I am about to put in the names of the top 15 best personal development authors you’d be needing to know before you start working on yourself. Personal development should be an essential element in your lives as it develops your talents and potentials, improves your identity and last but not the least enhances the quality of your life. The books written by these authors would be the ones you’d look upon from now on whenever you walk into a bookstore.
Jack Canfield
Jack Canfield, the writer of the famous book series ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’, is a leading motivational speaker as well as a trainer. He has graduated with a Master’s Degree, from Harvard, in psychological education. By developing particular methodologies with determination, he has helped people in taking immense challenges and produce outstanding results.
Also known as “America’s #1 Success Coach”, Jack has written a lot on how and what differentiates successful people from normal people. By sharing his success strategies, he has not only motivated people but has also become an inspiration for them all.
His most recent National Bestseller, The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want To Be, has 64 strong principles for success which can be utilized by people from all walks of life. Reading his ideas and thoughts, Jack’s books will bring a positive change to your life.
Dale Carnegie
Another famous American personal development writer and lecturer is Dale Carnegie. During his lifetime (1888-1955), Dale has published a relatively large number of self-help books.
His two most prominent and well-known bestsellers are; How to Win Friends and Influence People and How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. One of the basic ideas Dale’s books contain is that it possible for us to change other’s behavior towards us.
Today, the Dale Carnegie Course in Effective Speaking and Human Relations, work on building greater self-confidence, enhancing communication skills, developing leadership skills and improving people’s attitude regarding reducing stress. This course is further expanding in matters such as; customer service, change management, etc.
Napoleon Hill
Napoleon Hill, an American self-help author, is well known for his renowned book ‘Think and Grow Rich’. This book is among the top 10 best selling personal development books of all time. Hill’s book is remembered for the valuable principles and lessons taught in it.
The author’s books persisted on enthusiasm and how important it is for improving your life. These lessons have ultimately led to the basic principles to achieve success.
John C. Maxwell
John C. Maxwell is also an American author, whose books primarily focused on leadership skills. Being a speaker and a pastor, John has written a lot of books expressing the wiser ways and techniques to become a wonderful leader.
Maxwell has written a lot of extraordinary books, but the most phenomenal and popular among them are:
- The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
- The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth
- How Successful People Think
Stephen R. Covey
Begin with an end in mind. Yes, this lesson has been taught to us by yet another outstanding personal development writer, Stephen Covey. Stephen was an American author, educator, businessman and speaker. He is one of my favorite motivational speakers of all time.
His most popular book was The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The 7 Habits are divided further into three parts; Private Victory, Public Victory, and Renewal. All of these are highly essential for leading a stable and happy life. Others include First things First, The 8th Habit, One child at a time, The 7 Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families. Although Stephen is no longer alive, his work lives on to be one of the most exceptional reading material for anyone.
Paulo Coelho
You must have heard about Paulo Coelho once in your life for his widely translated incredible book ‘The Alchemist.’ Paulo Coelho is a bestselling author and a novelist, who has received some awards for his work over the years.
The Alchemist is a must read for all the progressive and go-getter individuals, still trying to pursue their dreams and surmount the obstacles in their way.
Tim Ferriss
Tim Ferriss, the host of the popular podcast The Tim Ferriss Show, is an American author, entrepreneur and a public speaker. He has written various books on personal development with the ‘4-hour’ theme, of which many have appeared in the New York Times and USA Today.
The three bestselling books by Tim Ferriss have changed the lives of millions and are a must go through; The Four Hour Work Week, The Four Hour Body and Tools for Titans. I make sure that this is one author you would not want to miss out!
Dr. Wayne Dyer
Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, an internationally renowned author, and speaker, sadly passed away 2 years ago. He was an American philosopher who wrote more than 40 books in the field of personal development including 21 New York Times bestsellers. His books had been sold in ten of millions.
Affectionately, Dyer was known as the ‘Father of Motivation’ by his fans. He had played a vital role in changing the lives of his fans through his motivational speeches.
Tony Robbins
If you’re not reading Tony Robbins, then I don’t know what you’re doing! Tony Robbins has been popularly known for his wisdom and knowledge and how we can gain so much from his speeches and content.
Tony’s work has helped people from all over the globe to think and change their lives effectively.
Martha Beck
An American sociologist, Martha Nibley Beck, is also the best selling author who mostly writes and speaks about personal development. She has known to travel around the world helping people achieve their personal as well professional goals. Some of the most brilliant and popular books presented to us by Martha are:
- Finding Your Own North Star
- Find Your Way In A Wild New World
- The 4- Day Win
Brian Tracy
Brian Tracy is a Canadian-born American motivational speaker who has written 70 books on personal development. Just like Paulo Coelho, Brian’s work has also been translated into several other languages.
A few of his legendary books are:
- No Excuses: The Power Of Discipline
- Eat That Frog!
Les Brown
Born on the floor of an abandoned building, Les was labeled mentally retarded at a very young age. Brown is an American motivational speaker, author, and a former politician.
It’s Not Over Until you Win- Brown had helped a lot of people to dream big and accomplish their goals. The catch phrase ‘It’s Possible!’ often used by Brown had taught some people not to lose hope and follow their dreams. Another best-selling book by Les Brown is ‘Live Your Dreams.’
Emanuel James (Jim Rohn)
Emanuel James better known as Jim Rohn was an American author, motivational speaker, and an entrepreneur. He had worked towards the betterment of people’s lives by writing various personal development books.
He has mentored many people and once among them was Tony Robbins.
Some of the best, best-seller personal development books by Jim Rohn are:
- 7 Strategies for Wealth and Happiness
- My Philosophy for Successful Living
- The Keys to Success
Gabrielle Bernstein
Gabrielle Bernstein is also an American author who is famous for her books and motivational speeches. Her books primarily consist of practical applications such as forgiveness, self-love and moral and spiritual growth. Back in 2009, Bernstein was presented and looked upon as a ‘guru’ for the upcoming generation.
The top 4 books written by Bernstein that emphasized on personal development are:
- Miracles Now
- Spirit Junkie
- May Cause Miracles
- The Universe Has Your Back
Joel Scott Osteen
Joel Osteen, born in 1963, is the Senior Pastor of Lakewood Church, in Houston, Texas. John, nicknames as ‘The Smiling Preacher,’ is an American preacher and televangelist. His televised sermons are watched around 100 countries of the world by over 20 million viewers every month.
Osteen has written 7 remarkable books which were New York Times Best Sellers. His first book, published in 2004, Your Best Life Now was at the top of the New York Times Best Seller list. It remained a best seller for more than 200 weeks.
The most popular books by Joel Osteen are:
- Think Better, Live Better Study Guide
- The Power of I Am
- Fresh Start
If you’re an individual with high goals and want to work on your personal development, these authors are what you surely need to now about!