Life Changing Self Help Books

Ever read a book that changed your life? Here is a list of books that have substantially changed the the way I handle different aspects of my life. These books helped me become self sufficient, more efficient with my time, gain control of my money, and inspired me to be above average (maybe Congress and the Senate should read some of these books). The books are listed in no particular order, as they are equally important and build on each other.

The first book is The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People By Stephen R. Covey. I read this book when I was in my early teens and the biggest lesson I learned from the book is to be in true control of my life. In the the words of Covey, to be proactive instead of reactive. The book also gave me tools to become more efficient. It got me started on using a calendar and organizing tasks by their priority. This book is filled with timeless principles and is a great read for a person of any age.

The second book is The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey. The total money makeover has transformed how my family and me manage money. This book gives readers simple and easy to follow steps to get out of debt forever and to build wealth. The plan in the book gives readers a highly motivational process to relieve them of debt. This book is not for someone looking for a quick fix to their money problems, but for someone looking for a fix that will work. But don’t think this book is just for poor people. This book can help people with an income of $250,000 or more per year.

The last book is From Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t by Jim Collins. While this book may seem like it only applies to business, it will inspire any individual, organization, or business to take the extra steps to become great. While the average person may think this book will be boring, it in fact, is very interesting. This book has inspired me to not get discouraged when things don’t immediately take off. Good to Great taught me not to look for a quick solution, but to apply consistent effort toward a carefully planned goal and eventually I will achieve it. Even if business books are not your thing I highly encourage people to read this book as they will find great principles and the interesting stories behind truly great CEO’s and leaders.

Another book that deserves honerable mention is Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money–That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert T. Kiyosaki and Sharon L. Lechter. I just finished this book about a week ago so I can’t tell if it will have a lasting change on my life. But, from what I can tell, it reinforces the principles taught by the other books I’ve mentioned. Hope everybody enjoys reading these books. And remember, the best way to help yourself is to continue reading new material throughout your whole life. Take the time to listen to other points of view and most of all, look for the good in every situation.