The top 50 self improvement books that changed my life

Essential books for life

1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen Covey

I was lucky to come across and read this book when I was only 17 years old. What can I say? It's transformational. Mr Covey covers 7 simple and straight-forward habits for internal and external success. It clearly made me a more proactive, organized and influential person; undoubtedly helped me achieve many of my goals. Absolute top leadership and self improvement book.

2. Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Life by Anthony Robbins

Some say Anthony Robbins is the number 1 self improvement guru, ever. I wouldn't disagree. Inspired by some of the old masters (Jim Rohn, Leo Buscaglia among others), Tony Robbins is the man when it comes to the science of personal growth, self development and self improvement. What I love about him is his passion for life. He always challenges you to hold yourself at higher standards, channel your emotions to action and break through whatever life presents you. Packed with the best principles of self improvement in one book, Awaken the Giant Within is a must. If you only want to buy one personal development book, then this is the one.

3. The Consolations of Philosophy by Alain de Botton

What a pleasure to read Alain de Botton. A cult intellectual who selected some of the most pertinent themes from philosophy and applied to issues from our everyday lives such as love, anger, frustration, wealth.

Very interesting to understand how our problems and concerns are similar to those individuals who lived hundreds or thousands of years ago. And these philosophers came up with very innovative perspectives on these issues that are still very relevant today.

The Consolations of Philosophy is a great source of knowledge and empowering thoughts, brought to you straight from the great philosophers this world has ever seen.

Great job, Mr Alain Botton, I'm a fan.

4. The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell

This is another self improvement book I've read at a very early age with profound effect on my perspective of life. It's an easy read, it's a transcript of an interview Joseph Campell gave to journalist Bill Moyers. The book touches the eternal cycles of departure, struggle, victory and return, in which we go through as a "hero of our lives".

Mr Campbell beautifully explores several myths from various religions, cultures and rituals from history. And relate those myths as a powerful tool for us to understand the biggest questions of life: where have I come from, where do I belong, where am I going and why?

The Power of the Myth is another great tip for those readers who love history, culture and religion as a mean for personal development.

5. The Rules of Life: A Personal Code for Living a Better, Happier, More Successful Life by Richard Templar

Don't you love practical and simple rules? Well here you go. A great set of principles for those who want a successful and happy life. Rules of Life is filled with simple practical tips and examples. The book became so successful, Richard Templar expanded the series and launched Rules of Work, Rules of Wealth and Rules of Management, see below.

He's a great guy with a rich life experience. I definitely recommend his powerful Rules of Life, an easy and light read with useful self improvement tips for your life.

6. Notes from a Friend by Anthony Robbins

Tony Robbins strikes again! Notes from a Friend is the light version of Awaken the Giant Within - see above. A short book, with essential "notes from a friend". A quick reminder on what's important in life - gratitude, attitude, emotion and action.

Great book if you're looking for a quick read or as an excellent gift for a friend. That's how I met Anthony Robbins, what an amazing introduction I should say, enlightening read in a short great self improvement book!

7. Celestine Prophecy by James Redfiled

Do you believe in coincidences? Everything happens for a reason argues James Redfiled in Celestine Prophecy.

It's an intriguing fictional story about being open for the unexpected, going with the flow and trusting your intuition. Great for those who want to improve relationship with others around you.

8. The Power of Less: The 6 Essential Productivity Principles That Will Change Your Life by Leo Babauta

Oh Leo, what a mentor he's been to me. He's the master of simplicity and minimalism, great principles I adopted for myself. Doing less to do more and better.

Declutter. Focus on the key valuable things that make a difference, and ditch the rest, ruthlessly.

Powerful ideas applied to work, relationships and life as whole. The Power of Less is a great source of inspiration on how to simplify your life for the better. The absolute true sense of self improvement.

9. Conversations with God : An Uncommon Dialogue (Book 1) by Neale Walsch

Another pearl of this list, with a spiritual touch. Formatted as dialogue with God, Neil Walsh explores the great issues and questions of humanity.

Why am I here? What's is the purpose of life? What happens when I die? Why do we suffer so much in our lives? How can I be happier? An intriguing insight to the mind of God, for you who believe in Him or in yourself. Read the book and you'll understand.

10. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: a Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams by Deepak Chopra

That's an old Classic from Deepak Chopra. Beautifully explained laws on success from a spiritual perspective. Deepak preaches a very rich life philosophy and millions of followers around the world.

