20 Motivational Books That Are Actually Worth Reading

"I got laid off from my first job out of college. It was a startup, and the company was going under. I went home soon after to get some family time. My mom and I were at Target and saw this book near the register. We both chuckled a bit, but she bought it for me, and I started reading it that night. It was fun, funny, and offered engaging stories that I could relate to. The pages inspired confidence and helped me get to my next step." — Erica Murphy, senior SEO manager 

More: The Books You Need to Add to Your Reading List This Month

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People teaches you how to attain the goals you really want in life by aligning your moral compass with the "true north" — "the magnetic principle of respect for people and property." Each chapter is based on one of the specific habits that'll lead you or your company to success. 

Shonda Rhimes, best known as the creator of Grey's Anatomy and Scandal, chronicles the year that changed her the most. The year she said "YES." Rhimes discusses how answering "yes" to the unexpected invitations that come your way can change your life for the better. 

"I love The Secret. It’s one of those books that always comes back around. I’ve read it multiple times to give myself a refresher on the principles and practices that it offers. The main gist of the book is that you can have anything you want in life by communicating with the universe and that by acting and believing you already have what you want, the universe will deliver it to you. Sort of like ask, believe, receive. 

"I’d understand if you thought it was a little far-fetched — however, I am a firm believer that you can manifest things you want in life. If you’re at all interested in it, or just looking to have a positive outlook on your future, you should read it." — Brian Murray Jr., lifestyle editor

Most people believe that trying to stay positive all the time will help you be happier. For Mark Manson, he says, "f*ck positivity." He wants us to confront our painful truths and embrace our fears. When we can accomplish that, we'll be able to find courage, perseverance, honesty, and more. 

Big Magic is all about drawing inspiration and creativeness from your curiosity. This book will leave you wide-eyed and ready to live a fulfilling and vibrant life. 

"The media world can be tough to navigate, especially as you’re first starting out. As the former editor-in-chief of Seventeen Magazine, Ann Shoket knows a thing or two about making it big in a competitive industry. Even if media and magazines aren’t in your career path, Ann offers insight on how everyone’s definition of having it all is different and how to hit your goals in every facet of life. 

"She shows that it’s absolutely possible to succeed while having a family and the other thousands of things you have going on in your life. You’ll finish this book ready to go kick ass!" — Caitlyn Fitzpatrick, associate editor

Do you always feel overwhelmed by either your thoughts or daily schedule? Declutter Your Mind will help you eliminate those unnecessary worries. Besides learning what causes the mental clutter and ways to get rid of it, you'll also learn how to discover what truly matters to you. 

In My Friend Fear, author and illustrator Meera Lee Patel uses her personal reflections, inspiration quotes, and watercolor visuals to show that having fear can lead to big changes. Those big changes can create a whole new side to our lives as we discover a newfound potential inside ourselves.

"If you haven’t heard of Brené Brown yet, you’re seriously missing out on the most authentic ‘how-to’ of ‘self-help’ I’ve ever come across. She’s not just someone who’s telling you how to change your life. She has a Ph.D. in social work, and she does actual research with actual people to see what makes people happy. 

"She has written a number of books (all best-sellers, I might add) on having tough conversations, leading our own lives, being brave, finding worthiness, being imperfect, and so many other fundamental aspects of vulnerability — the key to her teachings. 

"This audio book is chock-full of stories and teachings from the author herself. It’s her first ‘lecture’ that combines the lessons from all her books. The 6 hours of audio book will teach you the essential skills for living a life of courage, authenticity, and compassion. She explains why we feel the way we feel about certain things — and how to move past feelings of shame to live a life of wholeheartedness. It’s just incredible." — Christine Bettlach Anderson, executive director of audience

Reset your life with the power of yoga. Acclaimed yogi Guru Jagat shows how Kundalini yoga can elevate your mood, reduce stress, and clear your mind through simple exercises, breathing practices, and short meditations. 

Marie Kondō is a Japanese cleaning consultant who helps people clean and declutter their homes to the point where they won't ever have to do it again. Her category-by-category system will produce lasting results and give you a new, calm, motivated mindset.

"The Rules Do Not Apply tells the story of a woman who doesn't hide her mistakes, nor the pain of life, but learns from them and shares with such an honesty that it's inspiring." — Danny Murphy, culture and social editor

In his follow-up book to The Power of Now, Tolle discusses how going beyond our ego-based consciousness will end our anger and unhappiness. The book shows readers how to follow their path of success and live a fulfilling existence.

The creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul, Jack Canfield turned his 30-plus years of experience into an inspirational guide to increase your confidence and live with passion and purpose. The 64 principles discussed in this book can be used every day to tackle daily challenges and help you reach your ambitions.

"As a runner, this is probably one of the most inspiring and motivating books you can read. Everyone in my family has read it, and we often talk about it with each other and marvel at how this one man could have done the things he did. Whether you’re running your first 5K, 10K, half-marathon, full marathon, or ultramarathon, you can benefit from reading this book." — Erica Murphy, senior SEO manager 

Don Miguel Ruiz discusses the source of self-limiting beliefs that are robbing us of our daily joy. The Four Elements, which has been on the New York Times best-seller list for more than 8 years, will help you experience a new type of freedom, true happiness, and love. 

If you're a fan of Super Soul Sunday, or just love Oprah for that matter, you'll love paging through this book filled with all the "a-ha moments" from the three-time Emmy Award-winning show. The 10 chapters are each introduced with a personal essay from Oprah herself, and they explore the steps in her own spiritual journey.

More: The Best Books From Oprah's Book Club

"This book is an easy read and can help anyone in a personal or business aspect. It focuses on validation and how having that simple communication skill can help you connect with other people on a deeper level. It’s so easy to apply to your life!" — Brian Murray Jr., lifestyle editor

William H. McRaven had a long career in the navy. During his time serving, he learned 10 principles that helped him overcome various challenges not only through his training, but through the rest of his life. He spoke of these principles at the 2014 University of Texas commencement ceremony. After his speech went viral, he wrote this book to let people all over experience what he learned.