on personal narratives by the author that help people recognize, work through, and conquer common fears that are known for holding people back.

The Five-Second Rule by Mel Robbins

Five seconds? Everyone has at least five seconds to turn their life around! This motivational read helps those feeling the daily blahs recognize the "power of the push" and realize that the support they need to take things to the next level was probably there all along. Opening your eyes and seeing what is right in front of you is so much harder than it seems!

Hustle by Neil Patel

So many people end up feeling caught in the daily grind of working in jobs where they don't feel challenged, accomplished, or important. Hustle takes a look at how people get to this place and what they can do to break free from it. The author challenges those needing more out of their professional life to make small changes, apply changes to meaningful hobbies and activities, and achieve a destiny that they never even thought possible. It's an inspiring approach, but throughout the book, everything feels and sounds pretty darn manageable.

The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

The Power of Positive Thinking isn't for everyone, but for those who cling to spirituality and faith, it moves and motivates. Readers who are missing purpose and direction in their lives take the messages in this self-help book and apply them to their every day. When they finish reading, they are left with a sense of belief in one's self, the power to control their destiny, and improved relationships.

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

Sheryl Sandberg is one of the most high-powered, influential women in the world, and she didn't get there by accident. Sandberg uses her own life experiences, insights, and advice to help women understand their power and their ability to rule the world. The book tackles the hard questions, looks at gender inequality, and challenges females to look in the mirror and know that they are just as capable and deserving as their male counterparts. This book leaves readers thinking those three important words: Get. It. Girl.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

This book is blunt, honest and speaks loudly to the newer generations needing a motivational battle cry. Manson's approach is not the typical focus on the positive, and the negative can not touch your approach. Instead, he takes a realistic path, saying the negative will indeed come your way at one point or another, but the trick is knowing how to navigate the bad. The key to success is to develop thick skin, stop wallowing and get over it.

High-Hanging Fruit: Build Something Great by Going Where No One Else Will by Mark Rampolla

Feeling uninspired, like you have reached your ceiling in life and are just going through the motions? High-Hanging Fruit: Build Something Great by Going Where No One Else Will by Mark Rampolla, challenges people in similar spots to aim for greatness. There is always something more to set your focus on, you just have to have the mindset and tools to recognize it, go for it, and get it.

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Listen. Regardless of your political views, you can not deny that former First Lady, Michelle Obama, is anything but inspiring, empowering, and motivating. This book is perfect for those who struggle to digest traditional self-help books. Her tales of growing up on Chicago's Southside and the recounting of the trials, tribulations, and successes that led her to where she is now are enough to make just about anyone get up and seize the day. Becoming has 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon. It's that good.

Choose Yourself by James Altucher

It is such a simple concept to think about, but so hard to achieve. By nature, humans are forever putting others' needs in front of their own. Altucher encourages his readers to simply put themselves first for once. By investing in your personal development and growth, you become powerful, knowledgeable, and able to set forth in the world, reaching higher than you previously imagined. You are your own greatest asset, so treat yourself as so. This book is especially helpful for those who want to make it big in the entrepreneurial realm, but don't know where to begin.

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

If your mind is open to change, then The Four Agreements can help lead you to enlightenment. The lessons included in the read lead those with open minds to identify the self-limiting thoughts and behaviors that are holding them back from happiness and encourages them to take the steps towards leaving negativity behind and embracing joy and experiencing freedom and happiness. With 4.8 stars on Amazon, it has done the trick for more than a few people in need of life change.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo

The vast majority of motivational books are laid out to present problems and then solutions that help people overcome hurdles in life. The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo is written like a story, but it is widely revered as a self-help book because, by the end of it, readers are inspired to create personal change. The story takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, uplifting, inspiring, and making readers tap into their psyche at deep levels. It manages to give everyone something a little different.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Steven R. Covey

In the world of motivational and self-help books, this read is considered a classic. While it isn't new or groundbreaking, it is just as relevant in theme and message today as it was when it first came out. The book identifies the seven habits of effective people and helps those striving for effectiveness to form those habits.

Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical, and Financial Destiny by Anthony Robbins

This self-help book is a bit of an oldie but is still a goodie. With an Amazon rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, it is clearly still relevant, even thirty years after its first publication. Robbins lays out a plan to take control of your life that feels almost like physical work rather than mental and emotional work. He is like that spotter at the gym screaming in your face to press, only here is screaming at your psyche. Robbins' book has readers identify their purpose, take control of their destiny, and move towards action.

The Most Important Thing

The single most important thing that anyone can do to change their life and motivate them to reach higher, is to recognize a need to even do so. That whole saying, "knowing is half the battle," is totally true. If you know that you need more, or need different, then you have already taken an important step!

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25 Best Motivational Books for This Year

Author: Melissa Boudin, PsyD

Melissa Boudin PsyD

Dr. Melissa, clinical psychologist with 15+ years, specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief, focused on improving mental health access and resources.

Dena Westphalen PharmD

Dr. Dena Westphalen is a pharmacist with expertise in clinical research and drug information. She has interests in neurology, oncology, and global health.

We are all looking for some form of motivation in our daily lives, whether that be for personal development, productivity, anxiety management, creativity, or a number of other things. However, it can be cumbersome to find an authentically motivating book in a genre that seems so saturated with formulaic guides and cookie cutter exercises.

While it’s certainly positive that readers have a wide assortment of motivational books to choose between, it can become difficult to determine where the quality self-help truly resides. For that reason, we assembled a list of the 21 best motivational books to get you excited and prepared for your journey to self-improvement and help you get motivated .

For our audience’s convenience, we include links to Amazon so recommended books can be easily purchased. Choosing Therapy may earn a commission from Amazon when purchases are made using the links on this page. Read more about our high editorial standards and advertising policy.

Best Motivational Books for Personal Development

Whether you need to stop doubting yourself or you’re just looking for something inspiring, these books will help you develop a full inner life and build confidence and motivation.

1. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

Psychologist Angela Duckworth, the founder and CEO of Character Lab, writes that the secret to success is something she calls “grit.” Throughout the book she describes her relationship with a parent who didn’t appreciate her brand of intelligence.

Now, as a successful professor and researcher, Duckworth wants readers to understand that true intelligence is not driven by talent or genius, but by a combination of passion and perseverance. She takes them around the world, exploring adversity in its many forms, and how people in all walks of life recover from their worst days.

2. You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life

This is a great self-help book for the people who may be uncomfortable with the idea of self-help. It serves as a highly accessible, entertaining, and inspirational guide to personal transformation that makes you forget you’re on the path to personal development. Author and success coach Jen Sincero combines her unique humor with sage wisdom (and a few swear words) to help readers create a life they’re excited to live.

3. How to Win Friends & Influence People

In this classic bestseller, readers will learn six methods of making people like them, twelve ways to win people over, and nine tips to encourage healthy change in others. While it may sound vain or trivial to some, the urge to be well-liked, it gets down to a basic need that exists in all of us, addressing it with the utmost professionalism.

Essentially, author Dale Carnegie breaks down all the ways to make life go your way. It suggests that almost anything is possible if you can change the way you think, take the reins on a tough situation, and forge a pathway forward.

4. The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work

In The Happiness Advantage, author Shawn Achor draws on years of research and time spent teaching at Harvard University to crack the code on happiness. He claims that as opposed to traditional thinking, which believes success is key, happiness is borne out of hard work and positivity. In other words, happiness leads to success, not the other way around.

Following the philosophies of positive psychology , Anchor breaks down seven actionable steps that increase our potential of achieving and maintaining happiness.

