It’s always a good time to set goals. Maybe you’re hoping to form new habits, become more confident in your career or relationship, reduce your anxiety, or simply feel happier and more fulfilled in your life. The best self-help books can help you achieve your aspirations.
Self-help books can be used to stimulate personal growth in a wide variety of areas and can be used in tandem with or separately from other forms of personal therapy depending on the area of interest. “Sometimes the very issue you’re struggling with could determine whether or not self-help books are right for you,” says Chloe Carmichael, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and author of Nervous Energy: Harness the Power. of Your. Anxiety. “Certain types of issues may require more responsibility from a real person.”
With this in mind, it is not advisable to use a self-help book to help you with a mental health problem. “Self-help books can be very helpful, but my experience is that you can’t get out of a problem or distress area with a book alone,” says Peter Gradilone, M.A.T., L.M.S.W., a therapist trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Jungian Analysis. “Self-help books can serve as amplification in the search for answers. Personal therapy combined with readings may be more effective.
How we chose the best self-help books
We consulted Carmichael and Gradilone for their self-help book recommendations, combed through countless reviews, and did our own research to compile a list of the most effective and top-rated self-help books. See the article : 10 new books we recommend this week. available.
The Road Less Traveled: The Psychology of Spiritual Growth
Mr. Scott Peck
Most popular self-help book on Amazon
The Power of One More: The Ultimate Guide to Happiness and Success
Ed Mylett
Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety
Chloe Carmichael
Best Self-Help Book for Coping with Trauma
When Things Fall Apart: Advice from the Heart for Difficult Times
Pema Chodron
Best self-help book for midlife issues
The transition from the middle of misery to the senses in the forties
James Hollis
On grief and bereavement: finding the meaning of grief through the five stages of loss
Elizabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler
Best self help book for negative self esteem
You’re Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living a Great Life
Jen Sincero
The new basics: A-to-Z Baby & Child care for the modern parent
Michael Cohen
Dr. Chloe’s 10 Dating Commandments: How to Stop Getting Hurt, Put Yourself Up, and Find a Relationship That Lasts
Chloe Carmichael
Getting Through Divorce: Healthy Ways to Handle It and Move On
Rachel Hart
The Road Less Traveled: The Psychology of Spiritual Growth
“I sometimes half-jokely say that if I could only take one self-help book to a desert island, this would be it,” says Gradilone. First published in 1978, Peck’s classic work on understanding and holistic personal development has inspired readers for decades. Combining psychoanalytic theory with cultural and spiritual traditions, Peck explores a wide variety of topics, including relationships, parenthood, and self-realization, encouraging readers to face life’s challenges with discipline, love, and grace.
Most popular self-help book on Amazon
The Power of One More: The Ultimate Guide to Happiness and Success
This self-help book by renowned motivational speaker Ed Mylett gives readers insight into the knowledge and strategies that led to Mylett’s success in his businesses and businesses. Whatever career you’re headed for, Mylett’s book provides a roadmap to help you get there and deal with any challenges that arise along the way. “The inspiration, strategies, and humanity that Ed put into this book will elevate your life,” writes one reviewer, “a must read for self-improvement and taking life to the next level.”
Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety
If you struggle with anxiety, Carmichael’s self-help book will help you learn to treat it as a benefit rather than a hindrance. The book “helps people unlock the healthy function of anxiety, which is to stimulate preparedness behaviors,” she says. The tools, exercises, and worksheets included in the book will teach readers how to “channel nerve energy constructively.” Critics love it, too, as one writes: “I find Dr. Chloe’s practical, factual explanation of how to get rid of anxiety immediately actionable. So helpful!”
Best Self-Help Book for Coping with Trauma
When Things Fall Apart: Advice from the Heart for Difficult Times
Pema Chodron’s best-selling book draws on Buddhist teachings to guide readers through difficult times. Rather than avoiding painful situations, Chodron teaches readers to accept them and provides tools to achieve peace and happiness despite negative experiences. Critics also found it impactful, as one wrote: “I first read this book when I was going through my divorce and re-read parts of it when I lost my daughter because of cancer. This is a book you will be happy to have and happy to give away.
