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I’ve read a lot of self-help books. Some of them are good, and some you really just don’t want to read. This is my list of the best self-help books I’ve read.

If you’ve made reading your 2026 resolution, this is just the article for you!

Before I give you the list, here’s a note. I prefer self-help books that read as stories and experiences of the author, rather than a guide. So, that’s something almost all of these books have in common.

1. Mind Full – Dermot Whelan

This is by far the best self-help book I’ve read, and the one from which I have learnt the most.

This book is about Dermot Whelan’s struggle with anxiety, fame, and basically growing up. He shares the problems he had and how meditation changed his life.

This book is the perfect introduction to meditation. This is the book that got me into meditation.

Cannot recommend it enough!

2. This is not a self-book – Mark Mehigan

This book is a refreshing and witty take on self-reflection. It’s one of those books that you genuinely can’t put down.

This book is mainly about the author’s struggle with alcoholism and his journey on self-awareness.

It’s a book filled with humour. More than anything, it’s a very entertaining read, while you learn something.

“Perhaps Mark’s story can be the spark that ignites that journey for you, or at the very least a guide on how not to mess up your life.”

3. Everything is F*cked – a book about hope – Mark Manson

This is not the only time Mark Manson appears on this list.

Again, this is one of those books that is rich in extremely gripping stories and personal experiences.

It’s one of those eye-opening books that you really want to read. It’s a book about finding hope in the hopeless.

This is a philosophical self-help book

I highly recommend all of Manson’s work, but this is my favourite.

4. The Art of Happiness – 14th Dalai Lama

One of the world’s greatest spiritual leaders offers his practical tips on happiness. The Dalai Lama shows that happiness is a skill anyone can learn.

This book is a blend of Buddhist philosophy with Western psychology. It really is an extremely beneficial read. You’ll learn a lot about yourself through this book.

Core theme: Happiness is a skill that can be acquired through mindset, compassion and love.

5. Atomic Habits – James Clear

This book doesn’t really need an introduction. This is one of the most popular self-help books for a reason.

This book is all about tricks for building good habits and how to maintain them.

The thing I love about this book is that it’s a brilliant mix of learning and stories. This book really is the perfect read to start off 2026, and help with your other goals and resolutions.

6. The Let Them Theory – Mel Robbins

This book is all about dealing with other people. It’s built around this simple idea: if other people disappoint you, anger you, or act in ways you don’t like, let them.

Mel Robbins shows us that instead of trying to fix others, we should find peace and confidence from within and from detachment.

You cannot control others, so don’t try to.

An exceptionally useful book, particularly in today’s times.

7. Surrounded by idiots – Thomas Erikson

A book which is kind of similar to the above. This book is also all about people skills, but from a bit of a different view.

Thomas Erikson dives into the 4-colour personality system, which almost perfectly describes everyone.

This book contains information you will use for the rest of your life. I still use it to this day.

This book teaches you how to understand those who cannot be understood

8. The subtle art of not giving a F*ck – Mark Manson 

Another book by Mark Manson is on the list, and it’s equally good.

This book is one of the most blunt, honest, and at times, uncomfortable pieces you will ever read. 

Mark Manson provides a counterintuitive approach to life. He manifests the idea of becoming comfortable in our own skin, and to stop fixating on the ‘external noise’.

It’s one of those books I desperately needed to read. Highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.

If you think this sounds interesting, read our full review of the book.

9. Chatter: The Voice in Our Head and How to Harness It – Ethan Kross

This book is about the voice in your head. It’s about dealing with this voice and harnessing it to your advantage.

It’s a really well-written book, backed by science at every step.

Small spoiler: The first couple of pages are some of the most gripping pages I’ve ever read!

10. Life Hacks from the Buddha – Tony Fernando

This book is an informal introduction to Buddhism. It’s a compilation of life hacks that will help you live a happier and more content life. That’s the goal anyway!

The book repeatedly returns to themes of self-compassion, respect for all living things, and the idea that lasting happiness is internal rather than dependent on external success or possessions.

Reading this book is like meditation itself. The content is very calming and thought-provoking. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and would strongly recommend it.

11. Success Through Less – Rolf Dobelli

(Note: this book was previously published as the Not To-Do List)

Rather than telling you what to do more of, this book focuses on what to stop doing.

It’s a book about avoiding errors, common traps we tend to fall into, and cognitive biases.

This book has short and sharp insights that are easy to reflect on. It’s an easy read, and one that you’ll learn a lot from.

12. The mountain is you – Brianna Wiest

This book talks about overcoming your own self-inhibitions. It focuses on self-sabotage and why people unknowingly block their own growth.

This book stood out to me because it’s deeply introspective and emotionally honest. You really form a connection with the author, and that’s exactly the kind of book I like.

I feel this book will resonate with people trying to seek self-clarity and self-awareness.

13. Busy and Wrecked – Dermot Whelan

A second book from Dermot Whelan on this list. He’s just that good.

This book is similar to his first, but he adds a deeper layer in this one. In the book, Whelan provides short meditations and rituals to help everyone reclaim calm, protect energy, and stop surviving on autopilot.

And most importantly, Whelan’s natural humour and charm shine through this book too. It’s a very lovely read.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. These are the top 13 self-help books, in my opinion.

Hopefully, you like this list.

Happy reading!