30 of the Best Motivational Books of All Time
Mindset is everything, and these books can definitely adjust your mindset!
Whether you’re looking for a gift that will satisfy the mindful bookworm in your life or you’re a bookworm yourself, the best motivational books approach the art of living from different angles: The practical, the spiritual, the philosophical…Every voracious reader is different, and figuring out what supportive and inspirational resources are best for you or your loved one can be difficult. To make it easy for you, we’ve narrowed it down to thirty of the very best motivational books on the market today. From inspirational tales to actionable advice, these reads are guaranteed to inspire growth and positivity.
1. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
This book elaborates on the concept of fixed and growth mindsets that both hold you back and propel you forward.
Who it’s best for: A change-maker
Why it’s a motivational gift: It teaches you how to dream realistically and embrace failure
Buyers are saying: “I can honestly say that this book was eye-opening for me.” – Nicolas
SEE IT: $8.55 at Amazon.com
2. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
Sincero’s book is a guide for how to believe in yourself – in her words, “stop doubting your greatness, and start living an awesome life!”
Who it’s best for: The secret badass
Why it’s a motivational gift: It reminds you how to have confidence and self-reliance
Buyers are saying: “It’s easy to read and very motivational. I highly recommend this to anyone needing a friendly nudge in the right direction.” – Sarah A.
SEE IT: $9.99 at Amazon.com
3. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
A memoir from WWI concentration camp survivor and psychotherapist Viktor Frankl, this book will teach you how to believe in miserable times.
Who it’s best for: A lifelong fighter
Why it’s a motivational gift: It gives a glimmer of hope
Buyers are saying: “Overall, this is worth reading, especially If the reader struggles with suffering, and the meaning thereof, and how to move with dignity through that suffering.” – Matt F.
SEE IT: $9.99 at Amazon.com
4. The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
According to Mel Robbins’ 5 Second Rule, you must physically move within five seconds of the drive to act on a goal – read more in this self-help book.
Who it’s best for: Someone who has trouble starting
Why it’s a motivational gift: It gets you in the mood to start achieving
Buyers are saying: “The book is filled with solid, actionable information that I am putting into action in my own life with awesome success.” – Cindy C.
SEE IT: $15.59 at Amazon.com
5. Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
Live and let live and only sweat the stuff you can control, says Mark Manson in this book about how to find meaning in life.
Who it’s best for: The worry wart
Why it’s a motivational gift: It instructs on active ways to control anxiety
Buyers are saying: “A much-needed reminder to choose your battles wisely.” – Aria U.
SEE IT: $13.99 at Amazon.com
6. Atomic Habits by James Clear
Clear has several atomic habits that you can follow if you want to succeed, like getting 1% better at something every day.
Who it’s best for: The diligently scheduled
Why it’s a motivational gift: It’ll be loved by someone who already loves being regimented or needs some help getting there
Buyers are saying: “I definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking to improve their lives even in a small way!” – Emma
SEE IT: $11.98 at Amazon.com
7. Designing Your Own Life by Bill Burnett
Burnett uses this self-help book to teach readers about applying design thinking to larger life planning.
Who it’s best for: The creative
Why it’s a motivational gift: It stimulates a sense of control and innovation
Buyers are saying: “It gave me clarity and a different perspective.” – Jorge D.
SEE IT: $22.79 at Amazon.com
8. Grit by Angela Duckworth
Having a positive mental attitude and perseverance is all it takes to get through tough times, says Duckworth – check out more about her definition of “grit” in this book.
Who it’s best for: One who needs strength
Why it’s a motivational gift: It’s a gentle push in the right direction for someone who needs to learn about courage
Buyers are saying: “Written in an easy-to-read style and full of real people and real stories about success as it pertains to grittiness!” – Cymru K.
SEE IT: $14.99 at Amazon.com
9. The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday
These everyday lessons from Greek Stoics teach about moderation, controlling emotions, and thinking analytically.
Who it’s best for: A philosophy junkie
Why it’s a motivational gift: The lessons of the Stoics are timeless
Buyers are saying: “The small meditations help me keep my reading streak while I learn more about Stoicism and improve myself.” – Renata
SEE IT: $12.99 at Amazon.com
10. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Sean Covey
This classic self-help book is always a safe bet for someone who wants to take their productivity to the next level.
