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324 Must-Read Success Books (Because Apparently One Isn't Enough)

Success — it's like a little spark that fuels your ambitions and a whisper that pushes you to chase your dreams, day after day. 

In this collection of the best books for success, you'll discover powerful lessons, real-life stories, and time-tested strategies from remarkable thinkers and achievers. Each page offers guidance to help you grow, sharpen your abilities, and create meaningful change in your life.

Let these books be your trusted companions as you continue to move closer to your goals. To save time for additional activities, feel free to explore our reviews and summaries, which highlight the main points.

Books about success: Building the mindset of mastery

When you have over 500 books about success and a mindset that never quits, who can stop you? This list brings together classic and modern strategies to turn every challenge into an opportunity — helping you grow in resilience and use your creativity to the fullest.

As an alternative to the fleeting dopamine boost that wears off in minutes or hours (like with doom-scrolling), each author aims to convince readers to hold themselves to high standards of accountability and discipline. 

James Allen and his timeless 'As a Man Thinketh' highlight this point, reminding the audience that they need to keep even their thoughts in check, as their thoughts shape their entire existence in the end.

"As we think, so we are; as we continue to think, so we remain." 

In 'It Works,' R. H. Jarrett elaborates on the concept that "thoughts = quality of life," explaining how people can use simple tools available to them now and start turning their dreams and wishes into reality. The key point here is to maintain consistent daily efforts. Steven Pressfield develops this logic further, showing readers how to silence their self-doubt in 'The War of Art.'

Headway's handpicked collection of books about success helps you turn knowledge into action. Each title offers practical mindset tools you can easily apply in your daily life.

Best books for success as your self-growth compass

Finding the best books for success requires caution rather than following trends. This library, curated by the Headway team, delivers exactly that. Inside each book, you'll discover game-changing lessons, including James Clear's 'Atomic Habits,' where the author gives a masterclass in designing systems.

When you adapt those systems, your choices acquire a sustainable character. You would find the works of Napoleon Hill's 'Think and Grow Rich' and Stephen R. Covey's 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' to be a helpful guide to continue growing in this direction and setting your mindset on the long-term achievements.

If you want to make your success last, make sure to complement your hard work with mastering the art of human connection. Use 'How to Raise Successful People' by Esther Wojcicki and 'Never Split the Difference' by Chris Voss and Tahl Raz to enhance empathy, influence, and negotiation skills, shaping both personal relationships and professional outcomes. 

For the moments in life when your motivation falters, take Mel Robbins' 'The 5 Second Rule' strategic advice on overcoming hesitation and acting right away. And in Joshua Medcalf's 'Chop Wood, Carry Water,' his work reminds you that mastery comes through daily effort, patience, and embracing the process itself.

Find Your Passion

by Henri Junttila

What is Find Your Passion about?

Discover your true passions with a thought-provoking guide featuring 25 essential questions designed to unlock your potential. This book encourages self-reflection, helping readers identify their interests and values while providing practical insights to pursue a fulfilling life. Through engaging exercises and personal anecdotes, it aims to inspire a deeper understanding of what fuels your enthusiasm and creativity, paving the way to a more passionate and purpose-driven existence.

Who should read Find Your Passion

Self-discovery seekers looking for clarity in life.
Individuals contemplating career changes and new opportunities.
Anyone eager to ignite their motivation and creativity.

High Performance Habits

by Brendon Burchard

What is High Performance Habits about?

This book explores the habits that differentiate high performers from the rest, offering insights into their behaviors, mindsets, and strategies. Drawing on extensive research, it outlines six key habits crucial for achieving extraordinary success and fulfillment. With practical tips and exercises, readers are encouraged to develop their own effective habits, enhance their productivity, and cultivate a positive and focused mindset, all aimed at realizing their peak potential.

Who should read High Performance Habits

Aspiring leaders seeking personal growth strategies.
Individuals aiming to boost productivity and performance.
Self-help enthusiasts looking for actionable habits.

The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking

by Edward B. Burger, Michael Starbird

What is The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking about?

This insightful book explores five essential principles that enhance thinking skills, encouraging readers to approach problems creatively and effectively. By integrating concepts from mathematics and philosophy, it provides practical strategies for improving analytical abilities, fostering a deeper understanding of various subjects. The engaging narrative includes relatable examples and exercises designed to transform the way you think, making complex ideas more accessible and empowering anyone seeking personal or academic growth.

Who should read The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking

Students seeking to enhance their problem-solving skills.
Professionals aiming to improve critical thinking abilities.
Educators looking for innovative teaching strategies.

Learning How To Learn

by Barbara Oakley PhD, Terrence Sejnowski PhD, Alistair McConville

What is Learning How To Learn about?

This insightful guide empowers students to master effective learning techniques without overwhelming their schedules. By combining practical strategies with brain science, it reveals how to enhance memory, tackle procrastination, and improve study habits. Suitable for kids and teens, the book offers tools to boost confidence and foster a love for learning, proving that academic success can be achieved with smart approaches rather than endless hours of study.

Who should read Learning How To Learn

Students struggling with traditional study methods.
Parents looking to help their children excel academically.
Educators seeking innovative teaching strategies for their students.

Make It Stick

by Peter C. Brown, Mark A. McDaniel, PhD, Henry L. Roediger III, PhD

What is Make It Stick about?

