Finding inspiration can be challenging in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Our default mode is turning to social media for that sprinkle of motivation.
Sadly, this source of inspo often leaves us with brain rot, feeling inferior, and making little progress towards our dream life.
However, the right book (yes, books are still in Vogue!) can be a powerful catalyst for change, motivating one to overcome obstacles, set ambitious goals, and achieve personal growth.
I love turning to books to find inspiration and kick myself up the butt when it comes to my short-term and long-term goals.
I’ve read many books we’re about to explore, so I can attest to their worth in your limited free time.
Others are on my ever-increasing reading list but come highly recommended by people continuously smashing life.
Let’s get into it!
Here’s a list of some of the best motivational books to help you transform your life.
Motivational Book 1: “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale
Overview:
First published in 1952, The Power of Positive Thinking is a timeless classic emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive outlook to achieve success and happiness. Peale’s teachings are grounded in the idea that by believing in yourself and adopting a hopeful perspective, you can overcome any challenge.
Positive thinking should not be confused with toxic positivity. Positive thinking does have the power to work wonders. From personal experience, I’ve found that reframing your perspective on stressful or adverse situations can be hugely beneficial.
It’s not so much about convincing yourself everything is okay when it fundamentally is not. Instead, looking at both sides of the coin opens your mind up to discovering solutions rather than simply focusing on the problems.
Key Takeaways:
Belief in Yourself: Peale asserts that self-confidence is crucial for success. After all, if you don’t believe in yourself, how the hell can you expect others to believe in you?
Positive Affirmations: Positive affirmations can reprogram your mind for success. Negative self-talk and criticism are out. We’re taking back our power!
Visualizing Success: Visualization techniques help manifest your goals. Whether you have a vision board in your mind or a Pinterest board you love to escape to, we see what we want and go after it.
Why You Should Read It:
The Power of Positive Thinking is perfect for anyone looking to break free from negative thought patterns and cultivate a more optimistic and proactive approach to life.
Motivational Book 2: “Atomic Habits” by James Clear
Overview:
If you haven’t heard of Atomic Habits, you either don’t have an internet connection, or you’ve already got your habit stacking nailed!
Atomic Habits delves into the science of habits, offering practical strategies for forming good habits, breaking bad ones, and mastering the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results. James Clear’s systematic approach to habit formation is both insightful and actionable.
Granted, Atomic Habits sometimes feels like an overview of many other people’s research, but it teaches some of the more complex ideas in easy-to-digest chunks. The book will take you little more than a day or two to finish, but the lessons will stick with you for far longer.
I read Atomic Habits around four years ago. While writing this article and walking on my under-desk treadmill, I can attest that the teachings on habit stacking have done their job.
Key Takeaways:
Habit Stacking involves pairing new habits with existing ones to make them stick. See above. This is also a huge time saver for the time-poor!
The Four Laws of Behavior Change outlines the laws of creating and sustaining good habits. Start slow, build up, and make them a part of your lifestyle.
Identity-Based Habits: Focusing on living a life that truly fulfills you rather than chasing someone else’s idea of “success.”
Why You Should Read It:
If you need help staying consistent in your goals, Atomic Habits provides a clear roadmap to building lasting habits that lead to significant personal and professional improvements.
Sure, it’s simplified, but there are no prizes for taking the more challenging route to educating yourself.
Motivational Book 3: “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero
Overview:
Jen Sincero’s You Are a Badass is a vibrant and engaging guide to living an extraordinary life. Sincero combines humor, wit, and practical advice to help readers recognize their potential and embrace their inner power.
You Are a Badass inspired me to nickname my past 12 months “The Badass Era.” Continually reminding myself that I can do hard things, deal with crappy people, and fight my fears has led to a rapid mindset shift.
Motivation doesn’t happen overnight, nor can you muster from nothing. Over time, small changes to your self-perception and pushing past your comfort zone subliminally make the discipline much easier.
Key Takeaways:
Self-Love: Understanding and embracing your worth is the first step to greatness. As a business owner and freelancer, I always gravitate to the phrase “know your worth, then add tax.” Cringe? Maybe. Does it help? Absolutely.
Taking Risks: Success = stepping out of your comfort zone. Reprogram your mind by doing what you fear. You’ll find that it wasn’t so scary after all.
Manifestation is harnessing the power of the universe to attract what you desire. It’s not sitting on your backside, thinking it’ll magically appear. It’s about taking risks and going after those desires.
Why You Should Read It:
You Are a Badass is ideal for those who need a confidence boost and a reminder that they can achieve their dreams, no matter how big or small. After all, you ARE a badass. You just needed a gentle reminder.
