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6 Motivational Books You Should Be Reading Right Now
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Motivation is one of the most difficult things to muster up and sustain. Especially in the digital age, where social media shows us people we may or may not know living out our dream lives. How did they do it? What motivated them to accomplish something so grand?
There are so many movies, shows, programs, and trends that sell you false ideas about motivation and how to achieve big things in life.
If you just invest now, buy this workout equipment, drink this supplement, you will break through. But these businesses are selling you a dream. Not actionable strategies you need in order to achieve those goals.ย
However, investing in motivational books has an incredibly high return because you are learning what has worked from an individual who has made countless mistakes on the way to success. This list has top-tier motivational books from the best of the best out there.ย
So drop everything else and read through this book list, because youโre in the right place if you are looking to cultivate long term motivation.ย
Need some help getting motivated? Check out our motivational coaches to find an accountability partner. Or click here to have us match you to the best.
Some of the links may be affiliate links. If you buy something, we might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for helping support our site ๐
If you want to get more from your life, and are looking for concrete action steps to get you there, check out our Request a Coach page. Itโs a โcut the fence-sitting and take actionโ way to tackle your issues and actually find success. To get off the fence and start to take action, click or tap here.
1. Atomic Habits by James Clear
You may have heard of this book before. Atomic Habits is widely popular among people who are looking for ways to drop bad habits and replace them with good habits.ย
Whatโs unique about this book and what makes it motivational is how Clear dives into the science of habit formation and makes habit forming a simplified process backed by logic and biology.
One of the most motivational parts of this book is how Clear explains how small, atom sized, consistent, incremental changes lead to massive transformations over time, hence the title, Atomic Habits.
Maybe you struggle with procrastination, time management, diet, exercise. Whatever it may be, this book will arm you with the tools to overcome any circumstance.ย
The author is known for his work and research on habit formation and behavior change. So if youโre looking for a book to motivate you to rise above your bad habits and adopt some life changing routines, then this is the book for you.
Atomic Habits Audiobook
We listened to the Atomic Habits audiobook during walks and commutes, and it became one of the most useful audio-based books weโve finished in a while. The narrator is clear, easy to follow, and keeps a consistent, engaging tone throughout.
Itโs full of small, practical insights that add up over timeโexactly what the book teaches.
If you want to get more from your life, and are looking for concrete action steps to get you there, check out our Request a Coach page. Itโs a โcut the fence-sitting and take actionโ way to tackle your issues and actually find success. To get off the fence and start to take action, click or tap here.
Why it worked for us:
- Narration is Strong ๐ง โ James Clear doesnโt narrate it, but the voice actor is excellent and easy to absorb.
- Great for Passive Listening ๐ถ โ We retained a lot even while multitasking.
- Clear Structure ๐ง โ Short chapters make it easy to stop and resume anytime.
Minor downsides:
- No Visuals or Summaries ๐ โ We missed being able to flip back or highlight.
- No Access to Charts/Diagrams ๐ โ A few concepts wouldโve landed better with visuals.
- Some Repetition ๐ โ A few ideas are revisited often, though it reinforces the message.
Some sections did slow down or repeat ideas weโd heard before, but the way everything is put together still makes it stand out. If anyone wants to make good changes without feeling overwhelmed, we think Atomic Habits Audiobook is a smart pick.
Atomic Habits Paperback
We bought the paperback of Atomic Habits so we could highlight, revisit, and work through it at our own paceโand weโre glad we did. Itโs become a reference we go back to whenever we feel like our habits are slipping.
James Clear has a knack for breaking things down in a way that feels doable and not overwhelming.
Why we loved the paperback:
- Highlight-Worthy on Every Page ๐ โ We marked up so many quotes and tips.
- Visually Clear Layout ๐ โ Clean formatting, helpful summaries, and diagrams throughout.
- Great for Note-Taking ๐งพ โ Easier to internalize and refer back to key ideas.
A few critiques:
- Paper Quality is Average ๐ โ Not bad, but not premium-feeling.
