25 Best Self-Help Books For Men In 2022, Ranked

Whether wading through trying times or just looking to up your sense of self-esteem or finding ways to harness your full potential, self-help books for men can be completely rewarding. Not only can these books help bring inspiration to the table but it’s also always a welcome thought to know that whatever is going on in your head – you are not alone. In an era and a world where we are all trying to shift the narrative around swapping stoicism for self-care, these 25 self-help books for men in 2022 should make your book buzz list.

05/29/2023 06:16 pm GMT

Our Favorites

• Best overall: Meditations
• Best for motivation: Can’t Hurt Me
• Best for changing habits: Atomic Habits
• Best for spiritual renewal: The Power of Now
• Best for the workplace: The 48 Laws of Power
• Best for financial mindset: Rich Dad, Poor Dad

The Best Self-Help Books for Men

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Sitting on the shelf for over two thousand years, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is the OG of self-help books. The famed philosopher and emperor of Rome penned this book that is full of wisdom, insights, guidance and a deep understanding of the human spirit. This new translation captures that sense of intimacy and a straightforward stark style that presents Marcus Aurelius’s work in the best light. Amazingly relevant in our modern world, Meditations proves itself to be a timeless tether that pulls you back to yourself.

• 240 pages

Make Your Bed: Small things that can change your life…and maybe the world. by Admiral William H. McRaven

Written by a Navy Seal, this book takes a micro habit approach and inspires you to make small changes that can have a big impact on the way you think – for example, making your bed. This New York Times bestseller is chock full of good advice and leans into the motto that what can change the world all starts here with you. Life is tough but this book may give you the inspo you need to meet that toughness with grit and determinism and to call on teamwork to make the impossible seem possible.

• 144 pages

48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

Robert Greene’s New York Times bestseller doesn’t fall short when it comes to serving up 48 laws to apply to your life so you can get everything you ever wanted. Pulling on the teachings and wisdom of the likes of Machiavelli and Sun Tzu, this book may have a ruthless ring to it but it doesn’t flinch in its constant preparation in helping you face all shades of challenges that could come your way. Controversial at times, but packed with humorous anecdotes, historical tales, and juicy tidbits – you can take these laws with a pinch of salt or choose to chase the power.

• 452 pages

Atomic Habits by James Clear

James Clear is one of the world’s finest thought leaders when it comes to habit building. In this habit-centric book, he helps readers to overcome a lack of willpower, design an environment for their new habits to thrive, make time for these habits, and pull it back when it feels like they are starting to veer off track. With his straightforward and no-nonsense approach, Clear believes that the problem sits in your system and when you embrace a new system for change, you are sure to succeed.

• 320 pages

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

Wondering what carves high achievers and successful people out from the rest of the population? This deep dive intellectual adventure from Malcolm Gladwell looks at exactly that. From software engineers to millionaire football players and even The Beatles, Gladwell’s psychology non-fiction novel looks at the myriad factors that contribute to success in a style that goes beyond the simple notion of ‘talent’. From cultural background to environmental and social influence, this book is a fascinating unravelling of how people become successful.

• 336 pages

Unfu*k Yourself: Get out of Your Head and into Your Life by Gary John Bishop

We all spend too much time in our own heads and this workbook and manifesto from Gary John Bishop offers all the tools and tips you need to move out of the mire and into the magic of embracing the miracle of who you are. Through a series of seven powerful assertions like I got this and I am wired to win, you can shake off the negative self-talk and own the life you were born to have. Get out of that funk with Unfu*k Yourself.

• 224 pages

The Self Confidence Workbook: A Guide to Overcoming Self-Doubt and Improving Self-Esteem

Practical, goal orientated, and inviting you to do so much more than passively read, this workbook and the five-step program is geared towards helping you to foster acceptance, embrace mindfulness, and understand exactly what it means to be confident on a deeper level. Covering many topics, offering thought-provoking questions, and delivering a range of realistic scenarios, this workbook is designed to empower, encourage, and expose through journaling, goal setting, and inviting you to recognize your strengths.

• 178 pages

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

A long-time classic, How to Win Friends and Influence People is simple and effective and has been a bible for many for close to a century now. This practical book may seem geared towards the business world but it’s really about an approach to communication and connecting with people. While at times considered to be controversial, if you combine it with the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, you have a balanced formula for solid communication strategies that work.

• 320 pages

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book) – Don Miguel Ruiz

Be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best. In this cult status book from Don Miguel Ruiz, we can learn how to transform our lives without overcomplicating matters. Using this potent code of conduct, you can welcome love, happiness, freedom, and truth into your world. Pulling on ancient Toltec wisdom, it’s no surprise that this book became a bonafide bestseller.

• 160 pages

The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking by Oliver Burkeman

For those who can’t stand the cult of positivity, The Antidote by Oliver Burkeman takes an alternative approach by inviting you to embrace your anxiety. Burkeman’s thinking is that if we can’t even agree on what happiness is, then what is the point of chasing something vague and futile? Instead, Burkeman shares a different path – one in which we cut out the pursuit of happiness and learn to sit comfortably in all those so-called negative emotions we spend our lives trying to swerve.

• 256 pages

Getting Things Done: The Art Of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen

Coach and life management expert David Allen delivers tried and tested breakthrough methods for helping people simply get stuff done. By offering the explanation that our ability to relax is directly linked to our productivity, Allen is committed to helping people clear their minds, organize their thoughts, and unleash all that creative potential. By blending philosophy with key principles and proactive practical tips on how to achieve all of this, those wanting to crank up their productivity will find plenty to chew on here.