5. The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living

Whether you consider yourself a practicing stoic or not, ancient stoic philosophers have a lot to offer in the human effort to make better choices, act courageously, overcome negative thoughts, and act according to truth.

The Daily Stoic gives insight for every day of the year, featuring translations from the great philosophers like Marcus Aerelius and Epictetus alongside wisdom, helpful metaphors, and references from authors Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman. It teaches serenity, self-knowledge, and mental resilience, and it includes a glossary of Greek terms to guide readers along.

6. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

There’s a reason people keep coming back to this book: Thirty years later, it’s still a staple in the self-help world for both business and personal use. You’ve probably heard or read most of these habits already, but this updated edition includes modern additions from successful executive and entrepreneur Sean Covey. These additions recognize the changing face of the world we live in today and contextualize the classic lessons for a modern world.

7.  The Power of Understanding Yourself: The Key to Self-Discovery, Personal Development, and Being the Best You

The Power of Understanding Yourself can be read on its own or as a companion piece to author Dave Mitchell’s other book, The Power of Understanding People . It provides a full blueprint for readers to examine their approach to life, professional success, and self-awareness . Mitchell describes the key to finding purpose, maximizing potential, and aligning core beliefs, values, and perspectives. Dig deep with The Power of Understanding and use helpful exercises and tools to reveal the best version of yourself.

Best Motivational Books for Overcoming Fear and Anxiety

If you are struggling with fear or anxiety, these books may help you get out of that rut and move into freedom.

8. The Confidence Gap: A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt

According to this book by Russ Harris, self-confidence is an underutilized skill that, when mastered, equips us to handle any challenge life throws our way. Harris believes that while we cannot get rid of our fear, we can form a healthier relationship with it. Like quicksand, if you stop fighting, you have a real chance at escape.

Using techniques from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) , a form of cognitive behavioral therapy , The Confidence Gap covers common misconceptions about self-love, mindfulness techniques to handle negative thoughts, and a guide to using your values as inspiration.

9. 100 Days to Brave: Devotions for Unlocking Your Most Courageous Self

We all grew up reading stories about superheroes and white knights, and we learned quickly that bravery always saved the day. But as we got older, fear crept in, until one day, asking for a promotion seemed like too big of a task. 100 Days to Brave is a devotional that helps readers work their way up to confidence and courage and be the hero you need.

Author Annie F. Downs draws on her own faith and spirituality to encourage you to establish daily habits that banish fear and loneliness.

10. Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parents, and Lead 

From renowned author, speaker, and researcher, Brené Brown, Daring Greatly rejects the myth that vulnerability is a weakness, and instead, argues that it is our best measurement of courage. She says, “When we shut ourselves off from vulnerability, we distance ourselves from the experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives.”

Although it can be uncomfortable, the courage of putting ourselves out there is a powerful tool in the effort to be seen, understood, and fulfilled. Brown wants her readers to take risks and dare greatly.

11. A Year of Positive Thinking: Daily Inspiration, Wisdom, and Courage

If you’re tired of people telling you “thinking positive” will solve all your problems, you’re right: Positive thinking alone will not magically make your life better.

This book, however, is still a good start. Relying on proven psychology and real examples of positivity, this book makes “positive thinking” a little more realistic.

12. Good Vibes, Good Life: How Self-Love Is the Key to Unlocking Your Greatness

For those looking for a healthy splash of good vibes in their life, social influencer and lifestyle entrepreneur Vex King says the secret is self-love. Lean heavily into mindfulness, meditation, and other techniques to establish self-care routines and prioritize your wellbeing.

13. The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery

Self-sabotage can be one of the most powerful inhibitors for anyone trying to live their best life. So why do we do it? And why is it so hard to break free from?

Unprocessed trauma, damaging habits, and lack of emotional intelligence are all symptoms of a larger problem. This book provides you with the groundwork to create a more resilient, emotionally aware state of mind that lets you break free from your past.

14.  Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles of Worry and Fear to Heal Your Mind

Unwinding Anxiety is a motivational book for overcoming anxiety. It provides a step-by-step plan to break unhealthy cycles of worry and fear and defuse panic with curiosity and mindfulness . Author Judson Brewer distills more than two decades of research and hands-on work with anxiety patients, including Olympic athletes and coaches, and leaders in business and politics. Anyone can use this solutions-oriented program to start feeling better in a world that capitalizes on burnout and overwhelm.

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Best Motivational Books for Productivity

From organizing your space to creating the best rhythms for focused work, these books will increase your productivity and wellbeing.

15. Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

Cal Newport’s Deep Work teaches methods on intense cognitive focus, a skill that allows people to do their absolute best in a highly competitive world. Most of us spend our days on the surface level, reading emails, scrolling through social media, and checking things off a basic list, but there is a better way.

Dividing the book into two parts, Newport argues that in any field or profession, deep work can improve your performance. Later, he provides a training plan in the context of four rules to transform your habits and cognitive abilities.

16. Atomic Habits

Sure, you could try to revamp your entire life at once, and you might succeed, but you’d be putting a lot of work ahead of you. A better way to do it? By building better habits one step at a time.

Atomic Habits is a crowd favorite. If you struggle to commit to the habits you want to see in your life, from working out regularly or dedicating more time to reading, it’s more about breaking bad habits than creating new ones. Often, these bad habits are the result of bad systems, and Atomic Habits provides a better framework for the stronger systems you need to create lasting impactful habits.

17. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing 

Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo is perhaps most well-known for her Netflix series, Tidying up with Marie Kondo, but this book — the life-changing magic of tidying up — is what started it all. She promises that both productivity and happiness stem from how we manage our environment, namely our homes and living spaces.

In this room-by-room guide, Kondo teaches the KonMari Method of organization, leading to results in the form of productivity, a calm and motivated mindset, and above all else, joy.

18. The Miracle Morning: The 6 Habits that will Transform Your Life Before 8 a.m.

Author Hal Elrod believes that all good things start in the AM, and as such, he’s created a practice that combines early-morning routines based on six personal development activities. Miracle Morning helps its readers reach milestones toward success, make decisive progress, and obtain balance and high levels of health.

Readers call it “perfect for busy people” and “paradigm-shifting,” focusing on building good habits before breakfast like reading, silence, visualization, and exercise.

19. Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World

It’s just a little thing – can it really impact so much? Based on the viral commencement speech given at the University of Texas at Austin in 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven shares the simple, yet groundbreaking advice he learned in his years as a naval officer. Told with compassion, optimism, and a healthy dose of humility, this book illustrates the power of the little things, even in the face of impossible difficulty.

20. The High Achiever’s Guide: Transform Your Success Mindset and Begin the Quest to Fulfillment

Author Maki Moussavi guides readers in discovering what they really want out of life and going after it with confidence. The High Achiever’s Guide is perfect for anyone who feels unfulfilled, unproductive, stuck, or restless. It will get you out of your rut and on the road to rewriting your mental programming with intention. One reader calls The High Achiever’s Guide a “refreshingly direct approach,” going on to say that Moussavi presents a methodology for identifying the potential sources for your current disconnect and making changes to break old cycles.

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Motivational Books for Creativity

We all have the urge to create. If you’re feeling the itch but don’t know how to move forward, these books might get you thinking in new ways and exploring your creative side.

21. Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

Steal like an Artist lays out ten principles that will help readers get in touch with their creative side, highlighting the importance of embracing influence. Author Austin Kleon wants all artistic types to unlock their creativity in ways that may seem counterintuitive or unrelated at first like steal (like an artist), adopt a side project, be nice, and be boring, to name a few.