- Some Content is Repetitive ๐ โ Couldโve trimmed a few sections.
- No Built-In Workbook โ We had to make our own notes and habit plans.
Overall, the paperback is ideal for readers who want to actively apply what they learn. It sits on our shelf, well-worn and well-usedโwhich says a lot.
If you want to get more from your life, and are looking for concrete action steps to get you there, check out our Request a Coach page. Itโs a โcut the fence-sitting and take actionโ way to tackle your issues and actually find success. To get off the fence and start to take action, click or tap here.
2. Help Your Self by Shah Dudayev
The self help book gives you practical and actionable strategies so you can Help Your Self.
This motivational book is written by successful entrepreneur coach Shah Dudayev. He debunks common motivational fluff that makes everyone feel good about themselves for a day or two, but never really lasts beyond that.
The book is based on real wisdom he gained as an entrepreneur, who had to find real ways to sustain motivation and discipline while building his businesses. Itโs raw advice from someone who has really been through it, so you know you can trust it.
Help Your Self is separated into two different parts: Part 1 is exposing self help lies, and Part 2 is where he arms readers with real, actionable strategies. This includes how to cultivate and prioritize discipline, discernment, clarity, rest and health.
If youโre ready for a book that will tell you how it is, then you should get your hands on this book. Ideal readers are men, college students, entrepreneurs, or people looking for a life changing read.
Help Your Self by Shah Dudayev
We picked up Help Your Self because weโve read a lot of self-help booksโand honestly, we were curious if this one would actually bring something fresh. It did.
The tone is relatable and down-to-earth, with advice that feels grounded instead of gimmicky. The chapters are quick reads but surprisingly impactful, and we appreciated the authorโs ability to cut through the fluff.
Why it worked for us:
If you want to get more from your life, and are looking for concrete action steps to get you there, check out our Request a Coach page. Itโs a โcut the fence-sitting and take actionโ way to tackle your issues and actually find success. To get off the fence and start to take action, click or tap here.
- Approachable, No-Nonsense Tone ๐ฌ โ Feels like advice from a smart friend, not a guru.
- Actionable Takeaways โ โ Each section ends with tips we could actually apply.
- Self-Aware Humor ๐ โ Pokes fun at self-help clichรฉs while still offering real value.
A few drawbacks:
- Not Deeply Structured ๐ โ Some chapters feel more like standalone blog posts than a cohesive system.
- Shorter Than Expected ๐ โ Itโs a quick read, which is greatโbut we wanted a little more.
- Some Advice is Familiar โ If youโve read a lot in this genre, a few ideas may feel repeated.
Still, weโd recommend this for anyone whoโs tired of overcomplicated โlife advice.โ Itโs honest, refreshing, and gave us more than a few real things to think about.
3. The 50th Law by 50 Cent & Robert Greene
Alright, now this book digs deep and reveals the dark side of where all lack of motivation stems from: Fear.
50 Cent and Robert Greene come together to acknowledge the true enemy, fear, and how to kill it. You may be familiar with 50 Cent, otherwise known as Curtis Jackson.
Yes, he is a rapper, and this book is actually based on his real life experiences. He grew up in chaos, got shot nine times, left the streets, and rebuilt himself into a businessman.ย
He didnโt overcome any of this playing it safe. He overcame his circumstances by being fearless. The 50th Law will challenge how you deal with fear, uncertainty, and risk all while lighting a fire under you to urge you to stop living scared, and to instead start living free.
This book is a continuation of Robert Greeneโs 48 Laws of Power. Except, the entire book is based on just one law, how to overcome fear.
You may not be fighting giants, you may not be in sink or swim scenarios, but this book will help anyone at any phase in their life to overcome fear based resistance.
If you want to get more from your life, and are looking for concrete action steps to get you there, check out our Request a Coach page. Itโs a โcut the fence-sitting and take actionโ way to tackle your issues and actually find success. To get off the fence and start to take action, click or tap here.