Motivational Book 4: “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey
Overview:
Stephen Covey’s influential book has sold millions of copies worldwide and continues to be a staple in the self-help genre. In it, Covey presents a principle-centered approach to solving personal and professional problems.
Are you sick of politics in life and work? Read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It’ll help you drown out the noise, cut through the drama, and get things done.
Key Takeaways:
Proactivity: Taking responsibility for your reactions and outcomes. It’s all about accountability!
Begin with the End in Mind: Defining a clear vision for your life. That way, you won’t waste time going in circles or the wrong direction.
Synergy: Collaborating effectively with others to achieve more than you could alone. Trust me, your tribe is out there.
Why You Should Read It:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People offers a holistic approach to personal and professional development, making it a must-read for anyone looking to improve their effectiveness and overall life satisfaction.
Motivational Book 5: “Feel-Good Productivity” by Ali Abdaal
Overview:
In Feel-Good Productivity, Ali Abdaal combines his experiences as a doctor and a YouTuber to offer practical advice on achieving productivity without burnout.
He focuses on balancing work and personal life, ensuring that productivity feels rewarding rather than exhausting.
I love Ali Abdaal and have been a long-time subscriber to his YouTube channel. Naturally, when he announced his book release, I had to pre-order it.
Feel-Good Productivity embraces engaging storytelling and offers a calming perspective on tackling that never-ending to-do list.
Key Takeaways:
Sustainable Productivity: Achieving more by working smarter, not harder. Unfortunately, there are no bonus rewards for taking the more challenging routes.
Joy in Work: Finding happiness in daily tasks. Learn to make the monotonous fun. Assert gratitude for what you have rather than what you don’t.
Practical Tips: Actionable strategies to boost productivity. You can also jump into his YouTube channel at any point for refresher lessons.
Why You Should Read It:
Feel-Good Productivity provides a refreshing perspective on staying productive while feeling suitable for anyone struggling to find joy in their work.
Motivational Book 6: “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho
Overview:
The Alchemist is a philosophical novel that follows Santiago, a shepherd boy, on his journey searching for a worldly treasure. Paulo Coelho’s masterpiece explores themes of destiny, dreams, and the pursuit of personal legend.
This book isn’t simply motivational because your friend recommended it once. It’s a rite of passage.
It’s the perfect starting place if you’re looking for motivation for the spiritual flavor. One that guides through emotion-driven storytelling to truly leave a lasting impact.
Key Takeaways:
Pursuit of Dreams: This philosophy encourages following one’s dreams, making life much brighter and more motivating.
Spiritual Enlightenment: Insights into personal growth and fulfillment. Sometimes, it takes looking beyond ourselves to see what this thing we call life is all about.
Universal Lessons: Timeless wisdom applicable to all walks of life.
Why You Should Read It:
The Alchemist is perfect for those seeking inspiration to follow their dreams and find deeper meaning in their lives. Aside from that, it’s a beautiful read that’ll brighten up your week.
Motivational Book 7: “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie
Overview:
Dale Carnegie’s classic guide to interpersonal skills provides clear, actionable advice on how to build relationships, influence others, and achieve success in personal and professional interactions.
A fan favorite in the marketing, sales, and other corporate spaces, How to Win Friends and Influence People is a must-stop for entrepreneurs and career-hungry people.
It sounds shadier than it is. There’s nothing shady about it. It’s the art of communication unlocked for people at all career stages, skill levels, and backgrounds.
Key Takeaways:
Effective Communication: Tips for better listening and speaking. Many of which you will have never even considered.
Building Relationships: Strategies to connect with others. People buy from people. Society is about community. Humans are social creatures.
Influence and Persuasion: Techniques to win people over. Be it improving your marketing sales pitches or overcoming confidence issues in group settings.
Why You Should Read It:
This book offers invaluable guidance for anyone looking to improve their social skills and build meaningful connections.
Don’t fancy slogging through the whole paperback? Try listening to the audiobook while you work or complete other tasks!
Motivational Book 8: “The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment” by Eckhart Tolle
Overview:
Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now focuses on the importance of living in the present moment to achieve spiritual enlightenment and inner peace.
We spend much of our lives thinking about the future and how we’ll feel when we achieve such and such goals. It’s mostly a waste of time.
All we have is now. Yes, we can plan, dream, and strategize. But the most important thing is what we do with now. How we embrace the moments of life we’re in.
Key Takeaways:
Present Moment Awareness: Emphasizes the power of now.
Spiritual Growth: Pathways to enlightenment.
Mindfulness: Techniques to stay present and aware.
