Self-help is one of the most common genres of books. These books are written with the intention of helping readers solve personal problems and change their life.
Over the years, many famous personalities have shared how self-improvement books have helped them shape their life. The best self-help books can prove as valuable as a life coach.
Here are my picks for the top 10 self help books to read in 2023.
1. The Power of Habit – Charles Duhigg
The Power of Habit is about the science of habits. Charles Duhigg takes us on a journey of scientific discoveries exploring how habits work and how they can be changed. At its core, The Power of Habit brings to life a whole new understanding of human nature.
About Author – Charles Duhigg is an Award-winning American journalist.
- Pages – 400
- Publication date – February 7 2013
- Price – 303
2. The Little Book of Big Lies – Tina Lifford
Tina guides you on a journey of self-discovery with 14 personal stories. In her gentle and reassuring voice, Tina Lifford teaches how to change your self-perception. This self-help book will change the way you think and live.
About Author: Tina Lifford is a Hollywood actress and founder of the personal development network – The inner Fitness Project.
- Print length – 224 Pages
- Publication date – November 19 2019
- Price – 599 (Paperback)
3. Tools of Titans – Tim Ferriss
Tools of Titans is a comprehensive collection of everything Tim Ferriss has learned from interviewing people who have achieved tremendous success. The book contains tips, tricks, and insights to improve many areas of life. The book's premise is very vast, covering a range of habits and beliefs to become healthy, wealthy and wise.
About Author – Tim Ferriss is an entrepreneur, author, podcaster, and lifestyle guru. He is best known for his self-help book series on lifestyle optimisations.
- Print length – 702 Pages
- Publication date – December 16 2016
- Price – 663 (Paperback)
4. Who moved my cheese – Spencer Johnson
In the book, Spencer Johnson uses metaphors to teach us important life lessons. Cheese is a metaphor for all things we want in life, while the maze stands for the surroundings where we look for these things. However, the problem is that what we want in life keeps changing; therefore, being ready to change and adapting to changes is crucial. Who moved my cheese is for all ages and takes less than an hour to read.
About Author – Spencer Johnson is an American Physician known for his self-help books. His books have been translated into 26 languages.
- Publication date – September 7, 1998,
- Pages – 96
- Price – 260
5. The Question Behind the Question – John G. Miller
QBQ is brief, with personal anecdotes and conversations that make it an exciting read. John G. Miller's book speaks about taking responsibility for one's actions rather than blaming others. The book reminds us that when dealing with any circumstance in life, you are the only person that can change it. It addresses a major issue: the lack of personal accountability.
At its core, the book tells us that asking yourself better questions can entirely change the situation and how you look at things.
About the Author - John G. Miller founded QBQ, an organisational development company. QBC Inc. makes personal accountability a core value for organisations.
- Publication date: September 9 2004
- Pages – 160
- Price – 397
6. The Attention Revolution – B. Alan Wallace
The attention revolution begins with the ill effects of lack of focus. The book takes us on a systematic path of meditation for deep concentration. Alan Wallace inspires readers to take on the challenges of training their minds to achieve extraordinary results. Alan finds the right balance between science and Buddhism to take his concentration to the next level.
About Author – B. Alan Wallace has 30 years of experience in attention-enhancing meditation.
- Publication date: April 10 2006
- Pages – 230
- Price – 1250
7. Mindsight – Daniel Siegel
Mindsight is much more than meditation. It is the new science of kindness that transforms your brain. The author shares a set of psychological steps that can help us mould our inner selves for overall well-being.
The practice involves becoming aware of unwanted thoughts that distract our mind, observation of the thoughts without judgement and acceptance of your thoughts without allowing them to stress you. This helps understand the relationship between mind and body and learning to control emotions.
Publication date: December 28 2010
Pages – 336
Price – 1148
About the Author – Daniel Siegel is the executive director of the Mindsight institute. He is known for his four New York Times bestsellers.
8. Feeling Good by David D. Burns
The book is based on cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is the most widely used practice for improving mental health. David D. Burns gives detailed explanations to identify common cognitive distortions and help improve mood. The exercises given throughout the book replace cognitive distortions with healthy beliefs. It is among the most recommended self-help books.
- Pages – 736
- Publication date – October 1 1999
- Price – 1001
9. The Happiness Project – Gretchen Rubin
It is about the author dedicating 1 year to running happiness experiments. Gretchen Rubin gives an account of her own experience, scientific research, and popular beliefs. The book shows how to change your life following the techniques used by the author. There are a multitude of ways to improve your happiness that are also very simple. If you are working very hard and still not happy, that means you are focussing on the wrong things.
About Author- Gretchen Rubin is an American author who writes on happiness, habits, and human nature. You can also follow her blog GretchenRubin.com where she writes about happiness adventures.
- Pages – 736
- Publication date – October 1 1999
- Price – 1001
10. Option B
Sheryl Sandberg shares her struggles after the sudden death of her husband. The book includes Sheryl's insights with eye-opening research by a leading psychologist. It also includes practical tips to overcome challenges in life. Resilience is not a fixed trait but something that can be cultivated in many ways.
About the author: Sheryl Sandberg is a business executive and philanthropist. She is the first woman to serve on Facebook's board of directors.
- Pages: 265
- Published date: April 24 2017
- Price: 395
Choosing a self-help book depends on the aspect of life you are looking to solve. You can find books for solving money problems, relationships, mental issues or other areas.
