Top 65 Best Personal Development Books Of All Time

Today, I want to share my list of the top 65 best personal development books of all time.

Many people have asked me what was the primary reason I became an author… a writer. While there are many reasons, the main thing I can look back on that led me into the life of being a writer was my love of reading.

One day, a light bulb flickered in my brain that someone had to actually write all those books we read, and I have a responsibility to keep that going. I felt a calling and I heeded that calling.

The Top Educational Means

If we were to look back on all that we have learned throughout time, I believe the majority of humans would have to recognize that much of their education came from reading.

I sometimes worry that the reading of books is disappearing, and then suddenly I have sales on books I have published. I realize that people still read.

Personal Development

When we study the top sellers in published books, it is evident that personal development is a leading subject.

Through various methods, I have decided to provide you with a list of the top 65 best personal development books of all time. I must first mention that the top selling book of all time could and should be considered self development related, so I must say that the Holy Bible should be at #1. I just had to tell you that because I cannot and shall not leave it off this list.

I have not read all of the books on this list; I am using many reviews, both online and offline to develop this extensive list of the best personal development books of all time.

Feel free to give your opinions and share any of the books you have read at the end of this post.

Top 65 Best Personal Development Books of All Time

Okay, starting at #65, here are the top 65 best personal development books of all time, as I see it.

# 65: Mastery by Robert Greene

Published in 2012, Robert delves into the lives of great minds such as Darwin, Einstein and other “Masters.”

He puts together an excellent depiction that their paths to success followed a similar road with completely different success achievements.

Mastery hit #6 on the New York Times Bestseller List.

In the future, the great division will be between those who have trained themselves to handle these complexities and those who are overwhelmed by them — those who can acquire skills and discipline their minds and those who are irrevocably distracted by all the media around them and can never focus enough to learn. ~ Robert Greene, Mastery

# 64: The Success Principles by Jack Canfield

Originally published in 2004, this great author uses his life as inspiration and motivation to give you principles to gain success in life. Jack is a great motivator and teacher.

Avoid Toxic People Until you reach the point in your self-development where you no longer allow people to affect you with their negativity, you need to avoid toxic people at all costs. You’re better off spending time alone than spending time with people who will hold you back with their victim mentality and their mediocre standards. Make a conscious effort to surround yourself with positive, nourishing, and uplifting people—people who believe in you, encourage you to go after your dreams, and applaud your victories. Surround yourself with possibility thinkers, idealists. ~ Jack Canfield, The Success Principles

# 63: Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell

This book, published in 2005, delves into the psychological methods to develop our decision making into a successful, automatic mode.

This book has its critics but in my opinion, it is a great read.

Insight is not a lightbulb that goes off inside our heads. It is a flickering candle that can easily be snuffed out. ~ Malcolm Gladwell, Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking

# 62: Getting Things Done by David Allen

Published in 2001, business coach, David Allen tells us some practical methods to use time to our advantage.

Are you productive or just busy?

I highly recommend this book.

Use your mind to think about things, rather than think of them. You want to be adding value as you think about projects and people, not simply reminding yourself they exist. ~ David Allen, Getting Things Done

# 61: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Daniel, awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics, published this excellent book in 2011.

It is a look at the 2 forms of thinking and decision making:

• Fast, automatic
• Slow, logical

This book can help you understand the thinking process.

Intelligence is not only the ability to reason; it is also the ability to find relevant material in memory and to deploy attention when needed. ~ Daniel Kahneman, Thinking, Fast and Slow

# 60: The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz

Published in 2005, this great book has helped many stressed, fast-paced people manage their work and personal lives in a manageable way.

This best-seller has helped athletes and entertainers and can help you too.

To be fully engaged, we must be physically energized, emotionally connected, mentally focused and spiritually aligned with a purpose beyond our immediate self-interest. ~ Jim Loehr, The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal

# 59: Drive by Daniel Pink

Published in 2009, Daniel shows us that what we think motivates us may not be the case.

While rewards and money are wonderful, most people seek:

• Purpose
• Autonomy
• and Mastery

Human beings have an innate inner drive to be autonomous, self-determined, and connected to one another. And when that drive is liberated, people achieve more and live richer lives. ~ Daniel H. Pink, Drive

# 58: The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss

Published in 2007, there have been multiple critics of this book, but it has helped many escape the craziness their lives entail.

We did a review on this book, and I highly suggest you read it.

