Self help books are wonderful – or they can be (they can be
crappy, too, of course, but I won’t waste your time with crap).
Personal development books and self
improvement books can help you improve your life, overcome
personal difficulties, solve problems and understand things
you’ve always wanted to understand.
Not everyone can (or even wants to) travel to a far away ashram
to talk with an enlightened teacher in person, or participate in
self improvements seminars or even just hire a personal
development coach to help them in their personal transformation.
Reading self help ebooks, personal development books, and self
improvement articles is the next best thing.
Indeed,
some folks prefer reading (or listening to books on audio, i.e.
self improvement audio) to the other possibilities. For long
periods of time this was true of me, too, though in the periods
in between I did in fact seek out many teachers and attend many
self help seminars.
So, on this page and the many pages ‘under’ it (which you can
access from this page) I am going to highlight some of the most
influential, interesting, useful and all round best self help
authors there are – and their self improvement books, of course.
I want these pages to be one of the most useful tools around
when it comes to finding the best self help books on the market
today. And learning a bit about the various personal
development authors in the process – I’m going to include some
short author bios as well to complete the picture.
Note: If you want to jump past all the
interesting historical stuff and directly down to the list of
self help authors, you can, just by clicking this link:
Self Help Authors and Their Books.
Other than that, please read on.
Self Help Books Have Become Mainstream
As more and more people get into the process of awakening to
their true natures (their true
identity), the market for personal development books is
rapidly growing to meet the needs of these intellectual,
emotional and spiritual seekers. Some self improvement authors
of today have risen to the tops of the mainstream best seller
lists and have become extremely influential in the lives of
people all around the world.
Offering self improvement advice is nothing new however. Self
help tips can be traced back to the Indian
Vedas (1500–1000 BCE) and beyond. Mankind has long
been driven towards spiritual enlightenment and the inner peace,
happiness, abundance and unconditional love that flow from it,
even though achieving that state has been difficult thanks to
the nature of our
egos.
How to find inner peace and how to be happy (how to find
happiness) is perhaps the oldest and most enduring of human
endeavours, closely followed by a host of related life
improvement quests, that have to do with success,
riches,
love,
self esteem,
relationships,
leadership and pretty much every other aspect of human life.
Most of the better known self help authors have achieved some
degree of success in some field or other, and that is what
drives us to seek out their methods and advice.
Self Help Ideas Come and Go in Trends
Self help ideas tend to come and go in trends. As you saw with
the Indian Vedas one might say that the oldest self help books
still in existence are around 3500 years old. And those
venerable texts might be said to form the basis of some very
cutting edge modern concepts such as transpersonal psychology
…
Experience Ego Death to Set Yourself Free
Take the notion of ego death and psychological rebirth.
Now, there’s an old concept! We know for a fact that the ancient
Indian texts
the Upanishads (the oldest of which date back to somewhere
around 1000 to 600 BCE) refer to psychological rebirth and that
certain old time (pre-Christian) mystery based religions
included rites whose function was to let the person experience
psychological death and rebirth, something later taken up by
Buddhism (still some 500 years before Christ).
This powerful concept of ego death and psychological rebirth
(which does indeed produce powerful, positive personal
transformation, I can vouch for that) is once again gaining
popularity in the form of diverse forms of rebirthing and also
in the cutting-edge field of modern
transpersonal
psychology.
The Enneagram of Personality Can Be Traced Back 1500 Years
Another example of an ancient system experiencing a revival in
modern day self help books is the system for categorizing
personality (a.k.a. our ego) known as
the Enneagram, sometimes called the Enneagram of
Personality.
This system for ego development and – ultimately – for
letting goof your ego can be traced back more than 1500
years (to Evagrius Ponticus a.k.a. Evagrius the Solitary
(345-399 AD) and may be even older than that).
The Enneagram experienced a revival and expansion in the 1970s
and has since then been expanded further by intense
psychological research, and has probably never been more widely
known (or indeed more powerful) than today. Psychologists,
personal development coaches (such as myself), and commercial
companies all around the world use the Enneagram. The latter use
the Enneagram as a powerful HR resource.
It’s a great system, and if you’re interested in psychology and
not yet aware of the Enneagram you should definitely look into
it. The best book on the Enneagram that I have read (and I have
read many) is “The Wisdom of the Enneagram” by Don Richard Riso
and Russ Hudson, a comprehensive but easy to read guide.
Surprise? The Law of Attraction Is Old News
Finally, let take a brief look at the Law of Attraction
as a very well known example.
