If you’re looking to gain self-knowledge, a little guidance can go a long way. Below, you’ll find the best self-knowledge books to help you improve every area of your life.
In this post, you’ll learn how these top picks were selected and why each book is great for self-awareness. since there is no one best approach for everyone, you will also learn which book is the best option for you.
You are reading: Best books for self awareness
The process of becoming self-aware is like peeling back the layers of an onion. each book helps you peel off another layer that comes with new insights. Some benefits of this process include:
- higher emotional intelligence
- more self-confidence
- more self-control
- better relationships
- more creativity
- more empathy
- and more satisfaction and happiness
Let’s start by defining what qualities a book must have to make it to the list of best self-awareness books.
What Makes a Good Self-Knowledge Book?
what happens when you gain a new personal perspective?
you get an aha moment.
a moment when you see the world from a new perspective. when you experience such a discovery, you feel amazing. it is a revelation that helps you understand the world.
That’s the kind of knowledge you need to improve your life.
And that’s exactly the kind of information we’re looking for when we consider a book to be one of the best self-knowledge books.
In fact, for a book to make this list of the best books on self-awareness, it has to have a lot of these ideas. so no matter where you are on your journey, you still get a lot of value from the book.
The idea is that you can read these books many times and still learn something new each time you read them. because every time you read it, you become a little more self-aware.
that’s what it takes to get on this list.
This is not only based on my subjective experience, but also on the reviews of others.
Finally, each of the books on this list approaches the subject of self-awareness in a different way. Whether you’re looking for a very practical book, one with lots of stories, or one full of research, this top 7 has something for you.
so let’s start with the number one book for self-knowledge.
#1: insight – tasha eurich
the full title of the book tells everything you need to know about it:
insight: the surprising truth about how others see us, how we see ourselves and why the answers matter more than we think.
tasha is a psychologist and has made many observations on the subject of self-awareness. In her book, she dives into the pillars of self-awareness and the potential obstacles she might face.
Although this book is packed with research, it is by no means a boring read. Tasha’s narration makes it relate to your life and makes you want to read the book in one sitting.
The stories make this book easy to read, which is great for beginners. but because it’s packed with research, it’s also a book that can help those who are already more self-aware.
some aspect you will learn about:
- your blind spots
- acknowledge your behavior
- self-awareness tools you can use in everyday life
- receive, reflect and respond to feedback difficult
- and more…
Who should read this book? This is the best self-knowledge book if you want a book that is easy to read but packed with research-backed insights. I would recommend this book for both beginners and those who are already more self-aware.
get your copy here.
#2: awaken the giant within – tony robbins
This book is one of my personal favorites. and although it is much more than a self-knowledge book, it helps you obtain that knowledge.
I discovered this book when I needed it most. I felt frustrated with my life because I didn’t understand myself and struggled to navigate the world. The ideas in this book helped me see life from a different perspective and caused positive change.
See Also: 19 Best Books on Minimalism and Simple Living (in 2022)
but that’s not the only reason I chose this book.
tony robbins is one of the most popular names in the self-help industry. has helped millions of people around the world change their lives.
I’m not saying this just to show you it’s worth listening to.
I say this because the very principles he uses in his seminars are exactly the same ideas he writes about in this book.
is packed with practical information, ideas, and exercises.
Almost every page in this book has a little nugget of gold to take away. and it is not a thin book…
These are some of the things you will learn:
- understand the meaning behind your feelings and emotions
- manage and control your emotions in difficult situations
- ask better questions to feel better instantly
- using your physiology to feel more confident
- a 7-day plan to master all areas of your life
Who should read this book? This book contains so much information that I read it at least once a year. That’s why I also think it’s a great book for anyone to read, no matter where they are on their journey.
get your copy here.
#3: unlimited power – tony robbins
how to awaken the giant within, unlimited power is another great read to improve self-awareness. if you choose both books, I recommend you read this one first.
This book also contains practical information, helpful ideas, and powerful exercises.
The big difference is that this book focuses more on achieving excellence and personal success, where the previous one focuses on mastering all areas of life.