This book is a great start into Mr. Chopra's universe.

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Essential books for work and business

1. Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen

Have you ever wonder the best way to get things done? Well I'm sure that's the one. I've heard about "GTD" many times in my life until one day I took the courage and bought the book.

What a good decision that was; David Allen shares illuminating principles that changed my life completely since then.

Practical and revolutionary, it's a must. Have a sneak peak on the GTD essentials here. Don't think twice before reading it.

2. The Rules of Work: The Unspoken Truth About Getting Ahead in Business by Richard Templar

Some people want to be professionally successful as entrepreneurs. However if you want to succeed in a corporate organization, then you must read the exciting little tricks in this great self improvement book by Richard Templar.

It's a very clear and bright roadmap to success at work. For example, Richard explains how to manage your career, how to surpass expectations, how to manage your boss and peers, how to deal with favorites and hidden agendas in the office environment.

Excellent rules - from hard work to office politics. What a read!

3. The Rules of Management: A Definitive Code for Managerial Success by Richard Templar

What are the rules and secrets of people management? In Rules of Management you will find very specific actions you should take to improve your leadership skills when managing a team.

He touches on simple (but essential) actions such as how to say the right thing at the right time, how to glide through the system and politics and achieve managerial success.

If you are a people manager than that's the book for you.

4. The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard

Similar to "Notes from a Friend" , this is a powerful little book. It's only 100 pages, but contains essential leadership principles.

The One Minute Manager brings an effective recipe for getting big results from people. Actions, goals, praise and reprimands should take no longer than a minute.

Can you achieve that and become a great leader? Blanchard gives the step by step process. Now I'm a big fan and, simply love simplicity applied to leadership!

5. Who Moved My Cheese?: An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life by Spencer Johnson and Ken Blanchard

Well, I admit the title is a bit cheesy... However the funny little story in this book is worth a read.

Greatly recommended for individuals, teams and organizations willing to change. The only constant in life is CHANGE.

Absorb this valuable lesson through this essential self improvement book.

6. How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships by Leil Lowndes

Have you ever wanted to talk to anyone at anytime regardless of who they are? This is your book then. Leil Lowndes brings 92 little tricks, such as conversation starters, dealing with difficult people, body language, tone, manner etc.

I've read this book a few years a go and still today I apply some of these great techniques to talk to anyone. Highly recommended!

7. Winning by Jack Welch

Jack Welch is one of the most successful CEOs in history, having transformed GE into a huge corporate success. In this very compelling and hones book, Jack shares his business principles and many important lessons for life as well.

From leadership, people management and budget systems, to quality of life, he covers a vast array of themes in clear and simple words. If you want to win in business, than this is an essential business book.

8. The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work by Alain de Botton

Pleasure and sorrow. What a great summary for "work", isn't it?

Alain de Botton explores why we all love and hate work in general. Why it can be a great source of happiness and also suffering.

A great insight into our relationship with work in our lives. I recommend this book as an unique chance for you to evaluate if you're in tune with your work or not, and how to have a different perspective on your work.

By the way how do you feel every Monday morning?

9. The 4-Hour Workweek, Expanded and Updated: Expanded and Updated, With Over 100 New Pages of Cutting-Edge Content. by Tim Ferris

What an amazing promise, a 4-hour work week... I was skeptical but took a chance and read it. And I wasn't disappointed.

Don't bother too much about the 4-hour work week, the book is more about having initiative to pursue your dreams and escape the 9-5 routine.

Tim Ferris challenges you to be more creative, to expand your limitations and to have the courage to explore a new life. It's based on his personal life story and comes filled with specific tips for your life too.

It changed my life in many ways, but you'll have to read it to find out why... 100% recommended!

10. Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us by Seth Godin

Seth Godin is one of those illuminated marketing gurus. He's written several books and is one of the key spokesmen of the internet generation.

We all have more power in a connected online world. And Seth advocates the need for leaders to create and drive the new tribes into a better future.

Revolutionary material, Tribes by Seth Godin is unmissable!

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Essential books for mind

1. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

The Tipping Point was the first book by Malcolm Gladwell I've read back in 2005. I have to say: it's mind blowing.

Gladwell is one of the new masters of social change and human behavior. Based on extensive research and data he explores how social transformation happen initially through little things and very few individuals.

