If you’ve ever found yourself staring into the abyss of your overthinking mind, clutching a half-drunk iced coffee and wondering why your life feels like a never-ending to-do list—congratulations, you’re exactly the kind of person self help books were written for. And guess what? You’re not alone.
From productivity ninjas to emotional alchemists, the authors on this list have figured out how to hack the human experience—and lucky for us, they wrote it all down. Whether you’re trying to set better boundaries, manifest your dream life, or just survive Monday mornings without questioning your existence, this list has your back.
We dug through Goodreads best sellers, Amazon charts, and every therapist’s office coffee table to bring you the best self help books best sellers in 2025. These aren’t just motivational posters in book form—they’re tools, wake-up calls, and, occasionally, a literary slap in the face (in the most healing way possible).
So, sit back, grab a pen for all the quotes you’ll underline and never reread, and let’s dive into the best self help books of all time (or at least this year). Spoiler alert: you’re about to become the most emotionally intelligent person in your group chat.
16. The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest
Why You Should Read It
Because self-sabotage is so last season, and healing is the new glow-up.
What We Liked
Insightful, poetic, and makes your inner critic cry in a corner.
What We Don’t Like
Gets a little abstract—like journaling while on a yoga retreat in space.
Book Review
Brianna Wiest is the kind of author who writes like she’s reading your mind—but in a comforting, not-creepy way. The Mountain Is You explores how we are often the biggest obstacles to our own growth, and spoiler alert: it’s not your ex, it’s you. With chapters that feel like deep convos with your emotionally intelligent friend, Wiest helps readers unpack why we repeat unhealthy patterns and how to finally rewrite those emotional scripts.
This isn’t your standard “believe in yourself” fare. It’s a poetic blend of psychology, healing, and a dash of metaphysical sparkle. If you’re looking for a book that doesn’t just inspire change but actually explains why change is so hard—and how to climb the emotional mountain you built yourself—this one’s a must-read.
It’s one of the best selling self help books for a reason. Think of it as therapy in hardcover form, minus the co-pay.
15. Build the Life You Want by Arthur C. Brooks & Oprah Winfrey
Why You Should Read It
Because when Oprah speaks, we listen—and apparently, she co-writes now too.
What We Liked
Science-backed happiness advice wrapped in Oprah-level wisdom.
What We Don’t Like
Occasional “just be happy” vibes might make skeptics squint.
Book Review
This dynamic duo (Harvard brain + Queen of All Media) delivers a practical yet profound take on happiness. Brooks brings the data and psychology, while Oprah adds the “aha” moments. Together, they tackle the question: Can you really build the life you want, or is that just something we say before returning to doomscrolling?
Build the Life You Want offers tangible steps to increase emotional self-awareness, find meaning in the mundane, and make peace with things we can’t control (like your group chat’s refusal to plan anything on time). The advice is digestible, and while it leans toward the optimistic, it doesn’t feel naive.
If you’re looking for one of the best self help books best sellers that feels like a mix of a TED Talk and a therapy session with a billionaire spiritual guide, grab this one.
14. 8 Rules of Love by Jay Shetty
Why You Should Read It
Because understanding love is way harder than falling into it.
What We Liked
Grounded in wisdom, gentle in tone, and highly relatable.
What We Don’t Like
Some ideas are idealistic—real life is messier than a Shetty analogy.
Book Review
Jay Shetty, former monk turned podcast superstar, tackles that slippery, sparkly concept: love. From dating to commitment to heartbreak (and everything in between), 8 Rules of Love blends ancient wisdom, modern psychology, and just enough romantic realism to make you feel seen.
Instead of dishing out tired love clichés, Shetty frames relationships as both art and discipline. He guides readers through every stage of connection, reminding us that love is not something you fall into—it’s something you practice. And no, you don’t need to be in a relationship to get something from this book. Even if your most intimate relationship is with your air fryer, this one’s worth the read.
Definitely one of the best selling self help books of the year—perfect for anyone trying to love better, not just harder.
13. Get Out of Your Own Way by Dr. Mark Goulston
Why You Should Read It
Because you’re the common denominator in all your problems… and your potential.
What We Liked
Straight-talking, actionable, and a little bit like a motivational punch in the face.
