From Non-Reader to Book Lover: 10 Best Self Improvement Books to Begin With

You might not call yourself a “reader,” but the fact that you’ve landed on this blog shows that you care about improving yourself and working on your growth. And that’s the first step—acknowledging that self-improvement is an ongoing process. The best part? It’s never too late to start.

For the longest time, I wasn’t into books either. In fact, I picked up my first self-help book at the age of nineteen, almost by force. Until then, YouTube was my go-to source of motivation. I used to binge-watch motivational speakers, TED Talks, and even entrepreneurs sharing their wisdom online. Interestingly, almost all of them echoed the same advice when it came to unlocking potential and building a growth mindset: read.

Read as much as you can. Learn from other people’s experiences.

Because here’s the truth—our own experiences are valuable, but life is short, and we can only go through so many ourselves. Why not avoid mistakes that others have already made and leap forward with the lessons they’ve shared? Books give us that edge. They help us learn faster, grow faster, and move closer to becoming the strongest version of ourselves.

So, if you’ve been meaning to start, here are 10 books I recommend to everyone on their self-growth journey. The first five are smaller and easier reads (perfect if you’re just starting out), while the next five dive deeper but are absolute must-reads for long-term growth.

1. Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy

This book teaches you how to stop procrastinating and tackle your biggest, most important tasks first thing in the day. It’s a practical guide to time management and productivity that helps you achieve more with less stress.

2. Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson

This classic fable uses the story of mice and “little people” in a maze to teach us how to deal with change in work and life. It’s a simple yet powerful reminder that adaptability, flexibility, and a positive mindset are the keys to growth when circumstances shift.

3. You Can Win by Shiv Khera

This book is a step-by-step guide to building confidence, developing a positive attitude, and creating a blueprint for personal and professional success. Through real-life examples and practical exercises, it inspires readers to believe in themselves and turn dreams into achievable goals.

4. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

This powerful little book offers four simple yet transformative principles—be impeccable with your word, don’t take things personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best. It’s a practical guide to breaking self-limiting beliefs and living with greater freedom, peace, and happiness.

5. Who Will Cry When You Die? by Robin Sharma

This book is a collection of simple, practical life lessons that inspire you to live with purpose, kindness, and balance. Through short chapters, it encourages building good habits, embracing positivity, and making each day meaningful.

6. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma

This inspirational fable follows a successful lawyer who gives up his luxurious life to seek purpose, balance, and happiness. It blends spiritual wisdom with practical life lessons, teaching how to live with greater clarity, courage, and fulfillment.

7. Atomic Habits by James Clear

This bestselling book shows how tiny, consistent changes can create remarkable results over time. With practical strategies backed by science, it teaches you how to build good habits, break bad ones, and master the art of continuous improvement.

1. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

This insightful book explains the science behind why we do what we do, showing how habits are formed and how they can be changed. Through engaging stories and research, it reveals how mastering habits can transform your personal life, work, and even organizations.

9. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck

This groundbreaking book introduces the idea of the fixed mindset versus the growth mindset. It shows how believing in your ability to learn and grow can unlock success in school, work, relationships, and every area of life.

10. Deep Work by Cal Newport

This book emphasizes the value of focused, distraction-free work in an age of constant digital interruptions. It provides practical strategies to improve concentration, maximize productivity, and produce meaningful results in both personal and professional life.