25 Superior Self-Improvement Books To Read In Your 20s

The 20-something years are by their very definition something that is in a constant state of fluctuation.

Within a span of just 10 years, so many things happen.

At 20, still being a relative child, you are in college or in the workforce.

Fast forward a couple years later, at 25 you’re now a productive member of society. You go to work, you pay bills, you have your own apartment, you’re now responsible for your own survival and success.

Go forward a little more at 29-30 and you may be in a long-term relationship or have children of your own.

Throughout all of these years, books can help us make sense of areas we have absolutely zero knowledge about.

You can read a book and gain knowledge into a new field or new area that you didn’t know existed. What was dark is now light, and books are the flashlight.

One idea you encounter in a book can save you YEARS of trouble and wasted time.

Here are some of the best books for men in their 20s.

1. Psycho-Cybernetics

Published in 1960 by a plastic surgeon, Psycho-Cybernetics is about the “self image”.

Maxwell Maltz wanted to understand why even after plastic surgery, there were a number of patients that didn’t feel attractive. The problem wasn’t with the surgery, it was with how they viewed themselves.

He says a lot of us need surgery as well – the surgery to change our self-image. Psycho-Cybernetics will help you untangle yourself from limiting beliefs and construct a new, more positive self-image.

Why you should read it: I purposefully put this one at the top of the list because…how you view yourself determines everything in life.

Your self-image is the foundation, on which other aspects of your life are built.

Without a strong self-image and the belief in yourself, you might as well stop reading here because the other books mean nothing without it.

2. The Slight Edge

Little disciplines add up to a great victory in the long run. Choosing not to go running today didn’t hurt you…but what about a year from now? What if you decided to never be physically active again and sit on the couch all day? Where would you be in 10 years?

Small gains compounded every day lead to a massive success.

Small errors in judgment compounded every day lead to a massive failure.

Why you should read it: At this age, you can easily make the decision to live a slight edge life.

Reading this will give you some pause and think about how you can start putting your life on the upswing (if its not already).

3. The Laws of Human Nature

In your young adult life, you’re going to be encountering a lot of people who aren’t like the people you’re used to in school or where you came from (especially if you’re from a small town).

That’s why learning about human nature is very important. In his book The Laws of Human Nature, Robert Greene has written yet another modern classic on how to deal with not only other people, but yourself.

Why you should read it:A man without a dynamic understanding of human nature is completely lost. He will be taken advantage of by prospective lovers, “friends”, associates and so many more others.

4. 48 Laws of Power

Also by Robert Greene, this book was pretty controversial when it came out and still courts its fair share of it.

The 48 Laws of Power is a no-holds barred look at power dynamics through the lens of history. Filled to the brim with anecdotes, historical records, and comparisons of how power is maintained and dissipated, this puts “office politics” in a new light.

Why you should read it: Most of us don’t have a good grasp on implicit power dynamics that filter through different environments. This book takes a very amoral look at the subtle ways people try to use power to influence you and your decisions.

One caveat…it is a wee bit paranoid. Not everyone is constantly memorizing law 28 in the back of their heads trying to one up you. Neither should you do the same. Just be aware.

Also check out: 33 Strategies of War, The Prince

5. Think and Grow Rich

You’ll see this book come up on lists like this again and again and again.

This is because Napoleon Hill made the first widely circulated “manual” of success that is still followed to this day. Written in the midst of the Great Depression, this book broke down what exactly made people “successful”.

He spent over 20 years researching and interviewing different self-made millionaires like Alexander Graham Bell, Henry Ford, William Wrigley, and Thomas Edison. This book was the result.

Praised by Fortune 500 CEOs and everyday people alike, this book still sells like hot cakes.

Why you should read it: This an essential read for anyone who’s interested in any type of self-development. You could read only this and get practical steps on how to be successful.

A lot of people think this is a “get rich quick” book…but it’s more about how to live a rich life full of relationships with others and most importantly – yourself.