The question you should be asking isn’t, “What do I want?” or “What are my goals?” but “What would excite me?” ~ Timothy Ferriss, The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich

# 57: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

It was published in 1946 and as a prisoner in a concentration camp during World War II, Frankl takes us into how our minds and thinking can take us through anything.

This is a great book to help you understand how to deal with setbacks.

A man who becomes conscious of the responsibility he bears toward a human being who affectionately waits for him, or to an unfinished work, will never be able to throw away his life. He knows the “why” for his existence, and will be able to bear almost any “how”. ~ Victor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning

# 56: Crush It! Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion by Gary Vaynerchuk

Gary published this in 2009, and is a great guide in using the internet to build your business far beyond any dreams you may have.

Use his methods to grow your business.  You can check out our review of “Crush It” right here.

Building and sustaining community is a never-ending part of doing business. ~ Gary Vaynerchuk, Crush It!: Why Now Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion

# 55: The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan

This book was published in 2013 and has gained worldwide acclaim.

It has been used by many companies in training their sales force.

I suggest you use it too.

Work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls– family, health, friends, integrity– are made of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed, nicked, perhaps even shattered. ~ Gary Keller, The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results

# 54: Let Go! by Pat Flynn

It was published in 2013, and many reviews say that Pat showed them how to “Keep Their Eyes on The Prize,” and not allow adverse conditions to overcome them.

It is a great read and can also be read in an eBook.

Be open to and welcoming of unforeseen events because those unplanned moments are often the seeds of spectacular opportunities in your life. ~ Pat Flynn, Let Go!

# 53: The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy

Published in 2010, Darren dives into how even the simple decisions we make shape our destiny.

Learn how to make your small choices amount to great success.  Read our review here.

The first step toward change is awareness. If you want to get from where you are to where you want to be, you have to start by becoming aware of the choices that lead you away from your desired destination. ~ Darren Hardy, The Compound Effect

# 52: Habit Stacking: 97 Small Life Changes That Take Five Minutes or Less by Steve Scott

Following daily habits can lead to success if they are habits made to lead you there.

Steve Scott published this book in 2014, and readers have loved it.

You can set goals for the day or the year, but you can’t just aimlessly wander around on a day-to-day basis. Make sure you use every minute for what it’s worth and accomplish what you set out to do. ~ Steve Scott, Habit Stacking: 97 Small Life Changes That Take Five Minutes or Less

# 51: Spark by John Ratey

Dr. Ratey shows how we can solve nearly any issue or problem simply with exercise.

Published in 2009, this IS a great personal development book.

The way you choose to cope with stress can change not only how you feel, but also how it transforms the brain. If you react passively or if there is simply no way out, stress can become damaging. ~ John J. Ratey, Spark

# 50: Choose Yourself! Be Happy, Make Millions, Live the Dream by James Altucher

Published in 2013, James shows us how in today’s world, it only makes sense to go it alone and make huge strides of success.

It is right in front of you; just reach out and get it!

You can’t help others if you look in the mirror and hate what you see. ~ James Altucher, Choose Yourself! Be Happy, Make Millions, Live the Dream

# 49: Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin

When I first saw this title, I felt a great desire to read it.

It was published in 2008, and I love how Geoff takes us on a journey of understanding that few people are born with natural talent.

I highly recommend this book.

You learn ten times more in a crisis than during normal times. ~ Geoff Colvin, Talent is Overrated

# 48: Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihaly

Published in 2009, you may think of this as a college textbook in psychology, but it is well written and easy to understand.

Learn how to control your positive state of mind.

Of all the virtues we can learn no trait is more useful, more essential for survival, and more likely to improve the quality of life than the ability to transform adversity into an enjoyable challenge. ~ Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience

# 47: Stop Acting Rich by Dr. Thomas Stanley

Published in 2011, Dr. Stanley has studied those who are millionaires and billionaires.

There are many of those people who you would not know are so rich if you were to meet them on the street.

Learn how to be a millionaire instead of acting like one.

People, particularly younger people, have come to focus on the trappings of wealth over everything else – including the work or savings to accumulate the wealth to be able to reasonably afford luxury brands.  When we think about “rich” we think about acting rich over being rich. ~ Thomas J. Stanley, Stop Acting Rich

# 46: 177 Mental Toughness Secrets of the World Class by Steve Siebold

It was published in 2004, and is still being bought by many readers.

