Changing your life begins by changing in your mind – and when it comes to getting a fresh perspective, the right books and ideas can make all the difference. Here are a few to get you started

Everyone wants to be happy. That’s why thousands of self-help books are published every year around the world. Promising everything from increased wealth and success to better relationships and a more productive workday, their degree of success depends not just on the book but also on the mindset of the person reading it. 

Being ready for change begins with an open mind, and books that can help you to see things differently can change your entire approach to change. And that can make all the difference when it comes to approaching situations and opportunities from a new angle.

According to the latest science , we’re more capable of change than we ever thought before – and it’s a simple matter of knowing how to work with what you already have to make changes that stick (and stay stuck). In essence, self-transformation begins with increasing your self-awareness, so why not put some time aside to understand yourself a bit better and identify any areas you’d like to change.

Start by asking yourself the following questions: 

1. Do you really want to change? There’s nothing wrong with being happy as you are – and if you feel that way, count yourself lucky. If not, however, take comfort in the science-proven fact that change is possible at any age, and any time.
2. Do you believe you can change? Sometimes, a negative self-narrative can hold you back despite your best efforts. Whether you’re conscious of them or not, thoughts like, “I can’t do this”, “I’m not good enough” and “I don’t deserve to succeed” may pop up whenever you try something new and sabotage your progress. Becoming aware of these thoughts is the first step to letting them go, so take the time to look at what’s holding you back – and get professional help if necessary. 
3. Why do you want to change? Having the right motivation can increase your chances of success.

Bringing in the books

As a general rule – and given the fact that true change begins within – the most useful self-help books provide a fresh perspective on (and approach to) life, rather than a snappy (but ultimately superficial) quick-fix. There are so many self-help books on offer that Amazon has 28 categories for them, from anger management and eating disorders to personal transformation and success. With this in mind, we’ve selected 12 books to get you started on the path to self-awareness.

For a fresh perspective on life:

• The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle
• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck, by Mark Manson
• Daring Greatly, by Brené Brown
• Man’s Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl

For evidence-based advice:

• Atomic Habits, by James Clear 
• Hardwiring Happiness, by Rick Hanson
• Lifeshocks: And How to Love Them, by Sophie Sabbage
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey

For light inspiration:

• Jonathan Livingston Seagull, by Richard Bach
• Who Moved My Cheese?, by Dr Spencer Johnson
• The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho
• The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Please note: these are simply suggestions. The one thing we know about change is that one size never fits all. Different personalities respond differently, so consider what inspires you personally and try different books and approaches. Happy reading!