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The 20 self-improvement books I want you to read
20
items Let's face it, the “self-improvement” section of the bookstore is its own wall nowadays. So many options. So many dazzling covers. I've read my fair share from this shelf. Many have been somewhere between good and incredible. Here are the books that ...
Sections
4
Habits & Mindset
Professional Growth
Psychological Well-Being
Finance & Decision-Making
Habits & Mindset
Focus on building effective habits, discipline, and a growth-oriented mindset.
One of the more important and most highly recommended books from the last decade. Clear is a powerhouse thinker and writer.
Atomic Habits - James Clear
First “business” book I read. Highly inspiring. It's no-nonsense application. Ended up applying it to my life.
The Slight Edge - Jeff Olson
Inspiring author on a topic I've struggled with. Pushing through the suck isn't something we want to do, and this is why winners do it anyway.
Grit - Angela Duckworth
Hands down the most crudely motivational person I've ever read (or listened to). If you don't know Goggins, you should. His story and methods are intriguing.
Never Finished - David Goggins
Planted a seed on the importance of open-mindedness. Understanding yourself a bit more is the first step toward sustained improvement.
Think Again - Adam Grant
Professional Growth
Hone your leadership skills, organizational effectiveness, and workplace success.
Hard to not feel a little motivated by some Navy SEALs. Jocko's mind is one worth emulating. Own it.
Extreme Ownership - Jocko Willink, Leif Babin
1
Surprisingly interesting and relatable. Bob is a legendary leader and innovator. Plus, Disney!
The Ride of a Lifetime - Robert Iger
1
I read it twice. Probably the most actionable book I've read. The quadrants, the superstar/rockstar dynamic, the anecdotes. A book that should be on every professional's shelf.
Radical Candor - Kim Scott
“I never stopped trying to be qualified for my job.” - Darwin Smith. I pulled that quote from this book and used to say it to myself daily when I was feeling the imposter syndrome.
Good to Great - Jim Collins
If you like his speeches, you'll like his writing even more. I demolished this book and found myself asking “why?” more than I used to.
Start with Why - Simon Sinek
Hard to go wrong with Brown. I read this book before I became a people manager. Honestly, it helped me adjust my mindset enough to be ready.
Dare to Lead - Brené Brown
Psychological Well-Being
Understand and improve things like stress, anxiety, introversion, and emotional resilience.
Holiday is a force and a personal favorite of mine. Get daily snippets of actionable, ancient wisdom.
The Daily Stoic - Ryan Holiday
A rare combination in an author. King helps you approach, dissect, and overcome hard problems, with humor.
The Art of Taking It Easy - Brian King
Hard to think of a more relevant topic for all of us. Understanding and managing anxiety is a required life skill nowadays. Sharpen yourself with this book.
Unwinding Anxiety - Judson Brewer
Picked it up because podcasts wouldn't stop plugging it. Finished it because it literally helped me better understand my own introversion.
Quiet - Susan Cain
Key learning: it's not all about you. Focus on doing what needs doing, without the attention-seeking behaviors. Your ceiling moves when you stop thinking about yourself.
Ego Is the Enemy - Ryan Holiday
Finance & Decision-Making
All about managing money, making better decisions, and achieving wealth and happiness.
Find no hacks or lightning in a bottle here. Instead, find impressively down-to-earth wisdom and guidance on how to think about money. Highly recommend Housel.
The Psychology of Money - Morgan Housel
Probably my most highlighted book ever on Kindle. The book is rich with brain-busting wisdom. Must read.
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant - Eric Jorgenson
Can't hurt to think more about thinking, right? If you're up for it, read this to see how much room you actually have for improvement.
Predictably Irrational - Dan Ariely
Great story to illustrate an important mindset. See the value in putting others first.
The Go-Giver - Bob Burg, John David Mann