Looking for the best self help books of 2020? Trying to figure out how to make more money? Climb the corporate ladder? Leave a job you hate? Or simply just trying to figure out how the heck to be happier and enjoy your life more? I’ve been there. I first discovered “self help books” when I was working in a law firm and felt like my soul was leaving my body every day. I enjoyed the people I worked with and loved my clients, but the work just didn’t excite me. Don’t get me wrong, it was a good experience and I was thankful for my job. But I couldn’t help but wonder what else was out there? It was around this time that I started reading Brian Tracy’s No Excuses (which made the #1 spot on this list). Within just a few months of reading that book, I quit that job and was working at a job I loved. Within a year, I was officially a self help book junkie and couldn’t get enough self help books in my life. Here are some of my favorites.

BEST SELF HELP BOOKS OF 2020

No Excuses by Brian Tracy is one of the best self help books of 2020. 

This book changed my life. It really helped me see ways that I could easily transform my own career and put in a little extra effort which would go a long ways. I’ve listened to it and read it over and over because it’s so motivating. When I recommend books, I always recommend checking them out from a library first. This is not one of those books. If you were going to buy any book on this list, buy this one! It will change your life and it’s the kind that you’ll read over and over again.

You are a Badass by Jen Sincero. 

Not only did I find Jen Sincero’s book to be extremely motivating and centering, but there were moments where I was crying actual tears of laughter. You are a Badass will teach you how to improve your relationships, make money, and take appropriate risks. There is a reason why this is a New York Times Best Seller.

You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero. 

This book is filled with good financial advice that will also have you rolling with laughter. This is not your average personal finance book, rather, this book is mostly about your money mindset and changing your ways of thinking so that you can make more money.

Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss is one of the best self help books of 2020.

This book was so inspiring! Basically a conglomeration of interviews the author has had with hundreds of successful people over the years and some common themes about them which will teach you not just about wealth, but also health, wisdom, and just generally being a good human. This book for me was more of a slow read, not so much a page turner. I’d read a story or two every night for some good hearty inspiration.

Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown. 

You can be pretty confident that anything Brene Brown produces is going to be pure gold. She’s got the Midas touch. Braving the Wilderness will make you feel things you didn’t know you needed to feel and help you be comfortable in your own skin, so that you can achieve more not only in your professional life, but in your personal relationships as well. Definitely one of my favorite self help books.

Rising Strong by Brene Brown. 

Rising Strong is another golden nugget from Brene Brown that teaches you about picking yourself back up after failure and why failure is a completely normal/necessary part of life. It also taught me a lot about my own emotions and dealing with my own false beliefs. A must read.

7 Habits of Highly Effective People By Stephen Covey is still one of the best self help books of 2020.

You’ve probably heard of 7 Habits of Highly Effective people, but have you actually read it? This is another one that I would recommend buying instead of checking out from the library. You’ll probably want to highlight and take notes all over it like crazy. It’s a powerful book that I believe should be read and digested slowly. And then read again and understood better.

Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis. 

I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a book recommended more than this one. It’s a good intro into self help books and reveals the lies that you have been telling yourself your whole life. You’ll finish this book with a much better sense of self love and confidence… and we could all use that. Also you can be a boy and still read this book.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert. 

This self help book will teach you mental habits that will make you a more productive, effective, and happy person. It was written by the lady who wrote Eat, Pray, Love and kind of outlines her creative process and how you can cultivate your own creativity and freedom.

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. 

How to Win Friends and Influence People is a classic. If you are just starting out reading self help books, you can’t miss this one– one of the originals from Dale Carnegie. It was written in 1936 so it’s style is a little different, but it’s a must.

Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy is one of the best self help books of 2020. 

Eat That Frog is another golden nugget from Brian Tracy. It’s a really short read and it completely transformed how I tackle my day. He offers some really great advice about how to be extremely productive.

How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less by Nicholas Boothman. 

This was a quick, pleasant read that completely changed how I interact with people on a daily basis. I categorize it as a self help book because it teaches you amazing communication skills, especially with strangers. This comes in handy in literally a million different scenarios. Whether you are asking your boss for a raise, want your dentist to be gentle with you, trying to score a date, talk your professor into accepting a paper late… literally in a million different scenarios. Everyone should read this book.

How to Be Yourself by Ellen Hendriksen. 

I thought this book was going to be focused on people with diagnosable anxiety but it’s not. It’s really a book targeted at anyone because it’s a book that teaches you how to overcome fear (which we all have) and distorted views of ourselves. This book helps us reach past those fears to become ourselves– our best selves.

Pitch Anything by Oren Klaff is one of the best self help books of 2020.

Pitch anything pleasantly surprised me. It’s a book that basically teaches you how to sell yourself or your idea to anyone– whether it’s a board of investors or selling your spouse the idea of where to go to dinner, selling is an important aspect of personal development and Pitch Anything ought not to be missed.

I should warn you. These books actually will help you become a better person. They’ll help you make more money. And you’ll likely feel happier and improve your relationships with the people around you. So I mean, if you’re not ready for that, definitely be careful reading them. 🙂

Did I miss any of your favorite self help books? Leave them in the comments below! 

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