Best Sellers
The books that defined personal development — ranked by lasting impact, with our editorial notes on why each one is worth your time.
Books That Built the Genre
These titles have sold tens of millions of copies and are still recommended by coaches and executives today. Start here if you are new to personal development.
Think and Grow Rich
Napoleon Hill · 1937
The book that launched modern self-help: 13 principles distilled from interviews with Andrew Carnegie and over 500 of America's most successful people. Dense in places, unforgettable in result.
Read about Napoleon Hill →How to Win Friends and Influence People
Dale Carnegie · 1936
Over 30 million copies sold and still the default recommendation for anyone who wants better relationships. The principles are simple, which is exactly why they are hard to stop using.
Read about Dale Carnegie →The Greatest Salesman in the World
Og Mandino · 1968
Told through five "scrolls" of ancient parables, this is equal parts fable and field manual. A favorite of sales teams and dreamers alike for nearly 60 years.
Read about Og Mandino →Secrets of Closing the Sale
Zig Ziglar · 1984
Zig's master class on the psychology of the close, packed with the stories and character that made him one of the most beloved teachers of all time.
Read about Zig Ziglar →The Five Choices That Change Your Life
Jim Rohn · 1990s
Rohn's concise framework — your thinking, habits, environment, reading, and circle of association — remains the clearest summary of self-responsibility in print.
Read about Jim Rohn →No Excuses!
Brian Tracy · 1995
A practical, no-fluff system for achieving any goal: the goal-setting process, the planning method, and the daily action habits that keep big plans alive.
Read about Brian Tracy →Contemporary Favorites
The modern canon — books from the last three decades that have become required reading in boardrooms and living rooms alike.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Stephen R. Covey
The framework for principled leadership and personal effectiveness that organizations around the world have built training programs around.
Read about Stephen Covey →The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
John C. Maxwell
Maxwell's systematic treatment of leadership — from the Law of the Lid to the Law of Legacy — is a best-seller for a reason.
Read about John C. Maxwell →The Success Principles
Jack Canfield
A 64-chapter encyclopedia of practical success, from mindset to money. Canfield's co-founder of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series brings signature warmth.
Read about Jack Canfield →Rich Dad Poor Dad
Robert T. Kiyosaki
The financial-literature book that reframed assets, liabilities, and cash flow for a global audience — and started countless home-based education programs.
Read about Robert Kiyosaki →The 5 Love Languages
Gary Chapman
One of the most recommended relationship books ever published, and the basis of a global coaching movement on expressing and receiving love.
Read about Gary Chapman →The Psychology of Winning
Dr. Denis Waitley
Waitley's research-backed look at the mindset of high achievers, with his trademark blend of philosophy, sports psychology, and practical action steps.
Read about Denis Waitley →Read Less, Grow More
Not sure where to start? Our author profiles include reading lists, key articles, and free audio from every teacher featured on this page.