Best self-help book for midlife issues
The transition from the middle of misery to the senses in the forties
Jungian psychologist James Hollis takes a holistic look at the midlife period in this book. Rather than viewing midlife as a time of crisis, Hollis provides tools for readers to consciously navigate midlife and prepare for a more meaningful second half of life. “A profoundly profound and wondrous book,” writes one reviewer, “it is the kind of book that can be referred to, and should be, for many years to come.”
On grief and bereavement: finding the meaning of grief through the five stages of loss
Elizabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler
Following on from Kubler-Ross’ groundbreaking On Death and Dying, which first introduced the now famous five stages of denial, anger, negotiation, depression and acceptance, On Grief and Grieving uses the same framework to influence how readers understand the process. grief. As the last book by Kubler-Ross, a pioneer in psychiatry, published before her death in 2004, the book is packed with anecdotes and personal experiences that make it a relatable reading experience. “This is the best bereavement book I’ve ever read, and I’ve read quite a few,” writes one reviewer. “I felt warmth and compassion. That’s all I need during this difficult time.
Best self help book for negative self esteem
You’re Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living a Great Life
If you’re looking for a self-help book that’s as entertaining as it is useful, look no further. This book by renowned success coach Jen Sincero features inspiring stories that will have you laughing out loud and helpful exercises to identify the ways you’ve held yourself back and how to change them. Whatever goal you’re aiming for, this book will give you the confidence to set out and achieve it. “Words to live by,” writes one reviewer, “precious to a husband, friend, sibling, anyone who wants to live a happy, fulfilling life.”
The new basics: A-to-Z Baby & Child care for the modern parent
In a time when all kinds of parenting advice is floating around, new parents can easily become stressed or anxious when navigating which parenting methods are best for them. Fortunately, pediatrician Michel Cohen is there to help you. Organized like an alphabetical index, Cohen’s book provides a simple reference guide of trusted advice for parents to raise happy, healthy children without worrying too much or becoming too stressed. “I couldn’t recommend this book more!” writes a reviewer. “It’s well written and easy to understand.”
Dr. Chloe’s 10 Dating Commandments: How to Stop Getting Hurt, Put Yourself Up, and Find a Relationship That Lasts
Carmichael’s first self-help book provides readers with tools for dating when you might tend to overthink or become anxious or insecure. The easy-to-read book will help readers feel more comfortable and ready to take control of their dating goals, whether it’s marriage, a steady relationship, casual or never. anything in between. “This book has helped open my mind to a new perspective towards myself and others when it comes to dating now,” writes one reviewer. “Ready to try something new with this book!”
Getting Through Divorce: Healthy Ways to Handle It and Move On
Going through a divorce or the end of a relationship can cause a lot of emotional turmoil, and this book by Rachel Hart provides readers with the tools to navigate it. Hart encourages readers to overcome their emotions in healthy ways and to learn from the experience in order to uplift themselves and become their best selves. “As someone who has been through many divorces in my family, this is a fantastic read,” writes one reviewer. “I highly recommend it!”
best self help book for confidence
The Assertiveness Workbook: How to Express Your Ideas and Stand Up for Yourself at Work and in Relationships
If a lack of confidence at work or in a relationship has ever left you feeling held back or helpless, this book is for you. Psychologist Randy J. Paterson provides readers with effective cognitive-behavioral techniques to help them become more open, assertive, and ready to defend themselves in the face of criticism. “This book changed EVERYTHING!” writes a reviewer. “I’m so grateful for this, I haven’t finished it yet and I’ve already gotten a raise at work, I’m not afraid of conflict or setting my limits, and I’ve earned people’s respect that I didn’t expect to respect me.
Best self-help book for changing habits
Atomic Habits: An Easy Method & Proven method to develop good habits & Break the bad ones
If you’re looking to banish bad habits and create good ones, this New York Times bestseller is here to help. James Clear offers readers practical strategies to reshape our view of progress and transform our habits. “The book had an enjoyable pace and a balance of theory and application,” writes one reviewer. “Given the applicability of this topic, this is a book everyone should read.”