Readers and reviewers call it a “quick, easily digestible read that is particularly relevant in today’s digital world.”

22. The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles

In this book, author Steven Pressfield touches love for yourself. Since the date of its original publication in 2002, The War of Art , dubbed a mix between Sun-Tzu’s The Art of War and Julie Cameron’s The Artist’s Way ,has been a guide to defeating your own resistance to change, ignoring negativity, channeling creative energy, and achieving success.

While its primary creative audience is writers, anyone can benefit from its contents, including business owners, military service members, filmmakers, dancers, and many more.

23. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

From the best-selling author of Eat Pray Love, Big Magic is a deep dive into one woman’s creative life, sharing wisdom, perspective, and details about her generative process. It functions as a celebration of the creative life, and a roadmap to facing down fear and apprehension.

With profound empathy, Gilbert highlights the importance of curiosity and what she calls the “strange jewels” that exist in all of us. Whatever kind of art you’re trying to make, Big Magic infuses the process with mindfulness and passion.

24. The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life

Famed choreographer, Twyla Tharp believes that creativity is the product of hard work and preparation, within the reach of any individual who wants to achieve it. As such, a willingness to be creative and a plan to do so is paramount.

Regardless of what your brand of creative expression is, Tharp can help you out a rut or ease your fear of beginning. She teaches mental games, exercises, meditations, and observations to restore peace and sustain creative magic.

25.  Make Your Art No Matter What: Moving Beyond Creative Hurdles

In this inspirational handbook, experienced artist coach Beth Pickens offers practical tips and advice for creating a meaningful creative practice that takes into account life’s inevitable distractions, obstacles, and tragedies. Make Your Art No Matter What is great for anyone at any stage of their artistic journey, providing numerous strategies perfect for visual artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers, dancers, etc. Pickens wants readers to know they are not alone in their art, no matter how isolating it may feel sometimes.

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Best Motivational Books

Motivation is the force that drives you towards success, both in your personal and professional life. But there may be times when you struggle to find the strength to keep going forward.

Anyone can feel a lack of motivation. Luckily, it’s not that difficult to get it back. You can just grab a good motivational book and learn some techniques to boost you in the right direction.

These books are a great long-term investment. You are bound to crack them open every time you feel discouraged or exhausted.

Best Motivational Books :

• The Motivation Manifesto: 9 Declarations to Claim Your Personal Power by Brendon Burch - Get this book
• Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be by Rachel Hollis - Get this book
• You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero - Get this book
• Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life and Maybe the World by Admiral William H. McRaven - Get this look
• Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins - Get this book
• Y ou Are Freaking Amazing: 4 Motivational Books in 1 by Aston Sanderson - Get this book
• Thank God It’s Monday: 52 Weekly Inspirational Messages to Blast Away Your Monday Blues by Wemi Opakunle - Get this book
• Fail Until You Don’t: Fight. Grind. Repeat. by Bobby Bones - Get this book
• How to Make Sh*t Happen: Make more money, get in better shape, create epic relationships and control your life! by Sean Whalen - Get this book
• Best Motivational Books:

What You Should Look for in a Motivational Book

Author background.

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A motivational book might lure you in with a captivating title, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The title, cover, and blurbs will give you a hint about whether the book matches your personal style and philosophy. But some extra research is useful when you want to overcome a roadblock.

If you want to buy the best real estate investing books , you’ll look for authors who have a good investment portfolio. A similar principle applies to motivational books.

It’s necessary for the author to have extensive experience as a motivational speaker, life coach, or communication expert. You can always go for a book written by a famous psychiatrist or psychologist.

YouTube is a good place to start looking up the author because it allows you to see him or her in action. Then you can move on to researching other factors, like education, prior work, and other publications.

Theory vs. actionable steps

Motivational books usually cover all the practical steps you need to take if you’re feeling stuck. But there are also books that prioritize theory without any tips on how to harness motivation. It’s generally best to select a book that balances the theory with the practice.

Personal vs. career development

The best finance books may teach you the strategies you need to make sound financial decisions. But that is only one aspect of your career. Motivational books are there to drive you towards success from the inside.

Of course, there are motivational books that exclusively deal with personal development rather than with staying motivated at your job. Since your personal and professional life are bound to intersect, look for a book that helps you achieve a good work/life balance.

Our Picks for the Best Motivational Books

Following the principles outlined in the previous sections, we’ve made a selection of inspiring motivational books.

These books will provide you with tried-and-tested motivational techniques, and they are perfectly suitable for career and personal development.

1. The Motivation Manifesto: 9 Declarations to Claim Your Personal Power by Brendon Burch

• Who’s it for? All levels
• Price: On sale

This book is designed to help you conquer fear and reach your dreams. It contains a step-by-step guide to overcoming all the problems that affect your motivation. Reading it will empower you to stay on top of your agenda and fight some of your inner demons.

The Motivation Manifesto was written by Brendon Burch. He is considered to be one of the best motivation trainers for people struggling to achieve more personal freedom.

Get this book

2. Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be by Rachel Hollis

Rachel Hollis is the founder of TheChickSite.com, and she’s a media company CEO who had to face down a lot of resistance to get where she is today. Hollis has amassed an immense online following due to her honest tips for a better life.

In this book, Hollis debunks 20 misconceptions that might affect your motivation. She approaches her topic with humor, and she analyzes the falsehoods which used to make her feel unworthy. Along the way, she gives you strategies to overcome the problems in your life and become more confident.

3. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero

You Are a Badass features 27 captivating chapters rich in motivational stories, advice, and techniques. It will help you pinpoint the beliefs that hold you back and affect your motivation.

If you need help finding what drives you forward, this is the book for you. Jen Sincero is a renowned success coach, and she writes with a sharp sense of humor.

4. Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life and Maybe the World by Admiral William H. McRaven

Admiral McRaven based this book on his famous address to the University of Texas graduating class. He recounts stories from his military and personal life to create a compelling motivational guidebook.

You’ll learn how to push through hardships with courage , determination, and compassion. This book offers straightforward advice that inspires you to do more even when there doesn’t seem to be a way out.

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5. Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins

Goggins used amazing mental resilience, hard work, and self-discipline to fight all the odds. Despite his terrible childhood and excess weight, Goggins managed to become a US military icon and world-class endurance athlete.

Can’t Hurt Me is a touching personal story that teaches you how to obliterate fear and keep going forward in spite of any hardships. Whatever your situation in life, this book can help you reach your full potential.

6. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey

For 25 years, the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has been the go-to motivational book for current and future leaders. The book takes you on a journey of self-transformation to become more successful.

Covey is a famous educator and keynote speaker, and he focuses on self-management , communication, and renewal.

7. Y ou Are Freaking Amazing: 4 Motivational Books in 1 by Aston Sanderson

As its name suggests, You Are Freaking Amazing is a motivational bundle. The book teaches you about personal understanding, love, and communication. You also learn to adopt the right mindset and take greater care of yourself.

A noteworthy thing about it is that the author dedicates an entire section/book to minimalist living. Sanderson’s advice on decluttering will restore order in your life, which might be enough to motivate you.

8. Thank God It’s Monday: 52 Weekly Inspirational Messages to Blast Away Your Monday Blues by Wemi Opakunle

This book gives you useful tips to find the motivation to push through Mondays. You’ll learn to overcome the fear of huge to-do lists and other challenges you might face on the toughest day of the week.

Thank God It’s Monday was penned by Wemi Opakunle, who is a motivational speaker and writer. She uses inspirational quotes and simple tips to help you find courage and motivation to pursue your dreams .

