20 best books on success and motivation – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Are you looking for that one book that will inspire and motivate you to achieve greatness? Look no further! We have curated a list of the 20 best books on success and motivation that will ignite your passion and drive you towards reaching your goals. Whether you are seeking personal or professional growth, these books are packed with valuable insights and practical advice from some of the most successful individuals in the world. Get ready to embark on a transformative journey with these must-read success and motivation books.


Atomic Habits

by James Clear

Atomic Habits by James Clear is an absolute game-changer when it comes to the world of personal development. If you’re looking for a book on success and motivation that will revolutionize the way you approach your goals, then look no further. This book is not just your typical success and motivation book; it is a roadmap to transforming your habits and ultimately, your life.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

by Stephen R. Covey

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey is a game-changing book on success and motivation that has transformed the lives of millions of readers around the world. This timeless masterpiece delves deep into the principles and habits that can help individuals achieve their fullest potential and become truly effective in all aspects of life.

More than just a book about success and motivation, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People provides a holistic approach to personal and professional growth. Covey outlines seven essential habits that individuals can cultivate to achieve lasting success, both in their personal lives and in their interactions with others.

Throughout the book, Covey emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one’s choices and actions, and emphasizes the power of proactivity. He encourages readers to focus on their circle of influence, rather than being controlled by external factors. By practicing the seven habits outlined in the book, individuals can learn to prioritize their time, set and achieve meaningful goals, and strengthen their relationships with others.

With its practical advice and profound insights, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a success and motivation book that offers a roadmap to personal transformation. Whether you are a student, professional, or simply someone looking to improve your life, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to unlock their true potential and lead a more fulfilling and successful life.

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

by Carol S. Dweck

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck is a captivating book on success and motivation. Dweck explores the concept of mindset and how it can impact our achievements in all aspects of life. She presents the idea that our mindset, either fixed or growth, determines our ability to learn, grow, and achieve our goals.

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

by Angela Duckworth

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth is a captivating book on success and motivation. Duckworth, a renowned psychologist, delves into the concept of grit and how it plays a pivotal role in achieving long-term goals.

In this thought-provoking book, Duckworth presents her research and findings on what truly drives success. She challenges the conventional belief that talent alone is the key to accomplishment, instead emphasizing the importance of passion and perseverance.

Through vivid anecdotes and interviews with high achievers, Duckworth explores how individuals with grit are able to overcome obstacles and setbacks. She reveals that true grit is not about being the smartest or most talented person in the room, but rather about having the determination and resilience to keep going, even when faced with difficulties.

This book about success and motivation offers practical strategies for developing grit in our own lives and in those around us. Duckworth outlines the importance of cultivating a growth mindset, setting specific goals, and embracing failure as a learning opportunity.

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the true drivers of success. Whether you are a student, professional, or simply looking to achieve your personal goals, this book will inspire and empower you to cultivate grit and unlock your full potential.

The Power of Now

by Eckhart Tolle

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle is a transformative book that delves into the profound and life-changing concept of living in the present moment. This incredible book on success and motivation offers readers a refreshing perspective on how to find true happiness and fulfillment in their lives.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

by Mark Manson

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck is a refreshing and unconventional book on success and motivation that challenges the traditional notions of what it means to lead a happy and fulfilling life. Mark Manson, the author, takes a no-nonsense approach, using his own experiences and a healthy dose of humor to provide a powerful message.

This book about success and motivation doesn’t promise quick fixes or sugar-coated advice. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of choosing the right values and learning to prioritize what truly matters in our lives. Manson argues that it’s not about avoiding problems or trying to be positive all the time, but rather about embracing our limitations and accepting the inevitable struggles we face.

Through a series of engaging anecdotes and thought-provoking insights, Manson challenges the reader to question their own beliefs and reevaluate their definition of success and motivation. He encourages us to let go of societal expectations and focus on what we genuinely care about, as our time and energy are limited resources.

What sets this success and motivation book apart is its raw and unfiltered honesty. Manson isn’t afraid to tackle uncomfortable topics or share his own failures and shortcomings. He emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for our own lives, acknowledging our flaws, and learning from our mistakes.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck is a powerful reminder that true success and motivation comes from within, and that happiness is not a destination, but a continuous journey of growth and self-discovery. So, if you’re looking for a refreshing take on personal development that cuts through the fluff and delivers valuable insights, this book is definitely worth a read.

