10) The Five Second Rule by Mel Robbins

This book arguably should not exist. Its core premise is to make decisions within five seconds. If you’re in the market for a book that squanders your time, then The Five Second Rule might be just what you're looking for.

Here are some notable quotes from The Five Second Rule:

• “A bias toward action is guaranteed to enhance your sense of control over your life.”
• “When you feel the urge to act on a goal, say 5-4-3-2-1 and move, or your brain will hold you back.”
• “Hesitation is deadly; even the smallest pause can trigger a mental system designed to inhibit you.”

9) Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod

Reading this book again feels like a chore. In Miracle Morning, the author rehashes well-known advice about crafting the ideal morning routine, suggesting that silence, affirmations, visualization, exercise, reading, and journaling are keys to success. While morning routines can be beneficial, I wouldn’t recommend spending $20 on this book.

Here are a few quotes from Miracle Morning:

• “Your life changes the moment you refuse to settle for mediocrity.”
• “If we don’t commit to living differently, we risk enduring a life of mediocrity and regret.”
• “Our external world reflects our internal state; success aligns with personal development.”

8) Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

This book is filled with more nonsense than a poorly made sandwich. The notion that someone failed to achieve their goals due to improper manifestation is laughable. “Wanting it enough” is a misguided strategy for nearly everyone. It won't help a hungry child or someone struggling to pay rent.

Don’t waste your time on Think And Grow Rich; it’s not worth the paper it’s printed on.

Here are some quotes from Think And Grow Rich:

• “You are the captain of your fate; you can shape your life as you wish.”
• “When faced with defeat, view it as a sign to reassess your plans.”
• “Desire is the starting point of all achievement; weak desire leads to weak results.”

7) The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

While this book is acceptable, it doesn’t quite hit the mark. Mark Manson emphasizes the importance of engaging in meaningful activities and acknowledges that while we can’t control many external factors, we can control our responses. However, be warned: the language is quite explicit throughout.

Here are some quotes from The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck:

• “Life is an endless series of problems; solving one creates another.”
• “Suffering is biologically useful, driving us to innovate and survive.”
• “While we can’t control what happens to us, we can control our interpretations and responses.”

6) Think Like A Monk by Jay Shetty

I found the audiobook to be somewhat engaging, although there were moments when I felt myself drifting off due to unnecessary elaboration.

Here are some quotes from Think Like A Monk:

• “Defining ourselves through others leads to confusion.”
• “Accepting the temporary nature of life fosters gratitude for our experiences.”
• “Doing something consistently in the same place or time makes it easier over time.”

5) The Four-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss

While this book contains valuable insights, it’s overly lengthy for a self-help guide. Tim Ferriss provides extensive detail, creating a culture of toxic self-help where productivity tips are frequently imposed upon us.

Here are some quotes from The Four-Hour Workweek:

• “The fantasy is not the million dollars; it’s the freedom it allows.”
• “Success often correlates with how many uncomfortable conversations one is willing to have.”
• “Most people aim for mediocrity, making realistic goals the most time-consuming.”

4) Atomic Habits by James Clear

I was initially skeptical about this book, given its popularity among relentless hustlers. However, I genuinely enjoyed Atomic Habits and would recommend it to anyone. James Clear offers science-based strategies for forming good habits, breaking bad ones, and mastering the small behaviors that lead to significant results.

Here are some quotes from Atomic Habits:

• “Focus more on your trajectory than your current results.”
• “Every action is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.”
• “Every habit begins with a small decision, and as it’s repeated, it grows stronger.”

3) The War Of Art by Steven Pressfield

This is one of my all-time favorite reads. Pressfield argues that we all have two lives: the one we live and the unlived one within us. Many of us procrastinate on our true aspirations instead of pursuing them.

Here are some quotes from The War Of Art:

• “The most crucial aspect of art is the act of working; nothing else matters.”
• “Creative work is a gift to the world; don’t hold back your contributions.”
• “Fear is a valuable indicator; it often shows us what we must do.”

2) The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday

This book has gained worldwide acclaim for good reason. It’s concise, impactful, and easy to digest. Holiday illustrates how to convert challenges into opportunities, emphasizing perseverance, mindfulness, and composure in the face of obstacles.

Here are some quotes from The Obstacle Is The Way:

• “The obstacle in your path is the path; within every hurdle lies an opportunity to improve.”
• “What matters is not your background but how you respond to what happens to you.”
• “Being discouraged is fine; quitting is not. Persistence is crucial to achieving your goals.”

1) Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

David Goggins transformed from a depressed, overweight youth into a celebrated member of the U.S. Armed Forces and a top endurance athlete. His book explores the strategies he used to turn his life around, rid himself of bad habits, and strive for his best self. Unlike many self-help books, it doesn’t shy away from reality or offer clichéd advice.

Here are some quotes from Can’t Hurt Me:

• “You risk living a life so comfortable that you never realize your full potential.”
• “Mastering your mind is crucial to living a life filled with remarkable achievements.”
• “Life is a mental game; even in pain, remember that all bad things eventually come to an end.”

For further exploration of self-improvement literature, check out these insightful videos:

This video titled "Ultimate Self-Improvement BOOK Tier List (BEST to WORST)" offers a comprehensive ranking of self-help books, helping you make informed choices.

In this video "Subjectively Ranking 100 Self-Improvement Books - Tier List," the presenter provides a subjective ranking of an extensive list of self-help literature, giving you more perspectives on what to read.