By Ben Sergeant
Gloria Steinem hit the nail on the head: “The truth will set you free. But first, it will piss you off.” Good self-help isn’t about feel-good fluff, it’ll challenge you, maybe even break you down. Then comes the good stuff, the tools to rebuild yourself stronger than ever.
These are the six books that did just that for me. The ones that, like a good therapist, cracked me open, forced me to see the world through new eyes and then fortified my spirit.
6: The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
Love it or hate it, this one has staying power. “The Law of Attraction” seems a bit out there, but it gets you owning your life instead of playing the victim. As Byrne says: “If any events or moments did not go the way you wanted, replay them in your mind exactly the way you want.”
5: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Ever heard the old saying “The mind is an excellent servant but a terrible master”? Tolle goes hard on this concept. He shows us we aren’t our swirling thoughts. The less we buy into them, the more in control we are right now.
4: Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza
Want to try meditation but scared of the woo-woo? Then this book’s for you. Dispenza bridges the gap between the seemingly ethereal practice of meditation with the cold, hard scientific proof of its benefits.
3: Atomic Habits by James Clear
This is a best-selling hit for a reason, it’s all about re-wiring your brain by implementing simple systems. Turns out, nearly half our actions are automatic. Want change? Ditch willpower and build kick-ass habits through tiny tweaks that snowball into massive results.
2: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
The private thoughts of a freaking Roman emperor! This stoic wisdom feels like he’s whispering straight to you, right here, right now. In a nutshell Aurelius states that facing death head-on makes you appreciate the heck out of being alive.
1: The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck by Mark Manson
From Roman emperor to everyday profanity! Okay, the swearing might be an obstacle, but Manson backs it up with real-world smarts. Turns out, it’s not about apathy, but figuring out what to truly give a F*#k about.
WARNING: These books may cause discomfort, self-reflection, and even a little existential dread. But if you’re brave enough to face your truth, you’ll emerge stronger, wiser, and ready to tackle the world.
Featured Image: An adventurous couple sitting on a tree branch reading. Photo: mentalhealthamerica /cc/pexels