Best Self-Help Book for Organization
Life-Changing Storage Magic: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
Marie Kondo made a name for herself in the home improvement industry with her Japanese decluttering techniques, and it was the book that started it all. If you’ve been yearning to organize and tidy your home this year, Kondo’s method for purging things that don’t bring you joy is sure to leave you with a space that’s both clean and comforting. Critics adore it too, as one writes, “it absolutely changed my mindset and my relationship with my business.”
Best Self-Help Book for Women’s Issues
Goddesses in Every Woman: Powerful Archetypes in Women’s Lives
In this unique self-help book, Jungian psychiatrist Jean Shinoda Bolen uses Greek mythology as an analogy for female psychological archetypes. Learning more about archetypes allows readers to better understand which ones are most like them and how this affects their strategies for achieving their goals. “This book is amazing!” writes a reviewer. “Dr. Bolen is a breath of fresh air in style, insight and substance.
Best Self Help Book For Men’s Problems
Him: Understanding Male Psychology
For those who identify as male, Robert A. Johnson’s book explores societal expectations of male identity, leaving readers with a better understanding of themselves and male psychology. “This book touched my soul and helped me find more calm,” writes one reviewer, “highly recommended.”
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Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…and Maybe the World
Based on Admiral McRaven’s viral 2014 commencement address at the University of Texas at Austin, this book provides readers with basic principles and action items they can use to change themselves, and even the world. Filled with personal anecdotes from McRaven’s time as a naval career, the book fills readers with optimism and determination to improve their lives even in their darkest times. “One of the best books I have ever read,” writes one reviewer. “Great book to have on the shelf and read again and again.”
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The disease of pleasing: curing the syndrome of pleasing people
If you’re trying to curb your people-pleasing habit, look no further. This New York Times bestseller by Harriet Braiker encourages readers to stop seeking approval from others and seek it from themselves. The book includes a quiz to identify the type of people you like, followed by actionable steps to change your mindset and stop saying “yes” when you really mean “no.” “This book completely changed my life,” writes one reviewer. “In fact, I take it with me to remind me to keep working to break the pleasant habits of my people.”
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Save Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day
What is the number 1 best-selling self help book?
If you ever find yourself distracted or overwhelmed by the people, tasks, and busywork that fill your daily life, this book is here to help you change that. Authors Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky encourage readers to take back control of their time and attention to focus on the things that really matter using a four-step framework. “Make Time was a game-changer for me,” writes one reviewer, “It gave me permission to work on my own priorities instead of reacting to those of others.”
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- Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When the Stakes Matter On the same subject : 8 (supposedly) damn books.
- Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler and Emily Gregory
- Is there a difficult conversation you avoided? If so, this book is here to help you find it. Rather than running away from difficult conversations, Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, Switzler, and Gregory provide readers with techniques for communicating effectively when it matters most. “A few pages later, it was obvious that this was going to be a game changer! writes a reviewer. “Such a great read to put things in a new perspective and allow the reader to try to sympathize instead of analyzing how others may think and process.”
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Are self-help books profitable?
The Assertiveness Guide for Women: How to Communicate Your Needs, Set Healthy Boundaries, and Transform Your Relationships See the article : The New York Public Library is releasing 500,000 free books this summer.
With a particular focus on women, this book by licensed therapist Julie de Azevedo Hanks provides readers with the essential guide to becoming more assertive. Using techniques based on cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, the book gives women the tools to identify and understand their thoughts and feelings and improve their lives. “This book has truly changed my life -” says one reviewer, “not only my communication and assertiveness skills, but my perception of myself.”
Are self-help books successful?
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Soul Care: A Guide to Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Daily Life
Thomas Moore’s New York Times bestseller encourages readers to find spirituality and the sacred in their daily lives. Drawing on both her work as a therapist and her knowledge of world religions, Moore opens readers to a broader perspective. “This book was a wonderful surprise,” writes one reviewer. “I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about themselves, others, and life in general.”
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The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life
This popular pick on Amazon is refreshingly encouraging readers to forsake the toxic positivity that accompanies many self-help books of the past and, instead, learn to deal with and accept life’s harsh truths. By teaching readers to recognize their limitations, Manson opens them up to a world of new opportunities. “An Unexpected Life Changer,” writes one reviewer, “one of the best books I’ve read.”
Do therapists recommend self-help books?
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Is reading self-help books a waste of time?
