Motivational Books
When people are faced with a life-altering career change, they may feel overwhelmed or lost, or they may begin to doubt their own self-worth, or question whether they will ever find another job. 12 Steps to a new Career deals with this by having people write about their successes, and it works for most people. If you or someone you know is having a really hard time, here are some recommended motivational books that focus on getting you unstuck and back on track. Some of these books can re-energize you whether you are having some motivational issues or not.
A Guide to Getting It: Self Esteem by Laura Davis, et al, Clarity of Vision Publishing, Portland, Oregon, 2002.
Twelve Life and Business coaches who have contributed to this book offer their views about what self-esteem is, how it affects our lives, and what we can do with our awareness of its impact on ourselves, those people dear to us, and the world we touch. By helping you discover your true worth, this book shows you how to realize your full potential.
Awaken the Giant Within by Anthony Robbins, Fireside, 1993.
This book identifies step-by-step strategies, inspirational anecdotes, and techniques for mastering your emotions, body, relationships and finances to achieve a fuller, more rewarding life.
Developing Self-Esteem – A Positive Guide for Positive Success by Connie D. Palladine, Crisp Publications, 1994.
A practical, realistic, motivating book designed to increase feelings of self-esteem using techniques, ideas and exercises.
Ending the Struggle Against Yourself: A Workbook for Developing Deep Confidence and Self-Acceptance by Stan Taubman, J. P. Tarcher, 1999.
This book takes you to the core of true self-esteem: deep confidence. This confidence is evident in those fortunate few who have fully accepted the realities of their existence and have learned to integrate both their limitations and their potential into their entire being. With exercises, activities and personal stories, this powerful workbook will show you how to face self-doubt squarely and, by learning its lessons, make it work for you instead of against you.
Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway by Susan Jeffers, Fawcett Books, 1992.
Dr. Jeffers teaches you how to stop negative thinking patterns and re-educate your mind to think more positively. You will learn a 10-Step Positive Thinking Process.
Full Esteem Ahead. Keys to Strong Personal Values and Positive Self-Esteem by Rob Solomon, Rob Solomon, 1992.
This book considers the roots of self-esteem and its importance and outlines a seven-point plan to develop and maintain positive self-esteem. Guidance concerning self-inventories, values development, goal setting and goal-directed behavior is offered. The author also addresses self-acceptance issues.
How to Enjoy Your Life and Your Job: Selections From How to Win Friends and Influence People and How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie, Pocket Books, 1986.
This book will help you create a new approach to life and people and discover talents you never knew you had, showing you how to make other people feel important, avoid unnecessary tension, get people to say yes, turn routine tasks into stimulating opportunities, spot sure-fire ways to avoid making enemies, and how to smile in the face of criticism.
It’s Only Too Late If You Don’t Start Now by Barbara Sher, Dell Publishing, 1998.
For those going through a midlife crisis, there is a way to reclaim your creativity, recapture long-lost dreams, and embark on an exciting new life. Regardless of your age, you will find inspiration and techniques that can have a significant impact on your outlook and approach to life.
Live the Life You Love, In Ten Easy Step-by-Step Lessons by Barbara Sher, Dell Publishing, 1996.
With wisdom and warm reassurance, this step-by-step guide to personal and professional fulfillment teaches you the practical strategies you need to make your “impossible” dreams possible, reachable and real.
Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude by Napoleon Hill & W. Clement Stone, Simon & Schuster, 1992.
Shows a step-by-step guide to developing a positive mental attitude that will help you to realize your dreams. Uses examples of other well-known and successful leaders.
The Inner Game of Golf by W. Timothy Gallwey, Random House, 1998.
Gallwey’s groundbreaking instructional continues to preach such “Inner Game” fundamentals as trust, concentration, visualization, feel and relaxation and is full of what Gallwey calls “awareness exercises.”
The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey, Random House, 1997.
Gallwey’s revolutionary thinking, built on a foundation of Zen thinking and humanistic psychology, is a primer on how to get out of your own way to let your best game emerge.
The Power of Positive Living by Norman Vincent Peale, Ballantine Books, 1996.
Filled with letters, anecdotes and examples drawn from the author’s extensive counseling experience with men and women of all ages and walks of life, this powerful guide offers a profound yet easily applied message to every individual: You can conquer personal fears, triumph over adversity, and transform and enhance your daily life. You will find steps necessary for developing confidence and self-esteem.
The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale, Ballantine Books, 1996.
Dr. Peale offers the essence of his profound method for eliminating all the negative thoughts that prevent you from achieving happiness and success and mastering the problems of every-day living. You’ll learn how to eliminate that most devastating handicap – self-doubt – plus how to free yourself from worry, stress and resentment, how to climb above problems to visualize solutions and then attain them, and simple exercises that you can do every day, throughout the day, to reinforce your new-found habit of happiness.
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey, Simon & Schuster (Fireside Book), New York, 1989 (Revised).
In this perennial best-seller, Stephen Covey reveals a step-by-step pathway for living with fairness, integrity, honesty and human dignity.
The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Brandon, Bantam Books, 1995.
This noted authority on self-esteem defines the importance of living consciously, self-acceptance, self-responsibility, self-assertiveness, living purposefully, and personal integrity. He also looks at self-esteem within the contexts of school, work, psychotherapy and culture and how to develop it within each.
The Success Principles by Jack Canfield, Collins, 2005.
The co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul describes 64 principles that you can implement to overcome obstacles, limiting beliefs, and indecisions that can positively impact your life and relationships with those around you. He offers examples and stories from contributed authors and his own interviews with those who have become successful.
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, Fawcett Books, 1990.
Using Andrew Carnegie’s techniques and formula for success, this classic book will help you to recognize, relate, assimilate and apply principles whereby you can achieve any goal. Napoleon Hill is widely acknowledged as coining the term “Master Mind” by gathering the power of the thinking of others to help you solve your issues.
Unlimited Power: The New Science of Personal Achievement by Anthony Robbins, Simon & Schuster (Fireside), 1997.
This book will show you how to achieve the extraordinary quality of life you desire and deserve, and how to master your personal and professional life.