The road to self-improvement is long and not always forward. That’s why entrepreneurs and professionals are regularly looking for better ways to interact with others and understand people’s motivations while trying to improve themselves and their businesses.
There are many books on self-development. Some books focus purely on business-related issues, while others look to emotional or spiritual growth. To narrow down the list, members of the Forbes Coaches Council recommend reading:
All images courtesy of members of the Forbes Council.
1. AlchemistPaulo Coelho
Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho, encourages leaders to overcome fear and persevere in their journey through the unknown. It also shows how success manifests itself when we are focused, and how success can be modeled when we act consistently. It is important to keep moving and stay focused despite the obstacles we face. – Lakisha GreenwadeLucky Fit LLC
2. The Art of Self-Promotion: Telling Stories and Transforming Careersby Debbie Stone
The one book I recommend to all my clients is The Art of Self-Promotion: Telling Stories and Transforming Careers By Debbie Stone. I have found all of my clients to be not only engaging but chock-full of effective strategies to greatly improve their ability to discuss their backgrounds and achievements in a variety of scenarios. A must-read for entrepreneurs! – Emily CappittReFresh Your Step, LLC
3. Big Leap: Overcome your hidden fears and take your life to the next levelGay Hendricks
there are two things i love Take the Big Leap: Overcome Your Hidden Fears and Take Your Life to the Next Level By Gay Hendricks. First, his distinction between “genius realm” and “excellence realm” (and how appealing it is to stay in the latter). Second, how the upper bound problem manifests itself in the growth process and tries to hinder its success. It’s a beautiful study of the work you should be doing and how to get out of your way to do it. Tina ForsytheTina Forsythe
Four. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates UsDaniel Pink
Five years after publication, it’s not necessarily on the cutting edge, but Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us Reading Daniel Pink’s book, I realized that most companies fundamentally misunderstand what motivates people to do their best work and stay around to make a real impact. It really woke me up. The research Pink cites is intuitive, especially for those of us millennials who aren’t keen on meeting each other every morning for a corporate dance. Yuri KrumanMaster the Talk Consulting
Five. The Gift of Imperfection: Letting Go of Who You Think You Should Be and Accepting Who You AreBren Brown
Many self-help books can inadvertently make you feel bad by showing you the gap between who you are and who you want to be. The Gift of Imperfection: Letting Go of Who You Think You Should Be and Accepting Who You Are is an exception. This short and precise book breaks the vicious cycle of endless effort and offers a path to self-acceptance and contentment. – Lindsey Day, Magnetic Career Consulting
6. Goals!: How To Get Everything You Want — Faster Than You ThoughtBrian Tracy
I once heard a man say, “People without goals go nowhere!” He never forgot the words. Everything we want starts with a goal.So, the recommended book for self-development is Goals!: How To Get Everything You Want — Faster Than You Thought By Brian Tracy. In this book he explains why goals are important. Goals help you stop blaming others, take control of your life and emotions, enrich your relationships, and experience fulfillment and satisfaction. – Eddie TurnerEddie Turner LLC
7. A Guide to Happiness for Successful Peopleby Vance and Carol Ann Caesar
When coaching top performers, my go-to resource for personal development is A Guide to Happiness for High Achievers by Vance and Carol Ann Caesar. Their research on high performers sets you up for a hands-on dive into understanding your personal vision, goals, and commitments. A lot of white space has been included to complete the answer. After reading this book, I’ve seen leaders really feel “wow”. – Layla Bring TownThe Bring Town Group, LLC
8. man’s search for meaningViktor Frankl
Written by psychiatrist Viktor Frankl man’s search for meaning It changes the way you look at your purpose in life. It details his life in a Nazi concentration camp and insights from his experiences. Understanding the purpose and meaning of one’s life is essential for personal growth. Frankl said, “A man who has a ‘why’ to live can withstand almost any ‘how’.” – Zia GaneshGia Ganesh Coaching
9. Don’t Eat Alone: Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a TimeKeith Ferrazzi
Networking is the true fabric that connects us all. It’s the best and probably the only way to get anything done.So Keith Ferrazzi’s book never eat alone It’s at the top of my personal development list because it helps change the way most people perceive this important human activity that they don’t do well. Mariela Davermovement of the red shoes
Ten. Power Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenmentby Eckhart Tolle
Even if, like me, you are skeptical of books in the “self-help” category, books by Eckhart Tolle, Power Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment, It leaves you with some great insight into what it really means to exist. This book explains in a very accessible and practical way that the key to experiencing more joy in life is here and now. – Carroll WelchCarol Welch Consulting
11. A Purpose-Driven Life: What Am I Here For? Rick Warren
Personal development should be more about character than anything else: success, wealth, overcoming bad habits. Anyway, living a purposeful life is the foundation and root of everything else.Book A Purpose-Driven Life: What Am I Here For? Rick Warren’s book made it clearer who I am and what I’m here for. It has helped me make purposeful choices in life, business, and relationships. – Tamiko CuellaPursue Your Purpose LLC
12. The One Thing: The surprisingly simple truth behind extraordinary resultsGary Keller and Jay Papasan
The One Thing: The surprisingly simple truth behind extraordinary results Gary Keller and Jay Papasan’s books are a must read for anyone who wants to take control of their life. The premise is to focus on one thing that drives you forward in all areas of your life. It is very helpful to focus on how it can help you. Dr. Venessa Marie PerryHealth Resource Solutions, LLC
13. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal ChangeDr. Stephen Covey
The seminal work of Dr. Stephen Covey, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change, outlines the seven habits you need to succeed in work and life. I have carried on his timeless lessons as I have taken on challenges as a business owner, wife, friend and mother. The 7 habits are to be proactive. Start with the end in mind. Prioritize top priority. Think win-win. First try to understand, then be understood. synergy; and sharpening the saw. – Amanda Miller Littlejohnpackaged genius academy
14. Start with a Reason: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Actionby Simon Sinek
Why Start With: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Action By Simon Sinek, this is a must-read for anyone wanting to make sure their “do” comes from “who”. As humans, we are all capable of many things. We strive to impress others with our ‘how’. But understanding your “why” and making choices from that place will lead to a more fulfilling, impactful and peaceful life. – Julia M. WinstonBrave Communication
15. think fast and slowDaniel Kahneman
think fast and slow Daniel Kahneman has broadened my mind and helped me understand a lot of things about critical thinking that I didn’t have a clear understanding of before. It’s not meant to be an easy read, but the investment of time will pay off big. – Bill GardnerNoetic Outcomes Consulting, LLC
