Books Of Self-Help

Self-help books assist people with improving their lives. They offer strategies from experts who have often struggled with the problem they’re addressing and found ways to overcome it. The approach often includes raising self-awareness and using techniques for greater productivity and assertiveness.

What is the difference between self-help books, personal growth books and self-development books? Self-help books cover the entire genre of books dedicated to self-improvement, and the other two fall under that umbrella. Personal growth books focus on becoming more self-aware and addressing the attitude and behaviors that underly obstacles to improvement. Self-development, on the other hand, is more about the actions that lead to self-improvement.

List of Books to Choose From

Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff (2015)

Self-criticism can derail everything from getting ahead at work to going to the gym. Kristin Neff argues that self-compassion, not building self-esteem, will help you through any emotional struggle, whether it’s impacting a weight loss journey, promotion or parenting.

This book is best for those wracked by self-doubt.

The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down: How to Be Calm in a Busy World by Haemin Sunim (2017)

Does anyone not feel busy? The answer is probably no, but being busy shouldn’t stop you from setting a slow pace sometimes. Haemin Sunim argues that you gain spiritual strength by taking a slower approach to life.

This book is best for those who feel like they’re drowning in to-dos.

Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brené Brown (2018)

One of the true celebrities of the self-help world, Brené Brown has penned a slew of bestselling self-growth books, and this one is arguably her best. It argues that true leadership is recognizing the power and promise of others and helping put it into action. It’s not about having all the answers.

This book is best for anyone who wants to develop greater empathy.

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron (1992)

It’s rare to see such enduring relevance from a self-help book, since science and therapeutic best practices advance every day. But Julia Cameron’s gentle guidance and advice on how to start your creative journey remains just as compelling today as it was 30+ years ago, offering concrete ways to explore your own art.

This book is best for wannabe artists, writers and other creatives.

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear (2018)

Building on habits James Clear established first as a collegiate athlete and then when he went into business for himself, Atomic Habits lays out clear, concise paths of habit change, including breaking damaging patterns and establishing new, nourishing ones.

This book is best for anyone, really, as we can all benefit from changing at least one habit.