Who it’s best for: The hustle culture lover
Why it’s a motivational gift: From Wall Street to Main Street, every entrepreneur can see value in this work
Buyers are saying: “This book will change your life if you implement it.” – Zabo
SEE IT: $13.99 at Amazon.com
11. Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven
The little things can make the biggest difference in your life, says Admiral McRaven, and even something like making your bed can change your mindset.
Who it’s best for: The messy friend
Why it’s a motivational gift: It grounds you in tiny but meaningful daily practices
Buyers are saying: “Retired Admiral McRaven does a wonderful job of relating his life lessons gleaned from thirty-seven years of service as a Navy SEAL.” – Anthony S.
SEE IT: $12.99 at Amazon.com
12. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
Psychologist Brené Brown says that the basic need of all human beings is connection – and this book tells you how to get it for yourself by being vulnerable.
Who it’s best for: Someone who needs to learn to trust
Why it’s a motivational gift: The book is a guide for how to love healthily and with strength
Buyers are saying: “This is an insightful book about navigating through life.” – Alexander J.
SEE IT: $13.00 at Amazon.com
13. The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu
Two of the greatest minds of our time get together and discuss thought-provoking beliefs: The Dalai Lama and anti-apartheid activist Desmond Tutu.
Who it’s best for: A deep thinker
Why it’s a motivational gift: It shows that two different viewpoints can discuss things civilly and with mutual interest
Buyers are saying: “Two minds and bodies and hearts coming from different philosophies, meeting in the center, with the conclusion and commitment to show our sameness (and not division) to all the world.” – Kathleen
SEE IT: $13.99 at Amazon.com
14. The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest
West’s book is all about how to get rid of resistance to change and overcome some of your greatest inner hindrances.
Who it’s best for: The self-battler
Why it’s a motivational gift: It teaches you that you can work with yourself instead of against yourself
Buyers are saying: “This book, even from page one, gives me hope of gaining confidence and understanding myself” – Kenisha W.
SEE IT: $9.99 at Amazon.com
15. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
This classic book from 1937 never goes out of style for those who want to be a little more prosperous in business.
Who it’s best for: An old-school theorist
Why it’s a motivational gift: It tells you that money isn’t the only key to success
Buyers are saying: “Absolutely timeless, perfectly written book. Extremely life-changing.” – Magdalena C.
SEE IT: $8.49 at Amazon.com
16. Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss
This amalgamation of lifestyles from billionaires, performers, and global icons is used to inform the habits of everyday people.
Who it’s best for: The future Steve Jobs
Why it’s a motivational gift: It shows you that acting like a billionaire isn’t so hard
Buyers are saying: “If you really want to learn about the mindset of successful people, then you must read this.” – Garvit
SEE IT: $17.99 at Amazon.com
17. The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday
In this second book about stoicism, Holiday explores the idea from Stoicism founder Marcus Aurelius that “what stands in the way becomes the way.”
Who it’s best for: The young academic
Why it’s a motivational gift: Stoicism is known to grant inner peace and understanding if practiced dutifully
Buyers are saying: “This is one of those books that you will want to read with a notepad nearby to write down some thought-provoking idea.” – Kevin J.
SEE IT: $10.99 at Amazon.com
18. Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo
You can do whatever you put your mind to, says Forleo – as long as you start taking accountability for your life.
Who it’s best for: The chronically unresponsible
Why it’s a motivational gift: It’s a gentle reminder that if you persist, you can do anything
Buyers are saying: “This book might stir up some unexpected feelings in you—which might be a good thing.” – Sarah P.
SEE IT: $13.99 at Amazon.com
19. The 10x Rule by Grant Cardone
Cardone’s book on the 10x rule is about how in order to succeed, you must set goals that are ten times more aspirational than what you think you can do.
Who it’s best for: The big dreamer
Why it’s a motivational gift: It doesn’t just tell you how to set crazy goals – it tells you how to reach them
Buyers are saying: “It certainly has shifted my mindset in my business and wants possible in my lifetime and working career.” – Tyler L.
SEE IT: $16.00 at Amazon.com
20. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
There are four agreements you need to make with yourself to live a serene life, says Ruiz, like “don’t take anything too personally.”