9. Fail Until You Don’t: Fight. Grind. Repeat. by Bobby Bones

Comedian, philanthropist, and morning program host Bobby Bones provides a humorous recount of his personal misses. This book gives you a fun guide to turning mishaps into life lessons and wins.

Bones advises the reader to use humility and hard work to achieve success . Fail Until You Don’t is rich in anecdotes and ideas to help you achieve more against all odds.

10. How to Make Sh*t Happen: Make more money, get in better shape, create epic relationships and control your life! by Sean Whalen

This book addresses aspects that may affect your motivation, including a lack of control, a poor work/life balance, and more. If you need to restore order in your life, this book can help you find the time and motivation to achieve great things.

Sean Whalen is a well-known entrepreneur and business coach. He has extensive experience in advising professionals to scale up their business without compromising other aspects of their life.

Finding the Best Motivational Books

A great motivational book doesn’t only teach you to solve the current problems in your personal and professional life. It also provides guidance to transform your life for the better in the long term.

Self-doubt and failure are some of the biggest roadblocks on the way to success. The books from our list can offer you the knowledge to transform failure into lessons and come out as a winner.

If you combine the wisdom from motivational books with the practical tips from our picks for the best business books , your achievements will surpass even the wildest dreams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do motivational books really help.

Motivational books can help someone navigate their life in many ways. They can teach you new skills that one can effectively incorporate into their life.

About Luke Jacobi

Luke Jacobi is a distinguished professional known for his role as President at Benzinga, a renowned financial media outlet. With a background in business operations and management, Luke brings valuable expertise to his position, overseeing various aspects of Benzinga’s operations. His contributions play a crucial role in the company’s success, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness across different departments. Prior to his role at Benzinga, Luke has held positions that have honed his skills in leadership and strategic decision-making. With a keen understanding of the financial industry and a commitment to driving innovation, Luke continues to make significant contributions to Benzinga’s mission of providing high-quality financial news and analysis.

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Home › Best Of The Best

What Are The 8 Best Motivation Books, According To Experts?

By Ben Kissam

Apr 25, 2024

(© Feng Yu - stock.adobe.com)

Do you need a boost? It’s normal for the daily grind to get a little stale. Sometimes, we get lost in our routine and drag through it like robots. Lack of motivation can also make it hard to achieve new goals you set for yourself. Whether you want to start hitting the gym or work on a project around the house, motivation is key for starting your engines. That’s why we’ve decided to find out what the best motivation books are.

Did you know scientists discovered that our level of motivation depends on how fatigue gets processed by the brain ? Having energy throughout the day and feeling a real zest for life can come down to how motivated we are. But sometimes, it can take the words of wise authors to push us to the next level. We’ve curated a list of the eight best self-help books for motivation, according to the consensus of 10 experts. Our list is based on the titles that appeared most frequently across top reviews. If you’ve got your own suggestions, by all means, leave them in the comments at the bottom of the post!

The List: Best Motivation Books, According to Experts

1. “the 7 habits of highly effective people” by stephen covey.

Many consider Covey’s classic book to be the quintessential self-help book. Not only will you be inspired by reading it, but you’ll also have a clearer sense of how to organize your mind and life to thrive while others lag behind. The best part? It’s interesting and fun to read.

Forget dry self-help tomes promising a one-size-fits-all path to success. Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” throws that notion out the window. This book, as Verywell Mind points out, is a goldmine of practical advice, using real-life stories to illustrate seven key principles you can incorporate into your daily routine .

No matter your goals, “The 7 Habits” offers a roadmap to personal and professional achievement , making it no wonder ChoosingTherapy hails it as a timeless classic in the self-help world, even three decades after its release. Packed with relatable anecdotes and actionable tips, this book might just be the secret weapon you’ve been searching for.

2. “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz

Keep your word. Don’t take things personally. Don’t make assumptions. Always do your best. Can you practice those four things all the time? Ruiz’s book on motivation, “ The Four Agreements ,” argues that those who can will live a better life.

Ever feel like you’re on autopilot, just going through the motions? This book might be the wake-up call you need. As EverdayPower points out, the book hinges on a simple idea: consistent effort towards these four principles can unlock true personal freedom.

But “The Four Agreements” goes beyond just motivation, according to Lifehack.org . It’s a call for introspection , a nudge to dig deep and see what potential you’ve been holding back. This self-exploration journey could lead to surprising discoveries about the strength and resilience you already possess. So ditch the self-pity parties and grab a copy – “The Four Agreements” might just be the key to unlocking your inner powerhouse.

3. “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero

Many of the books on motivation that made this list have been around for a while. In some cases, nearly a hundred years. Not Sincero’s book—it was written in 2013, but has become a staple of the self-help and motivation community. Some say it’s even a good bridge for those who haven’t been able to find motivation from reading books in the past.

Struggling to design your dream life? Ditch the dusty self-help manuals and pick up Jen Sincero’s “You Are a Badass” instead, says Lifehack.org . This isn’t your typical motivational fare. ChoosingTherapy describes it more as an “entertaining, inspirational guide” that cleverly disguises personal development as pure fun . Sincero’s secret weapon? A healthy dose of humor and real talk, all delivered with a dash of profanity (because, let’s face it, sometimes that’s exactly what we need).

4. “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill

Calling all aspiring moguls! If you think getting rich is about fancy suits and champagne wishes, think again. Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich,” a bestseller since 1937 according to PureWow , dives deep into the minds of legendary millionaires like Andrew Carnegie and Henry Ford .

Those are some big names, yes. But you may need to do a quick Google refresher to remember exactly what Carnegie and Ford accomplished in their lives. Does that make Napoleon Hill’s book any less motivating? Definitely not. 

Hill cracks the code on their success secrets, showing you exactly what it takes to build your own financial empire . But forget about some dry, theoretical treatise. WallStreetMojo warns that this book is anything but. It’s a motivational powerhouse that’s transformed millions of lives. So ditch the skepticism, grab a copy, and get ready to unlock your inner financial genius. “Think and Grow Rich” might just be the missing link to your own seven-figure fairy tale .

5 . “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie

One easy way to stay motivated is to surround yourself with like-minded folks who also want the best for you. Maybe that’s been a struggle in the past. Reading this book can change that.

Feeling stuck in a world of cold handshakes and awkward networking events? Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People” might be the game-changer you need. Before Carnegie’s groundbreaking book, according to Inc.com , the line between business and personal relationships was clear-cut (and pretty darn dull). But Carnegie flipped the script, showing how genuine connection is the secret weapon of successful professionals .

Instead of robotic glad-handing, Carnegie’s principles teach you to build real rapport , the kind that fosters trust and paves the way for mutually beneficial partnerships. So do away with forced conversations and put Carnegie’s wisdom to work. You might be surprised at how much more enjoyable – and productive – your professional life can be.

6. “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth

Generating motivation to work for a day or two isn’t what most of us are after. We want to find the motivation to live fulfilling, compelling lives every day, which takes a lot of hard work—or as Angela Duckworth argues in this seminal book, a lot of grit.

Imagine Angela Duckworth as your own personal success guru. In her book “Grit,” PureWow tells us she pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to win. Forget about overnight sensations and lucky breaks. Duckworth dives deep, unearthing fascinating historical anecdotes and the latest science on how to perform at your peak .

But “Grit” isn’t just about theory. She also chats with high-flyers like Jamie Dimon and Pete Carroll, gleaning their hard-won wisdom on the road to achievement.  You’ll have a whole new take on motivation and what it means to get (and stay) motivated by the end of this book.

