Best books to help you improve your self-discipline
Megan McKeough
Mindset by Carol S. Dweck
Dweck’s guide to fulfilling one’s potential analyzes the psychology of success, positing that shifting our self-talk can have a drastic impact on what we can accomplish. Contrasting growth and fixed mindsets and equipping readers with the tools they need to shift from both, Mindset shares methods for effective goal setting, praising one’s efforts along the way, and achieving success.The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal, PhD
Breaking down the science of willpower, Dr. McGonigal combines cutting-edge insights from psychology, economics, neuroscience, and medicine to create a holistic approach to achieving our goals and strengthening our self-control. The Willpower Instinct explains that willpower is a mind-body response that can be enhanced through mindfulness, nutrition, exercise, and sleep.The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Sometimes, to break habits, it’s helpful to understand why we form them in the first place. Business journalist, Duhigg, provides scientific evidence and real-life anecdotes to help readers understand their routines so they can harness the power to change them.Atomic Habits by James Clear
If you’ve read The Power of Habit and are ready to make an actionable plan, Atomic Habits is a great next read (though The Power of Habit is not a prerequisite). Clear offers an approachable guide to breaking habits through tiny tweaks. Packed with success stories from everyday parents to Olympic athletes, Clear highlights the life-changing impact that small changes can have on our lives, diving deep into cue-craving-response loops, environmental design, and identity-based change.Deep Work by Cal Newport
With today’s barrage of notifications, emails, work messages, and more, our ability to truly focus is diminishing by the day. Newport's praised methods offer a way to reclaim our attention spans through practice and dedication, providing readers with a blueprint for taking back their time and accomplishing great things.The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
If you struggle to stay present and live in the moment, add The Power of Now to your TBR. Celebrated spiritual teacher, Tolle, invites readers to slow down, offering practical tips to overcoming past regrets and future anxieties. His approachable guide is presented in a question-and-answer format so readers can evaluate their habits and processes and work towards forming new ones grounded in the here and now.The Little Book of Big Change by Amy Johnson, PhD
As you may guess from the title, this book approaches big differences through small changes, encouraging readers to believe they have the power to rewire their brains, no matter how deeply ingrained their habits might be. Combining neuroscience and spirituality, Johnson offers practical changes to daily life that can eventually lead to a more effective, fulfilling lifestyle.Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven
Retired Navy SEAL McRaven gave a commencement speech at the University of Texas in 2014, and over ten years later, his words continue to encourage and impact people. Focused on the ten principles he learned during Navy SEAL training, Make Your Bed offers practical advice for persevering through challenging times, starting with small, simple tasks that can compound into meaningful change.Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins
If you were inspired by McRaven, you’ll likely find Can't Hurt Me to be an encouraging read. Overcoming a childhood of racism, poverty, domestic violence, and depression, Goggins went on to complete Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and Air Force Tactical Air Controller training, becoming the first person in the world to accomplish all three. Goggins inspires readers to break through mental limitations and tap into their true potential, proposing that most humans reach only about 40% of their potential and offering a path to defy that statistic.Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy
Tracy’s time management guide proposes that by ‘eating the frog’ or knocking out the most difficult task of the day in the morning, the rest of the day will feel easier and more productive. Offering an approachable method for staying disciplined and getting things done, ‘Eat That Frog!’ is great for anyone looking to stop procrastinating and kickstart a more efficient routine.The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle
After spending years researching the neurology behind nine of the world’s talent hotbeds, bestselling author Coyle has identified three key elements to high-achieving individuals—deep practice, ignition, and master coaching. In The Talent Code, he expands on these elements, providing real-life examples and scientific research to help readers pursue their most ambitious goals.The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
If you’re looking for some inspiration but feeling burnt out by self-help books, Coelho’s simple yet profound prose will both entertain and uplift you. This epic fiction chronicles the life of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd who yearns for adventure and pursues a worldly treasure. Along the way, his journey transforms into one of self-discovery and fulfillment, inspiring anyone yearning for a more meaningful life to look inward.Strong Ground by Brené Brown
Bestselling author, career coach, and motivational speaker, Brown, analyzes the key elements of courageous leadership, offering tips on reclaiming focus and driving growth through connection, discipline, and accountability. She draws on years of working with powerful leaders, coaches, and facilitators, weaving in personal anecdotes to understand the current challenges threatening the human spirit. In Strong Ground, Brown fights against the misconception that performance and wholeheartedness are mutually exclusive. Want to add some audiobooks or ebooks to your reading life? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to Everand, a digital subscription that gives you instant access to millions of bestselling ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more. Start reading on the web, iOS, Android, and even offline.
Megan McKeough