How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie (1939)
This book provides practical and accessible advice on everything from how to make friends, becoming a leader, and having a successful life at home, to name but a few. Revised as recently as 2011, it was ranked as high as #19 on Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential books of all time.
I’m OK, You’re OK by Thomas Anthony Harris (1969)
An icon of pop psychology, this book takes transactions that happen between people and puts it all into layman’s terms. It spent two years on the best-seller list and sold over 15 million copies. This book also had the distinction of making it into a Seinfeld episode: when George Constanza is having difficulty figuring out how to break up with his girlfriend, Jerry is dispatched to get some self-help books, including this one.
Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus by John Gray (1992)
This is perhaps the quintessential relationship book. The author starts with the premise that men and women are fundamentally different, and that if we can learn the code of conduct for the opposite sex, we’ll all be much happier and have better relationships. While it might seem obvious to us that men and women are pretty different, the author was clearly onto something. The book sold 50 million copies and was the highest ranked nonfiction book of the 1990s.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (1993)
This is the magical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who wants to travel in search of some extravagant treasure. From his home in Spain, he travels to the markets of Tangiers and across the Egyptian desert to a fateful encounter with the alchemist. The story of the treasures that he finds on his journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, learning to read the signs along the way and, above all, to follow our dreams.
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey (2004)
The author presents a holistic, principle-centered, integrated approach for solving personal and professional problems. With powerful insights and spot on anecdotes, he reveals a pathway for living with fairness, service, integrity, and human dignity – principles that give us the security to adapt to change and the wisdom to take advantage of any opportunities that are created by change.
The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck (2003)
When a book starts with “Life is difficult”, you just know that it’s going to wake you up and provide you with some candid lessons. The author's timeless voice continues to help us explore the nature of loving relationships and leads us toward a new peace and fulfillment. You’ll learn how to distinguish dependency from love; how to become a more sensitive parent; and ultimately how to become one’s own true self.
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill (2011)
Hill was one of the first ever self-help authors and his books are incredibly relevant today. This particular book condenses his laws of success and provides you with 13 principles of personal achievement. It’s noted that an individual with faith, desire, and persistence can reach great success by eliminating all negative energy and focusing on the greater goals at hand.
As a Man Thinketh by James Allen (2011)
This is a classic self-help book that inspired future books on the laws of attraction. Its underlying premise is that noble thoughts make a noble person, while lowly thoughts make a miserable one. Allen reveals how our thoughts determine reality. He shows us how we can master our thoughts to create the life you want instead of simply drifting through life unaware of the inner forces that keep us held in failure and frustration.
See You at the Top by Zig Ziglar (2000)
As one of America’s most gifted authors/speakers, the late Zig Ziglar shares with us the secrets of climbing the stairway to personal success. He presents a proven program of self-development based upon the foundation of a winning self-image.
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers (2006)
We’ve all got fears which is why anyone can relate to this book. Whatever your fear is, here is your chance to push through it once and for all. You’ll discover how to move from victim to creator, the 10-step process to turn off that negative voice in your head and how to create more meaning in your life by overcoming those fears.
You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay (1984)
This book has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide, hitting the New York Times best-seller list when it was first published in 1984 and then again two decades later after Hay appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show. This book offers strategies for changing your thoughts and beliefs in order to find emotional and physical healing.
Awaken the Giant Within by Anthony Robbins (1992)
Tony Robbins is well known for his motivational speaking but this book is, by far, one of the best self-help books of all time. Robbins shows you his most effective strategies and techniques for mastering your emotions, your finances, your relationships, your body, and your life through a step-by-step program that enables you to discover your true purpose, take control of your life and harness the forces that shape your destiny.
