Question "What book to read?" It becomes more and more relevant when a person begins to study an unknown direction. It is even more difficult to comprehend abstract topics, such as self-education or self-development. Such books are not popularized in school or university programs, at least in our country. Official scientists are wary of them, and the older generation considers it an unnecessary waste of time. How to be in this case? What literature to choose to improve their level in all areas simultaneously? If the decision is difficult, it is better to read this article.
Book selection criteria
Before proceeding to the analysis of existing authors, as well as their works, it is worth determining which criteria guide this choice. The book should carry, in addition to the informative, aesthetic value. If it is disgusting to take in hand, or the language of presentation causes a "twist" of convolutions, then it is worth thinking about the expediency of such a waste of time. Reflecting on what book to read, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with such factors:
- Appearance - indicates the quality of the preparation of the publication, including text content;
- annotation - briefly describes what will be discussed, helps to form the first presentation;
- Author Information - provides an opportunity to evaluate the experience of the writer, his "track record", the estimated level of professionalism;
- Reviews - show the opinion of other readers, their conclusions and success in the application of written information;
- "Internal Response" - a subjective indicator, which is also not worth ignoring, since intuition rarely leads those who have learned to listen to it.
So, the cover is chosen, the topic seems to be interesting, the wisdom of the author is beyond doubt, thousands of readers flooded the Internet with laudatory odes and even the "internal censor" greedily rubs his hands in anticipation of future reading. But what if you liked several editions at once? Which book is worth reading first? This question is rather rhetorical. It is advisable to get acquainted with the very theme of self-development. Featured articles on our site. This will help to form a superficial understanding of the topic, identify the main directions of improvement.
Then, it is worth ranking the books according to their logical sequence. Suppose someone wants to learn time management, which consists of goal-setting, choice of priorities, planning, etc. So you should immediately read a book about goals, then a literature on priorities, add all this planning. This is a conditional example, but it displays the real algorithm of actions.
It happens that several books are equally interesting or useful. In this case, you can rely on your inner voice. Choose the publication that caused more interest.
For those who want to become better, we give a hint which books are worth reading for self-development.
The best authors on the topic of self-development
The issue of self-improvement has always worried a person. Philosophers and religious figures have created hundreds of thousands of various works on this subject. Gradually, a business emerged that began to absorb, like a sponge, many effective recommendations about a person’s self-development, wishing to make it more successful and productive. It is worth noting that the advice described in the business literature is not always useful for the individual, since the pursuit of profit sometimes alienates a person from his real vocation.
Since the advent of coaching, the line between business and self-development has blurred significantly, many coaches and authors have become popularize all-round development. Their advice helps to harmonize a person’s life, to make it more successful, while maintaining a balance between work and personal life.
The most famous authors whose books have conquered an audience of hundreds of thousands of readers include Brian Tracy, Stephen Covey, Robert Kiosaki, Mark Manson, Barbara Cher, Sue Hadfield, Richard Branson, Robin Sharma, Napoleon Hill, John Maxwell, Carnegie, Timothy Rhris . Let's get acquainted with each of them. We clarify in advance that the order of placement absolutely does not reflect the reduction in the value of works. It’s just impossible to put all the writers in one line. So, if you are interested in what books are worth reading, we offer the following authors.
Brian tracy
Well-known Canadian writer and consultant, who himself went his way to the top from scratch. In his personal example, Brian proved that perseverance and work bring results. He presented his thoughts and observations in more than six dozen books. The most popular of which are:
- "Get out of your comfort zone";
- "Leave disgust, kiss the frog";
- "Full engagement";
- "Conversation";
- "Reaching the maximum";
- "Million Dollar Habits";
- "Change your thinking."
Stephen Covey
American management consultant, who studied in detail the secrets of efficiency, stating his observations in a series of world-famous books. One of the most popular works of the author is Seven Skills of Highly Effective People, which has become a desktop for many successful managers. Behind her came the sequel - "The Eighth Skill - From Efficiency To Greatness." But in order to "master" him, it is better to get acquainted with other works of Stephen Covey: "Seven skills of high-performance families", "Super work. Super career", "Achieving priority goals", etc.
