If you feel a lack of motivation, the good news is that there are a number of tricks you can try to get yourself back on track. One of them is to read a motivational self-help book. “Motivational self-help books can be useful to some people because they can serve as a jump start to someone who needs inspiration to keep going,” says Shabazz. The key is finding the right book. To help you sort through all the options, here are the best motivational books recommended by mental health experts. His message is simple: start with small, manageable changes in order to build towards lasting change. It’s easy to read and, more importantly, easy to learn from. After reading it, you’ll know how to set priorities, get started on tasks, and keep your motivation going until you achieve the outcome you desire. This book breaks down the latest scientific research on how habits work and what we can do to change them. That way, we can create new routines for our lives and our business. Best of all, this book contains some engaging, motivating end-of-chapter exercises that you’ll come back to time and time again. The chapters are short and easy to read. The tone is compassionate. Meanwhile, “Atomic Habits” by James Clear will help you better understand the science behind good habits so you can take small—but meaningful—steps towards positive change.
Author Credentials
Ideally, the author should have some expertise on the topic they’re writing about. This expertise can be academic or personal, but you’ll generally want a book written by someone who has the credentials to write about the psychology of motivation. “Look for an author that makes you feel empowered,” says Schroeder. “Do a little research. There are self-help books on almost any topic, and finding an author that resonates with you is key.” Some authors will offer free content on their website or will have done web or podcast interviews. “Look for those interviews, because it can give you a feel for who they are,” says Shabazz.
Actionable Advice
Some books will include exercises to help you learn how to implement their motivational tips. This can help guide you to change your habits and outlook. “You want to make sure you are being encouraged to take small attainable steps,” says Schroeder. “If your goal is to run a marathon and you currently don’t run, you won’t read this book and suddenly be able to run a marathon. Aim for a book that gives you a goal-setting process.”
Why Trust Verywell Mind?
As an experienced health and science reporter, Simone Scully understands the importance of picking thoroughly researched products to promote wellness and self-care. For example, “in the case of those who experience anxiety in an intense way, I encourage people to consider what is at stake if they don’t take action,” Shabazz says. “It’s a modern version of a pros and cons list but the purpose is to get to the bottom of what’s holding someone back from moving forward.” For others getting motivated involves letting go of societal expectations and focusing on doing one thing, every day, that makes them happy. “Do what makes you truly happy, and that is where you will see the motivation increase,” says Schroeder. If you do something that makes you happy first, she continues, you can “fill your cup, and the motivation for other tasks will follow.” The activity that makes you happy doesn’t have to be complicated either: it can be as simple as going for a walk, meeting up with a friend, or taking an hour for self-care. Some people also find motivation in either starting the day with a simple task that they can do quickly—like making the bed or checking an easy item off your to-do list—so that you feel a sense of accomplishment early in your day. Others feel motivated by having a clear plan or routine for the day that allows them to track their progress, like starting out with a regular morning routine that increases productivity, for example. Be clear on why you’re doing something: “For most tasks that we set out to accomplish, it’s important to determine what the value attached is with getting this project complete,” says Shabazz. Focus on why you’re doing something and what you’ll get out of it when the task is complete. Don’t bite off more than you can chew: This is especially important if you start a new hobby or project. “Break your project into small attainable steps,” says Schroeder. “If you are starting to feel overwhelmed by a step in the process, break that down into more manageable chunks. Be realistic with yourself and the time you give yourself to complete these goals.” Surround yourself with supportive or motivated people: People cheering you on to accomplish your goals will keep you motivated. It can also be helpful to be around other ambitious people that are motivated to go after their goals because you might get inspired by their passion. Just make sure those people aren’t too competitive or negative. If they are too competitive and unsupportive of your goals, it could lead you to compare yourself or feel less accomplished, which could begin to affect your self-esteem and your follow-through. Keep learning: This is where self-help books can play a role. Learning about new things and new ways to pursue your goals can be extremely motivating. Give yourself breaks: “Motivation often ebbs and flows, so it is important to give yourself grace in times you don’t have as much,” says Schroeder. “That way you are able to capitalize on the motivation when it is at a high.”
