If you’ve ever read a great business or success-related book, there are usually a few priceless nuggets in each manuscript which make it worth your time. Here are 10 of my favorite self-empowerment books, and a key idea from each manuscript that made it worth reading. Any of these authors and their books can seriously boost your mindset and consciousness of success, power and happiness.
1) Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Define your purpose. While this sounds arbitrary, it has several important meanings such as: What do you want to do and how do you want to be? Moreover, discover who you are and why you want to improve. Hill, N. (1960). Think and Grow Rich. New York: Fawcett Crest.
2) How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Remembering names and enthusiasm matter. Read this book or take the courses from the Carnegie programs. Either way, you will win. The number one lesson I learned from Carnegie is that other people’s names are music to their ears. Learn names of clients, customers or those in positions of influence. Be enthusiastic with people and miracles will happen. Carnegie, D. (1994). How to Win Friends and Influence People. New York: Pocket Books.
3) The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Dr. Stephen Covey
Sharpen the saw or stay sharp. This advice to me is extremely important because we must all be students of life, be open to learn and continue to grow. Covey, S. R. (1989). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. London: Simon & Schuster.
4) Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz, MD
Change your beliefs on the inside for greater self confidence. Because he was a plastic surgeon, his thoughts on developing confidence within are much more influential. This is because he helped many people change their looks, yet they still remained dissatisfied until they expanded their world view and developed self regard. Maltz, Maxwell, MD (1960). Psycho-Cybernetics. New York: Pocket Books.
5) The Art of Happiness by The Dalai Lama
Peace and joy can be learned and experienced. His book hits home because this master Buddhist professes that peace and happiness can be cultivated by anyone who wants it. His Holiness the Dalai Lama & Howard C. Cutler (1999). The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living. London: Hodder & Stroughton.
6) The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra, MD
Follow your natural expression. The magic of Dr. Chopra is that he is a master of helping people improve their lives and thinking. Dr. Chopra helps us move toward our purpose, right livelihood and authentic selves. Chopra, D. (1996). The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success. London: Bantam Press.
7) The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Dr. Joseph Murphy
Optimize your thinking for success. This is a classic work because Dr. Murphy is a professional at showing people that they can alter their consciousness and beliefs toward a greater good and prosperity. He is a connoisseur of the use of affirmations as a path to mental transformation for greater relationships, success and career improvement. Murphy, J. (1963). The Power of Your Subconscious Mind. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
8) Maximum Achievement by Brian Tracy
Specify goals and know what you want. Buy any book you can find by Mr. Tracy. He is a consummate professional and a world class writer on the issues of entrepreneurship and management consulting. He famously states that less than 3 percent of people set goals. Tracy, B. (1993). Maximum Achievement: Strategies and Skills That Will Unlock Your Hidden Powers to Succeed. New York: Fireside.
9) The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles
Gratitude is the key to abundance. If you have not read this 100-year-old book, do it. It is quite an amazing piece of prosperity writing from the turn of the century, and it is concise. Wattles’ opus is still a bestseller as he is the genius who has distilled the ideas of success and excellence into a short revolutionary treatise. Wattles, W.D. (1976). Financial Success Through the Power of Thought [The Science of Getting Rich]. Rochester, Vermont: Destiny Books. (Written originally around 1910). Or How to Promote Yourself by Wattles. Lulu Press, ISBN-10: 0615223494.
10) As You Think by Mark Allen
Your experience is shaped according to the totality of your thought. Mr. Allen has a couple of super books, a world recognized publishing house and some of the biggest selling clients. Buy any of Mr. Allen’s books to discover timeless secrets of success. Allen, J. (1998). As You Think. Ed. with introduction by M. Allen. Novato, CA: New World Library.
Sometimes it takes a book or seminar like the ones listed above to jolt our consciousness to make your next move in life. Sometimes economies are bad and other times they seem great. Refuse to participate in doom and gloom, and follow your dreams to the best of your ability. Be your best, find your purpose and show the world your excellence and passion.
George Mentz, JD, MBA, CILS, CWM is a best selling success author and award winning speaker/professor who is a wealth management commentator and professor who has authored several books. Mentz can be contacted at www.gmentz.com
Dear Friends, Two of the greatest success books for all time are: Think and Grow Rich and the Science of Getting Rich.
I wrote and produced 2 new Audio Summaries of these 2 great books to help people improve their lives, happiness, and success.
by George Mentz
Link: http://amzn.com/B018YIGCWE
by George Mentz
Link: http://amzn.com/B018YIX12S