14 All-Time Best Motivational Books to Read in 2023

The origin of the word ‘book’ comes from the Germanic root ‘bok’ from which the old English word ‘boc’ was coined, leading to the modern word ‘book’. Books are the doorway that has the power to lead a reader into a world of imagination and fantasy. They also hold the key to human growth and development. The role that books play can never be overstated. Some key advantages that books provide are:

• Illuminates imagination
• Helps build a unique and deep perspective on the world
• Builds confidence
• Helps emotional, mental, and spiritual growth
• Enhances vocabulary
• Helps to learn about the past, different cultures, and civilizations
• Impart crucial life lessons
• Improve memory
• Improve writing skills
• Encourage self-improvement
• Improves communication skills

Books that Motivate

Feeling a lack of motivation in this fast-paced world is a common occurrence. Aisha R. Shabazz, therapist, and licensed clinical social worker specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders. She said –

A lack of motivation is often an indication that you need to rest, recharge and re-evaluate how you are expending your energy. Our global society is very goal oriented so I think many people struggle with motivation because they’re exhausted from constantly striving toward doing everything, all the time, at 110%.

This is where a motivational book can help, especially to reset and rewire the thinking process and provide a jump-start to anyone who needs it. Over the years many motivational books have been written by many authors. Some, however, have made it into the Hall of Fame of the best motivational books of all times.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Make Your Bed
The Alchemist
The Power of Positive Thinking
Girl Stop Apologizing
Think And Grow Rich
The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck
The 5 Second Rule
Tuesdays With Morrie
The Leader Who Had No Title
The Magic of Believing
How to Win Friends & Influence People
The Strangest Secret
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

This book, written over 30 years ago, makes for a great read, especially for people who want to break out of old habits. Over the years, this book has remained relevant and is now regarded as a classic in the self-help space. This motivational and inspirational masterpiece uses real-world examples while using anecdotal language to impart seven basic life tips to achieve success. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People makes for an easy read and, more importantly, is easy to learn from.

Make Your Bed

Admiral William H. McRaven, in his speech, shared 10 principles he learned during his Navy Seals training that helped him to overcome various challenges in his life. This speech went viral gaining over 10 million views. Make Your Bed is a book that recounts his tales from his time in the military service and offers simple and practical wisdom and advice. His popular statement – “If you want to change the world, start by making your bed” is wise in its simplicity and deep in its meaningful resonance to readers.  

The Alchemist

The story in this book follows the journey of a young shepherd and his intense desire to travel the world in search of material treasures. What he eventually finds are riches far more valuable and very different from what he had initially imagined. This simple story takes the reader on a winding road to self-discovery. Wisdom and mysticism combine to encourage the reader to recognize the blessings and opportunities that life offers and have the courage and conviction to follow personal passions. The book has sold millions of copies worldwide.

The Power of Positive Thinking

With over 5 million copies of this book sold worldwide, this international bestseller has helped many people towards a life of fulfillment and satisfaction with its message of faith and inspiration. The book inspires a feeling of self-worth, determination, and motivation to pursue personal goals with power, control, and persistence. It teaches the reader to value every life while personally striving to reach optimum levels of happiness and satisfaction.  

Girl Stop Apologizing

This book was a wake-up call to all the women defining themselves through the murky lens of societal expectations and trying to live up to the standard that was as regressive as it was unachievable. Unsurprisingly, this book is primarily written for the female audience and is a brilliant effort by the author to inspire women to realize their own dreams, celebrate themselves as individuals, and aspire to their fullest potential. The book covers a wide area of information giving insight on how to stop making excuses, what habits to adopt, and the skills that are required to lead a full life of confidence. All in all, Girl Stop Apologizing is more than a title, it defines a way of life – confident, unassuming, and fulfilled.

Think And Grow Rich

Written during the Great Depression and originally published in 1937, this book has proven itself to be relevant over the years with its effective guidance of the steps necessary to earn wealth.  Hill also effectively provides guidance on what not to do in this process. The knowledge, wisdom, and advice in this book is timeless. It teaches about more than just getting materially rich. This book is a guide on how to get everything one wants from life.

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The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck

It’s a self-help guide that is as refreshing as it is blunt and brutally honest in its approach. Author Mark Manson communicates to everyone to stop spending so much energy trying to be positive all the time. His direct approach is not sugar-coated as he encourages everyone to accept their faults and limitations, the fact that life is not always fair, and that despite best efforts, not everyone is going to be a winner. The book presents great philosophical wisdom that can empower the modern generation to gain control over their lives, thoughts, and emotions.