Great concepts for marketers and innovative people willing to lead change in the complex world we live in.

2. Predictably Irrational, Revised and Expanded Edition: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions by Dan Ariely

I've always been hugely interested in the science of decision making. I love exploring and learning why people do what they do.

What are the motivations, and psychological reasons behind our actions? And a couple of years ago I found this gem in a book. Dan Ariely narrates why the human brain is predictably irrational through a series of intriguing scientific tests.

We're creatures of habits, and this book will certainly help you plan in advance to make those difficult changes you want in your life, from losing weight to saving money or simply getting up early.

3. Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell

Do you trust your intuition? And should you? How does your brain work when making decisions in a blink of an eye?

Following his previous bestseller Tipping Point , Malcolm Gladwell published Blink to explore the world within our mind. Our experience can be a great source of wisdom and illusion at the same time.

This self improvement book clearly helped make better decisions as well as understand how others decide. So

if you want to learn when to trust your gut feeling or not, then Blink is the right book for you.

4. Tricks of the Mind by Derren Brown

Derren Brown is one of the greatest illusionists and hypnotists in the world. What he does best - influence (or even manipulate) people through the power of his mind.

In Tricks of the Mind, Derren shares some of his interesting techniques, from hypnosis to memory improvement and persuasion. Look at his eyes. Don't you wish you had the same influence and presence with others?

This book will help you become the master of your mind.

5. Introducing NLP: Psychological Skills for Understanding and Influencing People by Joseph O'Connor and John Seymour

Would you like to have the psychological skills to understand and influence people? Well, NLP is one of the best tools available.

Created by Richard Bandler (see below) , Neuro Linguistic Programming is an effective practice to become a more present and influential person.

I've always been curious about NLP, so I read this book and thought it was an excellent introduction to the subjective, filled with solid concepts and practical ideas.

6. Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

How come are some people extremely successful? Malcolm Gladwell investigates what it takes to achieve success studying real life examples such as Steve Jobs, The Beatles and sport starts around the world.

You might think it's all about hard work, determination and a bit of luck... But actually it's much more than that.

We have a role to play in our lives but, in fact, external factors such as where and when you were born dictate a huge part of your destiny.

The only piece you control is how much you focus on the right opportunity and practice, practice, practice....

This book "Outliers" was a great read, it made me understand why outliers aren't super-human at all.

They were just at the right place, at the right time with the right attitude. Are you?

7. Instant Confidence (Book and CD) by Paul Mckenna

If you believe in mind programming, Paul Mckenna is your man. Another amazing NLP and hypnosis guru, Paul can be a catalyst of change in your life.

His techniques are sharp, fast and effective. Change your mind, and you change your actions. Change your actions and you change your destiny.

Powerful book to improve your confidence instantly, in those moments when you most need it. Instant Confidence comes with an audio CD as well, with superb audio programming tracks.

So if you want to supercharge your mind and your confidence quickly, Paul Mckenna is your #1 choice.

8. Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers

The title says everything, doesn't it? This book helped me realize that Fear is your Friend.

It's a good indicator of what you should do next. If you're not feeling any fear, you're probably not pushing yourself to greater things.

Susan Jeffers will help you "feel the fear and do it anyway"... And that's when you become fearless!

If you want to understand and overcome fears, this book is your best choice.

9. Get the Life You Want: The Secrets to Quick and Lasting Life Change with Neuro-Linguistic Programming by Richard Bandler

Richard Bandler is one of the creators of NLP - Neuro Linguistic Programming, a modern psychological technique. In simple words, it's a method intended to understand and change human behavior patterns.

A rapid psychological therapy to address phobias, depression and learning disorders. But it's also a powerful framework to success, to the get the life you want by programming your thoughts, your language and your actions.

NLP is very intriguing, controversial and exciting. I recommend you give it a try, this book is a great source of innovative self improvement techniques.

10. Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein

Do you struggle to save money, to lose weight or resist temptations in general? We all do at some point. As Dan Ariely points out, we're all predictably irrational. So what can you do about it? You need a Nudge !

In other words, a structured decision system which will help you make the right decisions every time.

If you're looking for ideas to control your short term desires and balance them to benefit your long term aspirations, then this book will help you a lot, as it did for me.