The Law of Attraction is very popular today, but it certainly
nothing new (it dates back centuries, probably starting in early
New Thought Movement in the early 1800s). The movie
The Secret from 2006 (later also a book) produced
by Rhonda Byrne, however, breathed new life into the concept and
brought it to mainstream society.
Such is the way with many of today’s popular self help books.
They bring the path of bliss and effective living to everyday
people rather than keeping self improvement ideas cloistered for
an elect few. But they’re actually based on old ideas and
knowledge – sometimes very old indeed.
Almost All of Us Want a Better Life, You too, Right?
The common denominator for all of this is the desire for a
better life experience.
We want to experience unconditional love and inner peace. We
want to be happy.
Even people who read self improvement books because
they want to be healthy, beautiful, popular, famous, rich or
successful are actually striving for inner peace, love and
happiness (at a deeper level).
This desire to be happy is pretty much the driving force behind
all self help, personal development, self improvement and search
for spiritual enlightenment. And thus it is the driving force
behind personal development books, self improvement books and
self help books.
Picking and Choosing between the
Best Self Help Books and Self Help Authors
There are sooo many self help books to choose from just as there
are many paths to personal growth, self improvement and
spiritual enlightenment. You will likely click with certain
personal development authors and not resonate with others. It
may not be so much the self help advice they offer, but the
manner in which it is presented that makes it difficult to
absorb. Or, if you like, the vibration they hold. 🙂
Some self help books written in the 1800s and before can be
difficult to read and understand simply because the language
(and culture) has changed since then. Fortunately, there are
many, many personal development ebooks and books to select from,
and many of them deliver messages worth reading. You should feel
free to sample various authors until you find a writing style
and message to which you can relate.
Below is a sampling of some of the more popular authors of self
help books you may want to consider. I (Soren, the Personal
Development Guy) may not agree with every single author that I
have mentioned below (I don’t, actually), but unless at least
one of the author’s self help books is what I consider worth
reading for some reason or other I will not even mention them!
This page about self help books and personal development authors
is a work in progress. So, in (an ever expanding) number of
cases you will find links to self improvement articles that give
you an author biography as well as the main points of the self
help author’s teachings – plus a list of what they have authored
and brief descriptions of each of their works – so you’ll know
where to start, given your own personal interests. Happy reading
…
Presenting: The Best Self Help
Books and Some of the Best Self Help Authors
Alfred Adler:
Alfred
Adler was a noted psychotherapist and pioneer in the
field of psychology. His work focused on feelings of
inferiority, and how those feeling affected development and
caused social isolation. His work with the inferiority complex
and self esteem helped establish counseling practices that were
followed years after his death.
Read more about him and his work in the article
Alfred Adler
Barbara de Angelis
Maya Angelou Biography
Arjuna Ardagh
Richard Bandler:
CCo-developer of NLP Who Will Help You Change
Richard Bandler is one of the developers of NLP, or
neuro-linguistic programming. He developed these techniques as a
way of changing behavior patterns. He has written several self
help books based on NLP that instruct readers how to use his
methods to change their lives. One of his most well known books
is Using Your Brain for a Change. Read a biography of
this self help author in the personal development article called
Richard Bandler.
Brandon Bays:
TThe Journey – a Powerful Self Improvement Technique
Brandon
Bays is the author of self help books that teach
readers how to attain a state of freedom. Bays found freedom
after she was diagnosed with cancer and used her techniques to
become cancer-free in six weeks. Her first and main book is
titled The Journey: A Practical Guide to Healing Your Life
and Setting Yourself Free. Read a biography of this self
help author in the personal development article called
Brandon Bays.
Alain de Botton:
AA Philosophical Focus on Happiness
Alain
de Botton is a writer with a philosophical style (an
thus a rather mental view of things) who founded a school in
London known as The School of Life with the goal of teaching
people how to develop fulfilled and happy lives. He has written
a few books that include How Proust Can Change Your Life.
Read a biography of this self help author in the personal
development article called
Alain de Botton.
Gregg Braden
Brené Brown:
Brené Brown is a research professor in the field of
social work. She is the author of self help books that help
readers overcome feelings of shame and inadequacy.
She blames society and the media for making people, especially
women, feel they are not good enough.
She urges readers to wake up to the programming and reclaim
their authentic selves by embracing their imperfections. Read
her bio and see a list of her self help books in the article
Brene Brown.
Les Brown:
IInspiring You to Change Your Life for the Better
Les Brown is the author of Live Your Dreams
where he teaches readers how to get what they want from life
through positive thinking and taking action. He is a
motivational writer and speaker. His self help books have
inspired many people to take action in order to change their
lives. Read a biography of this self help author in the personal
development article called
Les Brown.
