The 10 Best Motivational Books

Updated January 11, 2018 by Quincy Miller

We spent 26 hours on research, videography, and editing, to review the top choices for this wiki. If you're not where you want to be in life, finding the inspiration to make sweeping changes can be daunting. These motivational books will help you break through the mental roadblocks holding you back, enabling you to discover your true purpose in this world. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to support our work. Skip to the best motivational book on Amazon.

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10. Awaken the Giant Within

An enduring classic, Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins will help you gain mastery over every area of your life, from your finances to your relationships. It is filled with exercises you can use to push yourself towards deeper development.

Analyzes real-life situations
Filled with success stories
Tries to sell you on his events

Brand	Free Press
Model	pending
Weight	9.6 ounces
Rating	3.7 / 5.0

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9. Unfu*k Yourself

If you find that being trapped inside your own mind holds you back, then Unfu*k Yourself is a fantastic primer for moving beyond your limitations — real or imagined. It's a great no-nonsense way to help force yourself to take responsibility for the issues that plague you.

Very practical advice
Inspires readers to take action
May be too crass for some

Brand	Unfu*k Yourself
Model	pending
Weight	11.2 ounces
Rating	4.9 / 5.0

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8. The Compound Effect

Penned by the publisher of "Success Magazine," The Compound Effect examines the tiny, day-to-day decisions that add up to affect the course of your life, while looking at the daily habits of some of the world's most successful business people and leaders.

Includes accountability worksheets
Perfect for entrepreneurs
Full of self-promotion

Brand	Darren Hardy
Model	pending
Weight	6.7 ounces
Rating	4.1 / 5.0

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7. Claim Your Power

Claim Your Power is a 40-day experiment in changing how you think, with a focus on moving past any roadblocks that might have thwarted your progress up to this point. If fear has been leading you down a path of self-sabotage, this book can help get you back on track.

Helps to hold you accountable
Step-by-step instruction
May be too spiritual for doubters

Brand	Claim Your Power
Model	pending
Weight	1.1 pounds
Rating	3.9 / 5.0

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6. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

If you've struggled with staying inspired, Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us can help you rethink why past efforts have failed, while providing an actionable framework for keeping your fire burning. It offers fresh insight into the science of motivation.

Breaks down complex concepts well
Loaded with research and studies
Belabors the point at times

Brand	Daniel H Pink
Model	pending
Weight	8 ounces
Rating	4.1 / 5.0

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5. The Success Principles

The Success Principles is one of the most comprehensive books around for transforming every area of your life. It's wonderful for reframing how you look at the world, as well as helping you to discover your true purpose, making it truly life-changing.

Good for reading piecemeal
Teaches visualization principles
Occasionally relies on pseudoscience

Brand	William Morrow
Model	pending
Weight	1.1 pounds
Rating	3.9 / 5.0

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4. You Are A Badass

Believing in yourself is hard. Unfortunately, it's also a key component of success, which is why You Are A Badass can be so helpful for the self-doubters out there. The chapters are short and easy to plow through, making this a quick, but powerful, read.

Plain and conversational style
Incredibly fun to read
Excellent for young people

Brand	Jen Sincero
Model	pending
Weight	11.4 ounces
Rating	4.6 / 5.0

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3. Letters to a Young Brother

Aimed at younger male readers, Letters to a Young Brother strives to redefine the meaning of success, shifting from traditional ideas to emphasizing education, community involvement, and becoming someone your peers — and you yourself — can respect.

Wonderful for at-risk youth
Teaches how to overcome surroundings
Excellent for athletes and artists

Brand	Gotham
Model	pending
Weight	7.2 ounces
Rating	4.9 / 5.0

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2. On Fire

On Fire focuses on the seven choices the author claims form the basis of a life well-lived. He bases his advice on his experience recovering from near-fatal burns as a child before becoming a successful businessman, and his story is as poignant as it is inspiring.

Helpful for overcoming self-pity
Extremely funny at times
Good for those dealing with tragedy

Brand	Simon & Schuster
Model	pending
Weight	1.3 pounds
Rating	4.8 / 5.0

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1. Make Your Bed

Written by the former head of the Navy SEALs, Make Your Bed is stuffed with the sort of fluff-free advice you'd expect from a lifelong warrior. The book's ten key points are full of actionable suggestions, rather than flowery prose that doesn't relate to real life.

Ideal for building discipline
Brimming with fascinating anecdotes
Perfect gift for graduates

Brand	William H McRaven
Model	pending
Weight	8 ounces
Rating	5.0 / 5.0

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Last updated on January 11, 2018 by Quincy Miller

Quincy is a writer who was born in Texas, but moved to Los Angeles to pursue his life-long dream of someday writing a second page to one of his screenplays.

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