Also check out: Outwitting the Devil, Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude

6. The Richest Man in Babylon

This book is a classic for a reason. It’s easy financial sense in a book that’s super engaging to read. Nothing flashy, nothing sexy, just straight up wisdom from a time long ago.

And it’s not just financial wisdom either.

Why you should read it: Is money everything? No. Does money matter? Well, 98% of the things you do in life revolve around money…so I’d say it matters. This book will get you thinking a ‘lil bit.

Also check out: The Millionaire Next Door

7. The War of Art

Can’t finish anything? Lazy? Unmotivated? Don’t blame yourself. Blame Resistance. It’s the name Pressfield gives to this menacing, omnipresent force that chokes creativity, stifles drive, and keeps people spinning hamster wheels. In this book, Pressfield urges the reader to defeat the greatest enemy they have: themselves.

Why you should read it: I’m going to bet that you have lots of self-limiting beliefs. This book shows you how to dismantle all of these one by one.

Also check out: Turning Pro

8. Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise

Deliberate practice is the name of the path you’ll walk to becoming great at anything. Anders Ericsson was/is a pioneer in the field of expertise. This is where people like Malcolm Gladwell got the “10,000” rule.

Why you should read it: In the past, you may have thought that people are inherently talented or “gifted”. This book completely shatters that notion. If you’re trying to reach the top of whatever your field of expertise is, you’ll want to read this book.

Also check out: The Talent Code, Talent is Overrated

9. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

There are many things in life which are true none of the time, even fewer things which are true some of the time, and very little that is true all of the time.

This book is a 400+ page book dedicated to the latter, which are also known as “principles”. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People helps you to visualize a framework of doing and being that will benefit not only yourself but others as well.

Why you should read it:Up to this point in your life, your life may have very well been “outer directed”. As in, you lived your life trying to show others or please others. This book flips that on this head, forcing you to think about your life through an “inner directed” lens, in the form of values, principles, and standards.

10. Power vs. Force

There are many things we can’t explain in life, one of which is the subject of “consciousness”. Power vs. Force gets into this subject in detail, explaining the different levels of consciousness and its implications on life as a whole.

Why you should read it: After reading this book, you will get a scientific explanation for spirituality and a good foundation with which to explore other spiritual works and processes. It’s not something that can really be explained here, it’s something you’ll only comprehend after you read it.

Also check out: Transcending the Levels of Consciousness

11. The Practicing Stoic

Stoicism is making a resurgence in popular consciousness and for good reason: it is one of the most sound ways ever invented by Western civilization for dealing with and adjusting to the human condition. This book contains quotes by the Stoics themselves and people who were greatly influenced by them, creating a rich latticework of philosophical thought.

Why you should read it:There are many books out there on Stoicism, from translations by contemporary authors, to the original works themselves. This book is one of the only books I’ve seen that not only features quotations from the original Stoic authors but important information on how to slot them into context.

Need to know what Seneca said about “externals”? Flip to the section on externals. Want to know what the Stoics and their followers think about death? How about getting a windfall of money? It’s all in this book. Almost any subject you can think of that humans have dealt with, it’s in this book.

12. Business Made Simple

Most business books are replicas of other books that came in the past, each of them promising a quicker, sexier way to get to the money you oh so desire. Business Made Simple is none of that, really. It is what it’s title says: business – made simple. It teaches you everything you need to know in order to run a business, so much so that you may never have to pick up another business book again.

Why you should read it: Even if you have no plans of opening a business yourself, everyone owes it to themselves to understand the fundamentals of business operations and revenue generation. You will be more highly compensated at a company you do work for. This book will show you how.

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13. As A Man Thinketh

“As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” The secret before The Secret, this book packs a powerful punch in crisp and short chapters. This is the basis for a lot of of the self-help books that litter the shelves but still prove to be inferior in wisdom and impact to this book.

