30 of the Best Motivational Books of All Time

Whether you're looking for a gift that will satisfy the mindful bookworm in your life or you're a bookworm yourself, the best motivational books approach the art of living from different angles: The practical, the spiritual, the philosophical...Every voracious reader is different, and figuring out what supportive and inspirational resources are best for you or your loved one can be difficult. To make it easy for you, we've narrowed it down to thirty of the very best motivational books on the market today. From inspirational tales to actionable advice, these reads are guaranteed to inspire growth and positivity.

1. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck

This book elaborates on the concept of fixed and growth mindsets that both hold you back and propel you forward.

Who it's best for: A change-maker

Why it's a motivational gift: It teaches you how to dream realistically and embrace failure

Buyers are saying: "I can honestly say that this book was eye-opening for me." - Nicolas

SEE IT: $8.55 at Amazon.com

2. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

Sincero's book is a guide for how to believe in yourself – in her words, "stop doubting your greatness, and start living an awesome life!"

Who it's best for: The secret badass

Why it's a motivational gift: It reminds you how to have confidence and self-reliance

Buyers are saying: "It's easy to read and very motivational. I highly recommend this to anyone needing a friendly nudge in the right direction." – Sarah A.

SEE IT: $9.99 at Amazon.com

3. Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

A memoir from WWI concentration camp survivor and psychotherapist Viktor Frankl, this book will teach you how to believe in miserable times.

Who it's best for: A lifelong fighter

Why it's a motivational gift: It gives a glimmer of hope 

Buyers are saying: "Overall, this is worth reading, especially If the reader struggles with suffering, and the meaning thereof, and how to move with dignity through that suffering." – Matt F.

SEE IT: $9.99 at Amazon.com

4. The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins

According to Mel Robbins' 5 Second Rule, you must physically move within five seconds of the drive to act on a goal – read more in this self-help book.

Who it's best for: Someone who has trouble starting

Why it's a motivational gift: It gets you in the mood to start achieving

Buyers are saying: "The book is filled with solid, actionable information that I am putting into action in my own life with awesome success." – Cindy C.

SEE IT: $15.59 at Amazon.com

5. Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

Live and let live and only sweat the stuff you can control, says Mark Manson in this book about how to find meaning in life.

Who it's best for: The worry wart 

Why it's a motivational gift: It instructs on active ways to control anxiety

Buyers are saying: "A much-needed reminder to choose your battles wisely." – Aria U.

SEE IT: $13.99 at Amazon.com

6. Atomic Habits by James Clear

Clear has several atomic habits that you can follow if you want to succeed, like getting 1% better at something every day. 

Who it's best for: The diligently scheduled

Why it's a motivational gift: It'll be loved by someone who already loves being regimented or needs some help getting there

Buyers are saying: "I definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking to improve their lives even in a small way!" – Emma

SEE IT: $11.98 at Amazon.com

7. Designing Your Own Life by Bill Burnett

Burnett uses this self-help book to teach readers about applying design thinking to larger life planning.

Who it's best for: The creative

Why it's a motivational gift: It stimulates a sense of control and innovation

Buyers are saying: "It gave me clarity and a different perspective." – Jorge D.

SEE IT: $22.79 at Amazon.com

8. Grit by Angela Duckworth

Having a positive mental attitude and perseverance is all it takes to get through tough times, says Duckworth – check out more about her definition of "grit" in this book.

Who it's best for: One who needs strength

Why it's a motivational gift: It's a gentle push in the right direction for someone who needs to learn about courage

Buyers are saying: "Written in an easy-to-read style and full of real people and real stories about success as it pertains to grittiness!" – Cymru K.

SEE IT: $14.99 at Amazon.com

9. The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday

These everyday lessons from Greek Stoics teach about moderation, controlling emotions, and thinking analytically.

Who it's best for: A philosophy junkie

Why it's a motivational gift: The lessons of the Stoics are timeless

Buyers are saying: "The small meditations help me keep my reading streak while I learn more about Stoicism and improve myself." – Renata

SEE IT: $12.99 at Amazon.com

10. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Sean Covey

This classic self-help book is always a safe bet for someone who wants to take their productivity to the next level.

