The Best Personal Development Books to Read
When the temperatures drop, it’s time to snuggle up with a good book.
If you’re in the mood for some personal development this winter, these six books are must-reads. Choose a few that sound appealing, get a fire going, grab a hot beverage (like one of these healthy hot chocolate alternatives), and get to reading.
1. Think and Grow Rich, by Napolean Hill
This particular book is a self-improvement classic that draws on examples from successful historical figures like Andrew Carnegie. It’s not all about financial wealth, either. The guidance in this book can help you achieve success in any endeavor.
Even though it was first written in 1937, the lessons that Hill shares are as relevant today as they ever were.
2. How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie
Another well-loved classic that’s withstood the test of time, this book can teach you how to get people to like you, how to handle others, how to convince someone to see your way of thinking, and much more.
Even if you’ve never struggled with your own people skills, this is a personal development book that everyone can learn something from.
3. The 5 Love Languages, by Dr. Gary Chapman
Do you know your love language? We all have a primary love language, and so do our partners. Dr. Chapman explains that marital unhappiness is so often due to speaking different love languages. Understanding how we like to receive love, and how our partners like to receive love, can lead to groundbreaking changes in our relationships.
The book focuses on romantic love, but it can also be useful for your friendships and other relationships. For example, when you know that someone needs words of affirmation to feel loved, you’ll be better able to help them feel loved.
4. Outliers: The Story of Success, by Malcolm Gladwell
Personal development books can sometimes feel like all fluff and no substance, but Outliers is a different type of book. Gladwell aims to answer the question, “What makes high achievers different?” It’s more of a scientific and reality-based look into what it takes to be successful.
The main premise is that success is primarily achieved when we take the time to hone our skills. It’s an inspiring read filled with interesting stories and examples.
5. Steve Jobs, by Walter Isaacson
No one can deny the genius of Steve Jobs, and this book is a deeply honest tell-all about his life and work. Walter Isaacson conducted more than forty interviews with Jobs over two years, plus chats with more than 100 family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues.
You’ll learn about leadership values, creativity, entrepreneurship, and a whole lot more.
6. Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, by John Ratey, MD
The introduction paragraph to this book says it all: “Did you know you can beat stress, lift your mood, fight memory loss, sharpen your intellect, and function better than ever simply by elevating your heart rate and breaking a sweat?”
Those are some lofty assertions, but Spark certainly proves them to be true. Ratey explores the connection between our minds and our bodies, and you’ll be inspired to get some exercise in after reading.
Do you have any favorite personal development books that weren’t included on this list? We can never do enough learning and growing, so be sure to share them with other readers in the comments!