7. “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck

When Carol Dweck released this book, the field of performance psychology changed virtually overnight. Schools, businesses, and sports teams began talking about what it takes to develop a “growth mindset” in their organizations. You, too, can use the science of mindset to get more motivated.

Stuck in a rut? Feeling like you’re going nowhere fast? Buckle up, because this book is about to blow your mind. According to Teambuilding .com, it all boils down to believing in your ability to grow . That’s the core message of the growth mindset, and it’s the key to staying motivated and reaching your full potential. No more “I can’t” attitude, embrace the “I can learn” mentality.

8. “Awaken the Giant Within” by Tony Robbins

Tony Robbins is a big personality in the self-help world. If you’ve ever listened to one of his tapes or seen clips of his seminars, you know he’s got a message (and voice) that’ll kick your butt into gear. “ Awaken the Giant Within” is one of the masterpiece books he wrote in the 1990s. It’s sold millions of copies around the world and to this day helps people find motivation to live a better life.

With this read, you can expect tips and strategies to harness your emotions, body, relationships, finances, and life ( EverydayPower ). It is an all-encompassing look into what needs to be changed in order to achieve your goals.

• Verywell Mind
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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and received no compensation for making these recommendations.

About Ben Kissam

Ben Kissam is a writer, standup comedian, media strategist, and author. He’s written two books and has been published in The Boston Globe.

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StudyFinds publishes digestible, agenda-free, transparent research summaries that are intended to inform the reader as well as stir civil, educated debate. We do not agree nor disagree with any of the studies we post, rather, we encourage our readers to debate the veracity of the findings themselves. All articles published on StudyFinds are vetted by our editors prior to publication and include links back to the source or corresponding journal article, if possible.

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14 Best Motivational Books of All Time

Our goal : Find the best Motivational books according to the internet (not just one random person's opinion).

• Type "best motivational books" into our search engine and study the top 5+ pages.
• Add only the books mentioned 2+ times.
• Rank the results neatly for you here! 😊 (It was a lot of work. But hey! That's why we're here, right?)

(Updated 2024)

As an Amazon Associate, we earn money from purchases made through links in this page.

Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

• Best Motivational Books

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Powerful lessons in personal change.

Stephen R. Covey

Think and Grow Rich

Napoleon Hill

How To Win Friends and Influence People

Dale Carnegie

Awaken the Giant Within

How to take immediate control of your mental, emotional, physical and financial.

Tony Robbins

The Power of Positive Thinking

Norman Vincent Peale

You Are a Badass

How to stop doubting your greatness and start living an awesome life.

Jen Sincero

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff . . . and It's All Small Stuff

Simple ways to keep the little things from taking over your life.

Richard Carlson

The Four Agreements

A practical guide to personal freedom.

Don Miguel Ruiz

Atomic Habits

An easy & proven way to build good habits & break bad ones.

James Clear

The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

Daniel Pink

The Greatest Salesman in the World

As A Man Thinketh

James Allen

Make Your Bed

Little things that can change your life...and maybe the world.

Admiral William H. McRaven

The 5 Second Rule

Transform your life, work, and confidence with everyday courage.

Mel Robbins

• The 7 Best Motivational Books, According to Experts www.verywellmind.com
• Geoffrey jamestop 10 motivational books of all time.html www.inc.com
• 11 Of The Best Motivational Books Worth Reading (2022) becomeawritertoday.com
• 20 All-Time Best Motivational Books to Inspire You - Lifehack www.lifehack.org
• Motivational Books on Personal Development | Everyday Power everydaypower.com

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The Fascinating Story of Math in a Book You Can Actually Understand

“The Secret Lives of Numbers,” by Kate Kitagawa and Timothy Revell, highlights overlooked contributions to the field by ancient thinkers, non-Westerners and women.

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By Alec Wilkinson

Alec Wilkinson is the author of “A Divine Language: Learning Algebra, Geometry, and Calculus at the Edge of Old Age.”

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THE SECRET LIVES OF NUMBERS: A Hidden History of Math’s Unsung Trailblazers, by Kate Kitagawa and Timothy Revell

Mathematics has been described as the longest continuous human thought. This thought is typically said to have been held most effectively by Western mathematicians and mainly by men. The narrative supporting this notion regards mathematics as having its origins in ancient Greece, and the mathematics done in other early cultures as peripheral — barbarian science or “ethnomathematics,” even though non-Western thinkers often practiced math that was more advanced than what Europeans knew.

In “The Secret Lives of Numbers,” Kate Kitagawa, a mathematics historian, and Timothy Revell, a science writer, intend by reasoned and scholarly means to overthrow the “assumption that the European way of doing things is superior.”

Their book begins with prehistoric counting methods (one of the earliest was based on the number 60, unlike our own base-10 system) and goes on to the fourth-century Alexandrian woman Pandrosion, a geometer who solved the difficult problem of doubling the volume of a cube (ancient mathematicians lacked the algebra that makes this straightforward), and Hypatia, who wrote mathematical commentaries, including on Apollonius’ “Conics,” an investigation of circles, ellipses and other shapes. Kitagawa and Revell speculate that Johannes Kepler, who described the orbits of the planets in the 17th century, may have been influenced by her contributions.

Overlooked or forgotten accomplishments by women mathematicians are a recurring theme. There is a chapter on Sophie Kowalevski, a 19th-century Russian who became the first woman math professor, in Sweden. Employing methods that no one before her had thought of using, Kowalevski solved a recalcitrant problem involving the mathematics of a spinning top. The French Academy of Sciences heard of her work and, hoping to have her submit it, framed its annual prize in 1888 around the spinning top problem. Kowalevski missed the deadline, and so the academy extended it by three months. When the judges gave her the prize, they increased the award money by nearly half, a rare example of a woman mathematician being favored by and above male colleagues.

Kitagawa and Revell devote a chapter to the House of Wisdom, a kind of exalted library and school in eighth-century Baghdad where Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, often referred to as the father of algebra, did some of his work, and they highlight the women, called “human computers,” at Harvard in the late 19th century who refined the application of light wavelengths to classify stars. Toward the end of the book, the authors discuss the glorious, god-soaked and essentially self-taught early-20th-century Indian mathematician Srinavasa Ramanujan, whose suppositions were so profound and wide-ranging that their implications are still being considered.

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Book review: A reluctant memoirist reflects on a tragic family story — and considers forgiveness

“I Love You More: A Reluctant Memoir”

By Joan Burleson; Atmosphere Press, 2023; 379 pages $25 paperback, $9.99 Kindle.

The subtitle “A Reluctant Memoir” is key to the telling of this tragic story. Joan Burleson is the daughter of Betty Jean (later Jean or Jeannie) and Boyd Burleson, an Anchorage couple in a toxic relationship that led to a horrific attack in 1973. The author, a teenager at the time, later received the police file from the retired detective who’d kept it. Her book traces family origins along with events of the time and ramifications on those who were affected.

Older Alaskans will remember the news at the time. A man broke into a home, tied up the two people inside, and poured jugs of sulfuric acid over their heads and shoulders, severely burning and nearly blinding them. They underwent long hospitalizations and numerous operations involving skin grafting and reconstructions, and they suffered for the rest of their lives from pain and disfigurement. The case was rather easily solved from purchase, airplane, and car rental records, although it took some time to conclude with prison sentences. Boyd Burleson, unhappy that his abused wife had divorced him, had hired a hitman to maim her and the man she was seeing.

Beginning with a visit to her father many years later, in which he begged her for forgiveness, Joan Burleson sets up the central question of what kind of man Boyd was and whether she could, in fact, forgive him.

