The 20 must-read self improvement books for any student
The rise of shady writers looking to make a quick buck have led to an increase in self-improvement books in recent years.
They come up with attention-grabbing titles like “The secret to happiness” or “How to be successful with this one trick” when the content is filled with nothing we didn’t already know.
Does that mean self-improvement books are a sham?
Thankfully no. And to prove that, we listed 20 quality self-improvement books that we’ve read.
The best part is that these books were picked with the interests of students in mind.
1. The 7 Habits of highly effective people
The 7 habits of highly effective people cover 7 habits that are said to bring the maximum long term beneficial results.
It proposes that success is based on the fundamental principles that we integrate into our character like integrity, fairness, humility etc.
This book is a game-changer that’s guaranteed to cultivate your personal management, leadership and problem-solving skills.
2. How to Win Friends And Influence People
It offers an in-depth breakdown on the secrets of dealing with people. People who have a hard time making friends can seek inspiration from this book.
While students in project work, clubs or CCAs where conflicts are bound to occur will learn to deal with them in a healthy manner.
Similarly, the leaders in those groups will learn to influence, inspire and lead people effectively.
Simply put, if you miss out on this book, it’s your loss.
3. The Speed of Trust
This book answers these questions in a simple to understand and engaging manner.
Whether you’re in University, Polytechnic or Junior college, developing trust with your peers play a huge role in reputation. And eventually, reputation will extend into the working world.
4. The Charisma Myth
If you’ve ever asked yourself what charisma is, this book answers the question for you.
For the first time, science has dissected and examined charisma so that anyone can learn and apply it.
In the book, you will learn practical techniques and strategies backed up by a variety of sciences to understand what Charisma is, how it works and how to apply it.
5. Happier now
According to an IMH study in 2016, 1 in 7 people in Singapore has experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime, with a higher prevalence found among those aged between 18-34.
This statistic is shocking and it seems to tell us that happiness is but an elusive concept.
This book isn’t about always being happy. Instead, it teaches readers how to stop searching for some ambiguous “happy” in the future and start finding more joy in everyday moments.
Backed with science and practical tips, this book is great for people who are struggling with self-love, mental health and more.
6. Thinking, Fast and Slow
Since it takes a lot of effort to use system 2, we are using system 1 most of the time which means that for the most part, we are relying on our gut feeling rather than being logical and rational.
The book helps one understand how people think and why people are so prone to jumping to conclusions, hindsight and confirmation bias.
7. Essentialism
Using this concept, students can start doing things that matter most and get rid of things that don’t produce effective results.
For instance, students will learn to study more for some topics, and less for others; students will learn to be more disciplined with their money and time.
8. Shoe dog
This book tells the incredible true story of Nike, and how it came to be the massive giant we know today. Knight covers the book in great detail, particularly how tough the climb to greatness was.
Unlike other memoirs, this book wasn’t a display of ego-fueled awesomeness. Instead, it’s a guide to the cut-throat landscape of the business world.
For insights and a raw no-fluff exposure to entrepreneurship, this is the book to get started with.
9. Deep Work
Deep Work seeks to help us overcome distractions in this digitally connected world so we can devote our focus to cognitively demanding tasks for hours with no interruptions.
Imagine being able to complete your schoolwork or revision in a fifth of the time it normally requires – that’s the power of Deep Work, no kidding.
10. Can’t Hurt Me
Goggins had an abusive father, performed poorly at school and had bad experiences with racism.
Before enlisting, Goggins weighed 136kg and was told that he was too heavy for SEAL training. Within 3 months, he lost enough weight and weighed 86kg.
This is a memoir about how he overcame the hardships in his life to become who he is. This book is great if you are looking to turn your life around, just like David Goggins did.
11. Principles
He provides insights into the culture at his company, and the importance of working for what he wanted rather than for what others wanted of him, and the importance of setting clear goals.
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in career development, or business in general.
12. The Power of Habit
The difference between a bad and good habit means everything in the long run.
Good habits can allow you to achieve your goals, while bad habits can set you back. For students, it could mean the difference between getting a 4.0 and a 2.5 GPA
Fortunately, this book dives into the science behind habit creation and reformation. It examines how different companies such as Procter & Gamble and Alcoa, and individuals like Michael Phelps implement keystone habits to bring about their success.
Therefore, this is a must-read if you are looking to replace bad habits with good ones.
13. Outliers
Sure, some people might have a better upbringing or better opportunities, but the book argues that success has more to do with nurture, rather than nature, and that ordinary individuals can still succeed if we position ourselves correctly.
The book also argues that time, not talent is the more important factor for success and that you need 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert.
14. Failing Forward
Michael Jordan once said: “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
This book addresses why it’s normal to fail, but also the importance of not ignoring your failures.
It teaches us how to deal with setbacks and failures, and how to build a good culture that encourages a growth mindset within a team.
15. The Obstacle Is The Way
What makes this book particularly engaging is how the author fills it up with stories of people across history who managed to turn their adversities into resources for success.
The book also offers a practical system for the average person on how to turn their obstacles into successes. Read this book, and save years of future frustration.
16. The Art Of The Good Life
They provide tips to help you manage your allowance and finances, social circles, studies and much more.
If you want a systematic approach to ignoring external and internal influences on your path to reaching new heights in school, this book is a must-read.
17. Never Split the Difference
Almost everything in life is a negotiation, from asking your parents for more pocket money to persuading your friends.
The book uses lessons learnt from Voss’ career as a hostage negotiator and applies them to situations in your everyday life.
The book serves as a primer to teach people to be better negotiators in life by being genuinely curious and having an open and honest conversation.
18. Man’s search for meaning
The book outlines some of his time spent in the concentration camps and what he noticed, both from the point of view as a fellow prisoner, and a psychiatrist.
Throughout the book, he outlines the importance of finding a purpose in our own lives, and that hardship is inevitable.
However, when we find purpose, we can move forward and deal with these hardships.
19. Winning With People
Focused on core, essential principles on building relationships, you will find many engaging stories and anecdotes that illustrate these concepts.
At the end of each chapter, the book even dives into practical applications and takeaways. If you’re looking to strengthen your relationships and grow your interpersonal skills, give this book a read!
20. Meditations
The book has several recurring themes, most of which revolves around how one deals with other people, leading a simple life, and acceptance. The book talks about finding inner peace with yourself and learning how to control your expectations and reactions.
It is a good introduction to anyone who is interested in the philosophy of stoicism.
Final thoughts
If you’ve read any of these books, comment down below on what you felt you took away from it. These comments can help to guide others in the right direction!
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