Success and Personal Effectiveness |
Icons of success occupy a hallowed place in the American Pantheon: Ben Franklin, Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, Bill Gates, Sam Walton. The United States is a symbol of success, welcoming immigrants who want to work hard and make a better life. Continue reading article on Success and Personal Effectiveness»
The books listed below offer encouragement and support for those with dreams, and practical help for avoiding self-defeating behavior.
See also: Prosperity Consciousness; Self-Esteem and Assertiveness; Creativity
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Recommended Self Help Books on Success and Personal Effectiveness
"These are the success self help books I recommend
most frequently to my clients who wish to organize themselves, be more self confident, learn how to deal with setbacks, and proceed with optimism to tackle the challenges of their lives."
David Yarian, Ph.D.
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We're dedicated to giving you a fresh approach to the very best in recommended self-help books!
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Selected Self-Help Books on Success and Personal Effectiveness
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All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten
Robert Fulghum
This little classic has sold 7 million copies, underscoring Fulghum’s wisdom in pointing us to the truth that the most basic aspects of life bring life’s most important opportunities. Filled with simple, profound wisdom, finding life lessons hidden in the laundry pile, musing about mortality and surviving catastrophe, Fulghum reminds us to be brave, creative, and engaged to the fullest with life.
2004, Ballantine Books |
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Anxious 9 to 5: How to Beat Worry, Stop Second Guessing Yourself, And Work With Confidence
Larina Kase, Joe Vitale, Martin M. Antony
Anxiety, worry, perfectionism, self-defeating thoughts and fears of failure in the workplace can hold you back from achieving the success you deserve, despite how hard you work. This book offers simple and effective techniques to get your workplace anxiety under control once and for all so you can enjoy work and be more productive.
2006, New Harbinger
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Awake at Work: 35 Practical Buddhist Principles for Discovering Clarity and Balance in the Midst of Work's Chaos
Michael Carroll
This collection of teachings is designed to illuminate the power that mindfulness can have at work. By surrendering to the moment one becomes alert, open, and unusually skillful. In brief chapters, Carroll expounds some thirty-five slogans designed to be both fodder for meditation and mnemonic devices for when that particular message can help the most, during an opportune moment at work. "Welcome the tyrant" helps one to disarm a cranky boss; "avoid idiot compassion" reminds one to eschew giving merely superficial help.
2004, Shambhala
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living Your Dreams
Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen
This collection of 101 stories is based on the belief that testimonies of goodness and loving transformations can nourish us to the bone and heal the cynicism in our hearts. The short simple stories tell about an event, a person, or an everyday miracle that exemplifies the best of the human spirit. This multi-million selling book has taught readers that dreams really do come true for those who dare to believe that any obstacle can be overcome with persistence, patience, and belief in oneself.
2003, HCI |
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Do What You Love, the Money Will Follow: Discovering Your Right Livelihood
Marsha Sinetar
Sinetar urges you to find the work best suited to your needs and talents. She provides assessment tools and guidance for overcoming fears, learning to take risks and building self-esteem.
1989, Dell |
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Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…And It’s All Small Stuff: Simple Ways to Keep the Little Things from Taking Over Your Life
Richard Carlson
This cheerful book offers 100 meditations designed to make you appreciate being alive, keep your emotions in proper perspective, and cherish other people as the unique miracles they are. It’s an owner’s manual of the heart -- and if you follow the directions, you will be a happier, more harmonious person.
1997, Hyperion |
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Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ
Daniel Goleman
In this fascinating book based on brain and behavioral research, Goleman argues that our view of intelligence is far too narrow. He suggests that “emotional intelligence” -- defined in terms of self-awareness, altruism, personal motivation, empathy and the ability to love and be loved -- is the strongest indicator of human success. People who possess high emotional intelligence are the people who truly succeed in work as well as play, building flourishing careers and lasting, meaningful relationships.
1997, Bantam |
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Emotional Intelligence Quickbook: Everything You Need to Know to Put Your EQ to Work
Travis Bradberry, Jean Greaves
The authors outline techniques anyone can use to achieve goals in an easier and more fulfilling way, improve relationships, enhance health, and become more accomplished.