After that brief first chapter, the author steps back to tell her family’s history in the hills of western North Carolina, where both sides had lived as far back as anyone could remember. Her parents married as teenagers and had three children. Each of these early chapters begins with a transcript of an interview with her mother. (This format continues throughout, with at least short statements from various family members and others.) Boyd was irresponsible and manipulative from the start, as well as an abuser of alcohol, and the household was loud with fighting. There were, however, other family members around, a refuge for the children.

When he learned of the 1964 earthquake in Anchorage, Boyd saw an opportunity to start over. The city needed workers, and he easily found employment. He soon prevailed in luring the two older children to join him, then used them to convince his wife and younger daughter, then nine years old, to make the trip. Neither Jean nor Joan took naturally to Alaska. The cold and snow, without proper clothing, were unpleasant, and their “hillbilly” accents were mocked. Boyd’s promises to be “a new man,” a kinder, gentler version of himself, weren’t realized. The author writes, “If there was ever a child who hated her life, it was me in Anchorage, Alaska in 1965.” Jean, who had always worked hard and had given up a good job in North Carolina, found a new job at a car dealership and supported the family.

The author’s descriptions of Anchorage, physically and socially, in the mid-1960s and early 1970s are vividly drawn. In 1966, the family bought the last house at the edge of the collapsed bluff, and the area (later transformed into Earthquake Park) became Joan’s playground. “I wandered among jagged concrete foundations, kicked at the battered refrigerators and sodden shoes that littered the ground. I didn’t grasp the magnitude of the wreckage back then; it was just my escape from the house.” Gradually, Joan found her way into northern life. She rode her bike at night, “breathing the outdoors right into myself.” She took dance lessons, joined a cross-country ski club, and acted in community theatre productions. As a teen, avoiding home, she hung out at the Gaslight Bar, drinking cokes and playing the jukebox (and never being carded.)

Boyd Burleson added drugs to his alcohol addiction and brought other women into their homes. Jean, a devout Christian, would not consider divorce — until she finally did. Joan was 17 and headed to college in North Carolina in 1973. Her father assaulted her mother and talked of killing her. He killed his son’s dog. Her uncle came and took Boyd away, to Texas.

Much later, the author discovered “possible sociopathic tendencies” in a psychiatric report regarding her father. An average person might well have made that same diagnosis, based on Boyd’s obsessive and dangerous behavior, which included delusions that his ex-wife would return to him and his repeated threats to kill her. Joan, at college, took psychology classes and was chilled to learn of an experiment with drowning rats — one meant to suggest the power of hope but that meant something very different to her. Her father, that same fall, prevailed upon her to meet with the “shrink” arranged by her grandfather, who presented her with Boyd’s one-sided story. “I was chilled, realizing the miscarriage of the inquiry, the immense failure of limited evidence. The power of controlling the narrative and the gross injustice of false facts.”

The second half of the book, beginning with Boyd’s plans to seriously injure his wife and the man she was seeing (and would later marry), is both harrowing as a true-crime account and introspective as a personal story that examines both the then and now. The author details the aftermath, her mother’s deep Christian faith and the pact she made with her God, and the effects on her and her siblings. She grapples with her own religious and spiritual beliefs and the meaning of forgiveness.

Joan Burleson, as reluctant as she must have been to revisit the trauma of her family’s past, has risen beyond the hurt and anger to share what it is for a child to live in fear and instability — and how generational family patterns can either continue or be broken. It’s no surprise to learn that she eventually earned a law degree and practiced law for many years. Today, living in Denver, she creates architectural glass art.

[ Book review: Landscapes of family and place flourish in this Alaska memoir ]

[ Book review: Intimate and creative, Jennifer Brice’s long-evolving essays present her sharp mind at work ]

[ Book review: A sibling memoir investigates a long-held family secret ]

Nancy Lord is a Homer-based writer and former Alaska writer laureate. Her books include "Fishcamp," "Beluga Days," and "Early Warming." Her latest book is "pH: A Novel."

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The Only Normal Trump

The most astonishing thing in fred trump iii’s memoir is how bitter and vindictive donald’s nephew isn’t..

To judge by the coverage of Fred Trump III’s new memoir, All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way , the most damning detail Fred remembers about his uncle is that back in the 1970s, Donald used the N-word when ranting about his vandalized Cadillac Eldorado. Despite denials from the Donald Trump camp, does anyone seriously doubt this occurred? The continued obsession with documenting Donald’s use of a slur that someone of his age, origin, background, and temperament is basically guaranteed to have deployed seems like a colossal waste of time and energy. Besides, there are far more telling anecdotes in All in the Family .

One example is a story in which the young Fred was watching TV with his two uncles, Donald and Rob, at his grandfather’s house. “Hey Fred,” Donald said to his nephew, “hit Rob.” For some reason, Fred complied by punching his uncle in the arm, whereupon Rob turned and slapped his nephew across the face. “Donald thought the whole thing was hilarious,” Fred writes.

It’s not clear how old Fred was at the time, but likely he was still a kid. Donald is 17 years his senior. “Honestly,” Fred writes, demonstrating what seems to be a constitutional tendency to downplay his family’s dysfunction, “it was like a Three Stooges episode.” All it lacked were “the clanging bells, the boing-boing and the nose twists.”

The crude bullying and let’s-you-and-him-fight cowardice of this interaction is classic Donald Trump, even more so than the “mashed potatoes story,” a famous incident within the clan. In that anecdote, an adolescent Donald refused to stop teasing the younger Rob at the dinner table. So Fred III’s father (Fred Jr., the eldest son of the family’s patriarch, who was also named Fred) dumped a bowl of mashed potatoes on Donald’s head. As Mary Trump, Fred III’s sister, told it in her own bestselling memoir, 2020’s Too Much and Never Enough , to this day Donald still fumes every time the mashed potato story gets trotted out, furious at having once been made the butt of the joke. He hates nothing more. Fred III firmly believes that Donald made his final decision to run for president at the 2011 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, when Barack Obama mocked him for spreading conspiracy theories. One look at his uncle’s face, and Fred III knew that Donald was “already calculating how to get back at him.”

All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way

By Fred Trump III. Gallery Books.

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Mary is a clinical psychologist, and her book, unsurprisingly, is more penetrating on the subject of Trumpian pathology. But she also seems to have inherited some of the family’s stubborn and vengeful qualities. Fred III is sweeter and more forgiving. Much of the information in All in the Family reiterates what Mary revealed in Too Much and Never Enough , but this time it’s told from the perspective of a normal person—something all too rare in Trump Land.

As Fred tells it, his father, Fred Jr., was a well-liked “free spirit” who just wanted to fly airplanes—a dream crushed by his father, who sent Donald to tell him that a pilot is nothing more than a “glorified bus driver.” Fred Jr.’s unhappiness (which Mary—and to a lesser degree Fred III—attributes to this thwarted hope) drove him to alcoholism and an early grave. Fred III seems to have been the only person who made an effort to visit Fred Jr. during his years of diminishment, when he was relegated to a cotlike bed in the attic of Fred Sr.’s mansion. Fred III also delivered an impromptu elegy at his father’s low-budget funeral because he was the only person motivated to speak.

Surely the most shameful incident detailed in All in the Family (as well as in Too Much and Never Enough ) is the scheme by Donald, Rob, and their older sister Maryanne to disinherit Fred Jr.’s children after Fred Sr.’s death in 1999. Led by Donald, who was in financial straits due to numerous unwise business deals, the three pressured their disoriented father, who had been diagnosed with dementia, into revising his will. When Fred III and Mary refused to take this lying down, their uncles and aunt threatened to cut them both off from the family health insurance plan. At that time, Fred III and his wife were struggling to save their infant son, William, from a rare seizure disorder that left him intellectually and developmentally disabled, and they desperately needed the insurance to pay for William’s care.