Who it's best for: The hustle culture lover 

Why it's a motivational gift: From Wall Street to Main Street, every entrepreneur can see value in this work

Buyers are saying: "This book will change your life if you implement it." – Zabo

SEE IT: $13.99 at Amazon.com

11. Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven

The little things can make the biggest difference in your life, says Admiral McRaven, and even something like making your bed can change your mindset.

Who it's best for: The messy friend

Why it's a motivational gift: It grounds you in tiny but meaningful daily practices

Buyers are saying: "Retired Admiral McRaven does a wonderful job of relating his life lessons gleaned from thirty-seven years of service as a Navy SEAL." – Anthony S.

SEE IT: $12.99 at Amazon.com

12. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

Psychologist Brené Brown says that the basic need of all human beings is connection – and this book tells you how to get it for yourself by being vulnerable.

Who it's best for: Someone who needs to learn to trust

Why it's a motivational gift: The book is a guide for how to love healthily and with strength

Buyers are saying: "This is an insightful book about navigating through life." – Alexander J.

SEE IT: $13.00 at Amazon.com

13. The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu

Two of the greatest minds of our time get together and discuss thought-provoking beliefs: The Dalai Lama and anti-apartheid activist Desmond Tutu.

Who it's best for: A deep thinker

Why it's a motivational gift: It shows that two different viewpoints can discuss things civilly and with mutual interest

Buyers are saying: "Two minds and bodies and hearts coming from different philosophies, meeting in the center, with the conclusion and commitment to show our sameness (and not division) to all the world." – Kathleen

SEE IT: $13.99 at Amazon.com

14. The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest

West's book is all about how to get rid of resistance to change and overcome some of your greatest inner hindrances. 

Who it's best for: The self-battler

Why it's a motivational gift: It teaches you that you can work with yourself instead of against yourself

Buyers are saying: "This book, even from page one, gives me hope of gaining confidence and understanding myself" – Kenisha W. 

SEE IT: $9.99 at Amazon.com

15. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

This classic book from 1937 never goes out of style for those who want to be a little more prosperous in business.

Who it's best for: An old-school theorist

Why it's a motivational gift: It tells you that money isn't the only key to success

Buyers are saying: "Absolutely timeless, perfectly written book. Extremely life-changing." – Magdalena C.

SEE IT: $8.49 at Amazon.com

16. Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss

This amalgamation of lifestyles from billionaires, performers, and global icons is used to inform the habits of everyday people.

Who it's best for: The future Steve Jobs

Why it's a motivational gift: It shows you that acting like a billionaire isn't so hard

Buyers are saying: "If you really want to learn about the mindset of successful people, then you must read this." – Garvit

SEE IT: $17.99 at Amazon.com

17. The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday 

In this second book about stoicism, Holiday explores the idea from Stoicism founder Marcus Aurelius that "what stands in the way becomes the way."

Who it's best for: The young academic 

Why it's a motivational gift: Stoicism is known to grant inner peace and understanding if practiced dutifully

Buyers are saying: "This is one of those books that you will want to read with a notepad nearby to write down some thought-provoking idea." – Kevin J.

SEE IT: $10.99 at Amazon.com

18. Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo

You can do whatever you put your mind to, says Forleo – as long as you start taking accountability for your life.

Who it's best for: The chronically unresponsible

Why it's a motivational gift: It's a gentle reminder that if you persist, you can do anything

Buyers are saying: "This book might stir up some unexpected feelings in you—which might be a good thing." – Sarah P.

SEE IT: $13.99 at Amazon.com

19. The 10x Rule by Grant Cardone

Cardone's book on the 10x rule is about how in order to succeed, you must set goals that are ten times more aspirational than what you think you can do. 

Who it's best for: The big dreamer 

Why it's a motivational gift: It doesn't just tell you how to set crazy goals – it tells you how to reach them

Buyers are saying: "It certainly has shifted my mindset in my business and wants possible in my lifetime and working career." – Tyler L.

SEE IT: $16.00 at Amazon.com

20. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

There are four agreements you need to make with yourself to live a serene life, says Ruiz, like "don't take anything too personally." 

Who it's best for: The unbalanced friend

Why it's a motivational gift: You use it to learn moderation and reasonable expectations

Buyers are saying: "This is not a "new age" self-help book! This book is based on modern linguistic theory and philosophical precepts." – Meme 

SEE IT: $7.74 at Amazon.com

21. Start With Why by Simon Sinek

Using marketing principles, Sinek says that you need to reverse your priorities in life and start every task by asking yourself why you're doing it. 