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Essential books for relationships

1. Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman

Daniel Goleman is the leading author who coined the term Emotional Intelligence to contrast with the well known IQ (intelligence quotient).

He argues our emotional abilities and social skills matter more than our rational intelligence.

And I agree with him. You need to be able to decode and manage your emotions in order to be happy with yourself and others, regardless of your IQ.

Emotion is the force that drives you forward or hold you back. What are your emotions doing to you?

2. How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

This is a classic self improvement book for better relationships. Dale presents simple and clear ideas to make friends and be more influential with people around you.

This book clearly helped me become a more sociable and diplomatic person. It's an easy read packed with tips you can start applying today.

Dale was a networking genius and you can become one too.

3. Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi

Keith Ferrazzi is probably the most connected man in the world, another master of networking. In Never Eat Alone, Keith moves away from old networking techniques (business cards, calls, etc.) and focuses on what really matters: building solid and honest relationships, even when time is short.

This book is life changer for shy and also extroverted people. So much you can achieve through relationships. It's a joy and a pleasure in life. So don't miss this one.

4. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

Are you hunger for power? You could argue the power game is everywhere, in your work, in your relationships, and in your life in general.

Using several real life examples from history, Robert Greene developed the 48 Laws of Power. It's eye opener, filled with do's and don'ts to become a more influential person, deal with enemies, leaders and subordinates.

This book improved my understanding of power dynamics and help me adjust my approach in tricky situations, and also when leading with difficult people.

If you aspire for Power and influence, the 48 Laws of Power is a must.

5. Status Anxiety by Alain de Botton

What a great portrait of our anxieties. We all want the same thing: status or, in other words, attention and respect. And when we don't get it, we suffer and damage our self esteem.

Alain de Botton argues we became too obsessive with status, and very high expectations we (and society) impose to our lives. Therefore we're doomed to fail and suffer with the gap between reality and unrealistic aspirations.

In Status Anxiety, Alain helped understand easier ways to have a simpler and happier life. The best things in life are free, so why care so much about what others think?

Simplify, enjoy the journey, and be here now. This book will change your life forever, I promise.

6. Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus: The Classic Guide to Understanding the Opposite Sex by John Gray

Why are men and women so different? And in what ways exactly? These were always big questions I always had in my mind, until I found this book.

John Gray suggests many ways to improve relationship with your man/woman by understanding each particular communication style and emotional needs.

If you want to understand why your partner behaves that way, and what you can do about it, this book can certainly shed a light.

7. A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of a Course in Miracles by Marianne Williamson

Another must-read classic. It's one of the best selling self-help books of all time, based on the spiritual thought system Course in Miracles.

Read this famous passage: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world."

And the rest is history.

8. The Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership by James C. Hunter

The Servant completely transformed my concept of leadership. It's an upside down shift, as James Hunter outlines through a fictional story of a successful yet unhappy man who learns about servant leadership.

Servant leadership is the same doctrine followed by Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard. True leaders are humble, ethical and always willing to serve his/her followers. Collaboration and trust are key, that's the essence, that's what I love about it.

It's a brilliant book to become a true leader, definitely recommended.

9. The 50th Law by 50 Cent and Robert Greene

Following the 48 Laws of Power, Robert Greene partnered with 50 Cent (yes, the rapper) in the inspiring book about Power, Relationship and Influence.

It's a true testimony of 50 Cent's the fearless approach to life, and how he applied the laws of power to achieve huge success professionally and personally.

For me it's a remarkable example of a fearless life, with many interesting breakthrough lessons you can apply for your self improvement too.

10. The Rules of Love: A Personal Code for Happier, More Fulfilling Relationships (The Rules Series) by Richard Templar

Richard Templar strikes again. The same author from Rules of Life, Rules of Work and Rules of Money, now created the Rules of Love.

A simple yet inspiring code of conduct to better enjoy and improve relationships in your life.

Richard is a wise and loving author, and brought me profound insights into my life.

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Essential books for money and wealth

1. Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money-That the Poor and the Middle Class Do Not! by Robert T. Kiyosaki

Rich Dad Poor Dad is an essential book to learn how to manage money, invest money and make money. This book made me realize the importance of financial education and the simple concept of "working for money" as opposed to "money for you".

Using the metaphor of a hard working but poor dad versus a smart and rich dad, Robert Kiyosaki demonstrate why good will and determination are not enough to be successful financially.