What We Don’t Like
Not for the faint of ego. It’s honest—sometimes brutally so.
Book Review
If you’re tired of self help books that coddle your bad habits, Dr. Mark Goulston is here to lovingly drag you into your next level. Get Out of Your Own Way is all about identifying the subtle ways we self-sabotage—whether it’s procrastination, perfectionism, or that internal monologue that sounds suspiciously like your least supportive relative.
Goulston doesn’t just tell you to “think positive”—he helps you understand why you think negative in the first place. He backs it all with clinical insight and real-world stories that hit just the right balance between relatable and transformative.
It’s one of the best self help books of all time for those who want real change—and are ready to face some uncomfortable truths to get there.
12. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* by Mark Manson
Why You Should Read It
Because not caring (strategically) might be your mental health’s best friend.
What We Liked
Blunt, hilarious, and surprisingly deep under all the swearing.
What We Don’t Like
If profanity isn’t your jam, this might feel more irritating than enlightening.
Book Review
Mark Manson basically took the entire genre of self help, gave it a side-eye, and then flipped it on its head. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* isn’t about thinking positive—it’s about choosing your problems wisely. It’s the anti-perfectionism, pro-reality check that so many of us need in a world of toxic positivity and endless Instagram quotes.
With razor-sharp wit, Manson argues that life is about struggle, but we get to choose what’s worth struggling for. It’s a perspective shift, a call to emotional maturity, and, honestly, a permission slip to care less about the stuff that doesn’t matter.
This book is constantly topping lists of the best self help books best sellers because it’s refreshing, raw, and impossible to ignore. If you’re tired of sugar-coated advice, this one’s your new therapist.
11. Atomic Habits by James Clear
Why You Should Read It
Because real change isn’t about motivation—it’s about systems.
What We Liked
Ridiculously practical. Like, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” practical.
What We Don’t Like
It makes you realize your habit excuses are just that—excuses.
Book Review
James Clear has managed to write a book that’s equal parts brain science and common sense, and Atomic Habits continues to top the charts as one of the best self help books of all time. His premise is simple but genius: you don’t rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems.
Each chapter is packed with techniques to help you build better habits (and finally quit the bad ones), using small, atomic-level changes that compound over time. No fluff, no preachy vibes—just real, actionable advice that actually works whether you’re trying to hit the gym or write that novel.
If you’ve got goals collecting dust, Atomic Habits might just be the wake-up call you need—and yes, it works even if your habit is hitting snooze 12 times a morning.
10. The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
Why You Should Read It
Because living your truth is more important than being liked (even if your inner people-pleaser cries a little).
What We Liked
Unique format (think dialogue-meets-therapy), deeply philosophical.
What We Don’t Like
It challenges your beliefs hard—this isn’t light reading.
Book Review
This Japanese self help sensation takes the form of a Socratic dialogue between a wise philosopher and a very skeptical youth. And somehow, it works. The Courage to Be Disliked introduces readers to the principles of Adlerian psychology, which basically says: your past doesn’t define you, your choices do. Mind blown yet?
It’s not your typical “here’s a list of tips” book. Instead, it walks you through deep, often uncomfortable questions about your identity, your insecurities, and why you’re still trying to win everyone’s approval when you don’t even like half of them.
It might not be the easiest read, but it’s absolutely one of the most impactful. If you’re ready to stop living for other people’s expectations and start crafting a life that actually feels like yours, this one’s a game changer.
9. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
Why You Should Read It
Because even therapists need therapy, and we all need a little perspective.
What We Liked
Funny, heart-wrenching, brutally honest.
What We Don’t Like
You might cry in public—fair warning.
Book Review
Therapist and writer Lori Gottlieb invites us into her office—and her own therapist’s office—in this memoir-meets-self-help masterpiece. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone explores what it means to be human, messy, and still somehow okay.
Gottlieb pulls back the curtain on what really happens in therapy, using her patients’ stories (and her own) to remind us that healing isn’t linear, growth is rarely graceful, and it’s okay to be a total mess sometimes.
It’s easily one of the best self help books best sellers for people who don’t like traditional self help. It’s more like a Netflix drama written by someone who understands trauma bonding and can make you laugh while unpacking it.
Reading this book feels like being seen, understood, and gently pushed toward growth—with a box of tissues in one hand and a strong coffee in the other.
8. Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Why You Should Read It
Because being a “good girl” is overrated—and wild, brave truth is the new black.
What We Liked
Raw, fierce, empowering. Glennon writes like your big sister who’s had enough.
What We Don’t Like
Sometimes veers into the inspirational Instagram quote zone.
Book Review
Glennon Doyle doesn’t just write books—she drops emotional truth bombs that make you sit up straight and rethink your entire existence. Untamed is part memoir, part manifesto for women who are tired of trying to fit into other people’s expectations.
This book challenges the idea that we must sacrifice ourselves to be good daughters, partners, mothers, and humans. With brutal honesty and lots of heart, Doyle encourages readers to question the rules we’ve been taught to follow and instead lean into our intuition—the “knowing” that lives under all the people-pleasing.
It’s not just one of the best self help books best sellers—it’s a wake-up call in hardcover. If you’ve ever felt like your life looked perfect on the outside but felt like a slow-motion scream on the inside, Untamed will shake something loose (in the best way possible).
7. The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
Why You Should Read It
Because apparently waking up early turns you into a genius, billionaire, or both.
What We Liked
Motivating, structured, full of actionable routines.
What We Don’t Like
Requires… waking up at 5 AM. Voluntarily.
Book Review
Robin Sharma’s The 5 AM Club is the literary version of that friend who wakes up early, does yoga, journals, crushes emails, and still manages to make breakfast from scratch. It’s built on the idea that winning the morning = winning the day.
The book itself is presented as a fable, which gives it a storytelling vibe instead of a lecture-y one. It follows a billionaire mentor as he coaches two people through creating a life-changing morning routine, focused on productivity, self-discipline, and personal growth.
Sharma’s “20/20/20” formula (20 minutes of movement, reflection, and learning) is now gospel among morning warriors. Is it life-changing? Yes. Is it easy? Not even a little. But if you can survive those first groggy mornings, the payoff is undeniable.
It continues to rank among the best self help books of all time for those chasing purpose, discipline, and a shot at becoming their most focused self. Bonus: you’ll finally have time to drink your coffee before it gets cold.
6. Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty
Why You Should Read It
Because your anxious brain could use some monk-level serenity.
What We Liked
Practical wisdom with a side of ancient philosophy.
What We Don’t Like
Repetition—some ideas feel like they circle the same mountain a few times.
Book Review
Jay Shetty makes monkhood sound suspiciously appealing—minus the robe and vow of silence. In Think Like a Monk, he shares lessons from his time living as a monk in India and how to apply them to our chaotic, notification-drenched lives.
The book is divided into sections: Let Go, Grow, and Give, which guide readers through mindset shifts, habit formation, and purpose-finding. It’s filled with meditative practices, grounding exercises, and just enough science to satisfy skeptics.
Shetty’s superpower is making ancient wisdom digestible without dumbing it down. If you’re looking for peace without having to move to the Himalayas, this book is for you. It’s calm in paperback form.
As one of the best selling self help books in recent years, Think Like a Monk is perfect for anyone looking to unplug, reset, and maybe stop stress-scrolling before bed.
5. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Why You Should Read It
Because the present moment called—it wants your attention back.
What We Liked
Spiritually grounding, deeply introspective.
What We Don’t Like
A bit floaty at times—may confuse left-brained readers.
Book Review
Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now is like having a conversation with a very chill guru who just wants you to stop living in your mental time machine. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t scream at you to be better—it gently nudges you into a whole new state of awareness.
Tolle explains how our obsession with the past and future creates anxiety, and how tapping into the now can bring inner peace. It’s heavy on the spiritual side, so if you’re looking for to-do lists and life hacks, look elsewhere. But if you’re craving a perspective shift that feels like opening a window in a stuffy room, this one delivers.
Many readers revisit this book again and again, especially when life gets a little too loud. It’s no surprise it still ranks among the best self help books best sellers—because honestly, being present is the one thing most of us forgot how to do.
4. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
Why You Should Read It
Because perfectionism is just fear in a sparkly outfit, and Brené sees right through it.
What We Liked
Warm, relatable, and backed by real research.
What We Don’t Like
Might make you cry in the middle of a Starbucks. No shame.
