Self-development is a rather vague topic. In fact, every book on this list will greatly contribute to your personal development. They will give an impetus to action and throw ideas, but they will not provide you with a step-by-step business plan. Do not expect from them wonderful recipes for getting rid of social injustice. Their true goal is inspiration and motivation, and if you need just that, then perhaps we will begin.
So, TOP-8 books, for those who want to get better every day, but don’t know where to start.
- “How to make friends and influence people”, Dale Carnegie. This is a guide to communicating effectively with people. The titles of the chapters at first seem a little manipulative: “Six Ways to Make People Like You,” “12 Ways to Conquer People with Your Way of Thinking.” But in practice, Carnegie’s main idea is that no one will work for you if your goal is manipulation. Only with reliability, openness and honesty will these methods work efficiently. In addition to business advice, you will find fresh jokes from historical leaders and funny lessons from the greatest businessmen. The book rightfully sues four out of five Machiavelli.
- "The richest man in Babylon", George Samuel Clayson. Too often, things are not going as they would like. And money (or lack thereof) plays the first violin in a failed or successful fate. Probably this was the reason that in the 1920s, banks and insurance companies decided to publish and distribute short stories written to educate people on important financial issues. The book begins with the story of two people who understand that while they eke out their meager existence, one of their childhood friends has become the richest man in Babylon. Despite the fact that they grew up in the same circumstances, their friend “created life out of gold”, and they only dream about it. Unlike these two losers, the reader gets a real opportunity to learn how to build wealth. He plans the future, makes profitable investments wisely and considers money as a means to achieve his goals, and not as an indicator of success.
- "Think and get rich", Napoleon Hill. This fantastic book is not so much about financial success, but about creating a rich life. You will learn how important it is to have a burning desire + setting clear goals + inspiration. It activates your attention and releases your creative vein. The author teaches how to thrive even in difficult economic times and not lose one's grip. This reading matter can help you to show off during business negotiations and informal conversation conversations.
- “Seven Skills of Highly Effective People”, Stephen Covey. This book marked the emergence of an avalanche of lively interest in personal development. One of the greatest works that have affected the lives of many people. It was published over 20 years ago, but still remains the top book on the market. The author put forward the thesis: habits determine our fate. Do we really have what it takes to be very successful? Even if not, it’s never too late to admit it and begin to develop high activity within yourself under the watchful eye of Stephen Covey.
- “Educate a leader in yourself”John Maxwell For those who are trying to take the next step in their careers or are in doubt about their leadership abilities, the author offers practical methods for developing appropriate skills. Recognizing that some people have an innate entrepreneurial talent, Maxwell gives advice to increase personal effectiveness. The book debunkes the myth that only a few of us are born spoiled of fate. Instead, he suggests that everyone can win a party in life from self-education and discipline. Regardless of your career, position or personality, you will learn a lot of useful things and you can put it into practice.
- “Geniuses and outsiders. Why is one everything and nothing else? ”, Malcolm Gladwell. A scientific approach to learning what really needs to be done to succeed. It is important to realize that well-being is not a gift of fate, but a consequence of your efforts. Think and count the minutes, hours or days that you devote to drastically change the standard of living. And now subtract that “hour”, which is traditionally allotted for fun, from this amount. The negative number that you received is the degree of your minus - the lack that moves you away from a noticeable dream. Starting with this, you will be ready to tirelessly follow Gladwell’s helpful recommendations.
- “A man in search of meaning”, Victor Frankl. The author is a psychiatrist who spent part of his life in Nazi death camps. During this time, he witnessed the death of his brother, parents and even a pregnant wife. Frankl explains in this book that we cannot escape suffering. However, we have the ability to decide how we deal with suffering, what we can take out of it, and how we can move on. This bestseller, based on Frankl’s own experience, will capture your heart and change your approach to problem solving.
- “Chicken stock for the soul. 101 best story ". This is a book that will make you smile, no matter what mood you are in. She will restore your faith in humanity. In an indifferent and selfish world full of negativity, the author finds real stories that warm the heart. If you feel that you urgently need inspiration, open it immediately.