I recently came across an interesting article on News Minimalist that highlighted 3 self improvement books that are gaining popularity in 2025. If you are looking to refresh your book shelf, these titles could be worth considering.

I mean, for books to be included in a news article, they have to be good - right?

In 2025, three titles are making waves in the personal growth world: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, The DOSE Effect by TJ Power, and Born to Walk by Mark Sisson.

These books are gaining traction for good reason. They offer practical advice, actionable strategies, and unique insights that are easy to implement in your everyday life.

Keep reading to learn more about each book so that you can start implementing the actionable tips to improve your life today!

Also check out: 100 self improvement books to read in 2025

1. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

Mel Robbins has done it again with The Let Them Theory, a book that’s quickly becoming a must-read in the world of self-help. If you’ve ever found yourself drained by the need to control, fix, or micromanage, this book will feel like a breath of fresh air.

The core idea of The Let Them Theory is simple: let people do what they want. Instead of wasting energy trying to change others or getting upset over their actions, Robbins encourages readers to focus on their own peace of mind.

She explores how releasing control can lead to healthier relationships, better boundaries, and more emotional freedom.

For example, Robbins shares a story about a colleague who consistently missed deadlines. Instead of stressing and trying to push them to change, she chose to let them face the natural consequences of their actions.

The result? Less stress for her and a valuable lesson for the colleague.

If you struggle with overthinking or the need to control situations, this book will challenge you to take a step back and focus on what you can control: your own reaction. Robbins’s conversational tone and relatable examples make this an easy, empowering read.

2. The DOSE Effect by TJ Power

Have you ever wondered why some days you feel like you can conquer the world and others you barely want to get out of bed?

In The DOSE Effect, neuroscientist TJ Power breaks down the science of happiness, motivation, and emotional balance using four key chemicals: dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins.

TJ Power introduces the idea that maintaining the right “DOSE” of these chemicals can transform how you feel and function. Each chapter is dedicated to one of the four chemicals, explaining how they work, what boosts or depletes them, and how to cultivate more of the good stuff.

For instance, did you know that a simple 10-minute walk can increase serotonin levels? Or that hugging someone for 20 seconds can trigger oxytocin, the bonding hormone?

What sets The DOSE Effect apart is its actionable approach. Price doesn’t just explain the science—she provides daily practices and good habits to naturally boost your DOSE. For example, she suggests creating a “happiness menu” with small activities tailored to each chemical.

Mine includes calling a friend (oxytocin), journaling three things I’m grateful for (serotonin), and dancing around my living room to my favorite playlist (endorphins).

This book is perfect for anyone looking to better understand their emotions and take charge of their mental health. It’s science-backed, practical, and surprisingly fun to read.

3. Born to Walk by Mark Sisson

Walking is something most of us take for granted, but Mark Sisson argues that it’s one of the most underrated tools for self-improvement. In Born to Walk, she dives into the physical, mental, and even spiritual benefits of this simple activity—and trust me, you’ll never think of walking the same way again.

Sisson begins by exploring the evolutionary significance of walking. Humans are literally built to move, and yet modern life has made us more sedentary than ever.

She shares fascinating research on how walking boosts creativity, improves memory, and reduces stress. One study she highlights shows that people who take a 30-minute walk in nature experience a 20% decrease in cortisol levels.

But Born to Walk isn’t just about science—it’s also deeply personal. Sisson shares how walking helped her recover from burnout and reconnect with herself.

She encourages readers to make walking a daily ritual, whether it’s a leisurely stroll in the morning, a lunchtime walk to clear your head, or an evening walk to wind down.

One of my favorite takeaways from the book is the idea of “walking with intention.” Instead of mindlessly walking from point A to point B, Sisson suggests setting a purpose for each walk—like reflecting on a decision, brainstorming ideas, or simply practicing gratitude.

It’s such a simple shift, but it makes every step feel meaningful.

Why These Books Stand Out

What makes these three books so compelling is how they focus on simple yet powerful concepts (which is what we LOVE at The Elevate Edit!)

None of them require you to overhaul your life or commit to complicated routines. Instead, they offer tools and insights that you can start using immediately—whether it’s letting go of control, boosting your happiness chemicals, or lacing up your shoes and heading out for a walk.

Another reason these books resonate is their relatability. Each author writes with warmth and authenticity, sharing their own struggles and triumphs.

You’ll feel like you’re learning from a friend, not a lecturer, which makes the advice that much easier to absorb and apply.

How to Make the Most of These Reads

Reading a self-improvement book is one thing—putting it into practice is another. Here are a few tips to get the most out of The Let Them Theory, The DOSE Effect, and Born to Walk:

1. Start small: Pick one idea or practice from each book and try it for a week. For example, let go of one situation that’s been stressing you out (The Let Them Theory), add a serotonin-boosting activity to your day (The DOSE Effect), and commit to a 10-minute walk (Born to Walk).

2. Take notes: As you read, jot down any ideas that resonate with you. Highlight passages, write questions in the margins, or keep a journal to track your progress.

3. Share the journey: Talk about what you’re learning with a friend or partner. Not only will this help solidify the concepts, but it might inspire someone else to pick up the book too.

If you’re ready to shake up your personal growth journey, these three books are a great place to start. The Let Them Theory, The DOSE Effect, and Born to Walk each bring something unique to the table, from practical strategies to science-backed insights.

The best part? They’re all easy to read and packed with actionable advice, so you’ll actually want to finish them. Plus, by getting ahead of the curve and diving in now, you’ll have plenty of time to implement their ideas before everyone else jumps on the bandwagon.

So, which one will you start with? Whether you’re letting go, boosting your mood, or stepping into a new routine, these books have something valuable to offer.

Comment your recommendations below!