Best self-help books everyone should read this year

I am Alex. And I am not 30 years old anymore, and I have loads of gray hair. And I have a lot of scars on my body, heart and… In other words, I have had enough time to read over 100 self-help books. However, only about 6% of the books helped me achieve enviable things: joy, fulfillment, luck, and peace. In a second, I will list these books!

6 best self-help books

The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist is a legendary psychological journey book that leads to DIVINE wisdom through which I discovered peace and success. If you want such wisdom, I suggest you quickly take this book into your warm hands and… 

“Are you a FOOL? Alex, why recommend books known to everyone? I have already read this book,” one of the readers will interrupt me. I have an answer for him: You say you read the Alchemist??? I have read it too! Three times!!!

And you, how many times have you read this masterpiece? Where’s your answer???  

Oh yeah, do it again! Realize that this book has more of a smell—“intelligence meat”—than it seems!

I’m sure if you read it again, it REALLY helps you to relive the hero’s experiences which means it will give you more experience + knowledge. 

I can feel one’s part deeply—sneak into the hero’s sandals; so I remember reading this book, I felt like I was its hero myself—Santiago. There are a ton of advantages to it. By feeling one’s part, you can take over the hero’s experience and experience his emotions, and… Damn it; there were places where, while reading, I could smell Egypt and the sand sticking to my lips!

Oh yes, there are many unforgettable moments in the book, stories that help to focus attention on the essence: Everything is inside, in our mind, and the results of our lives depend on experience.

This book is really fascinating, so I included it here in the article about the best self-help books, not about the best values that guide porn stars.

Self-Help That Works, by John C. Norcross Ph.D. (and other philosophers and psychologists)

Although “Self-Help That Works” is the MOST BORING BOOK you can find in bookstores, I adore it. You see, I have a strange hobby—I collect studies related to self-help. My goal is to gather as much technical information as possible from real professionals who understand what self-help methods work best.  

I love this book because:

1. The book was written by six doctors of philosophy and psychology. (John C. Norcross Ph.D, Linda F. Campbell Ph.D, John M. Grohol PsyD, John W. Santrock Ph.D, Florin Selagea M.S, Robert Sommer Ph.D.)

2. The book “Self-Help That Works” has many self-help methods that work.

If you read this book, you will learn how personal development actually works. You will learn more about the best self-help tools, from books and autobiographies to films, online programs, support groups, and websites, for 41 different behavioral disorders and life challenges.

3. This is a research-based book.

The self-help principles are outlined here. The book features 2,000 self-help tips based on 5,000 mental health professionals.

4. This book contains priceless information collected from the best self help books in the world.  

5. Written for both laypersons and mental health professionals.

This book is for more serious people who clearly know what they want. 

So if you are serious about change and want to make life more effective—grab this thick book! 

Unfortunately, people do not want to work on their character, their human qualities, so few will take advantage of this recommendation. 

The disadvantages of the book: it’s expensive. 

When I searched for its price, it was $40. But it’s not worth saving; buy a Kindle version or find a used one!

The Power Of Now, by Eckhart Tolle

It’s strange, but I disagree with the author of this book. 

You see, Eckhart Tolle argues that the most important question is not who you were yesterday or who you want to be tomorrow, but who you are today.

In my opinion, everything is important. I believe that the most muscular man remembers who he was yesterday, knows who he is today, and understands who he wants to become tomorrow. All these things are fucking connected. Why? Because the past is the foundation of the present, without which you cannot balance, and the future shapes the actions we undertake today…. However, I still recommend this book. Why? Because sometimes it’s fun to see life through Eckhart Tolle’s eyes. Every day, for at least a few minutes, I disconnect my thoughts about the past and my desires for the future to relax. Because if you keep thinking about the past and tomorrow, you can go crazy! I’m sure you know people who only think about the past or tomorrow and worry, worry, worry… 

Oh yeah, it’s not worth using only one philosophy over and over again because life is multi-faceted, and you have to mix up philosophies! I’m talking about a new philosophy that I have been working on for three years. I’ll tell you about it someday!

Better Than Before, by Gretchen Rubin

This book will help you see many of your daily worries in 3D. It’s about working with challenges. 

Topics in the book:

Healthy food
Good mood
Procrastination
Physical exercises
Habits

The author of this self-help book believes that habits are the key. He argues that many self-development bloggers offer one-size-fits-all solutions. In his opinion, no magic formula exists. So he points to another solution. He offers to try 21 strategies. He believes that these strategies will help to find individual solutions for everyone.  

Out of Your Mind, by Alan Watts

Alan Watts is the real star of Eastern philosophy. He mixed Buddhism with psychotherapy and other ingredients.

By the way, Watts is an amazing storyteller. He is a true master of metaphors and an inventive writer. His speeches touched many lost hearts. Its topics cover everything: values, world, universe, love, motivation, and of course, self-help, which is why this book is included in this article. 

Important: The best way is not to read but listen to this book. Because it was recorded by Alan Watts. Such a charismatic man.

Here’s a short description:

“With Out of Your Mind, you are invited to immerse yourself in six of this legendary thinker’s most engaging teachings on how to break through the limits of the rational mind and expand your awareness and appreciation for the great game unfolding all around us. Distilled from Alan Watts’s pinnacle lectures, Out of Your Mind brings you an inspiring new resource that captures the true scope of this brilliant teacher in action.”

You Are a Badass, by Jen Sincero

Answer me, do you like simple books designed to look at yourself from the side? 

I adore such books. 

So if you want a kick in the ass, the book “You Are a Badass” is fantastic entertainment and also a tool that can awaken motivation. 

This book is intended to remind you of a few facts: 

a) You have more power than destiny.
b) Humility is not an option.
c) It all depends on you!
d) Everything is possible; the most important thing is to believe it yourself.
f) If you don’t do anything, nothing will change.

But… 

Not everyone likes this book. Indeed, many blame the author for trivial remarks, but I suggest focusing on the author of this book. Believe me; it takes a lot of courage to say what the book’s author says because she’s damn right!