12 Motivational Books That Will Change Your Life!
If I could put my progress over the last 6 years down to anything, it would have to be books! In particular, motivational self help books have been a game changer in my personal growth journey.
If you’re in need of a bit of a pick-me-up, motivational books are the perfect anecdote. These books share inspirational stories and actionable advice for self improvement, success and achieving your dream life.
In this article, we’ll explore 12 motivational books that could very well change your life. In this list, I’m including a mixture of my personal favourites, books that have been recommended to me by friends and books that have really good reviews.
What Are Motivational Books?
Before I get into the list, let’s quickly define what I mean by "motivational books." At their core, these are books designed to inspire you to take action—whether that’s pursuing your dreams, improving your habits, or simply seeing the world through a more positive lens.
Motivational books are often filled with strategies, anecdotes, and life lessons that push you to change your perspective and, ultimately, your life.
Not every motivational book follows the same formula. Some rely on scientific research, others on personal stories or philosophical musings. But the end goal is the same: to light a fire in you and help you take charge of your life.
12 Motivational Books That I Love
I’ve read TONs of books during my personal growth journey. Some have been great! Others not so good. Here is a list of 12 motivational books that I would recommend if you’re looking to kickstart your own self improvement journey.
1. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
If you haven’t read Think and Grow Rich, you’re missing out on one of the most influential motivational books of all time (and my all-time favourite self help book!).
Written in 1937, it’s still a bestseller for a reason. Hill spent 20 years studying the habits of successful people, and this book is the result.
It’s packed with actionable advice on everything from goal-setting to persistence, and it’ll give you a clear blueprint for achieving success in any area of life.
2. The Most Powerful Woman in the World is You by Lydia Fenet
Lydia Fenet’s book is a must-read for anyone looking to build confidence and take control of their career. Fenet, a top auctioneer at Christie’s, shares stories from her own life and career, offering lessons on leadership, negotiation, and standing tall in a male-dominated world.
If you’re in need of a confidence boost, this book will have you feeling like you can take on anything.
3. Manifest by Roxie Nafousi
Manifesting your dreams is all about visualizing what you want and taking the right steps to get there. Roxie Nafousi breaks down the process in her book Manifest, guiding you through seven steps to create the life you’ve always dreamed of.
Whether you’re new to manifestation or looking to fine-tune your practice, this book offers a clear and practical guide to making your desires a reality.
4. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
For those who want to dive deep into the strategies of influence and leadership, The 48 Laws of Power is a game-changer. Robert Greene offers an unapologetic look at the dynamics of power, drawing on historical examples to illustrate each of his “laws.”
This book is more tactical than inspirational, but it’s packed with lessons that can help you navigate the complex world of relationships, business, and personal growth.
5. Solve for Happy by Mo Gawdat
Imagine solving happiness like an equation. That’s exactly what Mo Gawdat does in Solve for Happy.
Gawdat, a former Google executive, takes a logical and systematic approach to understanding what makes us happy, drawing on both personal tragedy and cutting-edge science. It’s not just another self-help book; it’s a profound exploration of what truly brings joy into our lives.
I love this book and recommend it to anyone who often feels low but can’t explain why.
6. Atomic Habits by James Clear
If you’re looking to change your life by building good habits, Atomic Habits is the book for you. James Clear breaks down the science of habit formation into bite-sized, actionable steps.
His approach is both practical and encouraging, making it easy for anyone to make lasting changes. Whether you’re trying to kick a bad habit or start a new, productive routine, this book will show you the way.
The thing I like most about this book is that it is actionable. You will find yourself going away and putting Clear’s tips into practice and slowly transforming your life as you move through each chapter.
7. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
This classic book is a staple in the world of self-improvement. Covey’s 7 Habits are all about taking a proactive approach to life and focusing on what you can control.
From prioritizing your time to building strong relationships, this book covers all the bases. It’s a practical guide to both personal and professional success, and it’s one you’ll want to revisit time and time again.
8. Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven
Sometimes, the smallest changes can have the biggest impact. That’s the central message of Make Your Bed, written by retired Navy SEAL Admiral William H. McRaven.
Based on a commencement speech he gave at the University of Texas, this short but powerful book offers simple life lessons that will inspire you to take on life’s challenges one small step at a time.
This book is a bit different from the others on my list and is a great option for people who don’t like traditional self-help books.
9. Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris
Do Hard Things is a call to action for anyone who feels stuck in a comfort zone. Written by two teenage brothers, this book challenges people to step outside their comfort zones, take on big challenges, and push themselves to achieve more.
It’s an inspiring read for anyone looking to break free from mediocrity and pursue their potential.
10. The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest
Self-sabotage is something we’ve all dealt with at one point or another, and The Mountain is You dives deep into the ways we stand in our own way. Brianna Wiest offers practical advice on how to overcome self-sabotaging behaviors and replace them with habits that serve us.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re your own worst enemy, this book will help you conquer the mountain within.
