10 MUST-READ BOOKS FOR MOTIVATION
When we take action on our goals, it doesn’t always mean that we’ll embark on a new journey and discover new exciting paths to explore. Sometimes days- or even weeks– could drag on, and things can start to feel a little repetitive. I think it’s that sense of “boring repetition” that starts eats away at our morale, making us feel less and less inspired to keep working towards our goals as the days go by.
While we grow less productive, we start to spin off-course and derail from the “dream path” that we initially set ourselves to tread on . If you feel as if you’ve lost your momentum, one good way to rekindle your success mindset is by reading motivational books.
Many of these books were written by people who were inspired by the hardships and victories they achieved throughout their journey. By learning the wisdom they decided to share and connecting with what inspired them to relentlessly fight for success, it could greatly help you get back on your feet and stay true to your plans!
Here are 10 epic titles to get you started:
1. Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff – Richard Carlson
Carlson published this book back in 1998 with the vision to help readers tell the difference between what truly matters, and what would be considered “clutter.” He believes that it’s the little things which hinder us from finding motivation and handling our stress. With the right mindset, we should be able to get rid of anything that truly isn’t worth our time and effort, which he refers to as “clutter.”
One passage on his book goes like this: “The key to a good life is this: If you’re not going to takl about something during the last hour of your life, then don’t make it a top priority during your lifetime.”
2. Atomic Habits – James Clear
James Clear is a New York Times bestselling author who works towards coaching readers on how they can succeed in their personal lives and careers. By making small but smart decisions in their day-to-day lives, people will eventually find that these wise choices accumulate to greatly change their lives.
On this book, Clear gives advice on various habit trackers as well as how you can find motivation whenever you start to fall out of a good habit. The book generally outlines how you can start creating good lasting habits and getting rid of the bad ones.
3. The Power of Positive Thinking – Norman Vincent Peale
I’ve mentioned this book on some of my videos in the past, and it will always be one of the best books that could help motivate you to keep striving for your goals. Written by Norman Vincent Peale, The Power of Positive Thinking is a book that talks about how you can maintain a optimistic mindset as a skill, where you train yourself to maintain a tough mindset that leans towards good mental energy.
When you’re happier and more cheerful, there’s a better chance for you to succeed, as opposed to someone who lets their negative thoughts take over their internal dialogue. Peale emphasizes the importance and the power of positivity.
4. How To Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie
Although this book is fairly old (published back in 1936,) its values remain to be timeless lessons that anyone could apply to their life. The book mainly talks about how one can increase their popularity and win over the respect of their peers, as well as how you can do better as a public speaker and persuade people to believe in your principles.
It includes a myriad of valuable philosophies such as not to critize others, or to complain. It talks about the importance of showing sincere and whole-hearted appreciation towards others. It’s all about swaying others to follow you in your goals and to bring you value.
5. Awake The Giant – Anthony Robbins
Written by one of the most famous motivational coaches in the modern age, Robbins created the book to train one’s mind and body. It works as a cheaper alternative to his pricey coaching sessions, and brings almost just as much value. On this book, Robbins addresses certain weaknesses such as lacking control over one’s life, and how you can further live your life with more passion and energy.
If you’re the kind of person who likes reading thicker books, then Awake The Giant could be one great digest for you! Robbins writes about each idea in full detail, so his passages tend to last several pages each.
6. Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill
Another old book dating back to the year 1937, Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich” talks about fourteen important principles that can help readers find not only material wealth, but to also discover spiritual and mental strength. The book also includes a few of Hill’s many interviews with the greatest minds in business.
A few of these minds were Henry Ford, J.D. Rockefeller, and even 3 American presidents. One powerful passage that Hill wrote on this book is this: “You are the master of your destiny. You can influence, direct and control your own environment. You can make your life what you want it to be.”
7. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen Covey
I just can’t emphasize this book enough! If you regularly tune in to my podcasts and videos, you’ve definitely heard me mention this book a few times. Being one of the most popular motivational books of all time, Covey writes about the seven habits for finding success at work and in one’s personal life.
The book even comes with a workbook, addressing how you can manage your problems both at home and at work. Just to get you an idea of what the book will talk about, here are the seven habits:
- Be proactive
- Begin with the end in mind
- Put first things first
- Think win-win
- Seek first to understand, then to be understood
- Synergize
- Sharpen the saw
8. As a Man Thinketh – James Allen
The third and oldest book on this list dates back to the year 1903, written by James Allen. It’s been over a hundred years since this book was made, and it still helps inspire and motivate people to this day! When he wrote this pocket book, James intended to help people live life better with a list of helpful advices.
It also takes on a spiritual approach, where he emphasizes the importance of thinking beyond what we currently are, and instead to think of what we can become.
9. Drive – Daniel Pink
Fast forward to the year 2011, Daniel Pink wrote a compelling book about what it is exactly that motivates people to do well at work. He also talks about how those who excel the most in life prove to be the most effective people, and why it’s important to have a purpose that goes beyond monetary rewards and financial achievements.
Pink writes: “Greatness and nearsightedness are incompatible. Meaningful achievement depends on lifting one’s sights and pushing toward the horizon.” In short, you’ve got to dream big to win big!
10. The Greatest Salesman in The World – Og Mandino
Does this book have the word “Salesman” on the title? Yes. Does it actually talk about sales? Not at all! This interesting book actually promotes how you can live your life abundantly using ten principles, which he epically refers to as “The Legend of Ten Scrolls.”
The book talks about these principles in details, teaching readers to master their emotions, and helping them find ways to grow their value every day. Mandino actually states that in order to fully digest the importance of this book’s lessons, it’s best if readers take up to 10 months of proper reading.
If you really feel as if you’ve lost motivation, then it’s time to work towards redeeming yourself! Take some alone time every morning or every night to read at least one of these books, even if you cover just one page per day. So long as you put your heart into digesting their valuable lessons, I can guarantee that you’ll be able to find all of the motivation you need in no time!
Want more than just reading material? You can find motivational videos and podcasts on my YouTube channel! You can also follow me on Instagram (@sagishrieber) and join the Commit First Club on WhatsApp if ever you need someone to share motivation stories with.
Cheers to being the CEO of your life!