2005, Fireside
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Falling Awake: Creating the Life of Your Dreams
Dave Ellis
Businessman and philanthropist Ellis says, "Life can work." Falling Awake presents twelve major Success Strategies to assist you in reaching the life of your dreams.
2002, Breakthrough Enterprises |
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Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway
Susan Jeffers
Jeffers teaches a ten-step program to convert the negative emotions of fear, indecision and anger into power, action and love. She offers cognitive exercises and visualization techniques to help persons move beyond destructive fear.
1992, Fawcett |
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First Things First: To Live, To Love, To Learn, To Leave a Legacy
Stephen Covey, et. al.
This book will help you create balance between your personal and professional responsibilities by putting first things first and acting on them. Covey teaches an organizing process that helps you categorize tasks so you focus on what is important, not merely what is urgent. “Doing more things faster is no substitute for doing the right things,” says Covey. This book shows you how to balance your time to achieve a meaningful life.
1996, Free Press |
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Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
David Allen
David Allen offers a crash course in basic time management and personal organization. His message is concise: Organize yourself to free your mind for greater pursuits. This simple book makes that daunting task seem possible. It's a quick glimpse at setting goals, clearing clutter, and staying focused.
2002, Penguin |
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Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In
Roger Fisher, et. al.
The classic guide to negotiation has sold over 1 million copies. This completely revised edition is a universal guide to the art of negotiating personal and professional disputes. It offers a concise strategy for coming to mutually acceptable agreements in every sort of conflict.
1991, Penguin |
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Infinite Possibilities: The Art of Living Your Dreams
Mike Dooley
This 12-CD (or cassette) audio series is filled with encouragement – to think and dream larger, to grow into the belief that dreams can be actualized. Not a “motivational” series, but a playful and philosophical approach to life which affirms that abundance, health and harmony are your birthright. Dooley addresses beliefs which nurture success and happiness, your emotions and how to understand them, and includes many tools and techniques for the art of living your dreams. more
2002, Totally Unique Thoughts |
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Knock 'em Dead 2005: The Ultimate Job Seekers Guide
Martin Yate
The author, a leading advocate for working professionals, guides you through the whole process of job seeking – from assembling your resume to landing the interview to negotiating a salary. The book offers insider information on the answers most likely to impress interviewers and convince them beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are the best candidate for the position.
2004, Adams Media Corporation |
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Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life
Martin Seligman
Seligman says that pessimists believe that bad events are their fault, will last a long time and undermine everything. Optimists, on the other hand, believe that defeat is a temporary setback or a challenge. In this book, Seligman teaches the skills of changing from pessimism to optimism which will enable you to take charge, resist depression, feel better and accomplish more.
1998, Free Press |
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Life Strategies: Doing What Works, Doing What Matters
Phillip McGraw
Dr. Phil tells his readers how to make the dramatic changes in their lives that they’ve craved for so long. Whether in a bad relationship or a bad marriage, stuck in a dull career or in harmful habits, he offers ten strategies to help readers wake up and get out of their ruts. These strategies are eye-opening and no-nonsense, urging readers to take charge of their lives, get ready to act, and move on.
1999, Hyperion |
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Overcoming Procrastination; or How to Think and Act Rationally in Spite of Life’s Inevitable Hassles
Albert Ellis and William Knaus
The authors’ approach emphasizes “self-talk,” asking you to question your motives in avoiding anxiety-provoking tasks. The main causes of procrastination are self-criticism, low tolerance for frustration, and hostility. They recommend a cognitive approach to overcoming procrastination and outline the basic ideas of rational emotive therapy.
1983, Signet |
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The Power of Intention: Learning to Co-create Your World, Your Way
Wayne Dyer
This book might help readers land a better job, but it is more relevant for those who are ready to detach from an ego-driven life filled with quick fixes of happiness and step into a more authentic, joyful and spiritually fulfilling life. Dyer calls people who are consciously co-creating their lives by using the power of intention “individuals who have made themselves available for success.” He gives detailed instruction for connecting with the “seven faces of intention” – creativity, kindness, love, beauty, expansion, abundance and receptivity.
