6+ Favorite Books on Self-Improvement (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on self-improvement (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

1. Talent Is Overrated by Geoff Colvin

   

   $9.99

   In Talent Is Overrated, Geoff Colvin flips the script on the common belief that natural talent is essential for greatness. He argues that what really matters is deliberate practice, intrinsic motivation, and starting early. I found his insights refreshing, especially the idea that superior performance relies more on sustained effort than on innate ability. Colvin’s takeaways emphasize that anyone can achieve mastery if they’re willing to put in the work. Honestly, I loved this book—it's practical and data-driven, making it a must-read for teens and young adults looking to excel.

   Pros:

   • Data-backed arguments make the book credible.
   • Emphasizes the importance of deliberate practice over innate talent.
   • Offers useful takeaways for achieving mastery and fulfillment.

   Cons:

   • Nothing - amazing book that is a must-read for teenagers / young adults.

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   09/01/2025 10:01 am GMT
2. Six Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono

   

   $9.99

   In Six Thinking Hats, Edward de Bono presents a straightforward technique for improving meetings and decision-making through the use of six different thinking modes, each represented by a colored hat. I was pleasantly surprised by how practical and effective the framework turned out to be, far exceeding my initial skepticism about typical business jargon. However, I couldn't help but notice that de Bono can come off a bit self-important, which might be a turn-off for some. Still, the useful ideas make it worth pushing past that hype. Overall, it’s a solid read for anyone looking to enhance their thinking processes.

   Pros:

   • Simple and powerful technique for meetings and decision-making
   • Encourages parallel thinking to avoid conflicts
   • Explores issues from diverse perspectives
   • Practical guidance for effective use of the method
   • Exceeds expectations with a solid framework

   Cons:

   • Author comes across as overly self-assured
   • There's some hype around the ideas

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   09/01/2025 04:00 am GMT
3. The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin

   

   $9.69

   In The Art of Learning, Josh Waitzkin shares his journey from chess prodigy to world champion martial artist, emphasizing the mental processes behind high-level performance. The review highlights how Waitzkin's honest storytelling offers valuable insights into skill development, focusing on the importance of deliberate practice and the internal experiences that fuel mastery. While the book is rich with applicable lessons, it does slow down during the Tai Chi sections and might leave readers hunting for clear takeaways. Overall, it’s a thoughtful read for anyone interested in personal growth and performance.

   Pros:

   • The book is honest and not ghostwritten, providing authenticity.
   • It offers plenty of applicable analogies and lessons for everyday life.
   • The story extends beyond chess, showcasing experiences in other fields.
   • It includes unique experiences that happen only to those at the top of their field.

   Cons:

   • The Tai Chi section needed more editing and was slow and boring.
   • You have to actively look for lessons and takeaways; it's more memoir than self-help.

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   09/01/2025 08:00 am GMT
4. How To Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie

   

   $12.78

   In How To Stop Worrying and Start Living, Dale Carnegie tackles the pervasive issue of worry and its negative impact on our health. The book offers straightforward techniques to help you manage anxiety, including a three-step process and tips for crowding out worry through busyness. I found the 1930s tone both charming and amusing, making the advice feel refreshingly straightforward, even if some examples are outdated and focused on a narrow audience. Despite its age, the practical advice still holds up, making it a worthwhile read for anyone looking to kick the worry habit.

   Pros:

   • The book offers simple and actionable techniques to eliminate worry.
   • It has a vintage, humorous tone that makes it enjoyable to read.
   • The advice is surprisingly solid and backed by modern psychology.

   Cons:

   • The examples are dated and focus mainly on white male breadwinners.
   • Some content includes benevolent sexism.
   • It's from the 1930s, which may not resonate with all readers.

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   09/01/2025 12:01 pm GMT
5. Indistractable by Nir Eyal

   

   $14.89

   In Indistractable, Nir Eyal explores the psychology behind our distractions and offers a practical four-step approach to regain control over our attention. I found the book refreshingly tactical, with solid advice on things like timeboxing that I could implement right away. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Eyal is a bit of a walking contradiction, having contributed to the very attention economy he now critiques. Despite this mixed feeling, the book provides useful insights into managing distractions and living a more intentional life. Overall, it’s definitely worth a read if you’re looking to boost your productivity.

   Pros:

   • The book reveals the hidden psychology of distraction.
   • It provides a practical 4-step model to become indistractable.
   • The author offers novel techniques for time and attention management.
   • The recommendations are tactical and immediately implementable.
   • It addresses the underlying causes of distraction rather than just superficial tips.

   Cons:

   • The author is seen as a contradiction due to his previous work in the attention economy.
   • I am uncertain about the authenticity of his claims.

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   09/01/2025 12:02 pm GMT
6. The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz

   

   $14.53

   In The Magic of Thinking Big, David Schwartz dives into the importance of positive thinking and self-belief as keys to success, regardless of your natural talents. He lays out practical advice for improving your job, relationships, and overall life by focusing on big dreams and positive language. I found the book to be a mix of timeless wisdom and some outdated views, especially with its 1950s perspective on gender roles. While it can feel a bit tedious at times, the solid advice and relatable anecdotes make it worth a read if you’re looking to boost your mindset.

   Pros:

   • The book provides practical advice on success through positive thinking and self-belief.
   • It contains useful anecdotes and is not overly fluffy compared to other business books.
   • The writing is humorous and embodies a generous, pragmatic approach to self-improvement.

   Cons:

   • The author reflects a 1950s perspective, including elements of benevolent sexism in many examples.

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   09/01/2025 01:00 pm GMT