9 Best Books in Personal Transformation Self-Help
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1. "Atomic Habits" (James Clear)
Best Sellers Rank: #11 in Books.
- #1 in Business Processes & Infrastructure
- #2 in Popular Social Psychology & Interactions
- #2 in Personal Transformation Self-Help
Amazon reviews:
"I will say that after completing this book, I feel like I had a personal mentor walk me through ways to improve my life, but for an unbelievable price. I will admit that upon finishing this book earlier today I eagerly added my name to the free newsletter! If you pick this book up, I hope you find it as useful as I did. Some of the less positive reviews cite multiple other books, but I think the value you get here is that it's consolidated here and formulated in an easy way to digest."
"This book is action oriented. The concepts present an action plan for trying them in your own situation and to practice the ideas directly in day to day life. This makes the book an instruction manual for nurturing good habits and killing bad habits. I was able to immediately relate to many new habits to start and many not so good habits I can stop and avoid using the identification pattern provided in the book. "
"Atomic Habits by James Clear is one of those rare books that I immediately read twice in a row. It is filled with dozens of science-backed and actionable nuggets of wisdom. Do you want to improve any habits in your life? I heartily recommend Atomic Habits to you! We are all driven by our habits - many of which are unconscious."
Books quotes:
"Decide the type of person you want to be. Prove it to yourself with small wins."
"Goals are about the results you want to achieve. Systems are about the processes that lead to those results."
"The ultimate form of intrinsic motivation is when a habit becomes part of your identity. It’s one thing to say I’m the type of person who wants this. It’s something very different to say I’m the type of person who is this."
2. "The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom" (Don Miguel Ruiz)
Best Sellers Rank: #27 in Books.
- #4 in Personal Transformation Self-Help
- #5 in Mental Health (Books)
- #5 in Success Self-Help
Amazon reviews:
"The book helped me understand the following: 1. I can’t blame my parents for how they raised me. That’s what they were taught by their parents and the environment around them. 2. I am responsible for my own thoughts, emotions and actions. No one can force me to do anything unless I choose to. 3. People’s perspectives are based on their own experiences. I don’t have to react to them since they are not mine. 4. It’s possible to be authentic with yourself and others."
"This book was suggested to me by my therapist. She and I have been working through my many issues and this book has helped facilitate that journey in so many ways. Since working through these agreements, I have been able to view myself, and life in a whole different way. I am more purposeful in what I say and do and I truly understand the own power and control I have over my own life. I would (and have!) absolutely recommend this book to anyone, regardless of mental health, life journey or long-term goals."
"If you haven't read this book, I'd highly recommend it. I think it can help us all have the kind of life we want to have."
Books quotes:
"Being impeccable with your word is the correct use of your energy; it means to use your energy in the direction of truth and love for yourself."
"Real love is accepting other people the way they are without trying to change them."
"It is always better to ask questions than to make an assumption, because assumptions set us up for suffering."
3. "The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment" (Eckhart Tolle)
Best Sellers Rank: #8,144 in Books.
- #43 in Self-Esteem (Books)
- #218 in Personal Transformation Self-Help
- #255 in Motivational Self-Help (Books)
Amazon reviews:
"Everyone should read this book. Eckhart Tolle is a spiritual teacher he guides you how to live in the Now and how to become aware of your chattering mind, how to deal with painful emotions, how to awaken from the preconditioned self - by this I mean the person you think you are but really its just a lot of ideas and beliefs coming from teachers, parents, religion, this book will free you from that old self and become free to live in the now."
"I read this book just after it first came out. Having re-read it several times now, referring to it whenever my life situations were difficult, I can say it is of extraordinary value. It has helped me become more Present and Conscious to this moment, and virtually all of my previous difficulties have faded into nothingness. Challenges do occur, of course, but the way I see them and approach them is vastly different to my former state. Highly recommended!"
"The best book I have ever read, changed my life for sure! I would highly recommend it to everyone who is going through hard times in their life!"
Books quotes:
"Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the Now the primary focus of your life."
"Pleasure is always derived from something outside you, whereas joy arises from within."
"Power over others is weakness disguised as strength. True power is within, and it is available to you now."
4. "101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think" (Brianna Wiest)
Best Sellers Rank: #93 in Books.