LLeo Buscaglia:
Leo Buscaglia wrote self help books on the topic of
love. He was moved to create a university class called Love 1A
after one of his students committed suicide. He wanted everyone
to learn the importance of expressing and receiving love. He
wrote self help books for children too so they could learn
important life concepts such as the importance of putting others
first and understanding death.
Read the article about his self improvement books and his bio
Leo Buscaglia.
Tony Buzan:
BBrain Power and Peak Performance
Tony Buzan is an expert in maximizing brain
power. He developed the technique of mind mapping that has been
used by corporations and athletes to achieve peak performance.
His books include Make the Most of Your Mind and
Speed Reading. Read a biography of this self help author in
the personal development article called
Tony Buzan.
Andrew Carnegie Biography
Carlos Castaneda:
Alternative Anthropologist, Shaman and Author
Carlos Castaneda was an anthropologist, shaman, and
spiritual author. His first book, The Teachings of Don Juan
begins the tale of his shamanistic training. He wrote 12
books in all and experts are in disagreement whether they are
fiction or truth. They do reveal practices and philosophies that
help readers attain states of increased awareness. Castaneda is
a popular alternative author whose books have sold in the
millions of copies. Read a biography of this self help author in
the personal development article called
Carlos Castaneda.
PPema Chodron:
Pema Chodron is a Buddhist nun and author of several
self help books for those wishing to develop their spiritual
nature and find peace in life.
She teaches it is best to embrace suffering and the things that
scare us, because it is through them that our spiritual natures
grow. She also helps readers awaken to more loving and
compassionate living. Read a Pema Chodron bio and see a list of
her works in the self improvement article
Pema Chodron.
Deepak Chopra:
Prolific Inspirational Spiritual Teacher and Author
Deepak Chopra is a doctor, teacher, and author of self
help books that focus on spirituality and mind-body medicine.
Some of his most popular works include The Spontaneous
Fulfillment of Desire: Harnessing the Infinite Power of
Coincidence and The Way of the Wizard: Twenty
Spiritual Lessons in Creating the Life You Want. Read a
biography of this self help author in the personal development
article called
Deepak Chopra.
Deepak Chopra Books
Paulo Coelho::
Paulo Coelho has written over 30 books, many of them
fiction, and some of them autobiographical and based upon his
own spiritual awakening.
His most popular book is a work of fiction that tells the story
of a boy on a spiritual journey to the pyramids. His books have
sold in the hundreds of millions of copies making him one of the
most widely read authors of self help books alive today.
Read Paulo Coelho’s bio and read about his works in the article
Paulo Coelho.
Stephen Covey:
Stephen Covey is the author of best selling self help
books that have sold millions of copies. He teaches the
importance of developing and adhering to habits that create
success. He stresses the importance of character ethics when it
comes to success in business and life.
Covey teaches readers the exact habits they must possess to be
triumphant in life today.
Read the article about his self improvement books and his bio
Stephen Covey.
Peter Drucker :
Peter Drucker is the author of several personal
development books for business leaders. He taught leadership
styles and management theory. He was extremely influential in
the business world and was a consultant to several top
corporations.
His books and articles influenced business practices and
accurately predicted the shift towards a knowledge based
workplace and many other trends that emerged in the last few
decades.
You can read more about Peter Drucker and his books
here.
T. Harv Eker:
T. Harv Eker is a sought after speaker and author of
self help books on the subject of creating wealth. He teaches
the importance of having the proper mindset in order to become
wealthy, He calls this the Millionaire Mind. His motivational
books appeal to those who desire living a life of financial
independence by experiencing their fullest potentials.
Read about his biography and his books in the article
T Harv Eker.
Masaru Emoto
Timothy Ferriss:br />
WWant to Work Only 4 Hours per Week?
Timothy
Ferriss is the author of two popular self help books,
The 4-Hour Workweek and The 4-Hour Body. br />
He offers personal development tips on how to create the best
life and body with the least amount of time and effort. Like
many other popular authors today, his self improvement ebooks
can be downloaded on Kindle (by Amazon).
Read a biography of this self help author in the personal
development article called
Timothy Ferriss.
Debbie Ford :
Debbie Ford has written several popular self help books
that deal with emotional and spiritual development. She has
helped readers understand their inner natures and offers
practical steps for overcoming negative thinking so they can
achieve their goals.
Her books are based upon the information she used in her
coaching program designed to help people to lead happier and
more fulfilling lives.
Debbie Ford.