While these topics may not address self-awareness directly, let there be no confusion. self-awareness is the starting point for personal excellence and mastery in general.
some topics you will learn in this book:
- identify and change self-limiting beliefs
- transform your state to feel less anxious
- use anchors to improve self-awareness
Who should read this book? If you feel stuck but have the ambition to build a meaningful future and achieve more success, then this is the book for you.
If you happen to read any of the tony robbins books, I recommend you pick them both up, as they go so well together. and if you get them in a bundle, you get a nice bonus too.
Buy the bundle that includes the bonus here.
or get unlimited energy here.
#4: emotional intelligence – daniel goleman
Emotional intelligence has become a more important skill in recent years. it’s for good reason that the book’s subtitle says: why it may matter more than iq.
The main idea of this book is to help you understand your emotions so you can manage yourself better. main benefits include:
- managing stress
- reducing anxiety
- dealing with setbacks
- dealing with challenges
- and overcoming impulses
Emotions influence everything you do, like your behavior and the decisions you make. that is why emotional intelligence is a fundamental piece for self-awareness.
Your emotions can hold you back or propel you forward. and if you learn to manage them in the best possible way, you will experience more happiness and joy.
In addition to understanding and managing yourself, emotional intelligence is also the springboard for improving relationships. it is not only the basis of self-awareness, but also of empathy and compassion.
Who should read this book? This is the best self-knowledge book for you if you want to understand and manage your emotions. and it’s also a good read if you want to better understand others and improve your relationships.
get your copy here.
#5 the art of talking to yourself – vironika tugaleva
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The most important voice you could ever hear is your own.
Even though you read these self-knowledge books for guidance, in the end only you know what’s best for you. learning to use and listen to your inner voice will lead to the best life for you.
However, most people never learn to use that voice.
instead, his inner voice is like an untamed animal. And it can hurt you if you don’t learn to control it. think about unconscious things like negative self-talk, asking yourself disempowering questions, and self-limiting beliefs.
Learning the art of talking to yourself helps you feel better and improves your self-esteem. this then has a positive effect on the quality of your life in all aspects.
Who should read this book? Do you feel stuck and don’t know what to do? then this is the best self knowledge book for you. this book acts more like a guide to help you get unstuck, rather than telling you exactly what to do. after all, only you know what is best for you.
pick up your copy here.
#6 nlp: the essential guide – tom dotz and tom hoobyar
nlp stands for neuro-linguistic programming and is a pseudo-scientific approach to self-improvement. most tony robbins methods stem from this technique.
But don’t be fooled by the approach, this is the most practical book on this list.
is packed with lots of useful information and handy tools to use. Some of these tools will help you:
- understand how you think
- understand how your life unfolded the way it did
- manage your thoughts and desires
- help you living in “the zone”
- improves your psychology to have better relationships
- learn the signs to “read the mind” of other people and understand how they feel
- and much more…
There is a lot of overlap between self-awareness and practical applications for everyday situations, which makes this a good read.
Who should read this book? This book is for anyone looking for practical advice and strategies. In addition to self-awareness, this book gives you the tools to better manage yourself.
get your copy here.
#7: the 7 habits of highly effective people – stephen r. flock
You’ve probably heard of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. and if you haven’t, you should stop reading now and pick up your copy right away.
It is one of the classic personal development books that I read at least twice a year for various reasons.
Although this is not a direct self-knowledge book, the ideas help you think things through. and I’ve learned a lot about myself that way.
is a great read to gain a greater perspective of yourself and the world around you. That is why it is in the top 7 of the best self-knowledge books.
Who should read this book? If you’re looking to improve self-awareness but also seek self-improvement in general, then this book is for you. With many related stories and examples, this is an easy book for anyone to understand.
get your copy here.
which book will you choose next?
These books are a great way to lay the groundwork for self-awareness and personal success.
want some extra advice?
Each of these best self-knowledge books contains a lot of value and is worth reading more than once. That is why I recommend that you read these books at least once a year.
That doesn’t mean you have to read it from cover to cover every time. you can use bookmarks to highlight sections or take notes, so you can flip through them later.
Get your top picks from the top 7 self-knowledge books today so you can make some personal breakthroughs.
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