The 50th Law Audiobook
We listened to The 50th Law on audiobook and it ended up being one of the most thought-provoking titles weโve finished in a while. The blend of 50 Centโs real-world grit and Robert Greeneโs strategic analysis makes for a surprisingly powerful listen.
Itโs part life advice, part street-smart philosophyโand the narration brings it to life in a compelling way.
Why we liked it:
- Unique Voice & Perspective ๐ค โ A refreshing mix of personal story and timeless strategy.
- Strong Narration ๐ง โ The voice actor keeps the tone serious but engaging.
- Applicable to Life & Business ๐ผ โ Lessons on fearlessness that translate to any path.
Minor drawbacks:
- Tone Can Feel Repetitive ๐ โ Themes are restated often to drive points home.
- Some Parts Feel Dated โณ โ Certain cultural references are a bit early-2000s.
- Not for Everyoneโs Style โ Gritty tone may not appeal to all listeners.
Still, we walked away with a new mindset. Itโs not just motivationโitโs survival strategy.
Check out The 50th Law on Amazon to see if it fits what you’re looking for.
The 50th Law Book Set
We bought this boxed set to replace our scattered copies and itโs quickly become one of the most valuable sets in our personal library. If youโre a fan of power dynamics, psychological insight, or strategic thinkingโthis is essential reading.
Each book holds its own weight, but together they offer a full-spectrum view of human behavior and personal growth.
If you want to get more from your life, and are looking for concrete action steps to get you there, check out our Request a Coach page. Itโs a โcut the fence-sitting and take actionโ way to tackle your issues and actually find success. To get off the fence and start to take action, click or tap here.
Why itโs worth it:
- Five Classic Titles in One Set ๐ โ Includes 48 Laws, 33 Strategies, Laws of Human Nature, The Art of Seduction, and Mastery.
- Beautiful Matching Editions ๐ โ Clean, uniform design that looks great on a shelf.
- Dense but Deep ๐ง โ These books demand attention and reward focus.
A few small critiques:
- Not a Lightweight Read โ ๏ธ โ Some chapters are long and intellectually demanding.
- No Annotations or Extras โ๏ธ โ Would love footnotes or commentary in a collectorโs edition.
- Paper Quality is Decent, Not Premium ๐ โ Gets the job done, but donโt expect leather-bound finishes.
If youโre serious about leveling up in life, power, or personal awareness, this set is a goldmine. We revisit it constantly.nting strong advice paired with fresh perspectives on daily living.
4. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Steven Pressfield wrote the War of Art to help people understand their Resistance towards getting meaningful work done. If youโre stuck in a loop of procrastination, negative internal talk, low-self esteem, this book will educate you on why you feel the way you do and what is stopping you.
The book is an easy read, with super short chapters and simple verbiage unlike many of the other motivational books out on the market right now. It is split up into 3 different sections:
- Book One: Resistance – Defining the Enemy
- Book Two: Combating Resistance – Turning Pro
- Book Three: Beyond Resistance – The Higher Realm
This book is incredibly motivating because it puts a name to the force that so often stops us before we even begin: Resistance.
Resistance is the force that shows up every time you try to change, create, build, or level-up. Many artists experience and know resistance all too well.
But this book isnโt just for artists or writers. Itโs for people who want to have enough motivation to overcome any blockades in life to live the life you know youโre truly capable of.
If you want to get more from your life, and are looking for concrete action steps to get you there, check out our Request a Coach page. Itโs a โcut the fence-sitting and take actionโ way to tackle your issues and actually find success. To get off the fence and start to take action, click or tap here.
Maybe itโs starting a business, getting in shape, writing a book โ whatever it may be, this book will help you get unstuck and moving in the direction of your dreams.ย
The War of Art Audiobook
We listened to The War of Art during creative slumps, and it felt like a wake-up call. Steven Pressfield doesnโt sugarcoat anything, and hearing his words read aloud (especially in his own voice) made the message hit even harder.
