Why does one need to read a book for self-development?
It’s a question more potent than the most potent of cocktails you’d chug on a Friday night. Deeper than the deepest of thoughts you’d have the morning after. The answer to which isn’t as much about how the world sees such books but more about how you perceive them.
There’s nothing like a good book to teach you everything you need to know, they say. But that adage has rarely been inclusive of self-help books. Which isn’t fair because why should fables and fiction alone get all the accolades? Every book as something to say, and a bit more for you to learn from.
While self-help books, or books for personal growth and success as they’re also called, are written dime a dozen, and promptly discarded on the side, there are many that actually help you do the work. There’s a reason you’ve heard about them or seen them on the bookshelves of so many people. Don’t let popular narrative make you think otherwise or judge a book by its cover. These books will indeed help you, and guide you towards the path you’re meant to be walking.
Best Self-Help Books Every Man Must Read
Atomic Habits by James Clear
At the end of the day, it’s all about habits, and James Clear’s landmark book is all about setting the right ones while also discarding those that aren’t good for you. You’ll find this book on everyone’s list of best books for personal growth and success, and for good reason. The 4 laws of behavioural change, as suggested by the book, will indeed bring about positive change, the exact kind you may be on the lookout for.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma
When Robin Sharma left his career in litigation at the ripe old age of 25, everybody pronounced nothing but doom. In the book, not only does his chronicle his life story and why he made that monumental decision but also argues on the need to focus on personal happiness over every other factor dictating our life choices. If you aren’t fulfilled personally, how does it matter if everyone else around you has somewhat fallen into place?
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma
The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck by Mark Manson
It’s a staple in every bookstore across the world, and not just for the provocative title alone. Unlike most books which urge you to relinquish control, here’s one that’s asking you to only bother with what you can. It’s counterintuitive, yes, and that’s what works for it. In a kind-of new age mantra, the book suggests certain ‘bad’ values (like fame) that aren’t worth it – when was the last time a book said that?
The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck by Mark Manson
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret To A Long And Happy Life by Francesc Miralles and Hector Garcia
No one does it quite like the Japanese, and here’s a book literally telling you to adapt their philosophies into your life. Ikigai translates to ‘a reason to live’ or ‘a reason to get out of bed’ and the book is asking you to make some simple yet effective changes to build a life which is worth living. Merely existing is no fun, after all.
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret To A Long And Happy Life by Francesc Miralles and Hector Garcia
The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
This one’s a classic and highly contentious at the same time. Both for the simple reason that it’s probably one of the most read self-help books out there. Though it’s a book primarily for business owners, the 7 habits, as the title suggests, are all equably applicable for everyone else as well. True change starts from within, and that’s what the book is arguing.
The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Open by Andre Agassi
Technically, it’s an autobiography. And nowhere in it is the famed Tennis player even attempting to turn preachy. But you have to read Open to understand the treasure trove of knowledge it’s packing, and all the lessons you can take from it for your own growth and development. Agassi’s life lessons have something for everyone, even for those who may have never watched him play.
Open by Andre Agassi
Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind And Defy The Odds by David Goggins
A sort-of memoir, again, of the athlete and retired Navy veteran David Goggins, this book is about his journey from a young man suffering from depression to one who counters all odds to become everything he’s come to be known for. As the book argues, most of end up tapping into about 40% of our capabilities – how to use more, is where the book comes in.
Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind And Defy The Odds by David Goggins
