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Self-help books are one of the most popular non-fiction categories. Everyone wants to be better; better versions of themselves. There are many good self-help books out there, but which are actually worth reading? And which are the most impactful?

In this article, I will explore my favourite self-help books that I think everyone NEEDS to read.

What are the best self-help books?

These are books that I found extremely intriguing and useful. Out of all the self-help books I’ve read, these stand out. Read my short review on them and see what you think.

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

By far, this is my favourite self-help book I’ve ever read. This book is one of the most blunt, honest, and at times, uncomfortable pieces you will ever read. 

Mark Manson places a magnifying glass on the deeply flawed civilisation we live in. Basically, he puts up a mirror and shows us how deeply f*cked we all are. This book is what everyone needs because it gives a solution to our procrastination, overly egotistic tendencies, narcissistic behaviour, our TikTok addiction and basically everything else that’s wrong with us.

Mark Manson provides a counterintuitive approach to life. He says that our problem is that “we don’t even know what to give a f*ck about anymore”. He manifests the idea of becoming comfortable in our own skin, and to stop fixating on the ‘external noise’.

“We don’t always control what happens to us. But we always control how we interpret what happens to us”

Mark Manson

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

If you’re already convinced, then buy the book now – don’t procrastinate learning how not to procrastinate!

Pages: 206
Price ~ €11

2). Surrounded by idiots – Thomas Erikson

‘Surrounded by idiots’ is a book that contains information you will use for the rest of your life. This book will change your view of your relationships and make you a significantly more self-aware individual.

Thomas Erikson dives into the 4-colour personality system, which almost perfectly describes everyone. I know, with such claims come apprehensions. I, too, had those apprehensions.

But, after reading the book, it becomes apparent that everyone around you possesses the traits discussed in this book.

Why is knowing about the different personality types useful?

Well, for starters, knowing the different perks of each individual allows you to tailor a seamless relationship with them. It allows you to understand their intentions and read between the hidden lines. 

This knowledge will help reduce conflicts in your life and help foster better relationships. I honestly wish everyone would read this book – it will make the world a better place.

If you want to know more about the different personality types, read this article.

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

Pages: 206
Price ~ €9.50

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

Another Mark Manson book makes the list – he’s that good.

This book is similar to the first book mentioned, yet significantly different. This book is about the world. About people. And most importantly, about hope.

Manson writes about how the world will always be F*cked, no matter how much progress we make. And how the only solution to unf*ck the situation is to accept it. To find hope in the hopeless.

Manson uses stories and anecdotes to put forward these words of wisdom. Mind-blowing stories like the ‘Burning Monk’ make this book interesting and extremely informative. This a philosophical self-help book.

I think this book is just as good, if not better than ‘The Subtle Art…’ I would honestly recommend reading both, since they are different.

Pages: 273
Price ~ €13

4). This is not a self-book – Mark Mehigan

An extremely unconventional title. The readers are gripped from the very cover of the book.

This book is a refreshing and witty take on self-reflection. With a sharp sense of humour and relatable anecdotes, Mehigan dives into the struggles of modern life without the preachy tone often found in self-help books.

The storytelling and narration in this book are phenomenal. You will struggle to put this book down – that’s how interesting it is.

This is the perfect book for people who want something that entertains while subtly nudging them toward self-awareness. If you want to read something insightful while having a chuckle, this book is for you.

“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.”

Pages: 328
Price ~ €16

5). Mind Full – Dermot Whelan

‘Mind Full’ explores meditation, mindfulness, and the process of simplifying both life and thought.

Dermot Whelan writes about his life stories and how he was living an unfulfilled life. He describes struggling with panic attacks and an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, reaching a point where both his physical and mental well-being were suffering.

In searching for a way forward, he turned to meditation and became a meditation teacher, which changed his life forever.

This book is the perfect introduction to meditation and mindfulness for beginners. Meditation is simply finding inner peace. It’s about living in the present moment.

Whelan’s humour and honesty make the subject approachable. This book is a warm, uplifting read that manages to be both comforting and genuinely useful.

Pages: 293
Price ~ €16

6). 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!

One thing that I have learned from this book is that Buddhism is not a religion. The Buddha is not presented as a god, but as a teacher whose insights are meant to be applied in everyday life. Buddhism is a way of life.

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. These ideas are not presented in a preachy way, but through quiet observations that encourage reflection.

Reading this book is like meditation itself. The content is very calming and thought-provoking.

Pages: 291
Price ~ €11.50

Summary

These are the 6 best self-help books I have ever read. Each book offers something different, something you probably haven’t considered before. But most importantly, each book offers insights on how to sail through the different predicaments life throws your way.

Reading self-help books isn’t about becoming a genius or a know-it-all. It’s about becoming a little better than the version of yourself before reading the book. All these books provide you with that.

I hope you check these books out and find them as brilliant as I did.

Happy reading!