2004, Hay House |
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Procrastination: Why You Do It, What to Do About It
Jane Burka and Lenora Wuen
This book is the classic guide to understanding and controlling one of the most common and frustrating behavioral problems. Psychologists Burka and Wuen explore the reasons we put off tasks – fears of failure, success, control, separation, and attachment – and outline a practical tested program to overcome the procrastination.
2004, DaCapo Press |
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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Stephen Covey
Covey, an internationally respected leadership authority, emphasizes that true success encompasses a balance of personal and professional effectiveness. This book is a manual for performing better in both arenas. Covey lists seven basic habits that are necessary for quality-oriented success: be proactive, be clear about the end goal, put first things first, think win-win, seek first to understand, synergize, and focus on renewal. Personal, family, educational and professional examples are used to illustrate the habits of highly effective people.
1990, Free Press |
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Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth
T. Harv Eker
Using pithy statements such as "Rich people focus on opportunities; poor people focus on obstacles," Eker argues that poverty or wealth begin first in one's imagination. This inspiring book challenges the reader to develop an intensly positive and optimistic focus and provides a set of tools and techniques to do so..
2005, Collins |
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Self-Defeating Behaviors: Free Yourself from the Habits, Compulsions, Feelings, and Attitudes that Hold You Back
Milton Cudney
The book explains that self-defeating attitudes or actions may have worked well at one time but ultimately cycle into adult behaviors that backfire. Self-defeatists harbor mythical fears that stifle creative thought patterns and cause faulty conclusions that perpetuate the destructive cycle. Through real-life examples, self-tests, and charts, this book helps readers identify, intercept, and overcome their self-imposed barriers to success and growth.
1993, HarperSanFrancisco |
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The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams
Deepak Chopra
The author offers a life-altering perspective on attaining success: once we understand our true nature and learn to live in harmony with these natural laws, wellbeing, good health, fulfilling relationships, energy and enthusiasm for life and material abundance can be achieved.
1994, Amber-Allen |
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Success Is a Choice: Ten Steps to Overachieving in Business and Life
Rick Pitino
Successful NBA coach Rick Pitino outlines his approach and techniques for motivating individuals. He describes success as the result of hard work, optimism, and determination. He doesn’t believe in short cuts and presents a ten-point program for achieving success in every aspect of life.
1998, Broadway |
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The Success Principles: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
Jack Canfield, Janet Switzer
Canfield knows about success: he is co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series which have sold more than 80 million books. He presents 64 success principles and draws on his own experience and that of others to illustrate them. Canfield's energy and enthusiasm bounce off the page: those starting off in business or in need of a refresher course may consider this book required reading.
2004, Collins |
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Talking to Yourself: Learning the Language of Self-Affirmation
Pamela Butler
This cognitive therapy approach helps the reader to identify distortions in thinking, shed the self-defeating images of the past, and create a more realistic and workable alternative. This is a practical book which many people find quite helpful.
1991, HarperCollins |
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The Tao of Leadership: Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching Adapted for a New Age
John Heider
This book provides the most simple and clear advise on how to be the very best kind of leader: be faithful, trust the process, pay attention, and inspire others to become their own leaders.
1986, Humanics Publishing Group |
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Ten Days to Self-Esteem
David Burns
Dr. Burns presents innovative, clear and compassionate methods to help the reader identify the causes of mood slumps and develop a more positive outlook on life. The book emphasizes that negative feelings do not result from the bad things that happen to you but from the way you think about these events. Burns provides a practical ten-step program to self-esteem, and the book is filled with helpful logs, charts and step-by-step guides.
1999, HarperCollins |
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Time Management from the Inside Out: The Foolproof System for Taking Control of Your Schedule--and Your Life
Julie Morgenstern
Morgenstern believes there are three primary reasons why people have difficulty managing time: "technical errors" (miscalculating the length of a task); "external realities" (new baby, new job); and "psychological obstacles" (perfectionism). Instead of trying to change people's natural behaviors and preferences, she encourages them to expand upon whatever is working already, no matter how overwhelmed they may feel. Morgenstern's simple book presents a superb, sound program for creating a life that nutures you and makes you feel good.