Who it's best for: The impulsive pal

Why it's a motivational gift: This book teaches you to stop and think before you act

Buyers are saying: "The book is certainly inspiring and relevant to some areas of marketing." – David M.

SEE IT: $12.99 at Amazon.com

22. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Famous self-help guru Eckhart Tolle teaches about spiritual enlightenment through mindfulness.

Who it's best for: The friend who lost their faith

Why it's a motivational gift: It gets you in touch with your true desires

Buyers are saying: "The way I see problems and approach them is vastly different to my former state. Highly recommended!" – Jaime Tanna

SEE IT: $7.13 at Amazon.com

23. The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor

Success and happiness are one and the same, says Achor, and this book tells you how.

Who it's best for: Anyone stuck chasing goals without ever being satisfied

Why it's a motivational gift: It helps you rethink what achieving your goals in life truly means

Buyers are saying: "If you take the advice to heart, you will have a distinct advantage in the workplace." – Ian M.

SEE IT: $12.99 at Amazon.com

24. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

Pulling yourself up by your bootstraps in an untraditional way, says Kiyosaki, who details his own personal experience to inspire others.

Who it's best for: The idealist

Why it's a motivational gift: It shows that anyone can triumph if they just put their mind to it

Buyers are saying: "A great read for anyone starting out in life or who wants to break out of the system of "get an education, earn a living." – Graham M.

SEE IT: $6.82 at Amazon.com

25. The Mental Toughness Handbook by Damon Zahariades

In sports, "mental toughness" is the ability to endure stress with grace – and Zahariades teaches you how to apply it in real life too.

Who it's best for: The one who gives up easily

Why it's a motivational gift: In a soft way, this book tells readers how to buck up without being too hard on them

Buyers are saying: "The writing is comprehensive and continually builds a can-do feeling throughout his work." – F.B.

SEE IT: $9.99 at Amazon.com

26. The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz

If you can dream it, you can be it, says Schwartz, even if the idea seems too lofty or unachievable! 

Who it's best for: The practical one

Why it's an motivational gift: We all have that one friend who's too scared to have big dreams – this book will teach you how to have huge aspirations without feeling huge letdowns

Buyers are saying: "It teaches you how to allow your mind to create the greatest reality." – Abraham N.

SEE IT: $15.99 at Amazon.com

27. The 5AM Club by Robin Sharma

Early risers, rise up – it's time to own your mornings, says Sharma! And even if you aren't typically a morning person, Sharma has some habits to instill in even the biggest night owls.

Who it's best for: The 4-alarm snoozer

Why it's a motivational gift: It de-mystifies waking up early

Buyers are saying: "This was a self-help book wrapped in a great story. So much applicable wisdom and insight. This book was truly life-changing." – Kristi

SEE IT: $11.99 at Amazon.com

28. The One Thing by Gary Keller

Until your one thing is completed, says Keller, everything else is just an interference – check out this book to find out how to find your focus and finish your tasks.

Who it's best for: The busybody

Why it's a motivational gift: In a world with dozens of disruptions every second, this gives you tools to remember how to concentrate

Buyers are saying: "Asking yourself that question of the one thing you need to work on to either make everything else easier or unnecessary is incredible." – T.W.

SEE IT: $2.99 at Amazon.com

29. David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell

Iconic modern philosopher and writer Malcolm Gladwell examines the power and strength of the little guy by looking at how we view pitfalls in our own lives.

Who it's best for: The persistent underdog

Why it's a motivational gift: It shows you that even the most unexpected heroes can rise

Buyers are saying: "Here Gladwell comes again with new revelations to knock you off your feet." – Ally

SEE IT: $11.99 at Amazon.com

30. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This fictional story about a shepherd boy looking for buried treasure is actually a deep and profound metaphor about following your dreams. 

Who it's best for: The fairytale fan

Why it's a motivational gift: It's an immersive and sweet tale you can find peace in

Buyers are saying: "I can't explain how, but this book found and gave me what I needed." – Cody S.

SEE IT: $13.49 at Amazon.com