Learn the secrets of mental strength that will lead you to success no matter your calling.

World Class leaders know the secret to motivating themselves and others is discovering what they will fight for when the going gets rough. ~ Steve Siebold, 177 Mental Toughness Secrets of the World Class

# 45: Long Walk To Freedom by Nelson Mandela

Many may question how this can fall into the area of personal development.

Just learning how this great man rose to heights unheard of in South Africa for a black man will give you inspiration that you can also rise to greatness.

This is a great autobiography.

A leader. . .is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind. ~ Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom

# 44: Why We Do What We Do: Understanding Self-Motivation by Edward L. Deci and Richard Flaste

Published in 1996, Deci and Flaste did multiple studies on how people motivate themselves and their loved ones.

This is a great book to help you understand how to motivate yourself.

They needed the numbers, so they directed their creativity and resourcefulness toward getting those numbers, rather than toward effective performance. ~ Edward L. Deci, Why We Do What We Do: Understanding Self-Motivation

# 43: Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

This biography of the great, and late Steve Jobs was published in 2011.

A great way to learn the ways of one of the greatest entrepreneurs to grace the Earth, I highly recommend this book.

Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart. ~ Walter Isaacson, Steve Jobs

# 42: Virtual Freedom: How to Work with Virtual Staff to Buy More Time, Become More Productive, and Build Your Dream Business by Chris Ducker

Published in 2014, this book will lead you down the road of using virtual assistants and freelancers to make your business grow immensely.

As entrepreneurs, time is our most valuable commodity (MVC). Money will come and go, but once you’ve invested your time into something, that time is gone forever. It stands to reason that if there are any actions we can take as business owners to free up more time in our daily routines, we should take them. ~ Chris Ducker, Virtual Freedom: How to Work with Virtual Staff to Buy More Time, Become More Productive, and Build Your Dream Business

# 41: The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

It would be impossible to tell you the exact time of publishing, but this is a series of notes from a Roman emperor on his personal development.

I read this in High School and I believe everyone should read this book.

Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself the following question: What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize? ~ Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

# 40: Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Dr. Robert Cialdini

Originally published in 1984, the revised edition was published in 2006.

You will be amazed when you use Dr. Cialdini’s methods, how people will want to say yes.

A well-known principle of human behavior says that when we ask someone to do us a favor we will be more successful if we provide a reason. People simply like to have reasons for what they do. ~ Dr. Robert B. Cialdini, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion

# 39: Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach

This is another book I read in High School and I believe everyone should read it.

I know it helped me realize the possibilities.

It was published in 1970.

Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding. Find out what you already know and you will see the way to fly. ~ Richard Bach, Jonathan Livingston Seagull

# 38: The Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination and Enjoying Guilt-Free Play by Dr. Neil Fiore

Procrastination can be an entrepreneurs greatest enemy.

This book published in 1989 can help you defeat that enemy.

Whenever you begin to feel overwhelmed by the large, grand project that looms before you, remind yourself, “I can take one small step. One small step; one rough, rough draft; one imperfect sketch; one small hello. That’s all I need to do now. ~ Neil A. Fiore, The Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination and Enjoying Guilt-Free Play

# 37: The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload by Dr. Daniel Levitin

Published in 2014, this book hit #2 on the New York Times Bestseller List.

The Dr. goes through personal development of your mind so you can take in the important and discard the garbage.

This is a GREAT book!

The most fundamental principle of the organized mind, the one most critical to keeping us from forgetting or losing things, is to shift the burden of organizing from our brains to the external world. ~ Daniel J. Levitin, The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload

# 36: The Richest Man In Babylon by George Samuel Clason

It was published in 1926 and is still a book that can teach us great means of handling our personal finances.

It is a series of parables that were based in ancient Babylon.

You really should read this. Read our review of “The Richest Man in Babylon.”

Proper preparation is the key to our success. Our acts can be no wiser than our thoughts. Our thinking can be no wiser than our understanding. ~ George S. Clason, The Richest Man in Babylon

# 35: Losing the Signal: The Untold Story Behind the Extraordinary Rise and Spectacular Fall of Blackberry by Jacquie McNish and Sean Silcoff

Published in 2015, this book is an excellent lesson in how to keep your brand alive and strong.

Blackberry did not keep up with the competition.

We can learn from failure.