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

by Daniel H. Pink

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink is a game-changing book about the secrets to success and motivation that will leave you inspired and ready to take action.

In this captivating read, Pink challenges the conventional wisdom about what drives people to achieve greatness. He argues that the traditional carrot-and-stick approach, where rewards and punishments are used as motivators, is not as effective as we might think.

Through extensive research and compelling anecdotes, Pink reveals that true motivation comes from within. He introduces the concept of intrinsic motivation, which is driven by our innate desire to learn, create, and contribute to something meaningful.

By understanding the three elements of intrinsic motivation – autonomy, mastery, and purpose – Pink provides practical strategies for unlocking our full potential. He shows us how to tap into our natural curiosity, develop our skills, and connect our work to something larger than ourselves.

This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the key factors that drive success and motivation. It will challenge your beliefs about what truly motivates us and provide you with the tools to create a more fulfilling and rewarding life.

The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure

by Grant Cardone

The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure by Grant Cardone is a captivating book on success and motivation. If you’re looking for a game-changer, this is the book for you. Cardone dives deep into the mindset and strategies needed to achieve extraordinary levels of success. He challenges readers to think bigger, act bigger, and ultimately achieve bigger results.

Unlike other books about success and motivation, The 10X Rule takes a no-nonsense approach. Cardone emphasizes the importance of setting massive goals and putting in ten times the effort to achieve them. He believes that most people underestimate what it takes to succeed and fall short because of it. By adopting the 10X mindset, readers can overcome obstacles, persist through challenges, and reach unprecedented levels of success.

With his energetic and enthusiastic writing style, Cardone inspires readers to take massive action in all areas of their lives. Whether it’s in business, relationships, or personal development, he provides practical tips and strategies to help readers break through barriers and achieve their wildest dreams. The 10X Rule is not just a book; it’s a roadmap to success and motivation.

If you’re tired of settling for mediocrity and ready to unleash your full potential, this success and motivation book is a must-read. Cardone’s powerful message will ignite a fire within you and push you to take massive action towards your goals. Get ready to 10X your life!

Outliers: The Story of Success

by Malcolm Gladwell

Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell is a captivating book about the mysteries and hidden patterns behind success and accomplishment. This thought-provoking masterpiece takes readers on a journey through the fascinating world of outliers – individuals who have achieved extraordinary success in various fields.

Gladwell delves into the idea that success is not solely determined by personal qualities such as intelligence or ambition, but rather by a combination of unique circumstances, cultural factors, and sheer luck. Through a series of captivating stories and compelling research, he explores how factors like birthdate, cultural heritage, and even the time and place of one’s upbringing can significantly impact an individual’s path to success.

This book on success and motivation challenges the traditional notion that success is solely the result of individual merit and hard work. Instead, Gladwell argues that success is often a result of hidden advantages and opportunities that some individuals are fortunate enough to encounter. He introduces the concept of the “10,000-hour rule,” suggesting that mastery in any field requires approximately 10,000 hours of deliberate practice.

Outliers is not just a book about success and motivation, but also a compelling exploration of the factors that shape our lives and the opportunities that lie beyond our control. It encourages readers to question their preconceived notions about success and consider the role of external factors in shaping the trajectory of one’s life.

Whether you are a student, professional, or simply someone curious about the intricacies of success, this book is sure to captivate and inspire you. Prepare to have your perspective on success and motivation transformed as Gladwell uncovers the hidden patterns behind the world’s most successful individuals in this immensely thought-provoking and empowering read.

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom

by Don Miguel Ruiz

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz is a transformative book about achieving personal growth and finding true happiness. This insightful guide offers a refreshing perspective on success and motivation, encouraging readers to adopt four fundamental principles that can change their lives.

The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life

by Hal Elrod

The Miracle Morning is a captivating book on success and motivation that reveals the not-so-obvious secret to transforming your life. Written by Hal Elrod, this groundbreaking book is a game-changer for anyone who wants to unlock their full potential and achieve extraordinary results.

Think and Grow Rich

by Napoleon Hill

Think and Grow Rich, written by Napoleon Hill, is a transformative book on success and motivation that has empowered countless individuals to achieve their dreams. This timeless masterpiece is not just another run-of-the-mill self-help guide; it is a life-changing book about success and motivation that delves deep into the psychology of achievement.