2004, Owl Books (2nd edition) |
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The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
Malcolm Gladwell
Gladwell's thesis is that little changes can have big effects: when small numbers of people start behaving differently, that behavior can ripple outward until a critical mass or "tipping point" is reached, changing the world. Word of mouth "epidemics" can be triggered with the help of three pivotal types: Connectors, who bring people together; Mavens, who like to pass along knowledge; and Salesman, who are adept at persuading the unenlightened.
2002, Back Bay Books; Reprint edition |
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Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes, Revised 25th Anniversary Edition
William Bridges
This revered classic has helped hundreds of thousands of readers cope with change by providing an elegantly simple yet profoundly insightful roadmap of the transition process.
2004, Da Capo Press
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Unlimited Power: The New Science of Personal Achievement
Anthony Robbins
If you have ever dreamed of a better life, Unlimited Power will show you how to achieve the extraordinary quality of life you desire and deserve and how to master your personal and professional life. Unlimited Power is a revolutionary fitness book for the mind, a guidebook to superior performance in an age of success.
1997, Free Press |
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Visualize Confidence: How to Use Guided Imagery to Overcome Self-doubt
Kirwan Rockefeller
This book presents a wide range of guided imagery tools to build confidence, overcome self-doubt, and increase self-esteem.
2007, New Harbinger |
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The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
Steven Pressfield
Best-selling author Steven Pressfield shows readers how to identify, defeat, and unlock the inner barriers to creativity. The War of Art is an inspirational, funny, well-aimed kick in the pants, guaranteed to galvanize every would-be artist, visionary, or entrepreneur.
2003, Warner Books |
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Watercooler Wisdom: How Smart People Prosper in the Face of Conflict, Pressure, & Change
Keith Bailey, Karen Leland
This practical guide offers you pertinent and powerful techniques for coping with conflict, pressure, and change - the three greatest sources of stress for workers worldwide. Use these strategies to prosper - even when circumstances seem to conspire against you.
2006, New Harbinger |
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What Makes the Great, Great
Dennis Kimbro
African-Americans seeking high levels of success and accomplishment must never let negative influences such as poverty and racism infiltrate their souls, exhorts Kimbro in this inspirational self-help manual. The book uses the success stories of black achievers in many fields to illustrate nine mental strategies which underlie high achievement – deep-seated spiritual beliefs, a guiding vision, passionate commitment, character, competence, willingness to take risks, self-confidence, discipline, and an I-can –do-it attitude.
1998, Main Street Books |
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What to Say When You Talk to Yourself
Shad Helmstetter
Helmstetter describes different levels of self-talk, the most useful being universal affirmation. He outlines a number of strategies including silent self-talk, self-speak, self-conversation, self-write and creating self-talk tapes. This book is especially helpful for negative thinkers and people low in motivation.
1990, Pocket Books |
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What You Can Change and What You Can’t: The Complete Guide to Successful Self-Improvement
Martin Seligman
This highly rated book provides a wealth of scientific thought about the effect of biology, genetics, heredity, environment and self-motivation on how we think and change. Seligman emphasizes that there is much we can do within these parameters to influence our quality of life.
1995, Ballantine Books |
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When Smart People Fail: Rebuilding Yourself for Success
Carole Hyatt and Linda Gottlieb
This book describes the feelings of fear, isolation, shame and remorse associated with losing a job, status or money. Hyatt and Gottlieb emphatically stress that career failure is something that eventually touches every professional. They describe the process of dealing with emotions associated with failure and how men and women may respond in different ways to experiences of failure. They offer a comprehensive strategy for personal reinvention after suffering a career setback through discovering how one has failed, learning from the failure, letting go of old ways of understanding oneself, expanding one’s career choices and making the transition from the old professional to the new centered and focused individual.
1993, Penguin Books |
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Win-Win Negotiating: Turning Conflict into Agreement
Fred Jandt
The author argues that conflict can be a positive force leading to increased communication, teamwork, and healthy change in an organization. He presents examples of many creative negotiating techniques such as “unpacking” – dealing with each point of disagreement as a separate issue, or “determining the Mini-Max” – how to get the most and give up the least without alienating your adversary.
1987, Wiley |
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