This book explores effective learning strategies based on cognitive science, challenging conventional study techniques. It emphasizes the importance of active recall, spaced repetition, and varied practice to enhance retention and understanding. Through engaging examples and practical applications, the authors provide insights into how to make learning more effective and memorable, making it invaluable for students, educators, and anyone interested in improving their learning outcomes.

Who should read Make It Stick

Students seeking effective learning strategies.
Educators aiming to enhance teaching methods.
Lifelong learners wanting to optimize knowledge retention.

Start With NO

by Jim Camp

What is Start With NO about?

This book unveils powerful negotiation strategies that challenge conventional wisdom. Focusing on the importance of embracing rejection, it teaches readers how to maintain control and achieve successful outcomes without succumbing to pressure. With practical techniques and real-life examples, the author demystifies negotiation, empowering individuals to approach discussions with confidence and clarity, ultimately transforming how they secure agreements in both professional and personal settings.

Who should read Start With NO

Negotiators seeking to improve their skills
Sales professionals looking for effective strategies
Entrepreneurs wanting to enhance their deal-making abilities

Year of Yes

by Shonda Rhimes

What is Year of Yes about?

This memoir explores a transformative year in the author's life where she embraces the power of saying 'yes' to new experiences and challenges. Through personal stories and reflections, it highlights themes of self-empowerment, creativity, and the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Rhimes shares her journey of finding joy, confidence, and authenticity in her personal and professional life, inspiring readers to take control of their own narratives.

Who should read Year of Yes

Aspiring creatives seeking inspiration in self-empowerment.
Readers interested in personal growth and transformation.
Fans of Shonda Rhimes wanting deeper insights into her journey.

TED Talks Storytelling Techniques

by Akash Karia

What is TED Talks Storytelling Techniques about?

This book explores 23 powerful techniques drawn from the most impactful TED Talks, offering insights into effective storytelling. It provides practical advice for engaging audiences, crafting memorable narratives, and conveying ideas with clarity. Through examples and exercises, readers learn how to enhance their speaking skills, captivate listeners, and leverage storytelling to inspire and inform, making it an essential guide for anyone looking to improve their communication prowess.

Who should read TED Talks Storytelling Techniques

Aspiring public speakers seeking to enhance storytelling skills.
Professionals aiming to engage audiences through impactful narratives.
Content creators looking for techniques to captivate viewers.

HBR Guide to Better Business Writing

by Bryan A. Garner

What is HBR Guide to Better Business Writing about?

This practical guide offers essential strategies for improving business writing skills. It covers key topics such as clarity, conciseness, and tone, providing tips for crafting effective emails, reports, and proposals. With actionable advice and real-world examples, it aims to enhance professional communication, ensuring that your messages resonate with readers. Ideal for anyone looking to elevate their writing in the business environment.

Who should read HBR Guide to Better Business Writing

Business professionals looking to improve writing skills.
Students studying business communication and writing techniques.
Entrepreneurs wanting to enhance their business proposals.

Tribe of Mentors

by Timothy Ferriss

What is Tribe of Mentors about?

This book compiles life lessons and practical advice from over 100 world-class performers across various fields. Each contributor shares insights on success, happiness, and overcoming obstacles, providing readers with diverse perspectives on achieving excellence. With a focus on actionable advice, it serves as a guide for personal development, encouraging readers to learn from the experiences of others and apply these lessons to their own lives.

Who should read Tribe of Mentors

Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking mentorship and inspiration.
Personal development enthusiasts eager for life-changing advice.
Busy professionals looking for quick insights from experts.

Frequently asked questions on books about success

What are the best books to read for success?

The best books about success equip readers with tools to cultivate an action-oriented mindset. 'Atomic Habits' advocates for healthy routines, while 'Think and Grow Rich' explains "traditional" ways to accumulate wealth. In 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,' Stephen R. Covey advises focusing on values that lead to growth, while 'High Performance Habits' recommends building up a daily discipline.

What's the most successful book ever?

The Bible is the most successful book ever, with the whole Bible translated into 776 languages and excerpts available in 1,433 more (as of August 2025). For strategy and finance enthusiasts who want to think boldly and act decisively, the most successful titles would include Richard Branson's 'Screw It, Let's Do It' and Jim Camp's 'Start with No.'

What's the most life-changing book?

Viktor Frankl's 'Man's Search for Meaning' is one of those books that can completely shift how you see life, showing that purpose can grow even from pain. Jean Case's 'Be Fearless' continues that message with uplifting stories and five simple principles that inspire you to take bold risks, move fast, and create real, lasting change.

What are the top 10 most-read books?

The top 10 most read books about success from the Headway library include life-shaping titles such as 'High Performance Habits,' 'The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking,' 'Make It Stick,' 'Learning How to Learn,' 'Start with No,' 'The Millionaire Fastlane,' 'Find Your Passion,' 'Power Score,' 'TED Talks' by Chris Anderson and 'TED Talks Storytelling Techniques' each inspiring practical, lasting achievement.

What's the most inspiring book ever?

For many, 'Can't Hurt Me' by David Goggins is more than a book — it's a call to embrace inspiration, endurance, and radical accountability. Goggins challenges readers to maintain consistency in self-discipline and mental toughness — a kind of "thick skin" — that enables you to face your excuses, rethink your limits, and strive for more in every aspect of life.