• 288 pages

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

Famed blogger Mark Manson captures the mood with this defining book on how to cut through the crap, clear out the cult of positive thinkers, and instead truly learn to metabolize our fears, faults, and limits with unflinching honesty. Raw, real, and a sharp reminder that humans are utterly flawed beings, this book could be the breath of fresh air you have been seeking. While not to everyone’s taste, this book may balance out the pressurized mindset of always needing to care.

• 224 pages

Man in Command by Dave Bowden

This book from fellow introvert Dave Bowden could be the pick-me-up you need to go from shy wallflower to suave and willing social participant. Filled with unflinching straightforward and actionable advice along with a quick and witty writing style, this doesn’t feel like other self-help books. Science-backed strategies and a step-by-step guide make it easy to embrace advice and fill your heart with confidence and step out of the shadows.

• 146 pages

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Considered to be one of the OGs and the grandaddy of self-help lore, Think and Grow Rich from Napoleon Hill was one of the first books out there to look at what exactly made someone a winner. In this book (now updated to better reflect the 21st century), the pages and stories look at historical figures like Thomas Edison and Henry Ford while also exploring more modern millionaires like Bill Gates. Considered by many to be timeless, Think and Grow Rich sprinkles a little manifestation and plenty of potent principles into this book.

• 320 pages

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

World-famous spiritual leader and thought provoker Eckhart Tolle reminds us of one of the simplest paths to happiness – live in the power of now. Eckhart Tolle remains one of the best teachers out there – thanks to his ability to shape big complex ideas into easy-to-understand and concrete philosophies. With a wide range covered – everything from chi to embracing more enlightened relationships and the cycles of life, there’s so much to eat up in the pages of this book.

• 236 pages

You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

Success coach Jen Sincero brings together over two dozen bite-sized chapters filled with advice and exercises to help you embrace your inner badass and cultivate the life you want to live. While some of the self-help advice may be old stomping ground, Jen Sincero brings a feminine freshness to the mix and helps us put the spin on negative self-talk and overcome all shades of doubt.

• 256 pages

Get Out of Your Own Way by Larry Winget

Many of us can be subconsciously committed to self-sabotage or indulge in habits that get in the way. Larry Winget deals with all of this in his smash hit book. Covering everything from procrastination to self-pity, guilt, and compulsive choices, it helps you to garner awareness over ways in which you could be compromising yourself and offers actionable points you step out of your own shadow.

• 172 pages

Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Unlock meaning, find your flow, and hit peak creativity and productivity with Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. The legendary psychologist believes that when people are in ‘flow’ they are in one of their highest states of enjoyment and involvement with life. By delving deep into the concept of this biohack and weaving in a solid amount of social history and psychology, there is a solid foundation behind flow and plenty of reflective content to keep you intrigued and inspired.

• 336 pages

The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch

Achieve more with less sits at the heart of the 80/20 Principle from Richard Koch. Koch is a big believer that 80 percent of our results in both business and life are derived from just 20 percent of our efforts. Taking a systematic approach, Koch delves into exactly how that principle works and lets us know in a practical way how we can apply this concept to our lives to boost our own results.

• 336 pages

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

Another oldie but an important read, this book from Viktor Frankl dates back to 1946 and isn’t an easy read as it delves into his experience as a prisoner at a Nazi concentration camp. Through this harrowing ordeal, Frankl formed his own philosophy that ‘meaning’ is our primary search in life rather than happiness and pleasure and that ‘meaning’ is subjective and personal to each of us. This book is consistently touted as one of the top ten most meaningful books in the whole of the USA and for good reason.

• 184 pages

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

A classic in the world of self-improvement, this book from Stephen Covey delves into how you can develop your character rather than relying on a surface-level presentation. With an emphasis on learning how to nourish your character and build a solid foundation, this New York Times bestseller is considered one of the most influential business books of the 21st century.

• 432 pages

Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins

Feeling like you are forever being swept off your feet and overpowered by the waves of life? This book from Tony Robbins can get you grounded as you Awaken the Giant Within. Teaching self-mastery with a step-by-step method, Tony Robbins is all about getting you committed to meeting your fullest potential in everything from finances to mastering your emotions. With a life coach style that is centred around taking action, this book is so full of infectious energy, you are sure to feel motivated.

• 544 pages

Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

Rising like a phoenix from the ashes of a childhood carved from poverty, pain, and prejudice, David Goggins turned his life around seeing a transformation from depression to becoming a US armed forces icon and was named The Fittest Man in America. In this book, Goggins shares his life story and informs us about what he believes to be the 40% rule – in which most of us only use 40% of our capabilities. For anyone who wants to be inspired to cut through the pain, break fear, and level up on their potential, this is the book for you.

• 364 pages

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki

A book that made waves a quarter of a century ago when it was first released, Rich Dad Poor Dad looks at Roberts’s story of growing up with two father figures from different economic backgrounds and how each man shaped his thoughts and attitudes when it came to money and investing. Twenty years on and the updated version also goes back to Robert to see if those lessons have stood the test of time against a changing landscape. Exploding money myths, challenging in-built belief systems, and dealing with assets, this book makes for a great financial foundation.

• 336 pages

Self-Help Books for Men FAQ

Do men read self-help books?

Yes, men are readers of self-help books although previous studies have shown that they are more likely to look for books that are aligned with better business practice and boosting productivity.

What is the number 1 self-help book for men?

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey remains one of the top-selling self-help books for men.