- #1 in Medical General Psychology
- #8 in Personal Transformation Self-Help
- #13 in Psychology & Counseling
Amazon reviews:
"When I first read the title, I was skeptical. Sounds like the usual platitude, but you'll soon realize that each essay does make you think. The author openly admits that some things in the essays may sound like another platitude but as they explain, you start to see it in another way. Some of the essays seemed like a differently worded version of previous essays but I stuck with it and I am glad I did. Even the essays that seem redundant make you think and some things are worth talking about more than once so I was okay with it in the end. This is a book that I'll keep in my library and re-read over and over again, it's definitely not a 'one and done'!"
"I’m pleased I read this! Want to send copies to my special people. Treat yourself if your ready for the challenge."
"I think every person should have to read this book."
Books quotes:
"Accomplishing goals is not success. How much you expand in the process is."
"Your habits create your mood, and your mood is a filter through which you experience your life."
"You must learn to let your conscious decisions dictate your day—not your fears or impulses."
5. "A Life's Work: Learning to Overrule My Mindless Brain" (Shep McKenney)
Best Sellers Rank: #276 in Kindle Store.
- #1 in Motivational Self-Help (Kindle Store)
- #1 in Personal Success & Spirituality
- #1 in Personal Transformation
Amazon reviews:
"This book is moving, thought-provoking, enjoyable, and (perhaps most of all) useful. In the days since I finished reading it, I feel a greater awareness and understanding of my own thoughts and insecurities. I feel more conscious of the processes and calculations driving my thoughts. I feel more present."
"“A Life’s Work: Learning to Overcome My Mindless Brain” is Shep McKenney’s finest piece of work. It is a unique and deeply personal look at how to manage our brains, which have evolved slowly over millions of years and are now dealing with a rapidly changing world full of rapidly changing norms. Shep tells his story in a clear, concise, entertaining, and educational manner that makes it difficult to put the book down. "
"An in-depth journey which offers a roadmap to achieving greater peace by recognizing the self-inflicted noise that exists day to day. We spend so much time in the past, chasing goals that are a part of our early conditioning. Rather than focusing on potential negative outcomes, Shep McKenney pushes the reader to sort out what is truly important. It is a personal, interesting read in which McKenney weaves through authentic life examples of how efficient thought processes can lead to a more durable level of personal happiness. The applications in the book are many with real life examples of techniques which can help sort out and silo deep-rooted issues. The book highlights how the brain is an organ offering endless opportunity, but also which has the capability to leave one unnecessarily confused, anxious or alienated. It offers a hopeful and practical message of regaining control! A LIFE’s WORK is written with grace and humility and experiences are shared that may help others. A fresh new lens to look through to get back to the present!"
6. "Nation of Victims: Identity Politics, the Death of Merit, and the Path Back to Excellence" (Vivek Ramaswamy)
Best Sellers Rank: #86 in Books.
- #1 in Nationalism (Books)
- #3 in History & Theory of Politics
- #7 in Personal Transformation Self-Help
Amazon reviews:
"Vivek is one of the most important thinkers America has to offer today. This works is no different in that regard than his previous works. People are responsible for taking ownership of their own lives. This should not be a controversial idea. But in a nation where everyone is a victim and the State is savior, it is tantamount to heresy."
"Great book to understand the characteristics of victimhood and the foundation of woke culture — and how some individuals weaponize resentment to perpetuate a preferred critical narrative…."
"Nation of Victims lives up to the hype; and the attention surrounding Vivek Ramaswamy and this second book following Woke Inc. is well deserved. In Nation of Victims, Vivek makes a compelling case surrounding the death of merit and the need to revive a culture of excellence. Importantly, this is communicated in a POSITIVE way that can be unifying to our country. Clearly and effectively written."
7. "Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds" (David Goggins)
Best Sellers Rank: #237 in Books.
- #2 in Motivational Self-Help (Kindle Store)
- #16 in Personal Transformation Self-Help
- #19 in Success Self-Help
Amazon reviews:
"It's a fast and brutal read. It's inspiring, but it's not a feel-good memoir, and one can't help but wonder if Goggins takes any real pleasure out of life. He's sort of the Mace Windu of inspirational writers, a grim-faced warrior monk who is going to poke you in your love-handle and ask if you think that is the best you can do. But should you sweat it off, don't look to him for a pat on the back. Look to him to ask if you couldn't have done it more efficiently...and then to ask you what's next on your list of challenges. And why you aren't working on them yet"
"David Goggins is a crazy human, but he knows how to get through to you. We are stronger than our minds lead us to believe. His story is eye opening. You’ll read some parts and think “man this guy has lost his mind” but you’ll also think “wow I can do more than I ever thought I could” While reading this book during 75 hard, I would push myself more and more everyday. I’d run and say “ok when I get to ____ I’ll stop and walk” and when I would get to that point, I’d think about Goggins and keep pushing myself further. Awesome book!"