Think and Grow Rich encapsulates Hill’s extensive research and interviews with over 500 successful individuals, including Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Andrew Carnegie. Through these conversations, Hill uncovers the secrets to unlocking one’s full potential and attaining extraordinary levels of success.

This success and motivation book provides readers with a step-by-step roadmap to transform their mindset, enabling them to overcome obstacles, develop unwavering self-belief, and harness the power of their thoughts. Hill emphasizes the importance of visualizing success, setting clear goals, and taking persistent action towards them.

With its timeless wisdom and practical advice, Think and Grow Rich has become a cornerstone in the field of personal development. Hill’s principles, such as the power of positive thinking and the law of attraction, continue to resonate with readers, inspiring them to create their own success stories.

Whether you aspire to achieve financial abundance, career success, or personal fulfillment, this book on success and motivation is a must-read. It will guide you on a transformative journey towards unlocking your true potential and living the life you’ve always dreamed of.

The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses

by Eric Ries

The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Ries is a game-changing book on success and motivation that challenges traditional business practices and offers a new approach to building and growing startups.

Ries introduces the concept of the Lean Startup, which focuses on eliminating waste and maximizing learning through a process of continuous innovation. He emphasizes the importance of testing ideas quickly and using data-driven feedback to make informed decisions.

This book about success and motivation is a must-read for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders who want to create successful and sustainable businesses. Ries shares his own experiences and provides practical advice on how to navigate the uncertainties and challenges of starting a new venture.

Through real-life examples and case studies, Ries demonstrates the power of the Lean Startup method in achieving rapid growth and market dominance. He emphasizes the importance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity and adapting quickly to changing market conditions.

Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this success and motivation book will inspire you to think differently and challenge the status quo. Ries’s innovative approach to business will help you build a company that is agile, customer-focused, and poised for long-term success.

The Alchemist

by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a captivating book on success and motivation that takes readers on an enchanting journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Set in the mystical world of desert oases and hidden treasures, this success and motivation book weaves a tale of adventure, perseverance, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.

The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles

by Steven Pressfield

The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield is a captivating book on success and motivation. In this thought-provoking masterpiece, Pressfield delves into the inner battles that prevent us from achieving our full creative potential. Whether you are an artist, writer, entrepreneur, or simply seeking to unlock your creative genius, this book is a must-read.

Pressfield uses the concept of Resistance to describe the force that holds us back from pursuing our dreams. He explores the various forms Resistance can take, such as procrastination, self-doubt, and fear of failure. With each page, he provides valuable insights and practical strategies to overcome these obstacles and unleash our creative energy.

This book is not just about success and motivation; it is a roadmap for overcoming the hurdles that stand in the way of our dreams. Pressfield’s writing style is engaging and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with his ideas. He draws from his own experiences as a writer, sharing anecdotes and personal stories that inspire and resonate with readers.

Whether you are struggling to start a new project, facing a creative block, or simply seeking a boost of motivation, The War of Art is a powerful resource. It will empower you to conquer your inner battles and tap into your full creative potential. Don’t miss out on this transformative journey towards success and motivation!

The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage

by Mel Robbins

The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage by Mel Robbins is a game-changing book on success and motivation. If you’re tired of feeling stuck, fearful, or lacking confidence, this book is a must-read.

In this dynamic and engaging book about success and motivation, Robbins introduces a simple but powerful concept: the 5-second rule. The rule is straightforward – whenever you have an instinct to act on a goal or make a positive change in your life, you count down from five and then take immediate action.

Robbins explains that by using this rule, you can overcome the hesitation, self-doubt, and fear that often hold you back from achieving your goals. Whether it’s starting a new project, making an important phone call, or even facing your fears, the 5-second rule can help you build the courage and confidence to take action.

What sets this success and motivation book apart is the combination of scientific research and real-life examples that Robbins provides. She dives into the psychology behind the 5-second rule, explaining how it rewires your brain and activates your prefrontal cortex, the part responsible for decision-making and self-control.

Throughout the book, Robbins shares inspiring stories of individuals who have used the 5-second rule to overcome their fears, achieve their goals, and transform their lives. From athletes to entrepreneurs, her examples demonstrate that anyone can apply this rule to create positive change.