Viktor Frankl:
Viktor Frankl was a Holocaust survivor and
is the founder of the psychotherapy known as Logotherapy.
His early work was influenced by Alfred Adler and Sigmund
Freud, but he later developed his own distinct opinions as well
as his own psychotherapy which he called Logotherapy. This
particular brand of psychotherapy is still taught around the
world today.
Read his bio and see a list of his works in the article
Viktor Frankl.
Mahatma Gandhi:
Non-violence, Peace and Unity
Mohandas
Mahatma Gandhi is a name recognized around the world in
all cultures. He devoted his life to spreading the message of
non-violence and peace. His work is compiled in The
Essential Gandhi: An Anthology of His Writings on His Life,
Work, and Ideas. A great modern teacher indeed. Read a
biography of this classic modern self help author in the
personal development article called
Mahatma Gandhi.
Gangaji:
Surrender into Beingness
Gangaji is a present day spiritual teacher who helps
others attain peace through self realization. She is a pupil of
the modern day Indian guru Ramana Maharshi, and her methods
involve self inquiry and ending struggle by simply ‘being.’
Her most popular book is You are That!, but she has
also written the more recent The Diamond in Your Pocket,
and many people (including myself) just looove to listen to her
voice on her various self help audio recordings. Read a
biography of this spiritual author in the self help article
called
Gangaji.
ShShakti Gawain:
Shakti Gawain is known for teaching readers the art of
creative visualization.
Her best selling books have helped millions of people achieve
their goals through affirmations and visualization.
She also teaches clearing exercises for eliminating negative
core beliefs and promotes meditation and daily reflection. Read
more in the self improvement article calledShakti
Gawain.
Kahlil Gibran:
Much Revered Lebanese Poet
Kahlil Gibran, a Lebanese poet and visionary, died in
1931 but the popularity of his books lives on. His most popular,The
Prophet, was a work of inspirational fiction that was
warmly embraced by the 1960s counterculture, and it continues to
be a highly popular piece of spiritual literature to this day.
In fact, Gibran is the third leading poet of all time in sales
of books that inspire others to live a better life. Read a
biography of this self help author in the personal development
article called
Kahlil Gibran.
DaDaniel Goleman :
Daniel Goleman is a psychologist and expert in brain
science. He teaches readers about emotional intelligence and how
it is more important than IQ when it comes to achieving success
in the business world, and life in general.
He has written several self help books that teach readers how
to become better leaders, find inner peace, become more
successful, and how to meditate.
Read his bio and see a list of his works in the article
Daniel Goleman.
AmAmit Goswami
Alex Grey
Stanislav Grof:
Fearless Consciousness Explorer and Scientist Who Co-founded
Transpersonal Psychology
Stanislav Grof is a psychiatrist and researcher into
human consciousness. He is one of the founders of transpersonal
psychology. He has written many personal development books. One
of his most recent is Holotropic Breathwork: A New Approach
to Self-Exploration and Therapy, that deals with the
unusually powerful self improvement technique he fathered:
Holothropic Breathwork. Another fairly recent book is
Psychology of the Future: Lessons from Modern Consciousness
Research, which is also his most comprehensive single work
(in terms of scope) because it briefly sums up all of Grof’s
findings and theories in a lifetime dedicated to exploring and
mapping human consciousness. Grof is a clear thinker with a
slightly scholarly writing style (his newer works are easier to
read than his early works) whose body of work (which is based on
observation) is nothing short of revolutionary. Highly
recommended for those who are interested in the BIG picture of
life, the universe and everything and how we humans relate to
that. Read a biography of this personal development author (and
founding father of transpersonal psychology) in the personal
development article called
Stanislav Grof.
David Hawkins:
Levels of Consciousness
David Hawkins has written several self help
books intended to help readers reach a level of enlightenment so
they can leave suffering behind and live a life of peace. His
works include Power vs. Force: The Hidden Determinants of
Human Behavior and Dissolving the Ego Realizing the
Self. Read a biography of this self help author in the
personal development article called
David Hawkins.
Louise Hay:
Change Your Thoughts to Heal
Louise Hay is a very powerful presence in the
world of personal development advice. Her most popular book is
Heal Your Body that was written to help people overcome
illness by changing their thoughts. She is also a big believer
in positive affirmations. Her most important contribution to the
movement may be the development of Hay House, a company that
publishes many of the top selling self help books on the market
today. Read a Louise Hay bio and see a list of her works in the
self improvement article
Louise Hay.