"If you are really interested in changing your life and finding the intestinal fortitude to really do then this is for you. If you just want some kind words to make you feel good about where you are in life, don’t pick this up. Goggins is the type of guy who can carry the wallet Jules has in Pulp Fiction and get away with it. This has helped me to keep pushing even when I think I’ve gone far enough. This is a real life self help book, not a single thing rings false or like it was designed in some social experiment."
Books quotes:
"Everything in life is a mind game! Whenever we get swept under by life’s dramas, large and small, we are forgetting that no matter how bad the pain gets, no matter how harrowing the torture, all bad things end."
"If you want to master the mind and remove your governor, you’ll have to become addicted to hard work. Because passion and obsession, even talent, are only useful tools if you have the work ethic to back them up."
"The reason it’s important to push hardest when you want to quit the most is because it helps you callous your mind. It’s the same reason why you have to do your best work when you are the least motivated. That’s why I loved PT in BUD/S and why I still love it today. Physical challenges strengthen my mind so I’m ready for whatever life throws at me, and it will do the same for you."
8. "Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization" (Scott Barry Kaufman)
Best Sellers Rank: #651 in Kindle Store.
- #1 in Lifespan Development
- #2 in Psychology Education & Training (Kindle Store)
- #2 in Aging (Books)
Amazon reviews:
"I highly recommend this book. Transcend is a labor of love that shares wisdom, not just information. Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman encourages us to embrace the journey towards transcendence and creativity, and more importantly, he provides context and practical advice to people who want to take that journey. Dr. Kaufman is leading a counterculture of inspiration during a time in which the marketplace rewards incitement. This book turns abstract humanistic values and ideals into a thoughtful lesson plan. Transcend, along with Dr. Kaufman's podcast and other writings, is a source of incredibly helpful reading recommendations, which can be a blessing or a curse for the insatiably curious."
"Maslow's search for transcendence is a journey I have been on my entire life. The extend beyond the borders of this skin, this culture, these human restraints to see the actual universe as it is. To become a version of me that adds value to everything surrounding me. This book is a key that unlocks another door to that reality. Don't pass this one up."
"As a former psych professor, I know that students take psychology hoping that it will actually address real human needs and aspirations - only to be disillusioned. If you found Psych 101 a little thin on insights for living the Good Life, read this book for science-based ideas on how to understand and develop humans."
Books quotes:
"The person who behaves badly behaves so because of hurt, actual and expected, and lashes out in self-defense, as a cornered animal might."
"Within the humanistic psychology framework, the healthy personality is considered one that constantly moves toward freedom, responsibility, self-awareness, meaning, commitment, personal growth, maturity, integration, and change, rather than one that predominantly strives for status, achievement, or even happiness."
"Writing about a topic that triggers strong emotions for just fifteen to twenty minutes a day has been shown to help people create meaning from their stressful experiences and better express both their positive and negative emotions."
9. "It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle" (Mark Wolynn)
Best Sellers Rank: #353 in Books.
- #1 in Couples & Family Therapy
- #4 in Popular Psychology Counseling
- #9 in Mental Illness
Amazon reviews:
"Very interesting read. The connections throughout generations is not some thing I’ve ever considered-however I find to be plausible"
"I don't know what else to say except there has been a massive release in the neurosis I have been carrying around after reading this book. There are prompts to jour al through, I have had multiple conversations with my parents and found out really enlightening things. Highly recommend. This book changed the way I live my life."
"I have recommended this book to about 10 people already. We all have had stuff in our past or in our ancestry that affects us now. Getting to the root is the path to healing. This, plus Jesus is truly an amazing and most effective way to heal generational wounds"
Books quotes:
"What I failed to realize at the time is that when we try to resist feeling something painful, we often protract the very pain we’re trying to avoid."
"the traumas we inherit or experience firsthand can not only create a legacy of distress, but also forge a legacy of strength and resilience that can be felt for generations to come."
"When entangled, you unconsciously carry the feelings, symptoms, behaviors, or hardships of an earlier member of your family system as if these were your own."