Why you should read it: Why would you not read it? You can blow through this thing in sub-2 hours. Here’s another reason: your thoughts make you. It’s been scientifically proven that our thoughts literally determine how body functions. There’s so many gems laced in this book that you’ll find yourself coming back to it over and over and over again.

14. The Attention Revolution

Think meditation is some “woo-woo” new age garbage? Think again. Meditation is a way of strengthening the mind and sharpening your focus. This book goes into great detail of why that is and how to attain higher and higher levels of focus and in result – peace of mind.

Why you should read it: Most of us have grown up in a world where we have been surrounded by technology since birth. This is all well and good but it comes at a cost: lack of focus. There’s so many shiny thingies that want our attention.

When attention fragments, nothing of value is accomplished. Those who know how to focus their attention will be able filter out what matters and what doesn’t. The result is a peaceful, well poised life.

15. Six Pillars of Self-Esteem

Similar to Psycho-Cybernetics, this work deals with the internal disposition of an individual. In this case, it is one’s self-esteem, an internal barometer for someone’s estimation of themselves. In it, he offers a detailed explanation of the six pillars that make up someone’s self-esteem and how to strengthen them over time.

Why you should read it: Many of us, if we’re being honest suffer from less-than-optimal levels of self-confidence and self-esteem. This is especially true if you came from a home where there was a lot of abuse of various kinds. In addition to that, no one really taught us how to do it. This book will show you how.

16. The Power of Awareness

In the 1950s, a series of books was published by a Barbadian mystic named Neville asserted the radical idea that if you were different, your world would be different. In that era, it was very easy to feel directed by forces that were out of your control, so this idea was revolutionary.

As the book continues on, he teaches you how to mentally re-arrange your world in order to achieve your desires.

Why you should read it: This book is a complete game changer in terms of what you think is possible. If you read it with an open mind, you’ll find your eyes widening at the possibilities.

17. Tao Te Ching

The Tao Te Ching is one of the most translated texts in history. Written by a mysterious Chinese scribe, this book is filled with seeming contradictions that examine the paradox of nature and the “right” to live.

Why you should read it: This book examines the basic underlying nature of the universe. Chaotic yet orderly, hard yet soft. The main message is this: there is a balance, flow, and harmony to that of life. The more you can attune yourself to this balance, the better off you will be and the less pain you’ll encounter in your life. This can be seen as the Eastern version of Stoicism.

18. The Spiritual Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson is one of the most influential authors in all of history. This is because his writings cut straight to the core of reality and dig up truths that we all know exist, but some of us choose to ignore. This book is a collection of some of his most impactful essays.

Why you should read it: Ralph Waldo Emerson has a lot to say on the act of growing into who you are as a person. All of his works have an overtone of self-actualization, perfect for the young man growing into his own as a person.

19. Your Next Five Moves: Master the Art of Business Strategy

Beyond knowing the proper tactics, having the proper vision is essential in business AND life. In Your Next Five Moves, Patrick Bet-David outlines the strategy to have congruence and alignment in all aspects of your professional and personal life with dynamic storytelling and examples.

Why you should read it: Critical, constructive, and most importantly – strategic thinking is a skill and it’s a skill that must be developed. This book goes deep into various factors to consider when undertaking a new venture, something that you’ll do over and over again in your young adult life.

 20. Constructive Living

When it comes to getting your psychology right, there’s so many different modalities you can follow. One of the most practical (and actionable) ones goes by the name of Morita therapy, a modality which focuses on taking action in the present moment and rising to circumstances. In this book, which you can read in an afternoon, David Reynolds walks you through the mindset of the therapy and gives you some takeaway action steps.

Why you should read it: Many people in the modern world are overthinkers. However, like Nike’s slogan, there are times where you’ll have to “just do it”. This book puts you in the mindset to “just do it”. It is one of the most clear-cut and precise guides to getting to where you need to be that I’ve ever read and it’s a book I recommend frequently to someone who’s just trying to get a basic understanding of how to properly live and take action in the world.