11. 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think by Brianna Wiest
Yes, Brianna Wiest makes the list twice, and for good reason. 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think is a collection of essays that dive deep into everything from emotional intelligence to mindfulness.
Wiest’s thought-provoking insights challenge conventional wisdom and inspire you to think differently about life, success, and personal growth.
This is a great book for people who prefer short stories and quick reads.
12. Becoming the 0.1% by Sterling Hawkins
If you want to achieve exceptional success, Becoming the 0.1% is the book for you.
Sterling Hawkins shares his journey of overcoming failure and finding resilience, offering lessons on how to push through adversity and come out stronger on the other side. It’s a motivating read that will leave you ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way.
The Benefits of Reading Motivational Books
So why should you read motivational books?
Well, for starters, they’re a great source of inspiration when you’re feeling stuck. We all hit rough patches where our motivation dips, and having a go-to book can be like hitting the reset button on your mindset.
Motivational books also provide you with practical strategies that you can implement in your life immediately. Whether it’s building better habits, learning how to set goals, or developing a more positive mindset, these books offer actionable advice that can help you make real changes.
On top of that, reading motivational books can help you expand your thinking. By exposing yourself to new ideas, perspectives, and strategies, you’ll be more open to possibilities and better equipped to tackle challenges.
How to Choose a Motivational Book
Not all motivational books are created equal, and what works for one person might not work for another. Here’s how to pick the right one for you:
1. What areas do you want to improve?
Think about what aspect of your life you want to work on. Is it your career, your relationships, or your mindset?
Once you’ve identified the area you want to improve, you’ll be able to narrow down your options and find a book that speaks to your specific needs.
The best way to figure out what you need to improve is to conduct a life audit.
2. Do you prefer anecdotal stories or facts?
Some motivational books are filled with personal stories and anecdotes, while others focus more on facts, research, and data. Consider which style resonates with you.
If you’re drawn to personal narratives, books like Make Your Bed might be a good fit. If you prefer a more analytical approach, Atomic Habits or Solve for Happy might be more your speed.
3. Do you want science-backed practices or lessons from personal experiences?
Some people prefer motivational books that are grounded in science, while others find inspiration from authors who share their own life experiences. Both approaches can be effective, so think about which one aligns better with your personality and goals.
I like a bit of both. Science-backed books are usually more actionable whereas personal experiences can be incredibly inspiring.
4. Do you actually enjoy reading?
If reading isn’t your favorite pastime, you might struggle to get through a dense or lengthy book. In that case, choose books that are easy to read and engaging from the start, like Make Your Bed or The Most Powerful Woman in the World is You.
Alternatively, consider listening to audiobooks if you find it hard to sit down with a physical copy.
5. What are your goals?
Are you looking to build better habits, improve your mindset, or achieve a specific goal? Knowing what you want to get out of a book will help you pick the right one. For example, if you’re focused on building better habits, Atomic Habits is your go-to. If you want to improve your leadership skills or personal power, The 48 Laws of Power will speak to you.
Align your reading with your goals, and you’ll find it much easier to stay motivated and engaged.
Motivational Alternatives for People Who Don’t Like Reading
Not everyone enjoys sitting down with a book, and that’s okay! If reading isn’t your thing, there are still plenty of ways to get your daily dose of motivation. Here are some alternatives for people who prefer a different method.
1. Motivational podcasts
Podcasts are a fantastic way to get inspired on the go. Whether you’re commuting, working out, or just doing chores, you can pop in your headphones and listen to motivational speakers share their insights.
Some great motivational podcasts include The Tony Robbins Podcast, On Purpose with Jay Shetty, and The Mindset Mentor. They cover a wide range of topics, from personal growth to business success, and you’ll find yourself feeling uplifted after each episode.
2. Guided journals
If you prefer something interactive, a guided journal might be just the thing for you.
Journals like The Five-Minute Journal or The Self-Care Journal offer prompts that encourage you to reflect on your goals, your mindset, and your daily actions.
Journaling is a great way to keep yourself accountable and track your progress over time. Plus, it’s an excellent tool for self-discovery and mindfulness.
3. Motivational TV shows
Sometimes, all you need is a good story to get you motivated. TV shows like Ted Lasso or Queer Eye are full of inspiring messages about self-belief, resilience, and personal transformation.
You’ll laugh, cry, and walk away feeling ready to take on the world. For a more reality-based approach, try watching documentaries about people overcoming adversity or achieving greatness in sports, business, or life in general.
4. YouTube channels
YouTube is a treasure trove of motivational content. Channels like TED Talks, Impact Theory, and The Diary or a CEO offer powerful interviews and speeches that will leave you inspired.
The beauty of YouTube is that you can find content on almost any topic—from building confidence to achieving financial success—so you can tailor your viewing to exactly what you need.
My favourite motivational book is Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. However, this might not be the best book for everyone. If you want to see real improvements in your life, spend time finding the perfect book for you that aligns with your goals and preferences.