Five Self-Improvement Books That Actually Deliver
- Jake Garwood
- Jan 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 21
As I mentioned in my last blog, I am that guy - the one who reads self-development books, listens to motivational speeches, and imagines himself as the next Rocky Balboa. I've always loved reading, when I was a child it was fiction, but now they are self improvement, mindfulness or finance. Some have been helpful, others not so much. But these five? They’ve actually made a difference, and I’m sharing them here because I genuinely think they can help you too. Here we go!
This one completely changed how I view productivity. McKeown’s approach is simple: focus on the things that really matter and get rid of everything else. Once I stopped spreading myself too thin, I actually started getting the important stuff done. It’s helped me manage my time better and simply focus on what truly adds value to my life.
I could write an entire book just about this one - it truly changed my life. This isn’t a fluffy 'just think happy thoughts' type of book. Mo, with his background in engineering, breaks down happiness like it’s an equation. He explains how to focus on what you can control and accept what you can’t, which completely changed how I approach my own thoughts. Before reading this, I used to think quite negatively, but now I feel positive almost all the time - I’m genuinely happier because of it. Mo also shares his deeply personal experience of losing his beloved son Ali after a routine surgery and how he managed to find happiness again, applying his own equation. It’s powerful, practical, and something I think everyone should read.
If you’ve ever wondered if there’s more to life than the traditional career route, this book is for you. Millerd challenges the traditional idea of success and encourages readers to carve their own path. He makes the case that it’s perfectly okay not to know exactly where you’re headed, and that embracing uncertainty can lead to a more fulfilling life. If you’ve ever felt trapped in a career that doesn’t excite you, this book will give you the freedom to question the conventional path and find your own way.
The 'hustle' culture is something I bought into previously, but Newport takes a different approach which was eye opening. He talks about doing less, but doing it properly - being deliberate with your time and focusing on deep, meaningful work. Since reading this, I’ve become more intentional with how I use my time. I focus on what matters, and have somewhat let go of the constant need to stay busy. The result? Less cognitive stress, more progress.
This is the definition of "Don't judge a book by it's cover". This is a no-nonsense, brutally honest book about wealth creation. Dennis lays out exactly what it takes to build something of value - high risk, sacrifice, and hard work. It’s not a feel-good guide to getting rich; it’s about developing the mindset of someone who’s willing to go all-in on their goals. If you’re serious about entrepreneurship or building something from the ground up, this book will challenge you to rethink how far you’re willing to go - not to discourage you, but to make you understand the reality of what it takes. And if that makes you question whether it’s for you, then it’s done its job.
These five books have made a huge difference in how I approach my goals, my work, and even my daily life. They’ve helped me focus on what truly matters, let go of things that don’t, and take more control over my own happiness and success.
There's a lot of recycled rubbish out there when it comes to self-development. These books have genuinely helped me, and I’m sure they’ll do the same for you. If you’re looking to make some real changes, maybe start here.
Disclosure: The book links in this blog are Amazon affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend books I genuinely value and believe could benefit you.
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