10 international bestselling self-help books that you should read this year

 

Ah, fellow seeker of wisdom through the written word! As a devoted book reader, I've certainly found myself profoundly impacted by the insights shared within the pages of self-help literature. It's like having wise mentors guiding you through life's labyrinth. Narrowing it down to just ten international bestsellers that have personally helped me is a delightful challenge! Here are ten such books that have left an indelible mark and offered practical guidance:

1. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey: This book provided me with a foundational framework for personal effectiveness. The emphasis on principles like being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, putting first things first, and seeking first to understand then to be understood truly shifted my perspective. Practically, it helped me prioritize my tasks, set clear goals, and improve my communication in relationships by genuinely listening to others before formulating my response. For instance, applying the "Urgent/Important Matrix" helped me distinguish between what felt pressing and what truly contributed to my long-term goals, leading to more focused effort.

2. "How to Win Friends & Influence People" by Dale Carnegie: This classic taught me invaluable lessons about human relationships. It moved beyond manipulation and focused on genuine interest in others, remembering names, being a good listener, and making the other person feel important. In practice, consciously applying these principles has significantly improved my interactions, both personally and professionally. I found that simply remembering someone's name and using it during a conversation makes them feel valued and fosters a more positive connection.

3. "Daring Greatly" by Brené Brown: Brown's work on vulnerability and shame resonated deeply with me. It challenged the societal notion that vulnerability is a weakness and instead presented it as the birthplace of courage, connection, and wholeheartedness. Practically, this book encouraged me to embrace my imperfections, take risks, and be more authentic in my interactions, even when it felt uncomfortable. Sharing a personal struggle with a trusted friend, after internalizing Brown's message, led to a deeper connection and a sense of relief.

4. "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck: This book introduced me to the powerful concepts of fixed and growth mindsets. Understanding that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work (growth mindset) rather than being fixed traits (fixed mindset) was transformative. Practically, it helped me view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth instead of threats to my ego. When faced with a difficult task, I started telling myself, "I can learn to do this," rather than, "I'm not good at this."

5. "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle: This spiritual guide emphasized the importance of being present in the current moment. It helped me understand how excessive dwelling on the past or worrying about the future can create unnecessary suffering. Practicing the techniques suggested in the book, such as focusing on my breath and observing my thoughts without judgment, has brought a greater sense of peace and reduced anxiety in my daily life. Even during mundane activities like washing dishes, I try to be fully present and appreciate the moment.

6. "Atomic Habits" by James Clear: This book provided a practical and actionable framework for building good habits and breaking bad ones. The focus on small, incremental improvements (the "1% rule") made the process of change feel less overwhelming. Practically, I've used the strategies outlined in the book, such as making good habits obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying, to incorporate positive changes into my routine, like regular exercise and consistent writing. For example, I lay out my workout clothes the night before (making it obvious and easy) and reward myself with a healthy smoothie after (making it satisfying).

7. "The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brené Brown: Another gem by Brown, this book delves into the power of living a wholehearted life by cultivating courage, compassion, and connection. It encouraged me to let go of the need for perfectionism and embrace my authentic self. Practically, it has helped me be kinder to myself when I make mistakes and to recognize that my worthiness is inherent, not dependent on external validation. I've become more comfortable saying "no" to things that don't align with my values, without feeling the need to over-explain.

8. "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman: While not strictly a self-help book in the traditional sense, understanding the two systems of thinking – the fast, intuitive System 1 and the slow, deliberate System 2 – has profoundly impacted my decision-making and understanding of my own biases. Practically, it has made me more aware of when I might be relying on quick judgments and encouraged me to engage in more deliberate thought processes for important decisions. For instance, when making a significant purchase, I now consciously try to move beyond initial impressions and analyze the pros and cons more thoroughly.

9. "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl: This powerful book, based on Frankl's experiences in Nazi concentration camps, highlights the importance of finding meaning even in the face of immense suffering. It taught me about the human capacity for resilience and the power of having a purpose. Practically, it has helped me to reframe challenges in my own life and to focus on what truly matters to me, even when things are difficult. Remembering Frankl's message reminds me that I always have a choice in how I respond to my circumstances.

10. "Declutter Your Mind: How To Stop Worrying, Relieve Anxiety, and Eliminate Negative Thinking" by S.J. Scott and Barrie Davenport: In our fast-paced world, this book offered practical techniques to manage the constant influx of thoughts and reduce anxiety. It introduced me to mindfulness exercises, cognitive restructuring, and strategies for managing worry. Practically, implementing these techniques has helped me to quiet the mental chatter, become more present, and respond to stressful situations with greater calm. Even a few minutes of focused breathing, as suggested in the book, can make a noticeable difference in my stress levels.

These ten books have been more than just readings; they've been companions on my journey of self-discovery and growth, offering practical wisdom that I continue to apply in my daily life. Each one has contributed uniquely to shaping my perspectives and actions, helping me navigate the complexities of life with greater awareness and intention.