Here’s the thing, self-help books have a bad rap. whereas previous books about ending the grind have been crammed with hundreds upon hundreds of pages of incomprehensible life advice (like waking up at 5 a.m. every morning, no thanks) and vague quotes like “life is like a river”, the good news is that there is a new and improved generation of human beings making self-help books great again.
In this economy, self-help can seem like a lot of things and the epic books we’ve found cover everything from helping you assess what your own personal success looks like to simply helping you “get rid” of the fireballs that life can nail. on your way.
You are reading: Books to read in 2022 self-improvement
read on for the most helpful self-help books.
the best self-help books of 2022
the success experiment
by lillian ahenkan
We’re not the kind of people to take anyone’s advice, but hey, if it’s lillian ahenkan (aka flex mommy), we’ll whip out our airpods and listen to what she has to say. The Success Experiment has been described as a “no nonsense guide to life” and may or may not be the only book you should pay attention to during your 20s. As one of the best self-help books of 2021, this read is basically a blueprint, a basic formula, that you can use to create your own personal success and addresses the idea that your life can really change if you change your goals to align with what that would really light you up inside rather than feel easy or attainable. this one won’t actually be released until June 1, 2021 (you’re welcome to let us know), but you can pre-order a signed copy right here.
un-cook yourself
by nats what I think
We call it the tastiest self-help book of this generation. if you haven’t heard of nats what i think get off your high horse and get into their hilarious videos which at the same time keep us from using packet sauces and taking life too seriously. The entire reading is basically packed with nine sensible life rules that can be applied to every facet of your own life, whether it’s work, family, relationships, or your own personal development. no matter what you take away from the kitchen, you will definitely get a laugh.
burnout: solve your stress cycle
by emily and amelia nagoski
For those of you on the brink of burnout or potentially on the brink, this book is the gold standard for life. mixed with science, ingenuity, and real coping strategies you can apply every day. While anyone can obviously experience burnout, this particular read delves into why women experience burnout differently than men and shares ways women can minimize stress and manage emotions. there is a very solid insight into the biological cycles of stress, how to monitor the parts of your brain that regulate emotions and frustration, and why resting and befriending your inner critic is the key to preventing burnout.
a life guide for drag queens
from bimini bon boulash
See Also: Karin Slaughter – Audio Books, Best Sellers, Author Bio | Audible.com
Tell us you’ve seen Ru Paul’s Drag Race without telling us you’ve seen Ru Paul’s Drag Race, because if this self-help book isn’t already under your crown, you’re missing out. bimini is a complete sweetheart who wears her heart on her sleeve and always works on the “positive attitude”. Telling the story of how drag brought her from the brink of self-destruction to the main stage, as well as life lessons drawn from convention-shattering icons from Kate Moss to Katie Price, in this book, Bimini uses all her wit, charm and kindness to show us how to lead the life we wish we could, through the life-changing magic of dragging up. this one will be released on November 2, 2021, but you can pre-order a guide to life as a drag queen right here.
jump to fullness
by heaven nelson-isaccs
Get ready for the question of what the leap to whole is: how do you get something out of nothing? While it may seem out of character for a physics educator like Sky Nelson-Isaacs to be putting out one of the best self-help books of all time, it’s really only reading that could help you find your greatest purpose in life. (big call, we know). this book has been dubbed a “survival manual for humans” and checks you out, yes little one, on how you could be filtering out so many other parts of life. The basic idea is that this self-help book will help you create something out of nothing with your life, by the very things you’re not doing and not seeing.
working hard, barely working
by grace beverley
Get into the bible to achieve more, stress less and feel more accomplished. We all know the pressure of feeling like we should be working 24/7 while at the same time being told to “just relax” and take care of ourselves as if we somehow have to decide between success and failure. Sanity. By working hard, hardly working, self-proclaimed “lazy workaholic” grace beverley challenges this unnecessary and unrealistic divide, offering a new perspective on how to create your own balance and be more productive. we love this one because it really gives you ways to identify how you can work smarter and do more of what you love, create your own method of productivity, make your routine really work for you, and engage in your own self-care.
good vibes, good life: how self-love is the key to unlocking your greatness
by vex king
Think of this beauty as your daily manual for getting out of low motivation and overwhelming times. full of inspirational quotes, good vibes, the good life is easily another one up there with the best self-help books of all time, aimed at transforming negative emotions into positive ones, developing self-love, mastery of the mind, goal setting and pursuit. a deeper purpose in your own life, so that you can do much more than you really want to do. Although this book borders on the limits of a spirituality self-help book, it is very easy to read and provides practical solutions that you can start right away.
you’re a bastard
by jen sincere
In this refreshingly entertaining how-to guide, best-selling author and world-traveling success trainer Jen Sincero delivers 27 short chapters (ready to fill your morning commute with a dose of inspiration) filled with hilariously inspiring stories. , sage advice, simple exercises, and the occasional swear word. in turn, it’s all designed to help her identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that keep her from getting what she wants.
you’re not broke, you’re pre-rich
by emilie bellet
If you ask us, this read is still one of the best self-help books of 2021 (although it dropped a while ago). Dive into this modern day money manifesto stat. You’re Not Broke You’re Pre-Rich is the handy little life hack that will absolutely annihilate your brain cells (in a good way) on everything related to renting, buying a house, getting a better salary, managing a credit card, understand your net worth, save more money, live within your budget, build a pension, invest, and pay off any accumulated debt (we’re looking at it). this gem is an easy read, even while you’re spending your sweet time on netflix.
the best self-help books of all time
how to win friends and influence people and how to stop worrying and start living
by valley butchery
See Also: Audiobooks narrated by Gerard Doyle | Audible.com
The world was a very different place when this book was written, but good advice always stands the test of time. how to win friends… etc. it is a central memory for most people who have been included in leadership teams around the world. Breaking down 12 major concepts for life, you’ll learn how not to criticize, be generous with praise, how remembering people’s names is one of the best things you can do, and even how to own up to your own mistakes. buy it here.
the 7 habits of highly effective people
by stephen r. flock
Hats off to this epic self-help book because its wisdom will absolutely change your life. While theory is a bit heavy at times, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People will give you the tools to maximize your own value and the value of others, a double-edged sword packed into one neat little read. /p>
atomic habits
by james of course
As read in one of the most recent classics (published in 2018 and not in the early 20th century…), atomic habits are the world’s favorite for a reason. if you’re on your sweet self-help journey, this guy has all the potential and a lot of little actionable things (hence “atomic habits”) that will build the blocks to change your life in the direction you want it to go. There’s cutting-edge psychology, inspiring stories from Olympic gold medalists, top CEOs, and distinguished scientists who have used the science of small habits to stay productive and happy.
the subtle art of not giving a fuck
by brand manson
For decades, we’ve been told that positive thinking is the key to a rich and happy life. “Fuck positivity,” says Mark Manson, “Let’s be honest, shit is fucked and we have to live with it.” academic research and timely poop jokes, that improving our lives depends not on our ability to turn lemons into lemonade, but on learning how to better digest lemons. in other words, know your limitations and accept them. buy it here.
now reach the best sustainability books.
design credit: juliette davies
editor’s note: urban list editors independently select and write about things we love and think you will too. urban list has affiliate associations, so we earn revenue from your purchase.
See Also: Amazon Books heading to Pacific Palisades as new village center takes shape – Los Angeles Times