This audiobook is short but powerfulโgreat for creators, writers, or anyone procrastinating on their passion.
Why it worked for us:
- Powerful Narration ๐ง โ Pressfield reads it himself, and his voice adds grit and urgency.
- Short & Punchy Chapters โฑ โ Easy to pause, reflect, and come back without losing momentum.
- Cuts Through the Fluff โ๏ธ โ No filler, just real talk on resistance and discipline.
A few small drawbacks:
- No Visual Notes ๐ โ We found ourselves wanting to highlight or revisit key lines.
- Tone is Tough-Love ๐ฅ โ Motivating, but not โgentleโ if youโre feeling fragile.
- Some Ideas Repeat ๐ โ But they do drive the core message home.
We revisit this one any time we need to stop making excuses and get to work. Anyone wanting to follow through on goals can take something from whatโs shared inย The War of Art Audiobook.
War of Art by Steven Pressfield
We bought the reissued edition of The War of Art and itโs now one of the most dog-eared books on our shelf. Itโs direct, raw, and oddly spiritualโa rare mix that actually works. Whether youโre a writer, painter, or entrepreneur, this book will call you out and push you forward.
Why we keep returning to it:
If you want to get more from your life, and are looking for concrete action steps to get you there, check out our Request a Coach page. Itโs a โcut the fence-sitting and take actionโ way to tackle your issues and actually find success. To get off the fence and start to take action, click or tap here.
- Compact But Deep ๐ โ You can read it in a weekend, but the impact lingers.
- No-Nonsense Motivation ๐ช โ Forces you to confront your inner resistance.
- Great for Re-Reading ๐ โ Youโll find something new depending on where youโre at creatively.
Minor critiques:
- Structure Feels Fragmented ๐ โ Some chapters are only a few lines long.
- More Mindset Than Method ๐ง โ Itโs not a how-to guide, but a mindset shift.
- Tone Can Feel Harsh โ ๏ธ โ Thatโs part of its charm, but not everyone will vibe with it.
This book punched us in the creative gutโin the best way.
The War of Art Book
We bought the reissued edition of The War of Art and itโs now one of the most dog-eared books on our shelf. Itโs direct, raw, and oddly spiritualโa rare mix that actually works. Whether youโre a writer, painter, or entrepreneur, this book will call you out and push you forward.
Why we keep returning to it:
- Compact But Deep ๐ โ You can read it in a weekend, but the impact lingers.
- No-Nonsense Motivation ๐ช โ Forces you to confront your inner resistance.
- Great for Re-Reading ๐ โ Youโll find something new depending on where youโre at creatively.
Minor critiques:
- Structure Feels Fragmented ๐ โ Some chapters are only a few lines long.
- More Mindset Than Method ๐ง โ Itโs not a how-to guide, but a mindset shift.
- Tone Can Feel Harsh โ ๏ธ โ Thatโs part of its charm, but not everyone will vibe with it.
This book punched us in the creative gutโin the best way.teamwork, it might leave you wanting more. Overall, it gave us a needed nudge and left us feeling ready to start our next project.
5. Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill
Outwitting the Devil is more than just a motivational book. Itโs a conversation between the author, Napoleon Hill, and you guessed it, the Devil.
Itโs raw, honest, yet still conversational. It was actually written almost 100 years ago, but wasnโt released to the public until decades later because of how controversial it is.
If you want to get more from your life, and are looking for concrete action steps to get you there, check out our Request a Coach page. Itโs a โcut the fence-sitting and take actionโ way to tackle your issues and actually find success. To get off the fence and start to take action, click or tap here.
The Devil acts as a metaphor for fear, procrastination, avoidance, overall negative energy and really anything that is taking you away from your purpose.
The book dissects the concept of โdrifting,โ when you go through life without a clear purpose or direction and are just kind of cruising by. The Devil talks about how easy it is to get stuck drifting, and how comfort is a slow death.
One thing this book will do is shake you and wake you. So if youโre looking for a truly life changing book, this is your go-to.
Outwitting the Devil
We read Outwitting the Devil expecting another solid Napoleon Hill bookโbut this one really surprised us. Itโs bolder, darker, and more confrontational than Think and Grow Rich. The “interview with the Devil” format might sound odd at first, but it makes the book feel like a mental chess match.
Itโs a unique, philosophical take on fear, control, and the importance of thinking for yourself.
Why it worked for us:
- Highly Thought-Provoking ๐ง โ Makes you reflect on habits, distractions, and social programming.
- Engaging Format ๐ฃ โ The back-and-forth interview style kept us reading.
- Still Very Relevant ๐ โ Despite being written in 1938, the ideas still resonate.
A few drawbacks:
- Editorial Commentary Feels Heavy at Times ๐ โ We appreciated some context, but it occasionally interrupted the flow.
- Tone is Confrontational โก โ Not for readers looking for a soft approach.
- Not a Traditional Self-Help Book โ More conceptual than step-by-step.
Overall, it challenged how we think about fear, purpose, and freedom. Itโs not always comfortableโbut itโs definitely powerful.
If you want to get more from your life, and are looking for concrete action steps to get you there, check out our Request a Coach page. Itโs a โcut the fence-sitting and take actionโ way to tackle your issues and actually find success. To get off the fence and start to take action, click or tap here.
Outwitting the Devil
We picked up this reproduced manuscript edition because we wanted the original version of Napoleon Hillโs work, without extra commentaryโand weโre glad we did. It feels raw, unfiltered, and more personal than the official version.
This format lets the ideas speak for themselves, which gave us more room to interpret and reflect.
What stood out to us:
- Unedited & Authentic ๐ โ Feels closer to Hillโs voice and intent.
- More Flow, Less Disruption ๐ง โ No interjections or editorial framing.
- Still Eerily Relevant ๐ฐ โ From fear to schooling to drifting, so much still applies today.
Minor drawbacks:
- Less Context for New Readers โ โ Without commentary, some parts may feel abstract.
- No Modern Framing ๐ โ Itโs very 1930s in tone and language.
- Repetitive in Spots ๐ โ But this reinforces the core ideas.
If youโve read the official version or want a deeper dive into Hillโs mind, this edition is worth adding to your shelf. Itโs unsettling, empowering, and unforgettable.
Outwitting the Devil Action Guide
We picked up this Action Guide version of Outwitting the Devil to go beyond just readingโand it was a solid decision. The guided format encouraged deeper reflection and gave us a chance to apply the concepts to our real-life patterns.
It turns what could be a passive read into an active challenge.
Why it worked for us:
If you want to get more from your life, and are looking for concrete action steps to get you there, check out our Request a Coach page. Itโs a โcut the fence-sitting and take actionโ way to tackle your issues and actually find success. To get off the fence and start to take action, click or tap here.
- Interactive Prompts ๐ โ Journal-style questions helped us unpack the bookโs ideas.
- Chapter-by-Chapter Format ๐งฉ โ Keeps things structured and digestible.
- Encourages Personal Insight ๐ญ โ Especially useful for facing internal โdrifting.โ
Some drawbacks:
- Repetition with the Main Book ๐ โ Some prompts feel too similar to the content.
- Not Ideal for First-Time Readers ๐ โ Best used alongside the main book, not instead of it.
- Design Could Be More Inspiring ๐จ โ Aesthetics are basic, but functional.
If youโve already read Outwitting the Devil and want to actually apply it, this is a great add-on for deeper reflection.
Outwitting The Devil
We ordered this version of Outwitting the Devil because we wanted an affordable print copyโbut itโs definitely a no-frills edition. The content is there and still powerful, but the quality of the book itself leaves a bit to be desired.
Still, if you’re focused more on substance than polish, it delivers.
What we appreciated:
- Same Classic Content ๐ฅ โ Hillโs words are just as impactful and relevant.
- Affordable Access ๐ต โ Great option for budget-conscious readers.
- Quick Shipping & Lightweight ๐ฆ โ Easy to carry or annotate.
Things to consider:
- Print Quality is Basic ๐ โ Thin pages and tight margins make it feel cramped.
- Typos & Formatting Issues โ โ Some text is oddly spaced or slightly off.
- No Extra Features or Commentary โ This is a plain reprint, not a special edition.
If you’re curious about personal growth and want a book that talks like a mentor, we think Outwitting The Devil is worth checking out.
6. Great by Choice by Jim Collins
Great is one of those books that makes you realize everything you know about success and motivation is a lie. His main point in the book is that success isnโt random, itโs structured. And motivation is a fickle emotion that does not influence success.
If you want to get more from your life, and are looking for concrete action steps to get you there, check out our Request a Coach page. Itโs a โcut the fence-sitting and take actionโ way to tackle your issues and actually find success. To get off the fence and start to take action, click or tap here.
Jim Collins looks at what the difference is between a company that can thrive under pressure versus a company collapsing. Great is technically a business book and not a motivational one, however, youโll realize that the principles we can apply to business have a ton of crossover with motivation.
Great by Choice Audiobook
We listened to Great by Choice during a few long drives, and it kept us engaged the whole time. The research is compelling, the examples are clear, and the narration does a solid job of carrying the message forward.
If you’re into business strategy or leadership, this is an audiobook that actually makes you think.
Why it worked for us:
- Strong Narration ๐ง โ Clear delivery thatโs easy to follow, even with dense concepts.
- Real-World Examples ๐ โ Stories about companies like Southwest and Intel kept us hooked.
- Well-Structured Audio Flow ๐ โ Concepts build logically from chapter to chapter.
Minor drawbacks:
- No Visual Charts ๐ โ We occasionally wished we could see the data being referenced.
- Some Parts Feel Repetitive ๐ โ Key principles are hammered home, which can feel a bit drawn out.
- Best When Paused for Reflection โธ โ Itโs not casual listening; youโll want to digest it.
Still, we walked away with powerful ideas about discipline, innovation, and leading in chaos.
Great by Choice
We got the Kindle version of Great by Choice for our team book club, and it sparked some serious discussion. Jim Collins and Morten Hansen present rigorous research in an accessible, readable format, and the supporting data is a big plus when reading in print.
Itโs a deeper dive than most business booksโand more useful, too.
If you want to get more from your life, and are looking for concrete action steps to get you there, check out our Request a Coach page. Itโs a โcut the fence-sitting and take actionโ way to tackle your issues and actually find success. To get off the fence and start to take action, click or tap here.
What we liked:
- Well-Researched & Credible ๐ โ Tons of data, yet never boring.
- Useful Visuals & Graphs ๐ โ Helps explain core concepts like the 20 Mile March and SMaC.
- Actionable Takeaways ๐ง โ Especially on how to lead through uncertainty.
A few drawbacks:
- Heavy on Case Studies ๐ข โ Great examples, but a lot to absorb at once.
- Not a Quick Read โณ โ Best digested in pieces; not ideal for speed reading.
- Kindle Formatting Was Just OK โ A few graphs didnโt display perfectly on all devices.
That said, weโd recommend this version to any team or leader who wants practical strategy with real evidence behind it. This one earns a spot on our reference shelf.
Great by Choice is worth a look if you’re ready to understand how to stay strong in chaotic situations.
Conclusion
A well-timed book can be exactly what you need to help you get to the other side, offering you fresh perspectives, practical advice, and the kind of encouragement that helps you reconnect with your purpose.
I hope you found a book that resonates with you on your journey, and that it gives you the resources you need in order to break through and be great. Never forget, that if you put your mind to something, you can do it. Best wishes to you all on your journey.
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If you want to get more from your life, and are looking for concrete action steps to get you there, check out our Request a Coach page. Itโs a โcut the fence-sitting and take actionโ way to tackle your issues and actually find success. To get off the fence and start to take action, click or tap here.
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