Book Review
Brené Brown is basically the Beyoncé of vulnerability. In The Gifts of Imperfection, she encourages readers to stop chasing an unattainable version of perfection and start living wholeheartedly instead. With her trademark mix of storytelling and research, she offers ten guideposts to help you ditch the mask and embrace who you really are—messy bits and all.
This book doesn’t preach—it hugs. It reminds you that shame thrives in silence, perfectionism is exhausting, and that courage often looks like choosing yourself even when you’re terrified.
Brown’s work is endlessly quotable, but this book hits especially hard because it doesn’t just inspire change—it actually teaches you how to make it happen in everyday life. It’s no wonder this remains one of the best self help books of all time. If you only have time for one soul-deep read this year, make it this one.
3. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
Why You Should Read It
Because sometimes you need a pep talk with a potty mouth.
What We Liked
Bold, funny, and extremely quotable.
What We Don’t Like
Can feel a little “law of attraction lite” in places.
Book Review
Jen Sincero walks into your brain, slaps your inner critic, and throws glitter on your goals. You Are a Badass is loud, proud, and full of punchy motivation to help you stop self-sabotaging and start actually living like the amazing human you are.
Sincero’s style is no-nonsense but deeply encouraging. She mixes personal anecdotes, spiritual concepts, and solid life advice into a cocktail of “heck yes” energy. It’s part coach, part cheerleader, part hilarious best friend who won’t let you wallow.
This is one of the best self help books best sellers because it speaks the language of people who are tired of playing small. It doesn’t promise to fix you—because (spoiler) you’re not broken. It just gives you the tools to finally believe that.
2. Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins
Why You Should Read It
Because if David Goggins can run on broken legs, you can probably drink more water.
What We Liked
Relentless motivation, real talk, no fluff.
What We Don’t Like
May induce intense guilt about your last 17 skipped workouts.
Book Review
David Goggins is a former Navy SEAL, ultra-endurance athlete, and possibly an alien sent to shame us all into greatness. Can’t Hurt Me is part memoir, part call to arms. It’s the raw, brutal story of how Goggins transformed his life from trauma and obesity to unstoppable physical and mental toughness.
His message? You’re capable of way more than you think—and your comfort zone is lying to you.
Goggins doesn’t believe in excuses. He believes in what he calls the “cookie jar” (a mental stash of achievements to pull strength from) and the “accountability mirror” (where you stare yourself down until you stop whining). It’s tough love in literary form.
It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s easily one of the best self help books best sellers for those who want to go beyond feel-good advice and straight into “do the hard thing” territory. You won’t be the same after this one.
1. How to Do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera
Why You Should Read It
Because healing your childhood wounds is cheaper than therapy (but just as hard).
What We Liked
Trauma-informed, holistic, and incredibly empowering.
What We Don’t Like
So good, you’ll want to highlight every single sentence. (Yes, that’s a con.)
Book Review
Dr. Nicole LePera, aka The Holistic Psychologist, has created the ultimate self-healing manual. How to Do the Work is exactly what it sounds like—a deep, practical guide to unpacking your trauma, rewiring your patterns, and becoming the person your inner child would be proud of.
Unlike a lot of self help books that feel surface-level, this one goes in. It blends neuroscience, psychology, and spiritual wellness into a roadmap for personal transformation. LePera doesn’t just explain the “what”—she gives you the tools for the “how,” from breathwork to reparenting to boundary-setting (that doesn’t require a TED Talk every time).
It’s gentle but firm, clinical but compassionate. If there’s one book to rule them all in 2025, this is it. It’s already ranked among the best self help books of all time, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.
Conclusion: So Many Books, So Much Growth
Look at you, 16 books deep and already feeling more emotionally evolved. Whether you’re out here chasing purpose, building habits, processing your childhood, or just trying to stop impulse buying on Amazon at 2 AM—there’s a book here that’s got your back.
The truth is, self help isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about remembering who you are, what you want, and finally giving yourself permission to live like it matters. And whether you’re a fan of morning routines, monk wisdom, or motivational F-bombs, the best self help books best sellers of 2025 are here to help you figure it out—with style, heart, and maybe a few uncomfortable truths.
So go ahead—crack open a book, crack open your heart, and start doing the work. You’ve got this.