None of this is news, but it’s appalling every time you revisit it, and in All in the Family it’s made even more appalling by how completely and happily devoted Fred III is to his son. (The first people Fred III lists in the book’s acknowledgments are all the caregivers who have ever helped them, by name.) The truly shocking revelations in Fred’s book aren’t the racial slurs Donald blurted out 50 years ago, but the more contemporary instances when Donald suggested that severely disabled people aren’t worth caring for, and that because William “didn’t recognize” his father (untrue), Fred III should “just let him die and move down to Florida.”

How Fred III managed to make peace with his uncle is a mystery. (Lawsuits regarding Fred Sr.’s will were settled out of court, but Fred III notes that he and Mary got significantly less than their fair share.) The man doesn’t appear to have a spiteful bone in his body. This may be the most astonishing thing about All in the Family : that Fred III turned out so well. As Donald sees it, he is the success in the family, and Fred Jr. was an abject failure. But unlike his brother, Fred Jr., for all his flaws, was capable of love. He raised a son whose adult life is shaped not by ambition or greed but by love. If Fred Jr. were alive today, he would have every reason—and much more reason than his brother Donald—to be proud.

The Fabric of Civilization: How Textiles Made the World

Server costs fundraiser 2024.

In "The Fabric of Civilization," Virginia Postrel explores how the history of textiles is akin to the story of civilization as we know it. As evidenced throughout her book, Postrel treats each chapter as a standalone story of its production and journey, all the while masterfully weaving it together to show the story of human ingenuity. While academic in nature due to its incredibly well-researched methodology, the general reader will enjoy the book's unique style and approach to world history.

In The Fabric of Civilization : How Textiles Made the World , Virginia Postrel expertly demonstrates how the history of textiles is the story of human progress. Although textiles have shaped society in many ways, their central role in the development of technology and impact on socio-economics have been exceedingly overlooked. Attempting to remedy this issue, Postrel organizes her book into two distinct sections: one focusing on the different stages of textile production (fiber, thread, cloth, and dye) and the other on the consumers, traders, and future innovators of said textiles. To strengthen her argument, Postrel pulls from different primary sources across many regions and cultures, such as the works of people like entomologist Agostino Bassi and the accounts of disgruntled Assyrian merchants. However, Postrel goes beyond relying solely on books and peer-reviewed articles; she personally interviewed textile historians, scientists, businesspeople, and artisans who offered their own insight regarding the importance of textiles in the world. To help the reader envision the intricacies of textile manufacturing, the book is riddled with images that range from ancient spindle whorls and Andean textile patterns to nineteenth-century pamphlets raging over improved cotton seeds. It is quite a laborious task to explain the history of textiles, but Postrel’s way of organizing her chapters and style of writing does an excellent job of conveying her argument.

In Chapter One, Postrel illustrates the many uses of fibers and how their multipurpose functionality served its role in world economies. From the domestication of cotton in the Americas to sericulture in ancient China , such fibers left an indelible mark on trade and technology. Chapter Two looks at the use of thread's connection with social and gender roles as Postrel argues that dismissing fabric as feminine domesticity ignores its integral role in the social innovations that products like clothing and sails provided. Chapter Three connects mathematics with weaving through handwoven textiles by Andean artisans and in the notations written down in Marx Ziegler’s manual, The Weaver’s Art and Tie-Up Book (1677) . Chapter Four explains how dyes not only contributed to the distinction between social classes, such as the use of Tyrian purple by Roman emperors but also the ingenuity of humans to ascribe meaning and beauty to a variety of colors. Furthermore, the increasing and competitive trading of dyes in the 16th and 17th centuries would eventually contribute to the discovery of synthetic dyes.

Textile traders and consumers also helped to foster cultural exchanges. Postrel then highlights how traders often also served as innovators. The implementation of the Fibonacci sequence in European trading not only helped traders with bookkeeping but also gave a new perspective to the practicality of learning math by helping traders understand profits and calculate prices. Readers explore in Chapter Six how the Mongol Empire expanded across many different lands for their desire for valuable woven textiles. Under the Pax Mongolica, the textile trade flourished as the Mongols protected the Silk Road , resulting in cross-cultural and technological exchange between Europe and Asia. Lastly, in Chapter Seven, Postrel introduces synthetic polymers like nylon and polyester, where the efforts made by scientists like Wallace Carothers, Rex Whinfield, and James Dickson have revolutionized the use of textiles. Companies like Under Armour use polyester to create water-repellent clothing. Despite synthetic polymers currently being used innovatively, many still seek to look into the future of textiles. As Postrel explains, imagine your pockets can charge your phone or your hat could give you directions. The future of textiles is incredibly exciting.

As an avid writer of socio-economics, Postrel expertly showcases her knowledge of the subject. Postrel’s previous books, such as The Future and its Enemies (1998) and The Power of Glamour: Longing and the Art of Visual Persuasion (2013), cover the interconnectedness between culture , technology, and the economy . Postrel has also worked as a columnist for several news sites, is the contributing editor for the magazine Works in Progress , and was a visiting fellow at the Smith Institute for Political Economy and Philosophy at Chapman University. This book is a wonderful intellectual contribution that feels like a documentary series, perfectly threading the reader through cultures and regions like a needle through fabric.

Buy This Book

About the reviewer.

Related Content

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Cite this work.

Carrodeguas, R. (2024, July 31). The Fabric of Civilization: How Textiles Made the World . World History Encyclopedia . Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/review/463/the-fabric-of-civilization-how-textiles-made-the-w/

Chicago Style

Carrodeguas, Roberto. " The Fabric of Civilization: How Textiles Made the World ." World History Encyclopedia . Last modified July 31, 2024. https://www.worldhistory.org/review/463/the-fabric-of-civilization-how-textiles-made-the-w/.

Carrodeguas, Roberto. " The Fabric of Civilization: How Textiles Made the World ." World History Encyclopedia . World History Encyclopedia, 31 Jul 2024. Web. 03 Aug 2024.

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Movie Review: ‘Harold and the Purple Crayon’ brings beloved book to life in a familiar story

This image released by Sony Pictures shows Zachary Levi in a scene from “Harold and the Purple Crayon.” (Sony Pictures via AP)

This image released by Sony Pictures shows Zachary Levi, background left, Benjamin Bottani, left, Lil Rel Howery, background right, and Zooey Deschanel in a scene from “Harold and the Purple Crayon.” (Sony Pictures via AP)

This image released by Sony Pictures shows Zachary Levi, right, and Lil Rel Howery in a scene from “Harold and the Purple Crayon.” (Sony Pictures via AP)

This image released by Sony Pictures shows a scene from “Harold and the Purple Crayon.” (Sony Pictures via AP)

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“Harold and the Purple Crayon,” the famed 1955 children’s picture book, is getting the three-dimensional treatment nearly 70 years after its release.

The picture book , written and illustrated by Crockett Johnson, follows Harold, a child who can create whatever he can imagine, so long as he draws it with his magic purple crayon. The film adaptation opens with a short animated sequence that gives life to the book’s famous illustrations. But how far can a children’s picture book stretch across an hour and a half-long movie? Not very.

After the film gets through the book’s story in about a minute, the narrator says that the book’s ending was not the close of Harold’s story. Cut to an animated adult Harold, all grown up but still in a onesie, with his purple sketched friends, Moose and Porcupine, as they venture around their two-dimensional existence and wonder what goes on in “the real world.”