In the technology sector failure is often a precondition to future successes, while prosperity can be the beginning of the end. If the rise and fall of BlackBerry teaches us anything it is that the race for innovation has no finish line, and that winners and losers can change places in an instant. ~ Jacquie McNish, Losing the Signal: The Untold Story Behind the Extraordinary Rise and Spectacular Fall of BlackBerry

# 34: The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom: Practical and Spiritual Steps So You Can Stop Worrying by Suze Orman

Published in 2006, Suze takes a completely different view on managing finances looking at the emotions that guide us.

This personal development book will guide you into a stress-free financial management system.

Many of the good things would never have happened if the bad events hadn’t happened first. ~ Suze Orman, The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom: Practical and Spiritual Steps So You Can Stop Worrying

# 33: Disrupt Yourself: Putting the Power of Disruptive Innovation to Work by Whitney Johnson

Published in 2015, Whitney learned the key of disruption in stock trading and realized that this method can be used by anyone.

When life flows smooth, change seldom happens; everything either stays even or drops.

But disruption can drive high levels of success or low levels of failure.

Learn how to use disruption as an asset.

When you disrupt yourself, you are looking for growth, so if you want to muscle up a curve, you have to push and pull against objects and barriers that would constrain and constrict you. That is how you get stronger. ~ Whitney Johnson, Disrupt Yourself: Putting the Power of Disruptive Innovation to Work

# 32: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

This book was published in 1989.

This book is excellent, as it takes you through various habits so you can discover personal and business success.

Suddenly I saw things differently, and because I saw differently, I thought differently, I felt differently, I behaved differently. ~ Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

# 31: Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When It Matters Most by Hendrie Weisinger and J.P. Pawliw-Fry

One of the newest books on this list, being published in early 2015, the authors researched over 12,000 humans to discover how stress and pressure effect them.

Learn how to work your best under pressure. (Just what I need to meet the deadlines I have!!!)

Individuals who perceive a task or situation not as a threat but instead as a challenge, an opportunity, or fun are far more likely to perform up to the level of their ability, increasing their chances for success. ~ Hendrie Weisinger, Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When It Matters Most

# 30: Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman

Published in 1980, this book has been a hit worldwide.

It is part autobiography and part fiction, and it is great.

It is better for you to take responsibility for your life as it is, instead of blaming others, or circumstances, for your predicament. As your eyes open, you’ll see that your state of health, happiness, and every circumstance of your life has been, in large part, arranged by you – consciously or unconsciously. ~ Dan Millman, Way of the Peaceful Warrior

# 29: Nonsense: The Power of Not Knowing by Jamie Holmes

This book published in 2015 will make you think.

To be confused can be used for your success.

What counts, then, isn’t so much success or failure but whether we stay in learning mode, continue to seek out ambiguity, and view uncertainty as the doorway to invention. ~ Jamie Holmes, Nonsense: The Power of Not Knowing

# 28: The Law of Success by Napoleon Hill

First published in 1928, Napoleon Hill had written 16 separate lessons on success.

This outline to success has been used by many successful people all through the years.

Success comes only when you act on what you know and believe. What your mind can conceive and believe, you can achieve! ~  Napoleon Hill, The Law of Success

# 27: Thinking in Systems: A Primer by Donella Meadows

Published in 2009, I honestly considered having this book higher on this list.

This book has helped me decide on systems that make me a better business person as well as a better person in general.

Remember, always, that everything you know, and everything everyone knows, is only a model. Get your model out there where it can be viewed. Invite others to challenge your assumptions and add their own. ~ Donella H. Meadows, Thinking in Systems: A Primer

# 26: Acres of Diamonds: All Good Things Are Possible, Right Where You Are, and Now! by Russell Conwell and Robert Shackelton

Published in 2009, the authors bring the spiritual side to personal and business success.

This is a wonderful book that should be read by all. Read our review of “Acres of Diamonds.”

True greatness is often unrecognized. ~ Russell H. Conwell, Acres of Diamonds

# 25: The Alliance: Managing Talent in the Networked Age by Reid Hoffman, Ben Casnocha and Chris Yeh

Published in 2014, many are discovering that this is a great book on the management of people.

Be it employees or contract labor, this book gives you many insights.

A leader’s job is not to put greatness into people, but rather to recognize that it already exists, and to create the environment where that greatness can emerge and grow. ~ Reid Hoffman, The Alliance: Managing Talent in the Networked Age

# 24: Maximum Achievement: Strategies and Skills That Will Unlock Your Hidden Powers to Succeed by Brian Tracy

Brian Tracy has been motivating people for years.