Whether you’re seeking success in your career, relationships, or personal growth, The 5 Second Rule is a practical guide that will help you overcome self-doubt and take massive action. With Robbins’ relatable and no-nonsense approach, this success and motivation book will empower you to step outside your comfort zone and unlock your full potential.

The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work

by Shawn Achor

The Happiness Advantage is a captivating book on success and motivation that explores the power of positive psychology in fueling performance at work. Written by Shawn Achor, a renowned happiness researcher and TED speaker, this book offers a fresh perspective on how happiness can drive success in all areas of life.

The Compound Effect

by Darren Hardy

The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy is a captivating book on success and motivation. It is a remarkable read that delves into the power of small actions and their ability to create significant results over time. With an engaging writing style, Hardy takes you on a journey of self-discovery, providing practical strategies and insights to help you achieve your goals.

This book about success and motivation emphasizes the importance of consistency and discipline in every aspect of life. Hardy highlights how even the smallest choices we make on a daily basis can compound over time, leading to either incredible success or detrimental outcomes. By implementing positive habits and making incremental improvements, we can create a ripple effect that transforms our lives.

The Compound Effect is not just another success and motivation book; it is a game-changer. Hardy’s relatable stories and actionable advice inspire readers to take control of their lives and make intentional choices that lead to long-term success. Whether you are seeking personal or professional growth, this book will leave you motivated and empowered to make positive changes.

The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be

by Jack Canfield

The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Jack Canfield is a transformative book on achieving success and motivation. Whether you are looking to excel in your career, improve your relationships, or achieve personal growth, this book provides a comprehensive roadmap to help you get there.

Canfield, a renowned success coach and co-creator of the bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul series, shares his proven strategies and principles that have helped countless individuals transform their lives. Drawing from his own experiences and those of other successful people, Canfield breaks down the key principles that are essential for achieving success in any area of life.

From setting clear goals and taking responsibility for your own actions, to overcoming obstacles and developing a positive mindset, Canfield provides practical advice and actionable steps to help you make lasting changes. He emphasizes the power of visualization, affirmations, and positive thinking, highlighting the importance of aligning your thoughts and beliefs with your desired outcomes.

This book also delves into the importance of building strong relationships, both personally and professionally. Canfield discusses effective communication skills, networking strategies, and the significance of surrounding yourself with supportive individuals who share your vision and goals.

One of the standout aspects of The Success Principles is its emphasis on taking action. Canfield stresses the importance of taking consistent, focused action towards your goals, and provides practical exercises and strategies to help you stay motivated and accountable.

Overall, The Success Principles is a powerful and inspiring book that offers a step-by-step guide to achieving success and motivation in all areas of life. Whether you are just starting your journey or looking to take your achievements to the next level, this book provides the tools and principles to help you get from where you are to where you want to be.

The Motivation Myth: How High Achievers Really Set Themselves Up to Win

by Jeff Haden

The Motivation Myth: How High Achievers Really Set Themselves Up to Win is not your typical book on success and motivation. Author Jeff Haden takes a refreshing approach by debunking the common belief that motivation is the key to achieving greatness. Instead, he reveals the secret sauce high achievers use to consistently win, which has nothing to do with motivation.

Haden argues that motivation is fleeting and unreliable. It can wane and leave us feeling stuck and unproductive. Instead of waiting for motivation to strike, he suggests that success and achievement come from a different source – commitment. Commitment, unlike motivation, is within our control and can be nurtured and developed over time.

In this captivating book about success and motivation, Haden provides practical strategies and actionable steps to harness the power of commitment. He shows readers how to set achievable goals, create effective routines, and develop a mindset that supports continuous growth and improvement.

The Motivation Myth is filled with inspiring stories of high achievers who have mastered the art of commitment. From athletes to entrepreneurs, Haden uses real-life examples to illustrate how commitment, not motivation, is the driving force behind their success.

If you’re tired of waiting for motivation to strike and want to take control of your own success, this success and motivation book is a must-read. Haden’s unique perspective will challenge your beliefs and empower you to become a high achiever by focusing on the power of commitment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 20 books about success and motivation are essential reads for anyone looking to achieve their goals and unlock their full potential. Whether you’re seeking personal or professional growth, these books offer valuable insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories that will fuel your motivation and drive. From classics like “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill to modern gems like “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle, this curated list has something for everyone. So, dive into these pages and let these books be your guide on the path to success and motivation.