Hermann Hesse:
Siddharta, Steppenwolf and More
Hermann Hesse is a well known influential
writer of books with a spiritual theme that drew from his
experiences with Eastern mysticism. His books have been loved by
generations of readers and become even more popular as time goes
on. His most popular works are Siddhartha and
Steppenwolf. Read a biography of this self help author in
the personal development article called
Hermann Hesse.
Esther Hicks and Jerry Hicks:
The Art of Attraction and Allowing
Esther Hicks and Jerry Hicks
promote the teachings of the Law of Attraction and have
published many books on the topic. Although the Hicks may not
call it channeling, much of the material is produced in
cooperation with an entity (actually a group of entities) called
Abraham that speaks through Esther. One of their most popular
personal development books is Ask and it is Given: Learning
to Manifest Your Desires. Read more in the self help
article called
Esther and Jerry Hicks.
Napoleon Hill:
Your Thoughts Shape Your Experience
Napoleon Hill is most well known for the
personal development ideas he delivered in his best selling book
Think and Grow Rich. The book was published in 1937 and
continues to be a best seller today. His book teaches people how
to become successes in life by mastering their thoughts. Read a
biography of this self help author in the personal development
article called
Napoleon Hill.
Susan Jeffers:
Feel the Fear … and Do It Anyway!
Susan Jeffers teaches readers how to overcome
crippling fear in their lives. Her methods were developed in an
attempt to improve her own life that was controlled by her fear.
Her most popular book is Feel the Fear…and Do It
Anyway! Read a biography of this self help author in the
personal development article called
Susan Jeffers.
Carl Jung:
Extraordinary Psychiatrist
C G Jung, or Carl Jung, is one
of the most notable psychiatrists of modern time. He explored
alternate fields of science such as astrology, alchemy, and
philosophy in his quest to understand the human mind and spirit.
Jung wrote 19 books in all, some of them being collections of
his writings such as Psychiatric Studies: The Collected
Works of C. G. Jung. Read a biography of this self help
author in the personal development article called
C
G Jung.
Jon Kabat-Zinn:
Mindfulness for You
Jon Kabat-Zinn is a proponent of using
mindfulness meditation to overcome problems in life such as
pain, anxiety, disease, and stress. He bases much of his
philosophy on Buddhist teachings. His most popular books include
Full Catastrophe Living and Wherever You Go There
You Are. Read a biography of this self help author in the
personal development article called
Jon Kabat-Zinn.
Byron Katie:
Examine Your Thoughts and Let Them Go
Byron Katie is another present day teacher with a
simple method of self inquiry that helps readers transform their
lives.
Her first and probably most popular book is Loving What Is:
Four Questions That Can Change Your Life. Read a Byron
Katie bio and see a list of her works in the self improvement
article
Byron Katie.
Robert Kiyosaki:
The Man with Two Dads – One Rich, One Poor
Robert Kiyosaki is most noted for his self
improvement books as they relate to personal finance. His most
well-known is Rich Dad Poor Dad but he has published
over 15 works that have sold millions of copies. Read a
biography of this self help author in the personal development
article called
Robert Kiyosaki.
Bruce Lipton :
Bruce Lipton is a biologist and author of two
personal development books that teach readers how beliefs and
thoughts bring about physical changes to body cells and DNA. His
work proves that DNA can be changed, and because of that we have
the power to bring about physical healing. His work further
proves that thoughts have the power to change our futures as
individuals and as a global society.
Ramana Maharshi:
Modern Mystic and Kind Teacher of Self Examination
Ramana Maharshi was a Hindu spiritual master
who became spiritually enlightened in his teens and who taught
followers to strive for a state of non-attachment to things of
life. He taught quietness and self inquiry to be the fastest
path to enlightenment. Much of his work and teachings have been
compiled into books such as The Spiritual Teaching of Ramana
Maharshi and Happiness and the Art of Being. Read
a biography of this self help author in the personal development
article called
Ramana Maharshi.
J. W. Marriott:
J. W. Marriott is one of America’s most
successful businessmen. He turned the Marriott hotel chain into
an international property management and franchise empire. He
attributes his success to valuing people, both guests and
employees. He teaches readers to be decisive, make informed
decisions, and not waste time regretting mistakes.
Read a biography of this self help author in the personal
development article called
J W Marriott.
Abraham Maslow:
NeNeeds, Peak Experiences and Self Realization
Abraham
Maslow is most noted for his Hierarchy of Needs
that is taught in psychology classes around the world. He was a
professor of psychology who taught others about basic human
nature and the need to see the positive qualities in other
people. His later work focused on peak experiences and self
realized individuals, persons of extraordinary achievement and
compassion. Read a biography of this self help author in the
personal development article called
Abraham Maslow.
