Think and Grow Rich is about more than money—it's about getting what we want in life.
Napoleon Hill interviewed 500+ successful people (like Henry Ford and Thomas Edison), identifying a 13-step formula for achievement, which includes 1) a burning desire, 2) a definite plan, and 3) persistence past failure.
"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
Why should you read it?
Okay, this book may seem a bit 'out there' to some people because of its focus on using imagination and positive thinking to top into the mystical law of attraction.
Some people will love it and others will think it's straight up bonkers.
This isn't your cut-and-dry financial planning book.
So, if you're looking for straightforward budgeting tips, this might not be your cup of tea.
But hey, who knows?
Maybe your good vibes will help you attract the perfect accountant into your life...
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is a classic of Stoic philosophy and shows us how to become more self-disciplined, stop caring what people think, and control our emotions.
The author was a powerful Roman Emperor about 2,000 years ago and wrote down these ideas in a private journal to himself.
"Choose not to be harmed—and you won't feel harmed. Don't feel harmed—and you haven't been." —Marcus Aurelius
"The 5 Love Languages" by Gary Chapman explains that people show and feel love in five main ways: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch.
By figuring out which of these love languages matter most to you and your partner, you can enrich your marriage or relationship by showing love in the way that makes each other feel most appreciated and loved.
"Our most basic emotional need is not to fall in love but to be genuinely loved by another, to know a love that grows out of reason and choice, not instinct. I need to be loved by someone who chooses to love me, who sees in me something worth loving." —Gary Chapman
Why should you read it?
Ever wondered why your big romantic gestures don't always hit the mark?
This book could be the Rosetta Stone you need for deciphering the language of love.
Chapman's insight into how people give and receive love using 5 different "languages" can transform relationships, helping you understand your loved ones better.
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki explains what rich people know about finance, money, and investing.
The author compares advice from his real father (Poor Dad), who was well-educated but always struggled financially, with advice from his best friend's father (Rich Dad), who had little formal education but was a very successful entrepreneur.
"The poor and the middle class work for money. The rich have money work for them." —Robert Kiyosaki
Why should you read it?
This book shows you that making money isn't just about getting a paycheck—it's also about finding smart ways to make your money grow for you.
Why is this book so popular?
Because financial concepts are usually pretty boring, but Kiyosaki makes financial literacy fun by illustrating his ideas with the story of his childhood.
Who Moved My Cheese? is a fable about dealing with life's never-ending change.
Spencer Johnson describes four small characters living in a maze.
One day, their cheese suddenly disappears.
They can either resist the change and suffer, or learn to embrace it and move onto something better.
"Life moves on and so should we." —Spencer Johnson MD
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a simple yet profound story about a shepherd boy named Santiago who follows his dreams, going on a journey to find treasure in Egypt.
Along the way, he finds love, danger, and wisdom.
The book inspires readers to listen to their hearts, risk adventure, and seek life's meaning.
"There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure." —Paulo Coelho
The 4-Hour Workweek is about building a passive income business so we can escape the usual 40-hour workweek, and design our ideal lifestyle.
Tim Ferris also shows how we can improve our productivity by following the 80/20 rule and a 'low information diet.'
"If you are insecure, guess what? The rest of the world is, too. Do not overestimate the competition and underestimate yourself. You are better than you think." —Tim Ferriss
Why should you read it?
This book is practically the bible of the "digital nomad" movement, where some people figured out how to work from their laptop anywhere in the world.
To most people it sounds like a complete fantasy: Imagine traveling the world, indulging your curiosity, all while your business runs itself.
But Tim Ferriss shares many inspirational case studies of people who have done it successfully.
It's kind of like finding out that unicorns are real—and they know how to code websites!
This book has opened the eyes of countless people that a radically different, unconventional type of lifestyle is possible.
"Eat That Frog!" by Brian Tracy is a guide to stop procrastinating, increase productivity, and master time management.
It teaches you to tackle the hardest tasks first, helping you get more done and make each day more focused and productive.
"Resolve to do something every single day that moves you toward your major goal." —Brian Tracy
The Power of Your Subconscious Mind explains how to change our thinking through "scientific prayer," so we can change the outer conditions of our life to enjoy more prosperity, health, and happiness.
Joseph Murphy's techniques include affirmations, visualization, gratitude, faith, and surrender.
"Just keep your conscious mind busy with expectation of the best." —Joseph Murphy
As a Man Thinketh says our thoughts set the course our life, not our circumstances.
James Allen says thoughts are seeds for actions, so our mind is a garden where we must cultivate the right seeds.
This short, inspiring book still influences many modern self-help teachers.
"Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are." —James Allen
The 5AM Club is about learning to wake up at 5 a.m. and follow a morning routine, so we can become more self-disciplined, productive, and happy.
Robin Sharma wrote this self-help book as a story, with a Billionaire mentoring an Entrepreneur and Artist, who were struggling with distraction and procrastination.
"All change is hard at first, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end." —Robin Sharma
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success is about reaching our dreams with ease, through following wisdom from both ancient religions and modern spiritual teachers.
Deepak Chopra says we can attain much more than just material success, if we follow practices like silence, non-judgment, giving, intention and detachment.
"Attention energizes, and intention transforms. Whatever you put your attention on will grow stronger in your life. Whatever you take your attention away from will wither, disintegrate and disappear." —Deepak Chopra
Essentialism by Greg McKeown is a productivity book that helps you get more done by doing less.
It teaches you to focus only on what’s really important and say no to things that distract you.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed by too many tasks, you'll learn how to prioritize and concentrate on what truly matters in your life and work.
"If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will." —Greg McKeown
The ONE Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan emphasizes focusing on the single most important task in any area of your life to achieve extraordinary results.
The book teaches the power of prioritization, guiding readers to simplify their approach by identifying and acting on the "one thing" that will make the biggest impact in their goals, careers, or personal lives.
"What’s the ONE thing you can do, such that by doing it, everything else will be easier or unnecessary?" —Gary Keller
Why should you read it?
I read The ONE Thing, and it completely shifted how I think about productivity.
Instead of trying to juggle everything at once, this book taught me to focus on what truly matters—what will drive the biggest results.
If you feel overwhelmed with too many tasks or unsure where to start, The ONE Thing will show you how simplifying and narrowing your focus can lead to extraordinary success.
Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven shares lessons he learned as a Navy SEAL.
It’s all about how small habits, like making your bed every morning, can lead to bigger successes in life.
It also teaches you how to stay strong during tough times, work well with others, and never give up.
"If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed." —Admiral William H. McRaven
Why should you read it?
You should read Make Your Bed because it’s super inspiring and easy to read.
Unlike many self-help books, it’s refreshing because it’s based on real-life stories from the author's Navy SEAL training and war experience in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Admiral McRaven uses powerful personal examples, like recovering from a brutal skydiving accident or enduring 16 hours covered in mud, to show how discipline and mindset can help you succeed in life.