Self-help books offer profound insights and weave numerous valuable lessons to inspire effective living. Moreover, the meticulously crafted phrases in these books illuminate the intended meanings by the authors. Through today's article, Mytour Blog presents to you the TOP 15 self-help books to read once in a lifetime, helping you rediscover inspiration when feeling off-balance in life.
1. The Alchemist – A Worthwhile Self-Help Read
- Author: Paulo Coelho
- Number of Chapters: 10 chapters
- Publication Date: 1988
The Alchemist is among the top 10 self-help books to read once in a lifetime. It narrates the story of a young traveler named Santiago who leaves his current life to search for treasure. Along his journey, Santiago encounters various characters and learns important lessons about personal mission, seeking the meaning of life, and pursuing dreams.
The Alchemist – meaningful self-help book (Source: Internet)2. The Minimalist Lifestyle of the Japanese
- Author: Fumio Sasaki
- Number of Chapters: 5 chapters
- Publication Date: 02/2017
If you're wondering whether self-help books are beneficial, consider reflecting on the content of The Minimalist Lifestyle of the Japanese. Through lessons on waste, frugality, and simplicity, yet sophistication, from the Japanese, you will gradually learn the ability to perceive and evaluate what truly matters in life.
The Minimalist Lifestyle of the Japanese (Source: Internet)3. Rich Dad, Poor Dad – Bestselling self-help book
- Author: Robert T. Kiyosaki
- Number of Chapters: 9 chapters
- Publication Date: 1997
Rich Dad, Poor Dad is an insightful self-help book discussing two fathers, each with a different approach and perspective on money and life. The author shares valuable lessons learned from the rich dad and the poor dad to convey principles and financial strategies for achieving success and freedom in life.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad – Inspirational self-help book (Source: Internet)4. How to Win Friends and Influence People – Highly acclaimed self-help book
- Author: Dale Carnegie
- Number of Chapters: 15 chapters
- Publication Date: 1936
Despite ongoing debates about the drawbacks of self-help books, in reality, this genre still manages to offer readers a glimpse into the value of life. An exemplary case is the classic self-help book 'How to Win Friends and Influence People', highly regarded for its practical advice and essential principles for personal and professional success. Additionally, the book delves into skills such as listening, empathy, emotional control, and building positive relationships with others.
'How to Win Friends and Influence People' – Classic self-help book (Source: Internet)5. Self-help book gem: Be the Fish, Own the Swim
- Author: Takeshi Furukawa
- Number of Chapters: 9 chapters
- Publication Date: 14/08/2017
Besides the self-help books that are not worth reading due to their unrealistic content, there are still inspiring and meaningful ones, such as 'Be the Fish, Own the Swim'. This book shares nine habits to overcome negative thinking and cultivate positive thoughts. Using real-life stories to illustrate each habit, the book reinforces belief for readers. Each chapter concludes with brief summaries to help readers better remember the important content.
'Be the Fish, Own the Swim' – Source of inspiration (Source: Internet)6. The Value of Youth
- Author: Rosie Nguyễn
- Number of Chapters: 5 chapters
- Publication Date: 01/07/2021
Another self-help book worth reading is 'The Worth of Youth'. This book avoids extreme negativity and preaching, focusing instead on the author's humble reflections and positive thoughts. Moreover, its content helps young readers recognize the value of youth and inspires them to stride confidently through life.
'The Worth of Youth' – Source of Inspiration (Source: Internet)7. The Genius on the Left, the Insane on the Right – Popular Self-Help Book
- Author: Dr. Thomas J. Stanley
- Number of Chapters: 13 chapters
- Publication Date: 1996
'Genius on the Left, Madman on the Right' provides essential cores and principles to achieve financial success. The book helps readers understand better how to perceive and manage money, offering lessons from successful wealthy individuals, exploring habits, and behaviors necessary to achieve personal financial goals.
'Genius on the Left, Madman on the Right' (Source: Internet)8. Let Go of Worries and Live Happily
- Author: Dale Carnegie
- Number of Chapters: 6 chapters
- Publication Date: 1948
'Let go of worries and live happily' focuses on helping readers liberate themselves from stress, worries, and life pressures. The content of the book provides advice and techniques to face daily challenges positively, creating satisfaction and joy in every aspect of life. So, if you're wondering what a self-help book is or have questions, start pondering from this book.
Let go of worries and live happily (Source: Internet)9. Self-help book: Awaken the extraordinary in you
- Author: Anthony Robbins
- Number of Chapters: 4 chapters
- Publication Date: 1992
The main content of the book 'Awaken the Extraordinary in You' focuses on harnessing the positive, powerful aspects within yourself and using them to achieve goals. The author also emphasizes that each of us needs to believe in our own abilities to overcome limitations and accomplish things that we once thought were impossible.