John Maxwell:
Leadership Expert Tells You How to Be Successful
John Maxwell is the author of several self help
books on leadership and business success. His most popular books
include The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership an How
Successful People Think. His motivational books have sold
millions of copies and he has lectured to Fortune 500 companies
and government leaders. Read a biography of this self help
author in the personal development article called
John Maxwell.
Drunvalo Melchizedek:
Drunvalo Melchizedek is the author of four
popular New Age self help books. He is also a speaker and
teacher. He teaches subjects such as sacred geometry, activating
the light body, and living from the heart. He also teaches
others to carry forth his message through his Flower of Life
School and School of Remembering.
Read a biography of this self help author in the personal
development article called
Drunvalo Melchizedek .
Anthony de Mello:
Prolific Self Improvement Author
Anthony
de Mello was a psychotherapist and Jesuit priest who
penned self help books and other works. His books include (among
many others) Contact with God and One Minute Wisdom.
His later work displays indications that he had reached a
spiritually enlightened state. Read a biography of this self
improvement author in the personal development article called
Anthony de Mello.
Anthony De Mello Quotes
Dan Millman:
Dan Millman is the author of best selling
personal development books that help readers find purpose in
life. He stresses the importance of becoming a peaceful warrior
that brings about change in the self and the world in a firm but
peaceful manner. He teaches readers spiritual principles that
help to create improved relationships, life purpose, business
success, and spiritual development. Read the article about his
self improvement books and his bio
Dan Millman.
BrBruce Moen:
Bruce
Moen takes readers on exciting journeys into the
afterlife. His self help books are for those interested in the
spirit world or for people who have a fear of death. Moen
perfected a method for traveling to the spirit world, and
teaches it to his readers, so everyone can obtain first hand
experience of the afterlife while still alive. He explains that
doing so helps eliminate fear of death and gives life more
meaning.
Read his biograhpy and about his works in the article
Bruce Moen.
Robert Monroe:
Exploring States of Consciousness via OBEs and Hemi-Sync
Robert Allen Monroe was a modern day leader in
the field of altered consciousness. He has published several
books and a number of audio programs using devoted to training
the mind and achieving altered states of consciousness. He was
particularly interested in out of body experiences (OBEs),
communication with the afterlife and the use of brainwave
entrainment (a.k.a. brainwave synchronization a.k.a. isochronic
tones a.k.a. binaural beats, sometimes misspelled binural
beats). He invented the Hemi Sync method for brainwave
synchronization and used it for many purposes, a work which is
continued today by his daughter. His first and most well known
book is Journeys Out of the Body– the book that is
accredited with first popularizing the concept of out of body
experiences, though perhaps his later works Far Journeys
and Ultimate Journey are in fact more rewarding.
However, since they’re all largely biographical one may benefit
from reading them all in sequence. Read a biography of this self
help author in the personal development article called
Robert Monroe.
Michael Newton:
Michael Newton is the author of best selling books on
the topic of the spirit world and the life between lives. He is
a therapist who developed a method of hypnotic regression that
takes clients back to previous lives and the time spent in the
spirit world between lives. He teaches that visiting this space
between lives helps readers lose their fear of death and helps
them find purpose in life once they understand the reasons they
chose to enter the present life circumstances. Newton explains
this knowledge makes it easier to endure hardships in life,
because they have a purpose. Read his bio and see a list of his
works in the self improvement article
Michael Newton
Daniel Pink:
Daniel Pink is a popular speaker and author of
personal development books that advocate a new style of
workplace. He teaches that leadership and workplace norms are
evolving. Freelance work is getting to be more common and
workers are being valued for their creativity and contribution
to the company. Pink’s books help leaders form more productive
groups and they also help individuals seeking a free agent
lifestyle. Read more about this self help book author in the
article
Daniel Pink.
Dave Ramsey:
Dave Ramsey is a well-known talk radio
personality and author of financial self help books. His
lectures, classes, and books have helped thousands of people get
out of debt and build solid financial futures. He teaches the
importance of paying cash, building an emergency fund, and
avoiding all debt except for a mortgage. He explains it is also
very important to learn how to live within your means so you can
live a life of financial peace. He advocates teaching his
principles to children so they can have lives of financial
security.
Ayn Rand Books
Ayn Rand Books: Rand was a celebrated Russian-American writer.
She wrote several nonfiction books on the subject of political
philosophy, and she wrote four fiction novels. The most well
known Ayn Rand books are “The Fountainhead” and “Atlas
Shrugged.”