This book of his was published in 1993 and still sells in huge numbers.

All change is from the inner to the outer. All change begins in the self-concept. You must become the person you want to be on the inside before you see the appearance of this person on the outside. ~ Brian Tracy, Maximum Achievement: Strategies and Skills That Will Unlock Your Hidden Powers to Succeed

# 23: Work Rules!: Insights from Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live and Lead by Laszlo Bock

Published in 2017, Laszlo heads people operations at Google.

We can learn so much from how work is made to be fun and exciting even if it is monotonous.

If your goals are ambitious and crazy enough, even failure will be a pretty good achievement. ~ Laszlo Bock, Work Rules!: Insights from Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live and Lead

# 22: The Seasons of Life by Jim Rohn

In 1981, Mr Rohn published this wonderful book about how our lives are similar to the changing seasons.

It is a must read.

The greatest value of the past is how wisely we invest it in the future. Let the past be a servant for making the future both more enjoyable and profitable. ~ Jim Rohn, The Seasons of Life

# 21: The Essential Drucker by Peter Drucker

A master in business management, Peter Drucker published this in 2008 to help us all understand what he learned over many years.

Learn everything you need about business management in this one book!

Management is about human beings. Its task is to make people capable of joint performance, to make their strengths effective and their weaknesses irrelevant. ~ Peter F. Drucker, The Essential Drucker

# 20: See You at the Top by Zig Ziglar

Published in 1975, the late Zig Ziglar was blunt, and to the point!

I have read this book 4 times and I think I will read it again when I finish this article.

Most people who fail in their dream fail not from lack of ability but from lack of commitment. ~ Zig Ziglar, See You at the Top

# 19: The Virgin Way: If It’s Not Fun, It’s Not Worth Doing by Richard Branson

Published in 2015, the founder of the Virgin Group gives us an insight into having fun becoming successful.

Even in failures, Richard had fun.

Fun is one of the most important — and underrated — ingredients in any successful venture. ~ Richard Branson, The Virgin Way: If It’s Not Fun, It’s Not Worth Doing

# 18: Developing the Leader Within You by John Maxwell

John published this book in 1993, and many recognized leaders claim they read and learned from this great leader.

I highly recommend this personal development book to help you no matter your leadership calling.

The effectiveness of your work will never rise above your ability to lead and influence others. You cannot produce consistently on a level higher than your leadership. In other words, your leadership skills determine the level of your success-and the success of those who work around you. ~ John C. Maxwell, Developing the Leader Within You

# 17: Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude by Napoleon Hill and W. Clement Stone

Published in 1960, these two great men give us wonderful insight in how our attitudes can control our outcomes.

Just because it is an old book doesn’t mean it isn’t still useful.

I dare you to read it.

There is very little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative. ~ Napoleon Hill, Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude

# 16: The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson

Published in 1982, this book has had its share of criticism, but I believe it can help you become a better leader all around.

It is a short, easy read.

Take a minute: look at your goals, look at your performance, see if your behavior matches your goals. ~ Ken Blanchard, The One Minute Manager

# 15: Chicken Soup for the Soul Series by Jack Canfield and Mark Hansen

It is not just one book, but a whole series.

Starting in 1993, there has been a wide range of these personal development books published.

See the website: Chicken Soup

Don’t worry about failures, worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try. ~ Jack Canfield, Chicken Soup for the Soul

# 14: Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…And Others Don’t by James Collins

Published in 2001, the author shows how companies can go from good to great, but most don’t.

It will give you wonderful insight on managing your business.

For, in the end, it is impossible to have a great life unless it is a meaningful life. And it is very difficult to have a meaningful life without meaningful work. ~ James Collins, Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t

# 13: The Sales Bible: The Ultimate Sales Resource by Jeffrey Gitomer

This book has been updated and revised several times, and many sales managers purchase copies for sales people.

It is exactly what it says, it will teach you the best sales techniques.

Questions are to sales as breath is to life. If you fail to ask them, you will die. If you ask them incorrectly, your death won’t be immediate, but it’s inevitable. ~ Jeffrey Gitomer, The Sales Bible: The Ultimate Sales Resource, Revised Edition

# 12: The Automatic Millionaire: A Powerful One-Step Plan to Live and Finish Rich by David Bach

Since first published in 2003, this book has helped even the worst financial handling people learn to handle their money properly and finish rich.