The 5 Second Rule

The author, through the book, while discussing various habits via entertaining stories, places forth the argument that it only takes 5 seconds to stop procrastinating and overcome fear to live full and confident lives. It teaches the reader to be grateful for the immense amount of support and love that surrounds him and that it should motivate us to overcome our inhibitions and strive for success.  

Tuesdays With Morrie

Morrie Schwartz was the author’s college professor who, in his final days, imparts life lessons to the author in a heart-warming manner. Toward the end of this emotionally loaded book, the professor teaches his final class – How to Live a Good Life. The way this book is written tugs at human heartstrings and inspires in a way that is different from most other books. Unsurprisingly, this book sold over 12 million copies across the world.  

The Leader Who Had No Title

This Robin Sharma masterpiece is a modern fable on real success in business and life. The book encases the ability to help people rise higher than their current status, regardless of their titles. Robin Sharma expertly guides the reader into assuming the role of a leader when the need arises, irrespective of the professional title held. A lack of a valid title should pose no hindrance to performing like a leader and to the fullest potential possible.  

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The Magic of Believing

This book is a restoration of faith and belief.  An all-time classic, it can get the reader ready for action. Claude Bristol teaches the reader about the power of belief. He convinces the reader that it is the power of belief that ultimately leads one to success. A lack of belief or faith is what leads to doubts and failure. This is a brilliant read for anyone who is looking to learn a new perspective and gain motivation to work towards a new life.

How to Win Friends & Influence People

This classic piece is nothing short of a masterclass in human relationships and self-development. The information contained within the pages of this book holds the uncanny ability to motivate the reader into wanting to work on improving social and soft skills. This is a book that encourages and advises on how to find success. It equips the reader with ready-to-use information that is inspiring and motivating. As a motivational book, it is a work that makes for a mandatory read.  

The Strangest Secret

This is a book that is a catalyst for chasing personal dreams. The secrets contained within its folds have had that effect on all those who have been fortunate to read it. They have attested to the power of the information and its ability to change lives. It subtly influences thinking thereby influencing the action taken to realize personal dreams and goals. For readers who are looking for a deeper perspective, this book is a must-read.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Just as the title suggests, this book is a great guide to differentiate between the necessary and the unnecessary. What deserves attention and what is just white noise? This forms the necessary base for motivation – clear thinking and emptying the mind space of the clutter weighing it down. One of the quotes in the book sums it up beautifully – “Stress is nothing more than a socially acceptable form of mental illness.” The book guides the reader into a mindset that is clear, uncluttered, and equipped with focus.

How to Choose a Motivational Book to Read

As great as these motivational books are, people’s choices vary based on their mental makeup and their chosen life path. Having said that, some common signs may help to choose a book for reading.

The Voice

A quick read-through of the first few pages of a book can provide insight into the writing style of the author and its relatability to the reader.  

Author Credentials

The author must be a subject matter expert on the chosen topic. This expertise can be experiential or academic. It is key to find an author that has the credentials to write about the psychology of motivation and also resonates with the reader.  

Actionable Advice

Motivational books usually include exercises to help learn the implementation of the advice within. It is important to note that the exercises mentioned encourage the reader to take small and attainable steps. It is necessary to aim for a book that gives a personal goal-setting process.

Conclusion

The above list of the best all-time motivational books will give the reader a nudge towards achieving personal goals. It will inspire action, focus the mind and propel the reader toward great success.

FAQs

What are some key advantages of reading?

Some key advantages that books provide are –

• Illuminates imagination
• Helps build a unique and deep perspective on the world
• Builds confidence
• Helps emotional, mental, and spiritual growth
• Enhances vocabulary
• Helps to learn about the past, different cultures, and civilizations
• Impart crucial life lessons
• Improve memory
• Improve writing skills
• Encourage self-improvement
• Improves communication skills

Which are the best motivational books?

Here is a list of the best motivational books -

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
• Make Your Bed
• The Alchemist
• The Power of Positive Thinking
• Girl Stop Apologizing
• Think And Grow Rich
• The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck
• The 5 Second Rule
• Tuesdays With Morrie
• The Leader Who Had No Title
• The Magic of Believing
• How to Win Friends & Influence People
• The Strangest Secret
• Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff