We often overlook the value of books. They can be the most valuable source of reflection we have. The framework of experiences and practices they provide is essential to our self-improvement.

But where do we start? There are thousands of books in the self-help section alone. Below I detail the 5 books I recommend to anyone looking to make a change or improve their lives. The list includes a range of topics, from habit development to creativity, to philosophy. I recommend you read all of them and maybe even the deeper recommendations within. I’m sure at least one will have a profound effect on your life and personal progress.

The War of Art – Steven Pressfield

What’s stopping you from writing that story, or auditioning for that part? Who’s that voice in your head telling you your work is no good? Pressfield calls it “Resistance.” As artists, we engage with Resistance every day. This is a profile of that enemy. It is an absolute must-read for anyone invested in making a change in their life. Whether you want to start a business, begin a creative career, or even conquer your lousy diet. The War of Art shows you how to overcome all of this. Its a kick in the ass to be sure. But one we all need

If you enjoy this book, I recommend going right into Pressfield’s follow up: Turning Pro. And, for even more creative energy, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, and Steal Like and Artist by Austin Kleon.

Thinking in Bets – Annie Duke

Life is a lot more like poker than chess. And poker, unlike chess, requires us to make and bet on decisions when we don’t have all of the information. So how do we know the right choice to make? Where in life do we place our bets? This is the central question of Duke’s book: how to make better decisions in the half-blind game of life. Combining her years of championship poker experience with thorough research, Duke reveals the tools and tips we need to be better decision-makers. This book will have value for anyone, regardless of occupation or lifestyle.

If you want to dig more into this topic and its implications, there’s no better place to go than Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking Fast and Slow and Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink.

Start With Why – Simon Sinek

One of the most challenging things to find in ourselves is our fundamental purpose or clarity. Often times, we don’t know what we are in search of or why we are doing the things we are doing. The result is chaos and an endless fog of disillusionment. This fog clouds every decision we make and every path in front of us. The first and most crucial step to self-improvement is a “why.” This is the subject of Sinek’s book. Drawing on the likes of Apple and Southwest, Sinek dissects the importance of our why and how that inner clarity permeates everything we do. In helping us to find our why, Sinek shows us how to set a course for ourselves. This course informs every decision we make and the practice we put in place. It is the first step in the long journey of creative, entrepreneurial, and personal development.

If you want more, this book is best supported by its companion: Find Your Why.

Meditations – Marcus Aurelius

How often do you get to read the journals of one of the most influential people in the world? The Meditations are just that. Serving as the Emperor of Rome from 161 to 180AD, Aurelius is known as the last of the Five Good Emperors, promoting peace and stability over the greatest empire of all time. His journals give us a window into his life and ruling philosophies. The entries have incredible relevance throughout time, even today. His struggles with desire, depression, and getting out of bed in the morning seem as if we wrote them ourselves. This book will key you into the ancient philosophy of stoicism. This philosophy has been the cornerstone mindset for some of the greatest leaders and creators in history — and it can be the same for you.

If you find yourself drawn to the ideas of Stoicism, It is essential that you also read Seneca the Younger’s Letters from A Stoic and Epictetus’ Enchiridion, or handbook to start. For a look at Stoicism in modern life, I recommend the works of Ryan Holiday: Ego is the Enemy, The Obstacle is the Way, Stillness is the Key, and The Daily Stoic (book and newsletter).

Atomic Habits – James Clear

Willpower is overrated. If you’ve ever tried to quit sugar or go to the gym, you know that it’s nearly impossible to simply will yourself into action (or inaction). When we want to kick a bad habit and start a better one, we can’t rely on brute-force alone. In his book, James Clear, easily and accessibly, breaks down the most critical factors in habit development, from research to practice. You’ll learn how to develop intrinsic motivation, bend the enviornment to your favor, and more to crush your bad habits. This is easily one of the most important books in our toolkit.

If you are looking for positive habits to implement with these tools, try out Brendon Buchard’s High-Performance Habits.

Happy Reading!

Hopefully you will find something worth grabbing onto in the pages of these books. Let these books be the steepingstone you need to get started. And don’t forget to keep reading. It’s vital to our progress.

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