James Redfield:
Celestine Prophecies
James Redfield is a counselor who was drawn to
the human potential movement for answers for his clients who
were struggling with life issues. His work combines psychology,
philosophy, mysticism, and science. He is the author of The
Celestine Prophecy which became one of the best selling
self help books of the 1990s, and more books have since been
published in what has become a series. Read a biography of this
self help author in the personal development article called
James Redfield.
Cheryl Richardson
Anthony Robbins:
Anthony
Robbins is probably one of the most well-known authors
of self help books thanks to his frequent appearances on
television promoting his personal development books and
programs. p>
Much of his work is based on NLP, and he offers specific
step-by-step instructions for achieving goals whether they are
to lose weight or increase income. Read his bio and see a list
of his works in the article
Anthony Robbins.
Anthony Robbins Books
Carl Rogers:
Pioneer Psychologist with a Focus on Being(ness)
Carl Rogers was a researcher in psychology and
helped develop the humanistic approach. He received many
important recognitions and awards for his groundbreaking work.
He wrote 16 books including On Becoming a Person: A
Therapist’s View of Psychotherapy and A Way of Being. Read
a biography of this self help author in the personal development
article called
Carl Rogers.
Jim Rohn:
Motivational Speaker Who Helps You Live an Inspired Life
Jim Rohn is a popular motivational speaker and
writer that helps people create winning strategies for
overcoming life problems. He has written many self help books.
Some of them are My Philosophy for Successful Living,
The Art of Exceptional Living, Lessons on Life,
and Leading an Inspired Life. Read a biography of this
self help author in the personal development article called
Jim Rohn.
Marshall Rosenberg:
Non-Violent Communication
Marshall Rosenberg is the inventor of the
concept of non-violent communication as well as non-violent
parenting, and his work (including the book titled Non
Violent Communication) has spawned countless courses, study
groups and the like all over the world. Read a Marshall
Rosenberg bio and see a list of his works in the self
improvement article
Marshall Rosenberg.
Geneen Roth :
Geneen Roth is well-known because of her
frequent media appearances discussing the topic of emotional
eating. Her self help books help readers understand their
problems with compulsive eating or perpetual dieting. She has
helped many thousands of people through her process of inquiry,
meditation, and steps to healthy eating.
Read a biography of this self help author in the
personal development article called
Geneen Roth.
Don Miguel Ruiz:
The Four – or Even Five – Agreements
Don Miguel Ruiz is a shaman and spiritual
teacher who draws inspiration from the Toltec traditions – the
same spiritual traditions as Carlos Castaneda’s (another self
help author) teacher of Don Juan. Don Miguel Ruiz’ most popular
work The Four Agreements has sold millions of copies.
The book teaches readers how to achieve freedom and inner peace
by breaking beliefs or assumptions we have collectively agreed
to believe. Read a biography of this self help author in the
personal development article called
Don Miguel Ruiz.
Robin Sharma:
Robin Sharma is the author of several popular personal
development books that help readers live their best lives. He
combines ancient teachings with positive thinking. In addition,
he studied successful people to learn how they lived so he could
teach others how to model their behaviors and become successful
too. Read a Robin Sharma bio and see a list of his works in the
article
Robin Sharma.
Barbara Sher
GeGeorge Soros Biography
George Soros Quotes
Eckhart Tolle:
Being Present in the Now
Eckhart Tolle is undoubtedly one of the most
well known authors of personal development books thanks to his
association with Oprah Winfrey and the huge exposure he
received. His message is very much able to stand on its own
however, and in The Power of Now he offers readers self
improvement tips that help them achieve a state of bliss by
learning to live in the present moment. Read an Eckhart Tolle
bio and see a list of his works in the self improvement article
Eckhart Tolle.
Brian Tracy Books
Neale Donald Walsch:
Spiritual Self Help Advice on the Highest Level
Neale Donald Walsch is the author of the
popular Conversations with God series of self help
books as well as some other personal development books. Reading
his books is sort of like ‘talking with God’ although Walsch
says his books are not channeled, but inspired, works. Whatever
it is, it is intense and very powerful stuff. Read the personal
development article on
Neale Donald Walsch.
Joe Vitale:
Super-prolific Self Help Author
Joe Vitale is a very prolific writer of self help books. He
appeared in The Secret movie and based much of his work on the
Law of Attraction. Some of his more popular personal development
books include The Key, The Attractor Factor,
and Zero Limits. Read a biography of this self help
author in the personal development article called
Joe Vitale.