After some brief exposition and short narration by Alfred Molina, Harold (Zachary Levi) draws a door labeled “Real World” and walks through it. He’s then miraculously spit out in Providence, Rhode Island, as a “real” person. Moose and Porcupine, played by Lil Rel Howery and Tanya Reynolds, respectively, follow through the magical door shortly after. Together, they embark on a mission to find the book’s narrator and author — the “old man,” as they call him — to ask him why he created them and their story.

What we get from there is something that feels like a hybrid of characters played by Amy Adams in “Enchanted” and Will Ferrell in “Elf”: an adult person who left their animated or fantasy world and is incredibly unfamiliar with reality. It’s an entertaining idea to see someone so naive navigating everyday life, but it feels rather derivative.

Much like her character in “Elf,” Zooey Deschanel plays Terry, a “real world” woman who is unenthused by our other-worldly protagonist’s antics for the better part of the movie. As the mother of the young and creative Mel (Benjamin Bottani), Terry hits Harold and Moose with her car, and eventually lets them stay at her house after some convincing from her son.

Predictably, shenanigans ensue as Harold lacks understanding of how to behave as the adult everyone sees him as (and wreaks havoc with his magic crayon). Levi is terribly earnest as Harold, making his hijinks more endearing.

Director Carlos Saldanha, an animation veteran who helmed the “Ice Age” franchise and the “Rio” movies, keeps the story moving with light humor and fun visuals sprinkled throughout. The imaginative animation over the live-action shots is the movie’s highlight, as Harold can still create anything with his purple crayon in the real world. With more colors and dimensions to play with now, he draws everything from a plane they fly over Rhode Island to Mel’s imaginary pet, which is some sort of dragon-lizard hybrid.

The plot, again, feels familiar when we meet the villain, librarian Gary, who wants to wield the powers of the crayon to feed his self-serving interests. Gary (Jemaine Clement) uses the crayon to make the fantasy world of his failing book come to life so he can get “revenge” on the publishers who turned it down. As far as conflict goes, it falls a little flat, but it does result in a sweet lesson of empathy; Gary says he just wanted to be in a place where he can fit in and Harold, using the crayon for good, creates that world for him.

While much of the movie may feel well-worn, I’d wager many copies of “Harold and the Purple Crayon” have seen better days. It’s the kind of children’s book that’s stayed on shelves through multiple generations. Even if the book’s story has been told and the movie’s format has been done before, a movie that reminds us to be imaginative — and that delivers some imaginative visuals to boot — can’t really get old.

“Harold and the Purple Crayon,” a Columbia Pictures release, is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association for mild action and thematic elements. Running time: 92 minutes. Two stars out of four.

Screen Rant

A court of thorns and roses: everything we know about the acotar adaptation.

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A court of thorns and roses recent news, hulu's a court of thorns and roses show is confirmed, a court of thorns and roses cast, a court of thorns and roses story.

• A Court Of Thorns And Roses: Further News & Info

A Court of Thorns and Roses TV show news has been arriving since the announcement that the popular Sarah J. Maas fantasy romance series was coming to Hulu. The first book was a huge hit, and has since picked up even more steam on TikTok , with the BookTok community making ACOTAR and its sequels one of the biggest series in the genre. There are four more books in the ACOTAR series, with the original trilogy followed up by a novella, and then A Court Of Silver Flames , which shifts focus away from the original main characters.

A Court of Thorns and Roses follows a 19-year-old named Feyre who ends up in the land of Prythian, the Fae realm, after killing a wolf. Her romance is the heart of the story, however, and it is set against a backdrop of a magical land held in thrall by an evil villain. ACOTAR 's popularity led to Hulu picking up the series with hopes of making it a successful show, but the pre-production process has been awash in various problems ever since the streamer optioned the book.

10 Most Powerful A Court Of Thorns And Roses Characters, Ranked

Although the Fae in A Court of Thorns and Roses showcase different kinds of magical skill and knowledge, some characters emerge as the most powerful.

ACOTAR Loses Its Showrunner

After it was revealed in February 2024 that the series is no longer in active development, the latest news comes as another blow to the adaptation of A Court of Thorns and Roses . One of the defining characteristics of the upcoming fantasy series was the involvement of legendary TV maven Ronald D. Moore ( Outlander , Star Trek ), but it has now been revealed he has left the project. Originally tapped to be the showrunner, Moore is no longer attached to ACOTAR , though his reasons for departing haven't been revealed.

The Project Is No Longer In Active Development

Moore hasn't stated his reasoning, but it could be the setback that finally derails ACOTAR for good.

It was Sarah J. Maas herself who revealed the exciting A Court Of Thorns And Roses news that her book was coming to Hulu as a series. Not only did she announce the live-action ACOTAR show, but Maas revealed that she would work as one of the co-creators of the TV series, alongside Ronald D. Moore . Despite that exciting development, the project has progressed quite slowly.

In February 2024, it was announced that ACOTAR is no longer in active development . It isn't clear where the project stands, but those at Hulu insist that the project hasn't been fully canceled. Another setback hit the project in July 2024 when showrunner Ronald D. Moore stepped away from the project . Moore hasn't stated his reasoning, but it could be the setback that finally derails ACOTAR for good.

No Cast Members Have Been Announced

Since the ACOTAR series is still in development, there is no word on any cast signings. However, there is one person who would love to be in A Court Of Thorns And Roses cast, and that is Stargirl actor Brec Bassinger . She said in July 2023 that she was obsessed with the ACOTAR series and that she had already reached out about a role. "I emailed my team, and I was like, ‘Listen, I don’t care if I have one line. I have to be a part of this ," she explained (via TV Line ).

The Books Are A Roadmap

The A Court Of Thorns And Roses story has been described as a take on Beauty and the Beast, with Feyre imprisoned in a magical castle with a terrifying beast in order to save her family, but the series as a whole is much more than that. Craig Erwich, President of Hulu Originals & ABC Entertainment, talked about the series at the 2023 Television Critics Association press tour (via Town and Country Mag ).

"The books are a great roadmap for what I think will be a very successful series. I haven't read the material yet, although I'm very aware of a lot of the conversations going on with the show... Ron is truly one of the visionaries of that genre."

The first book follows Feyre as she learns about the magical land, and the terrifying forces that are destroying the Fae kingdoms, and the further novels see her and her found family embroiled in bigger wars and battles to keep their kingdom peaceful and safe. The books include many main characters, including Feyre's human family, and her Fae found family, and later books shift focus from Feyre onto these characters.

It's not yet clear how much of the series will be directly adapted - the ACOTAR series was originally conceived as a trilogy, and then expanded with further books, and is currently incomplete. Sarah J Maas has multiple books in the works, and it's also unclear how much of this world is intended to be adapted by Hulu. It's possible that the plans are currently to adapt the first three books in the ACOTAR series , as they could work as a standalone trilogy, but it's equally possible that the intention is to adapt the entire Maas universe. Only time will tell how much of Feyre's story makes it to the small screen.

A Court of Thorns and Roses

Based on the  A Court of Thorns and Roses  fantasy novel series, A Court of Thorns and Roses is a television adaptation that follows Feyre Archeron, a young woman dragged into the world of faeries after slaying one of their kind. The series will follow her journey through the lands of Prythian and her relationship with one of its lords, Tamlin.

A Court Of Thorns And Roses: Further News & Info

• A Court Of Thorns & Roses Show Gets A Clearer Development Update After Cancellation Report

• Upcoming Releases