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7 Must-Read Books on Self-Development, Wisdom, and Leadership

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I fervently believe in the notion that in order to be successful, you must become an avid reader and insatiably curious about how the world works. Whether fiction or non-fiction, reading provides you with wisdom to approach problems differently.

For example, a 300-page biography that takes you a few weeks to read could save you significant time if you learn to avoid the mistakes others have made (I try to read at least one biography per month). There is value and insight to be gained through this process by investing a little time and effort.

The practical real-life, on-the-job lessons that can be practiced and learned, the thinking that may spark new ideas, and the skills you will acquire will be invaluable in your career and beyond.

Colleagues often ask me if I’ve read any self-improvement, strategy, or leadership books that have impacted me in a positive way. The answer is yes, and my philosophy is simple: if a book changes or influences my way of thinking, it’s an essential. Admittedly, I have perused many books and identified hidden gems along the way.

In my experience, “millennials” either find self-development books laughable, or are voraciously trying to devour every one they can get their hands on (I am guilty of the latter). Nevertheless, guidance is often requested so I try to do my best to steer hungry contemporaries in the right direction.

If you are a veteran or just starting out, and are looking for career, social, or personal guidance, my recommendation is to start with a solid foundation. This can be accomplished with a small time investment that will reap large dividends. 

The list below will start your journey, eventually directing you to more books until you are completely down the rabbit hole – and remember, you are in charge of your own improvement!

1. The Magic of Thinking Big – David J. Schwartz

Set your goals high and think positively in order to achieve them. Never underestimate your own abilities or overestimate others. Always bring enthusiasm and optimism to everything you do. Never forget to invest in yourself and look at every setback or failure as an opportunity for personal growth. 

The greatest takeaway from this book that helped me was Schwartz’s mantra on fear: in order to cure fear, take massive, deliberate action, and invariably be confident in your decision.

“Believe it can be done. When you believe something can be done, really believe, your mind will find the ways to do it. Believing a solution paves the way to solution.” – David J. Schwartz

2How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carengie

This is the first book I read in my quest for positive self-development. Published in 1937, this classic, timeless book on how to become an influential, persuasive, and likable leader is still very relevant today.

Warren Buffett credits his rise to success as a direct result of reading the book and using the advice, training, and practical applications. It’s a great book to start with on your journey towards becoming a successful and effective leader.

3. Marcus Aurelius: Meditations – Translated by Gregory Hays

The best book on stoicism I have ever read. The ultimate guide for discipline, personal responsibility, morality, self-motivation, ethics, strength, and humility. I suggest reading the book with a notebook or stack of index cards, so you can jot down all of the important maxims that Aurelius lives by. 

Think about it: in 170 AD, the most powerful man in the world sat down and wrote lessons and mantras to himself for becoming a better person. What I find most remarkable is the fact that the book has stood the ultimate test of time, and you have a plethora of wisdom at your fingertips. You should read this book now.

4. Xenophon’s Cyrus the Great: The Arts of Leadership and War – Translated by Larry Hedrick

“Still the best book on leadership” according to the father of management theory, Peter Drucker. This book follows Cyrus the Great’s multi-year military campaign in an easy-to-follow journalistic fashion. The book provides relatable examples on how to become a well-loved, benevolent leader through building friendship, loyalty, trust, and admiration. 

A common theme that kept me pondering throughout the book: when Cyrus is successful, all of those around him are successful, and always share in the glory. This is the best biography written of Cyrus the Great, also known as “the father of human rights.”

5. The 4-Hour Workweek – Tim Ferriss

This book will change your life by changing your way of thinking and your perspective on “how things should be,” in regard to what the consensus considers a normal workweek.

“What we fear doing most is usually what we most need to do.” – Tim Ferriss

6. Benjamin Franklin: An American Life – Walter Isaacson

I couldn’t help but include one of my all-time favorite biographies of Benjamin Franklin on the list. So much can be learned from this book such as the history of the birth of the United States of America and Franklin’s integral role in it is fascinating. 

The reader also gets many lessons in how Franklin practices self-development, and constantly tried to improve himself on a daily basis. For example, Franklin created a system to measure his weaknesses. He wrote down all of his weaknesses and tracked his behavior against them. At the end of each week, he would reflect on his progress and would change the order of the behaviors he still needed to work on to become a better and wiser person.

7. Outliers: The Story of Success – Malcolm Gladwell

10,000 hours. Yes, 10,000 hours is the amount of time and deliberate practice one needs to put in to be world-class in an area of expertise. Start clocking hours!

Which one of these books is your favorite and why? Share your thoughts with us below!

Brendan M. Coyne loves to read, write, and practice self-development and bettering himself. His goal is to share what he learns with others, in the hope that through that learning, they will achieve their goals and fulfill their dreams. You can connect with Brendan through his website theselfdevelopmentlife.com or on LinkedIn.

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Personal Development

These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident

Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

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Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.

But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.

Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.

1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task

Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.

After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.

Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.

But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.

2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First

Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.

Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”

For example, if you’re a writer:

  • Research your topic at night.

  • Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).

  • Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.

You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.

3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace

Focus is the foundation of success.

According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.

Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.

Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.

4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life

Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”

This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.

If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.

5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills

Knowledge compounds over time.

Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.

I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.

Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.

6. Develop a Growth Mindset

Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.

  • A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.

  • A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.

Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.

7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You

I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.

If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.

Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.

Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.

8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions

Good mentors can fast-track your growth.

While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.

If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.

9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations

Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”

Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.

When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.

10. Focus on Your Strengths

Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.

If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.

A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.

Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.

11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs

Your beliefs shape your reality.

For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.

Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.

Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.

Final Thoughts

Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.

Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.

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