Five of the Best Self-Help Books for Achieving Your Goals

There are a number of great self-help books that can offer advice and guidance. Some of the best address specific barriers that need consideration. Others consider various perspectives that can get in our way. And still others provide an excellent roadmap for achieving success through real practical tools and activities. If you want this year to be your best, you may consider investing in some of these enlightening books. While several are worthwhile, the following five self-help books can help you achieve your goals and should definitely be on your reading list.

Project Bold Life – The Proven Formula to Take on Challenges and Achieve Happiness and Success by Edward M. Kopko

There are goals, and there are Bold Goals. Bold Goals are those that stretch us to our limits and allow us to overcome some of the most profound challenges. In doing so, we enjoy the pursuit of the Boldest Life possible, regardless of our specific situation. This is the perspective that Ed Kopko shares in his inspirational and critically acclaimed book, PROJECT BOLD LIFE (which is available on Kindle and in paperback on Amazon). Hands down, this is certainly one of the best engaging self-help books for those who want to be their best. Kopko breaks down the vital steps that go into creating goals. (Hint: It’s not as easy as you think.) He also provides specific worksheets, formulas, and planners to help anyone in the process. As Kopko points out, many of us have faith in our abilities but we never truly act courageously on this faith. For more on Kopko and PROJECT BOLD LIFE, check out his website.

Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable by Tim S. Grover

What does it take to go from being just good to being the best? What characteristics do those people who are considered to be among the best–superior athletes, successful businessmen, and more–share that make them great? Author Tim. S. Grover takes a relative view when it comes to self-help, bringing others into the self-improvement equation and using their traits as a guide. But ultimately, his premise is that you can’t count on anyone else to give you motivation–it must come from within. It is filled with great stories about athletes he has trained. For that, plus its direct and honest approach, Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable is an essential read for anyone looking to make the most of themselves.

Big Magic – Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

For many of us, our largest goals involve a creative pursuit. Some involve writing a novel or painting a self-portrait. Others might include acting on Broadway or performing live in a band. All these creative pursuits, however, are very personal in nature, and we may resist pursuing such goals. Fortunately, Elizabeth Gilbert tackles this subject in a unique way and encourages us to be curious, fearless and loving. Gilbert’s approach is to embrace our creative side with both a sense of wonder and pragmatism. Sources of inspiration and creative ideas are everywhere, and all we need to do is recognize this. As one of the best self-help books for achieving creative goals, Big Magic is a great read.

You Are a Badass – How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero

There are many books on positivity that you might include on your reading list for 2021. But Jen Sincero takes a no-nonsense approach to self-care while infusing both humor and practicality in her book. In essence, her message is one of self-understanding, self-love, and an awareness that growth and change are essential. With these acknowledgements and pursuits, anyone can be a “badass” and achieve their goals. Sincero also stresses the importance of being positive in one’s attitude and inviting a sense of courageousness.

Daring Greatly – How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead by Dr. Brenè Brown

Brenè Brown has participated in over 12 years in research involving vulnerability, courage, shame and empathy. Few books tackle such topics well, which is why Daring Greatly is one of the best self-help books to know. Brown demonstrates how dealing with past embarrassments and feelings of shame can be liberating. She has achieved great success with her work and her lecture Brene Brown: The Call to Courage debuted on Netflix in 2019. Not only can this book boost one’s affected self-esteem and self-worth, but it can also help individuals move on courageously in a truthful and bold way. Ultimately, this helps us achieve our goals in life and enjoy much deeper connections with others.