Self-improvement books everyone should read

I try to read a self-improvement book or two each year.  Below are four of my favorites.  I only wish I’d read them sooner. Any of these would make a great gift to high schooler.

1. The Millionaire Next Door, by Thomas Stanley (1996)

Stanley studied the lives of 292 millionaires to see how they accumulated their wealth.  His research goes into great detail with numerous specific examples.  The study basically revealed that the secret to significant wealth accumulation was to live frugally well below your means and save/invest the rest. 

This is an easy concept to understand, but a harder one to master.  It means delaying instant self-gratification by sacrificing fancy new cars, large homes, and expensive vacations.  But as Stanley demonstrates the effect of sacrificing these things can build wealth and live a satisfying life.

2. How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie (1937)

Beginning around 1912, Dale Carnegie gave business education courses which included lectures on public speaking.  His courses and lectures became quite popular.  Later the teachings of his course were captured in this book that became an instant.  Time Magazine rated this book #19 on its list of 100 most influential books.

Carnegie offers a list of recommendations to help his readers in their personal and professional lives.  A few may be obvious to some readers but it never hurts to be reminded.

In the first section, the book offers three techniques for handling people including “don’t criticize, don’t condemn, and “compliment sincerely and honestly.”

The second section of the book gives six ways to get people to like you.  Some of the ways Carnegie recommends include smiling often, remembering a person’s name, and listening sincerely to others.

Section three covers 12 ways to win people to your way of thinking.  In this part, Carnegie tells his readers to quickly admit when your wrong and to mention your own mistakes before correcting the mistakes of others.

3. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (1771-1791)

This book chronicles parts of Franklin’s life.  As one of the most interesting and influential Americans of all time, it’s a great read. 

In one section of the book, Franklin identifies 13 virtues he hopes to master.  His list includes order, frugality, moderation, justice, and humility to name a few.  He creates a chart to track his progress and decides to focus on a different virtue each week.

In one amusing passage, Franklin reveals that his original list had 12 virtues. However, a friend told Franklin that he (Franklin) was thought to be too proud.  So Franklin added humility as his 13^th virtue.  Franklin admits that while he never attained the reality of humility, he did make progress toward the appearance of it.

4. Make Your Bed – by William McCraven (2017)

Admiral McCraven gave what became a famous commencement address at the University of Texas in 2014.  Later, McCraven expanded his speech into this book.  The book contains his 10 lessons/principles to lead a successful life and change the world for the better which he learned during his 36 years as a Navy Seal.  These lessons include the importance of working with a team,  measuring people by the size of their heart, doing extra work, and maintaining hope during dark times.

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