21. Karma: A Yogi’s Guide to Crafting Your Destiny

The topic of “karma” is one loaded with superstition, religiosity, and most importantly of all – misunderstanding. In this book, beloved yogi Sadhguru clears up all misunderstanding and sets the record straight on what karma really and truly is.

Why you should read it: If you’re open-minded and willing to dive into a dense work, this book is up your alley. It will help if you are spiritually inclined, but even if you’re not, Sadhguru makes this an accessible work for anyone. You have a lot of personal and ancestral karma that may be weighing you down (we all do, don’t worry). This book is a good first step towards doing that important work.

22. How To Win Friends and Influence People

This sounds like a Machiavellian novel in the same vein as something like 48 Laws of Power. It’s not. This is a good handbook on how to interact with other people and build relationships.

Why you should read it: Lots of takeaways from this book but the main one is this: act with enthusiasm. At this age, that might be all you have. You may not have skills, you may be a newbie in your field, etc… But if you bring the energy and a desire to learn…then you’ll find yourself having lots of people want to help you on your journey. A word of warning: don’t think you have to become a doormat after reading this book. That’s not what its about. It’s about navigating life with as little friction as possible.

23. Atomic Habits

Everything we do is governed by habits. These habits can be good (brushing your teeth) or bad (being chronically late). The bad ones are what will inevitably bring us down and prevent us from getting what we want out of life. James Clear lays out a clear and  systematic way of developing the habits you want in your life and eliminating the habits you don’t want.

Why you should read it: Think of this as an exercise in self-awareness. Most of us are unconsciously on autopilot. This means, we do a number of haphazard things throughout our day. Some of this is good – some of this is bad. If you can manage to change the bad ones into good ones, the entire momentum of your life will shift. Therefore, it is worth it to set up good habits now while you’re not too locked in your ways. This book will show you how.

 24. Rewire

In the same vein as Atomic Habits, this book addresses the process of changing how your brain functions with regards to habits. But this is a different type of habit pattern: the tendency to degrade the self. These show up in the form of anxiety, depression, negative self-talk, etc. Definitely worth understanding to show you the true power of being able to take control of your own destiny.

Why you should read it: You have two sides to your personality. The side that’s in control is your unconscious self which governs your behavior. Think of it as the execution model for the self image. If your unconscious is negatively oriented, you’re in for a world of pain.. This book will show you how to rewire your brain by working to eliminate the mental claptrap that plagues many of us on a daily basis.

25. Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life

Over the past couple of years academic and clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson has gained quite a reputation, some of them for the wrong reasons. While some of the backlash against him is warranted, that doesn’t take away from the lucidity of thought he displays in his books and his lectures.

In Beyond Order, Jordan Peterson dives into the very nuanced discussion of why too much order is a bad thing (surprising to see if you read the book before this one) and how you can embrace the chaos and improvisation that life will inevitably throw at you.

Why you should read it:Jordan Peterson’s train of thought is unique to see in academia because it mixes hardcore psychological insight with intangible spirituality and social dynamics. Instead of telling young men to “take it easy” (like many people do these days), he urges them to take responsibility and to make this world a better place than they found it. A much needed message and book for anyone, no matter what phase of life they may find themselves in.


Well, there you have it – 25 books to help you in the quest to know yourself.

I said these books should be read in your 20s just because you’re still building a foundation during those years. In actuality, these can be read at any phase in your life. It’s never too late to start learning some things you didn’t before.

With that, hope you enjoyed this list and happy reading!

Which one of these books have you read or are interested in reading? Let me know in the comments below.

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One Response to “25 Superior Self-Improvement Books To Read In Your 20s

  • Good list! Thanks. Sometime to read a book i need recommendation. I ve read almost 10 books from this list and also i saw books that has been reccomended by other people i look up to. So that is really no boolshit list.

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