Why You Should Read It:
The Power of Now is essential for those seeking a deeper spiritual connection and a more mindful approach to life. Frankly, it is all about the journey, not the destination—no matter how cliche it sounds.
Motivational Book 9: “Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action” by Simon Sinek
Overview:
Simon Sinek explores the idea of the “Golden Circle” and how great leaders inspire action by starting with “why” rather than “what” or “how.”
I’ve been a long-time follower of Simon Sinek’s work. He has a brilliant approach to breaking down big problems with easy-to-implement solutions; understanding our “why” is pivotal for many of life’s scenarios.
Our “why” is a compass regarding difficult decisions, life changes, and those mentally strenuous moments.
Key Takeaways:
Finding Your Why: Discovering your purpose. What fills you with passion and excitement?
Inspiring Leadership: How to lead with a clear vision. By the way, there’s a clear difference between leaders and managers.
Building Trust: Creating loyal followers through authenticity. Drop the act, and be true to yourself.
Why You Should Read It:
Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action is perfect for leaders or anyone looking to inspire and motivate others effectively. It’s time to say goodbye to toxic bosses and group environments!
Motivational Book 10: “The 4-Hour Workweek” by Timothy Ferriss
Overview:
Timothy Ferriss’s The 4-Hour Workweek challenges traditional work paradigms and offers strategies for achieving freedom and flexibility through automation and outsourcing.
I’ll be honest: I have yet to finish this book. Sadly, I have also yet to master the four-hour workweek and often lose control of my weeks.
That said, the first 150 pages have shifted my life dramatically. I’m well on with reorganizing my business, so I’m not selling my time for money but believing in my vision to help others achieve freedom.
Mini retirements every three months; here I come!
Key Takeaways:
Lifestyle Design: Creating a life that balances work and leisure. You can love what you do, but loving your life outside work counts.
Outsourcing: Delegating tasks to free up time. Find better people than you at the things you hate, and let them do their thing!
Efficiency: Maximizing productivity with minimal effort. Think of the 80/20 rule. This approach will yield the fastest results.
Why You Should Read It:
This book provides actionable advice for those seeking to escape the 9-to-5 grind and design life on their terms.
It also provides evidence from real people who have taken Ferriss’s advice and completely changed their lives. It doesn’t get much more motivational than that!
Motivational Book 11: “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” by Sheryl Sandberg
Overview:
Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In addresses women’s challenges in the workplace and offers insights on overcoming barriers and achieving leadership roles.
As Facebook’s former Chief Operating Officer, Sheryl Sandberg knows a thing or two about building empires. Albeit Lean In does echo some post-feminist and neo-liberalist sentiments, we do live in a capitalist world.
The more women understand the power of their voices and actions, the better the world will one day be. Whether you agree or disagree with Sandberg’s points of view, there’s a lot to be learned from her monumental career as a woman in big tech.
Key Takeaways:
Gender Equality: Advocating for equal opportunities.
Leadership: Encouraging women to take on leadership roles.
Work-Life Balance: Strategies for managing both career and personal life.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is a powerful call to action for women aspiring to leadership and those supporting gender equality in the workplace. It’s a stepping stone in an ocean of equality issues that more of us can build upon through our influence.
Motivational Book 12: “Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World” by Cal Newport
Overview:
Cal Newport’s Deep Work emphasizes the importance of focused, distraction-free work to achieve significant results and enhance productivity.
As someone with diagnosed ADHD, focus is a daily mountain my brain makes me climb. Deep work opens the doors to natural solutions to fight past task paralysis and show the to-do list of who’s boss.
Key Takeaways:
Focus: Strategies to minimize distractions.
Productivity: Techniques for deep, meaningful work.
Success: Achieving more through concentrated effort.
Why You Should Read It:
Deep Work offers valuable insights for anyone struggling with distractions and looking to improve their focus and productivity.
How These Books Can Impact Your Life
Each book offers unique insights and practical advice to help you make significant life changes.
These books provide the guidance and motivation to develop better habits, cultivate a positive mindset, or unlock your inner potential.
Developing Better Habits
Atomic Habits by James Clear and Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal are particularly effective for those looking to make lasting changes in their daily routines.
Understanding the science of habits and implementing Clear and Abdaal’s strategies can create a foundation for long-term success.
Cultivating a Positive Mindset
Books like The Power of Positive Thinking and The Alchemist emphasize the importance of a positive outlook and a growth mindset. These principles are crucial for overcoming obstacles and achieving your goals.
Unlocking Your Inner Potential
You Are a Badass, Lean In, and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People provide potent frameworks for recognizing and harnessing your inner strength.
By applying the lessons from these books, you can gain the motivation and clarity needed to pursue your dreams.
Which motivational book will be next on your reading list?