Who it’s best for: The unbalanced friend
Why it’s a motivational gift: You use it to learn moderation and reasonable expectations
Buyers are saying: “This is not a “new age” self-help book! This book is based on modern linguistic theory and philosophical precepts.” – Meme
SEE IT: $7.74 at Amazon.com
21. Start With Why by Simon Sinek
Using marketing principles, Sinek says that you need to reverse your priorities in life and start every task by asking yourself why you’re doing it.
Who it’s best for: The impulsive pal
Why it’s a motivational gift: This book teaches you to stop and think before you act
Buyers are saying: “The book is certainly inspiring and relevant to some areas of marketing.” – David M.
SEE IT: $12.99 at Amazon.com
22. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Famous self-help guru Eckhart Tolle teaches about spiritual enlightenment through mindfulness.
Who it’s best for: The friend who lost their faith
Why it’s a motivational gift: It gets you in touch with your true desires
Buyers are saying: “The way I see problems and approach them is vastly different to my former state. Highly recommended!” – Jaime Tanna
SEE IT: $7.13 at Amazon.com
23. The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor
Success and happiness are one and the same, says Achor, and this book tells you how.
Who it’s best for: Anyone stuck chasing goals without ever being satisfied
Why it’s a motivational gift: It helps you rethink what achieving your goals in life truly means
Buyers are saying: “If you take the advice to heart, you will have a distinct advantage in the workplace.” – Ian M.
SEE IT: $12.99 at Amazon.com
24. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Pulling yourself up by your bootstraps in an untraditional way, says Kiyosaki, who details his own personal experience to inspire others.
Who it’s best for: The idealist
Why it’s a motivational gift: It shows that anyone can triumph if they just put their mind to it
Buyers are saying: “A great read for anyone starting out in life or who wants to break out of the system of “get an education, earn a living.” – Graham M.
SEE IT: $6.82 at Amazon.com
25. The Mental Toughness Handbook by Damon Zahariades
In sports, “mental toughness” is the ability to endure stress with grace – and Zahariades teaches you how to apply it in real life too.
Who it’s best for: The one who gives up easily
Why it’s a motivational gift: In a soft way, this book tells readers how to buck up without being too hard on them
Buyers are saying: “The writing is comprehensive and continually builds a can-do feeling throughout his work.” – F.B.
SEE IT: $9.99 at Amazon.com
26. The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz
If you can dream it, you can be it, says Schwartz, even if the idea seems too lofty or unachievable!
Who it’s best for: The practical one
Why it’s an motivational gift: We all have that one friend who’s too scared to have big dreams – this book will teach you how to have huge aspirations without feeling huge letdowns
Buyers are saying: “It teaches you how to allow your mind to create the greatest reality.” – Abraham N.
SEE IT: $15.99 at Amazon.com
27. The 5AM Club by Robin Sharma
Early risers, rise up – it’s time to own your mornings, says Sharma! And even if you aren’t typically a morning person, Sharma has some habits to instill in even the biggest night owls.
Who it’s best for: The 4-alarm snoozer
Why it’s a motivational gift: It de-mystifies waking up early
Buyers are saying: “This was a self-help book wrapped in a great story. So much applicable wisdom and insight. This book was truly life-changing.” – Kristi
SEE IT: $11.99 at Amazon.com
28. The One Thing by Gary Keller
Until your one thing is completed, says Keller, everything else is just an interference – check out this book to find out how to find your focus and finish your tasks.
Who it’s best for: The busybody
Why it’s a motivational gift: In a world with dozens of disruptions every second, this gives you tools to remember how to concentrate
Buyers are saying: “Asking yourself that question of the one thing you need to work on to either make everything else easier or unnecessary is incredible.” – T.W.
SEE IT: $2.99 at Amazon.com
29. David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell
Iconic modern philosopher and writer Malcolm Gladwell examines the power and strength of the little guy by looking at how we view pitfalls in our own lives.
Who it’s best for: The persistent underdog
Why it’s a motivational gift: It shows you that even the most unexpected heroes can rise
Buyers are saying: “Here Gladwell comes again with new revelations to knock you off your feet.” – Ally
SEE IT: $11.99 at Amazon.com
30. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This fictional story about a shepherd boy looking for buried treasure is actually a deep and profound metaphor about following your dreams.
Who it’s best for: The fairytale fan
Why it’s a motivational gift: It’s an immersive and sweet tale you can find peace in
Buyers are saying: “I can’t explain how, but this book found and gave me what I needed.” – Cody S.
SEE IT: $13.49 at Amazon.com