Lyall Watson:
Lyall Watson was an avid promoter of nature and
the mystery of life. He was an accomplished researcher with
several degrees and a cult hero in the New Age movement because
of his many books that awakened readers to the supernatural
mysteries of the universe. He was an advocate of all animal life
and helped readers see how animals such as pigs are a lot like
humans and that elephants are highly emotional. By understanding
that animals, plant life, and even inanimate objects have life
force in them and some are capable of highly complex thought and
emotion, readers can view life on earth in a more compassionate
and awe-filled manner. Read more about this great writer in the
article
Lyall Watson.
Alan Watts:
Alan Watts was a British philosopher and was
noted for translating Eastern philosophy so it could be
understood by the Western world. He wrote over 20 self help
books based on the ancient religions such as Buddhism and
Hinduism. His work was also influence by leaders of the Human
Potential Movement he became involved in. He sought many paths
to enlightenment and shared what he learned with his readers.
Read more about this author of personal development books in the
article
Alan Watts.
Stuart Wilde:
A Spiritual Hand Grenade
Stuart Wilde has written many personal
development books based on metaphysical principals. His books
are usually short, easy to read, and to the point. Oh, and
provocative. He can be very provocative and has been called ‘a
spiritual hand grenade’. Some of his books are The Trick to
Money is Having Some and Miracles. Read a
biography of this self help author in the personal development
article called
Stuart Wilde.
Marianne Williamson:
Return to Love
Marianne Williamson has written many personal
development books based upon her beliefs as a Unity minister and
the principles in “A Course in Miracles” (a famous self
improvement book co-authored by Helen Schucman). One of her top
selling books is A Return to Love: Reflections on the
Principles of A Course In Miracles. Read a biography of
this self help author in the personal development article called
Marianne Williamson.
Larry Winget:
Larry Winget is a best selling author of
financial self help books. He takes a tough love approach with
readers and tells them they have to work hard, be persistent,
and have self control in order to build a strong financial
future. He urges readers to take responsibility for their own
lives and stop blaming the employer, the recession, their
spouse, or anyone else for their financial struggles and
unhappiness. REad his bio and see a list of his works in the
self improvement article
Larry Winget.
Gary Zukav:
Soul Expert
Gary Zukav has written many popular self help
books that have enjoyed best seller status and sold millions of
copies. He appeared several times on Oprah to discuss human
consciousness. His books include The Seat of the Soul
and The Dancing Wu Li Masters, both of which won him
acclaim. Read a biography of this self help author in the
personal development article called
Gary Zukav.
ShShop Amazon’s Kindle Accessories Store
The Best Self Help Books For Creating Your Best Life
A brief mention of a few selected self help books (specific
titles) that can help and empower you.
Great Self Help Books For Women
A small selection of self help books that might be particularly
useful to women.
This list of self help authors and the self help books
they have written shows the wide range of work available to help
people change their lives. Yours, too, if you want.
Many of these personal development methods and self improvement
techniques were born of necessity when the authors were down and
out and needed to turn their own lives around, other were
painstakingly constructed, tested and retested because the
author in question wanted to achieve some goal or other.
In fact, I myself (the Personal Development Guy) fall in that
category.
Soren Lauritzen (Little Old Me):
The Personal Development Coach Who’s Focused on Wholeness
As you can se from my
about me page here on goodconsciouslife.com I went
through almost all the personal development methods I could find
and only got what I wanted when I let it all go!
The very intense psychological experience of and being my own
core identity or soul (for lack of a better word) – something I
call coming Home (with a capital H) – and the later ultra
intense experience of unity, of being one with everything in
existence left me wanting more. And so I set out to find a
workable method that would reproduce the experience of a
person’s core identity (coming Home) on demand.
It took several years of experiments, but the final result was
my
the Let Go Method on which I have written an introductory
self help ebook called
Finding Inner Peace by Letting Go – 10
Steps to Happiness, Freedom, Love & More Using the Let Go Method.
Final Words on the Best Self Help Books and Authors
The best self help books teach, inspire and motivate people to
lead better lives and are an ideal way to help you realize your
dreams. You, too, hopefully. The info is out there. All you have
to do is pick it up, integrate what you read and then – last but
not least – take action on what you have learned.
This page is a work in progress, so you might consider coming
back sometime later to see which new fascinating and influential
self help authors and self help books I have highlighted.
Where Would You Like to Go Next?
To see what has been added to this site recently (plus
offers, etc.), check out Blog
& News at goodconsciouslife.com
To share your own short self
improvement ideas, tips, musings, quotes, stories, spiritual
jokes, etc. (and read the short ideas, etc. others have
shared) jump to Shared
Blog: Self Improvement Ideas
Jump to the Homepage