Just as it is important to train your body, it is important to train your mind. We often take the way we think for granted, believing that it is a fixed notion that cannot be changed. Over the course of centuries, people involved in the fields of spirituality, religion, sports, business and other areas of life have emphasized the importance of our way of thinking and our thoughts in everyday life. We present 10 book recommendations that can help elevate your mindset and achieve personal growth.
1. The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
Rhonda Byrne’s book on putting thoughts into action has become a classic in the field of self-help books. It is based on the 2006 documentary, featuring interviews with numerous scientists, authors and philosophers, who provided their personal views of the “Law of Attraction”, a belief that an intention attached to a positive emotional state can attract a desired outcome. In her groundbreaking book, Byrne compiles wisdom on how to elevate various areas of life – health, relationships, money, happiness and more – simply by thinking what you want into existence. Positive thoughts result in a happy and successful life. Easier said than done, Byrne’s book facilitates this change of mindset by providing simple tools. The success of The Secret carries on beyond the pages, for it was adapted into the 2020 film “The Secret: Dare to Dream”, featuring Katie Holmes and Josh Lucas.
Rhonda Byrne: The Secret. Simon + Shuster, 2006, 216 pages.
2. The Power of Now by Eckart Tolle
In 1997, Eckart Tolle published his book “The Power of Now”, which has become part of the core literature in the self-help genre. Over the course of ten chapters, he covers the main topic of the way of thinking in a conversational question-and-answer format, which makes his thoughts easy to follow and understand. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the now rather than directing our thoughts to past regrets and future anxieties. Easier said than done, only by liberating ourselves from mental traps can we fully embrace the eternal now and, as a result, elevate our lives with a clear focus on what is in front of us.
Eckart Tolle: The Power of Now. Hodder And Stoughton, 2001, 224 pages.
3. As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
Published exactly 120 years ago, in 1903, James Allen’s book has not only gained significant popularity over the years but is also considered a foundational work in the self-help genre. In his book, Allen explores the notion that thoughts have a direct impact on our lives. He argues: “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he”. The cultivation of positive thoughts correlates with overall happiness in one’s life. With less than 100 pages, Allen’s book is concise, profound and enlightening, making it a page-turner that can be completed in a day.
James Allen: As a Man Thinketh. Maple Press, 2014, 52 pages.
4. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Napoleon Hill’s famous 1937 self-help book “Think and Grow Rich” is a bestseller in self-help literature. Over a span of 15 chapters, Hill provides his readers with a guide to success, making his ideas more accessible. With success stories and personal anecdotes, he shows how our thoughts shape our lives. He further recounts how we can profit from this life-altering shift of mindset, leading to success, happiness and wealth. He emphasizes that it is our inner world that shapes our outer world and not the other way around, making us the creators of our lives.
Napoleon Hill: Think and Grow Rich. Penguin LLC US, 2005, 320 pages.
5. Atomic Habits by James Clear
James Clear’s 2019 bestseller “Atomic Habits” offers strategies on how to improve one’s life by adopting good habits and letting go of bad ones. Clear provides numerous real-life examples and practical tips combined with clear graphs and takeaways that make his framework simple to comprehend. A significant message in his book is that tiny habits, repeated consistently, lead to remarkable results. An easy way to remain consistent is by tracking habits in a journal. Inspiring readers with a practical guide and empowering message, “Atomic Habits” is a must-read for anyone ready to transform their life, one habit at a time.
James Clear: Atomic Habits. Penguin LLC US, 2019, 320 pages.
6. The Everyday Hero Manifesto by Robin Sharma
Robin Sharma’s 2021 book “The Everyday Hero Manifesto” is an empowering guide to awakening the inner hero of every human being. This captivating page-turner consists of 101 short chapters, making it an easy read. Sharma’ encourages readers to embrace their potential, reach for greatness and become the best versions of themselves by cultivating a positive mindset and adopting good habits. Sharma’s spellbinding storytelling of success stories and personal anecdotes contributes to installing the belief that everyone is capable of reaching a life of purpose, creating a legacy of greatness.
Robin Sharma: The Everyday Hero Manifesto. HarperCollins, 2021, 400 pages.
7. Can’t Hurt Me – David Goggins
“Can’t Hurt Me” is a 2018 memoir written by retired Navy Seal David Goggins. In his book, he recounts his journey to mastering his mindset. Goggins had a troubled childhood, growing up in an abusive household, facing racism and struggling with obesity. He decided to change his life and by shifting his mindset, he was able to overcome his physical and mental obstacles, enabling him to become a Navy SEAL. He emphasizes that mental resilience requires transgressing the threshold of one’s comfort zone and limiting beliefs. Goggin’s story of mental mastery serves to encourage readers to trade temporal pain and discomfort for mental and physical strength.
David Goggins: Can’t Hurt Me. Ingram Publishers Service, 2020, 364 pages.
8. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Paulo Coelho’s world-renown 1988 novel can be summarized in the famous saying: It is about the journey and not the destination. Indeed, Coelho’s book revolves around the Andalusian shepherd Santiago, who goes on a quest to acquire a treasure. On his journey to reach the treasure, he overcomes obstacles and learns many life lessons. Ultimately, he discovers that the treasure he sought was not the destination but the journey towards his goal. In this story, Coelho emphasizes the significance of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment as well as trusting the universe and embracing one’s destiny.
Paulo Coelho: The Alchemist. HarperCollins, 2002, 177 Pages.
9. The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
Just as the title indicates, Hal Elrod’s 2012 self-help book introduces the miracle morning routine that serves to transform our lives with an intentional good start to the day. This morning routine consists of six entities that make up the Life S.A.V.E.R.S., namely Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading and Scribing. These practices foster personal growth and a positive mindset, ultimately transforming one’s life for the better. Elrod’s “The Miracle Morning” shows that a better life starts with making impactful changes in the first hours of the day.
Hal Elrod: The Miracle Morning. Hodder and Stoughton, 2017, 224 pages.
10. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
“You Are a Badass” is the self-help book that was published by bestselling author Jen Sincero exactly a decade ago. It revolves around overcoming limiting beliefs and shifting our mindset to create our dream life. With humorous storytelling, Sincero presents personal anecdotes and practical advice in an easy-going and accessible manner, making it a must-read for anyone interested in self-discovery and personal growth.
Jen Sincero: You Are a Badass. Hodder and Stoughton, 2016, 272 pages.