This book won't give you prescriptive steps to make money, but it will clearly reveal essential principles of financial prosperity.

If you need to re-think your views about money, this book is definitely a great start.

2. The Rules of Money: How to Make It and How to Hold on to It by Richard Templar

Following his Rules series, Richard Templar strikes again. I really enjoy his straight forward "rules". Very special tips on what to do and what to avoid when it comes to money.

He covers the whole cycle of wealth management: thinking wealthy, getting wealthy, getting even wealthier, staying wealthy and sharing your wealth.

Don't expect any get rich quick scheme, it's all about real financial behaviors to adopt throughout your life.

A must-read to enhance your financial skills.

3. Think and Grow Rich: The Landmark Bestseller--Now Revised and Updated for the 21st Century by Napoleon Hill

I have to admit I'm a bit skeptical of thinking your way to success. Thinking without action equals nothing. However what this book taught me was: action without thinking equals nothing as well.

In other word, even though action is crucial in every endeavor of our lives, it will never work if we don't have the right mind set.

We must have absolute certainty in our mind of what we want and why. And our network (Napoleon calls it "mastermind") and actions will then get us there.

This book was originally written in 1937, but this edition was updated with the success stories of top achievers such as Bill Gates and Steven Spielberg. He proves that Hill's philosophies are as valid today as they were then. 

4. Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin, Joe Dominguez, Monique Tilford

Your Money or Your Life is not a feel good self help book. It's a clear plan to rethink your relationship with money and how you can change this perspective to your benefit.

In this book I found one of my favorite quotes from Buckminster Fuller: "I learned very early and painfully that you have to decide at the outset whether you are trying to make money or make sense -I feel that they are mutually exclusive."

Money is only the enabler, the currency of energy, not the end goal. Change your Life and Money will come, not the other way around.

Intrigued?

5. The Intelligent Investor: The Definitive Book on Value Investing. A Book of Practical Counsel (Revised Edition) by Benjamin Graham

Warren Buffet, the richest man on the planet says "The Intelligent Investor" is his bible for investing and "by far the best book on investing ever written".

It's a classic bestseller that taught me about value investing: basically means investing in solid well known companies for the long term, and ignore the ups and downs of what he calls "Mr Market".

In summary, a brilliant book to start investing with.

6. The Automatic Millionaire : A Powerful One-Step Plan to Live and Finish Rich by David Bach

I'm all about simplicity. Do less to do more. The 80/20 rule. Focus on what matters and forget (or automate/delegate/eliminate) the rest.

And when it comes to money, the Automatic Millionaire was the best book for me to apply minimalist principles to my finances.

Saving money and investing towards your goals should be done automatically, so you don't have to think about it every month. Otherwise your short term temptations will always get in the way, as the book Nudge explains.

In this book, I found some great tips that completely transformed the way I manage my finances today.

7. The Zurich Axioms by Max Gunther

The Zurich Axioms is another gem on money investing.

It comes in 28 axioms or rules of financial management, touching the essential principles of risk / reward, diversification, forecasting the market and profit realization.

The book taught me the importance of thinking for myself and focus on few but powerful investment opportunities, rather than following the heard.

An excellent book for beginners and experts.

8. Trade Your Way to Financial Freedom by Van Tharp

If you're obsessed with financial freedom and stock market trading, this book is for you.

Van Tharp is the bestselling author on the basics of trading systems, stop loss and profit targets.

Some people say this book is the holy grail of trading. Well, I agree. Not because it contains a magic formula to making money, but it's the essential trading checklist.

If you ignore any of the principles (money management, trading plan, psychology, and others), you will fail.

A must-read if you're into financial trading.

9. Trading in the Zone: Master the Market with Confidence, Discipline and a Winning Attitude by Mark Douglas

While Van Tharp gave us the technical framework for financial trading. Mark Douglas then gave us the psychological framework.

Investing, probably similar to any other professional activity, is 50% technical 50% mind set. To be successful you have to excel at both.

So Trading in the Zone is the book for getting psychologically fit and achieve your own Zone.

10. Personal Finance For Dummies by Eric Tyson

What if you just want a quick and easy book to sort out your personal finances? Well here you go, Personal Finance for Dummies.

An easy and well written guide, part of the renowned series of "how to for dummies".

Just the basics, but filled with important aspects of money management for your everyday life.

A great start if you're in need to improve your financial skills.

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