It is a great book; I recommend it to all.

Remember, inspiration unused is merely entertainment. To get new results, you need to take new actions. ~ David Bach, The Automatic Millionaire: A Powerful One-Step Plan to Live and Finish Rich

# 11: The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino

Nearly everything we do in life involves selling.

Og published this book in 1968.

It is about Hafid who starts poor and finishes rich using the art of salesmanship.

Wealth, my son, should never be your goal in life. Your words are eloquent but they are mere words. True wealth is of the heart, not of the purse. ~ Og Mandino, The Greatest Salesman in the World

# 10: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

It was published in 1997, and Robert still travels the world teaching the principles he provided in this book.

Learn how you can gain financial success from one of the best.

Winners are not afraid of losing. But losers are. Failure is part of the process of success. People who avoid failure also avoid success. ~ Robert T. Kiyosaki, Rich Dad, Poor Dad

# 9: Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

Published in 2008, Malcolm takes some very complex success theories and research, and lays it out in an easy to understand book.

While I have not yet read the book, it is highly acclaimed by many.

Who we are cannot be separated from where we’re from. ~ Malcolm Gladwell, Outliers: The Story of Success

# 8: Who Moved My Cheese? by Dr. Spencer Johnson

Change can be a difficult thing to handle.

Published in 1998, Dr. Johnson gives us a look at how we can actually appreciate change.

You WILL love this book.

What you are afraid of is never as bad as what you imagine. The fear you let build up in your mind is worse than the situation that actually exists. ~ Dr. Spencer Johnson, Who Moved My Cheese?

# 7: How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Published in 1936, if you have not yet read this book, you absolutely need to.

You will have a complete new outlook on how to deal with other people.

You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you. ~ Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and Influence People

# 6: As a Man Thinketh by James Allen

This excellent book was published back in 1903.

Using the Book of Proverbs in the Bible as the main base, James gives us an easy outlook on how we can manage our personal lives through thought.

Self-control is strength. Right thought is mastery. Calmness is power. ~ James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

# 5: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Published in 2012, this book gives us a look at how powerful introverts can truly be in business.

A must read by both introverts and extroverts!

So stay true to your own nature. If you like to do things in a slow and steady way, don’t let others make you feel as if you have to race. If you enjoy depth, don’t force yourself to seek breadth. If you prefer single-tasking to multi-tasking, stick to your guns. Being relatively unmoved by rewards gives you the incalculable power to go your own way. ~ Susan Cain, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking

# 4: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

This was published in 1937 and is still quite popular reading.

To publish a book with this title during the Great Depression was on the verge of crazy, but many people discovered that Mr Hill hit the nail on the head.

The starting point of all achievement is DESIRE. Keep this constantly in mind. Weak desire brings weak results, just as a small fire makes a small amount of heat. ~ Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich

# 3: The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz

Published in 1959, this personal development book explains how setting your goals high and then using positive thoughts to attain them will gain you huge success.

There is MAGIC in thinking big!

Look at things not as they are, but as they can be. Visualization adds value to everything. A big thinker always visualizes what can be done in the future. He isn’t stuck with the present. ~ David J. Schwartz, The Magic of Thinking Big

# 2: Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial by Tony Robbins

I had this book given to me in 2008 when I was facing major trials in my life.

It helped me have a new outlook.

Tony published it in 1991, and I suggest you get a copy!

Why not make cheerfulness, outrageousness, playfulness a new priority for yourself? Make feeling good your expectation. You don’t have to have a reason to feel good—you’re alive; you can feel good for no reason at all! ~ Anthony Robbins, Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny!

# 1: The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

By far, this 1952 book by one of the best leaders in personal development is top of the list.

I suggest you get a copy and read it and take notes. It changed my life and it will change yours.

The way to happiness: Keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry. Live simply, expect little, give much. Scatter sunshine, forget self, think of others. Try this for a week and you will be surprised. ~ Norman Vincent Peale, The Power of Positive Thinking

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this lengthy post. As I said, the top book of all is the Bible. It is the top seller year after year. I will not “push” my beliefs on you… But I do suggest you read it.

What do you think are the best personal development books of all time? You can leave all comments and questions below. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Chuck Holmes
Network Marketing Professional (21+ years)
Top Recruiter & Top Rep
mrchuckholmes@gmail.com

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