Awaken the Extraordinary in You (Source: Internet)10. Life is Short, Don't Sleep Long – Bestselling Self-help Book
- Author: Robin Sharma
- Number of Chapters: 14 chapters
- Publication Date: 2004
Life is Short, Don't Sleep Long explores various aspects of success, happiness, and personal growth. This book advocates consciousness and proactiveness in life, encouraging readers to make good decisions and positive changes to achieve their goals, thus shaping life in the desired way.
Life is Short, Don't Sleep Long (Source: Internet)11. Finding Meaning in Life – Helpful self-help Book
- Author: Victor Frankl
- Number of Chapters: 2 chapters
- Publication Date: 1992
Seeking Meaning in Life is considered a classic self-help book of our time. Its content has the ability to uplift human spirits and help them discover their existential purpose, thereby providing a reason to continue living. According to Victor, he believes that humans don't need to be happy to live; rather, they can sustain life if they truly find a reason to keep moving forward.
Seeking Meaning in Life (Source: Internet)12. Fast and Slow Thinking – A Must-read Self-help Book
- Author: Daniel Kahneman
- Number of Chapters: 41 chapters
- Publication Date: 2011
Fast and Slow Thinking introduces and analyzes two different thinking systems and how they impact human perception. System 1 is the fast, automatic, and frequently used thinking mechanism. System 2 is the slower, more deliberate thinking mechanism that requires focus and mental effort. By thoroughly understanding these two modes of thinking, readers will recognize the limitations and errors of the fast thinking mechanism and learn how to utilize slow thinking to make more accurate decisions.
Fast and Slow Thinking (Source: Internet)13. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
- Author: Mark Manson
- Number of Chapters: 9 chapters
- Publication Date: 2016
Belonging to the list of excellent self-help books, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck encourages readers to focus on the core values and goals of life. The author believes this is the key to a beautiful life. By reducing concern for unimportant things, we can channel our focus and energy into meaningful pursuits. The book also encourages us to view life more optimistically and not strive too hard for perfection.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck (Source: Internet)14. The Law of Attraction – Meaningful Self-Help Book
- Author: Jerry Hicks
- Number of Chapters: 4 chapters
- Publication Date: 2006
The Law of Attraction is a self-help book focusing on exploring the relationship between positive and negative thinking and their impact on life. The author encourages readers to delve into the origins and nature of consciousness and the subconscious. The book also shares ways to build confidence and optimism, providing specific guidance on setting goals and making wishes in life.
The Law of Attraction – Meaningful Self-Help Book (Source: Internet)15. Think and Grow Rich – Helpful Self-Help Book
- Author: Napoleon Hill
- Number of Chapters: 14 chapters
- Publication Date: 1937
This book Think and Grow Rich focuses on exploring principles and philosophies to achieve success and wealth. Napoleon Hill researched and interviewed hundreds of successful individuals, including entrepreneurs, leaders, and famous figures, to understand the principles and mindset they applied to achieve success. The content of the book also shares specific steps to achieve goals and promote personal development.
Think and Grow Rich – A Meaningful Self-Help Book (Source: Internet)15. Frequently Asked Questions about “Self-Help Books”
- 1. What are self-help books?
Self-help books are a genre of books that help readers find inspiration, motivation, and guidance to improve and enhance themselves. This type of book often quotes philosophies, experiences, and lessons from the authors themselves or famous figures in various fields. Self-help books come in many types: books focusing on mindset, life skills, mental health, personal finance management, etc.
- 2. Are self-help books good?
Self-help books help readers find inspiration, motivation, gain knowledge and skills, and broaden their vision and optimism. However, if one does not know how to select and apply self-help books appropriately to oneself and one's circumstances, readers may face negative consequences for themselves.
- 3. How to read self-help books properly, effectively?
– Clear reading purposes: skills to improve, difficulties to solve, or simply seeking inspiration and motivation.
– Read self-help books wisely with selectivity: One should not unconditionally believe in everything written in the books but analyze, research, and evaluate it according to one's own perspective and circumstances.
– Application in practice: One should take specific, measurable actions and monitor the results. Readers should also experiment and adjust according to their situations and experiences.
– Recording the process: Take notes and mark important points, good ideas, and issues that one is curious about. One should also summarize and present what one has read based on one's understanding, which helps reinforce knowledge and remember it longer. - 4. Why are self-help books highly sought after nowadays?
People increasingly want to learn how to solve psychological problems, improve the quality of life, and unleash their potentials. That's why self-help books are highly sought after nowadays.
- 5. The downsides of self-help books that no one tells you?
– Self-help books make readers lack patience, only wanting quick results while ignoring the process.
– Self-help books make readers feel inferior, comparing themselves to successful people and forgetting the values they possess.
– They make readers dreamy, believing that only pursuing passion will lead to success without recognizing the immediate challenges and risks.
– Self-help books make readers unsure how to apply the advice in reality, only reading for comfort and self-indulgence.
– They make readers lose creativity and independence in thinking.
The above article has shared with you 15 worth-reading self-help books in 2023. Hopefully, after finishing reading, you will find your favorite book to delve into profound life lessons. To explore more book genres and buy quality, affordable books with fast delivery, visit the Mytour e-commerce platform now!