Robert Kiosaki
Popular author and speaker, who by his personal example shows how to build a successful business. The most famous was the provocative work Rich Dad Poor Dad, written jointly with Sharon L. Lecter. It sets out the basic principles and skills necessary for success. While still a student, Robert wondered why some study hard and hard, subsequently earning pennies, while others achieve results much earlier. The results of his reflections formed the basis of the book, as well as a series of subsequent works: "The Quadrant of Cash Flow", "Second Chance", etc.
Mark Manson
American blogger, writer and businessman, whose audience is measured by millions of readers and subscribers. His works are devoted to the themes of psychology, relationships, life choices. One of the most popular works of Mark Manson is the book "The Subtle Art of Pofigism. A Paradoxical Way to Live Happily", which offers to divert from focusing on success, to pay attention to other, more important, life values.
Barbara Sher
A popular German writer of American origin, who has published seven books on the art of goal-setting. Fame acquired her work in collaboration with Annie Gottlieb "Dreaming is not bad. How to get what you really want." The first book has sold more than three million copies, having been published for 35 years. And the third book, entitled “What to dream about. How to understand what you really want, and how to achieve it,” was included in the list of the most popular books, according to the authoritative New York edition.
For those who are busy with issues of employment, looking for what book to read, the "Job of your dreams. How to make money doing your favorite business" will do.
Sue headfield
A teacher, a writer and a coach, who shared her ideas about positive changes in life in the pages of the book “What stops you”. This work can be regarded as a practical guide to make your dreams come true. It will be useful as a motivator or "magic Pendel", helping to live the way you really want.
Richard Branson
The British billionaire, whose books reflect his success story, gives effective recommendations on leadership and business issues. One of his most popular works is: “To hell with everything. Fight and do,” “Naked business,” “My rules. Listen, learn, laugh, and be a leader.” They will be useful both for entrepreneurs and for a wide audience wishing to achieve results, become more successful and happier.
Robin Sharma
Literature on motivation and personal growth does not necessarily have to look like a training manual or a textbook. So, Canadian writer with Indian roots, Robin Sharma, released the popular parable of self-development "The Monk, who sold his Ferrari." It is dedicated to the vicissitudes of a secured lawyer who is forced to reconsider his life in connection with the spiritual crisis that has begun. Together with other works of the author, such as "Inspiration for every day" or "Leader without a title," will be useful for people who ask the question what book to read to find their own way, to succeed in it.
Napoleon Hill
One of the best authors on the topic of success. The monumental work "Think and Grow Rich" allowed many thousands of his readers to become more successful. Napoleon Hill even was an adviser to US President Franklin Roosevelt, which by itself proves his authority and competence. In the writer's works you can find useful tips on personal growth and development, which form the real formula of success. Recommended to anyone who feels willing to make the transition to a new level.
John maxwell
An author who has devoted himself to the study of leadership issues applicable at work, in business or personal life. Among his popular works:
- "21 irrefutable law of leadership";
- "21 compulsory leadership qualities";
- "Raise a leader in yourself."
In addition to his writing, John Maxwell established several organizations that helped develop leadership skills to more than five million people.
Dale Carnegie
Cult American psychologist, writer and teacher, whose books were also snapped up in post-Soviet countries in the nineties. They have not lost their relevance to this day. The main subject of his work is the art of effective communication and networking. Despite the separate criticism of the described approaches in the context of manipulative methods, the concept of communication is very useful. The most famous books include: "How to win friends," "How to stop worrying and start living," "How to develop self-confidence and influence people by speaking in public."
Timothy Ferris
A young American writer, investor and speaker, who published the book "How to work four hours a week," which will be useful to all freelancers and people who work on their own. This work actualizes knowledge from the field of time management and related disciplines. Allows you to optimize workflow in order to get the maximum effect, with minimal loss of time and effort.
Before asking the question "What book to read?", It is worthwhile to understand for yourself why to do this. What is the purpose of the forthcoming reading? Professional literature published a lot. On any subject. If we are talking about issues of self-development, it is more difficult. It is worth trusting to those authors who by personal example and thousands of audience of grateful readers proved the correctness and effectiveness of their recommendations.