8 Great Inspirational Books

These 8 books are some of the most inspirational books around. Not only are they my favorites, but they are favorites of many a successful man and woman.

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When I first started this post…oh about 6 months ago….I wanted to share my top 5 favorites. But I struggled to narrow it down to 5. There are just soooo many inspiring books out there that have completely changed the way I view my interactions with other people, finances, my own internal struggles, my goals in life and much, much more. So we’re going with 8 books instead.

Now to be fair, I haven’t read every single inspirational book out there. These are just my favorites from the ones I’ve read. And this list does not include all the books I’ve read. I’ve found a lot of lists out there with the 20 most inspiring books of all time, or whatever. And some of the books on those lists I didn’t actually enjoy. Everyone is different and enjoys their own type of book for inspiration.

The books in this list cover a variety of topics but all have inspired me in some way. So whatever suits your fancy, pick a few to read. They are all so great!

The Compound Effect, Darren Hardy. This is the book that has been the most life changing for me. It’s completely changed the way I think and view my day to day life. It’s all about how small, deliberate changes can compound over time to drastically change your life. Thus, the compound effect. This is the first book that got me into reading other personal development books.

The 4-Hour Workweek, Timothy Ferriss. LIFE CHANGING! Seriously. Even if you’re a stay at home mom, this book has some amazing principals on how to reduce the amount of “stuff” in our lives (stuff being time spent on email, clutter, non-needed activities, etc.) and simplify our lives, so that we can actually enjoy life. What a concept right?! Why wait until you retire at 70 to take that trip to Europe. Tim shares his philosophy of “mini retirements” and how we shouldn’t wait until our golden years to live our dreams. We should be living them every day.

There’s a lot of business information in this book as well (how to be more efficient at work, get a virtual schedule, stop sitting at the computer waiting for email to come in, etc.) but there are a lot of great takeaways for life in general. Very inspiring book!

The Millionaire Next Door, Thomas J. Stanley & William D. Danko. We all tend to think that millionaires live lavish lives. It’s all “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” But in reality, your next door neighbor could be a millionaire and you would never know. This book shares how real, everyday millionaires live, what they spend their money on and how they save. Really great practical knowledge on wealth accumulation.

How to Win Friends & Influence People, Dale Carnegie. I love Dale Carnegie. I even took a Dale Carnegie class when I first started working in corporate America. This book has stood the test of time for sure (first published in 1936). If you ever have to interact with people (ha!), read this book.

How Successful People Think, John C. Maxwell. Maxwell tells us to spend time just thinking. Act on your thoughts. Turn thinking into a lifetime habit. Question popular thinking. It’s a quick read as well, which I always love.

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13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do, Amy Morin. You guys, this book. Like right from the beginning it spoke to me. You want to talk about someone who’s gone through some sh*t in their life, listen to Amy’s story. I know a few people who, right off the back, could use this book. I want to send it to so many people and just say “Drop everything and read this book!” Even myself. I found myself really thinking about my character traits/flaws and how I do certain things that I didn’t even realize. 5 stars from this girl right here.

The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho. I’ve mentioned this one before and was so excited to hear that many of you have read this book, or know someone who has. It is probably one of my favorite fiction books of all time because it has such an inspiring message. Follow your dreams and you never know what may happen.

Rich Dad Poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki. This book challenges the way we think about money as a society. He talks about how to get your money to make money and work for you, instead of you working for your money. It’s good stuff and has really taught K and I how to limit our financial exposure and build wealth.

I could go on and on with more great inspirational and personal development books that both K and I have read. I love pleasure reading, but reading to better oneself is great as well.

What are some of your favorite inspirational books?

Comments

Biana @ Blovedboston says: October 12, 2015 at 5:55 am

All of these sound wonderful – starting with the millionaire next door! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
Caroline @ In Due Time says: October 12, 2015 at 6:13 am

goodness! I haven’t read any of these! Thanks for the good ideas!
Joey says: October 12, 2015 at 6:40 am

Okay adding all of these to my to read list right now! Excellent post, thanks friend!
Kelli {A Deeper Joy} says: October 12, 2015 at 6:54 am

Thanks for the list, Tiffany! The 4 Hour Workweek sounds like one I’d want to read someday!
Jaelan @ Making Mrs. M says: October 12, 2015 at 7:18 am

I have heard so many wonderful things about Paulo Coelho. My mom is a huge fan. These books sound like amazing reads.
Jenna @ A Savory Feast says: October 12, 2015 at 7:52 am

I’ve been looking for some new books to read, and these all sound great! Thanks for sharing them.
Amanda Elizabeth says: October 12, 2015 at 8:51 am

This list is so helpful and I am saving it. I love the rich dad poor dad book so eye opening!
Summer says: October 12, 2015 at 4:15 pm

Thanks for all these lovely recommendations♥♥
summerdaisy.net
Carly says: October 12, 2015 at 6:40 pm

Love, love, love books like this and am definitely going to keep a few of these in mind.
Chelsea @ Life With My Littles says: October 12, 2015 at 7:09 pm

The 4 Hour Workweek sounds amazing! I think I need to pick that one up!!
emily @ a little bit of emily says: October 13, 2015 at 8:34 am

I love a good inspirational book! I definitely want to check out some of these on the list. Thanks for sharing!
Jamie @ Medium Sized Family says: October 13, 2015 at 9:42 am

I put The Compound Effect on my library list! I really love The Millionaire Next Door and have long wanted to read some of the others on this list. Great list!
tawnyafaust says: October 13, 2015 at 9:00 pm

Great post, Tiffany! There are a couple that I’ve put on my list of books to read 🙂 I love inspirational/character building type of books. I just love reading a book and feeling like I’ve taken so much away from it.
Paige @ An Uncomplicated Life Blog says: October 14, 2015 at 5:33 am

This is a great list, and I love how concise you make the summaries (I really struggle with book reviews that drone on and on…) Funny thing about the thinking constantly and intelligent people: “They” say that those who are extremely intelligent are never bored because there is always something to think about. These people are ALWAYS thinking; and many times, they’re talking to themselves! I felt vindicated by that because I’m constantly chatting with myself and I remember growing up, I’d leave friend groups of people who were “bored” and who would say “man, this is boring” because I couldn’t identify with them! Not to say that I’m extremely brilliant. I have super dumb blonde moments. Haha! But, this man’s research is super interesting.
Meg O. says: October 14, 2015 at 9:00 am

I have the 4 Hour Work Week and I’ve only read the first few chapters. Sounds like I really need to finish it! Thanks for sharing this list! Pinned it for reference! 🙂
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says: October 14, 2015 at 10:09 am

Okay, I seriously have to read The Alchemist. My husband keeps telling me it’s a must read but I never get around to it. I tend to be a non-fiction reader rather than a fiction reader.

Great list! Thanks Tiffany!
xoxo
Ifeoma Samuel says: October 15, 2015 at 1:36 am

I have read some but am yet to read others like the John Maxwell’s book on your list.
Thanks for the compilation.
Blessings to you Tiffany