Top growth mindset books related to self-improvement and growth

We’ve curated a list of the “Best Books on Growth Mindset” that will not only inspire you but also equip you with the invaluable tools to embrace challenges, persevere through obstacles, and foster a passion for continuous learning and self-improvement. Whether you’re an avid reader or just starting your journey towards a growth-oriented outlook on life, these transformative books are bound to enrich your thinking and propel you towards personal and professional success. So, grab your favorite reading nook, open your mind, and let’s embark on this enlightening adventure together. Want to go deeper on this topic? Check out our post on growth mindset training.

1. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

by Carol S. Dweck

Dweck introduces the concept of fixed and growth mindsets, demonstrating how one’s belief about their abilities can profoundly impact their achievements and personal development. Through research-backed insights and practical examples, the book empowers readers to cultivate a growth mindset, embrace challenges, and unlock their full potential.

Amazon Description: 

After decades of research, world-renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D., discovered a simple but groundbreaking idea: the power of mindset. In this brilliant book, she shows how success in school, work, sports, the arts, and almost every area of human endeavor can be dramatically influenced by how we think about our talents and abilities. People with a fixed mindset—those who believe that abilities are fixed—are less likely to flourish than those with a growth mindset—those who believe that abilities can be developed. Mindset reveals how great parents, teachers, managers, and athletes can put this idea to use to foster outstanding accomplishment.

In this edition, Dweck offers new insights into her now famous and broadly embraced concept. She introduces a phenomenon she calls false growth mindset and guides people toward adopting a deeper, truer growth mindset. She also expands the mindset concept beyond the individual, applying it to the cultures of groups and organizations. With the right mindset, you can motivate those you lead, teach, and love—to transform their lives and your own.

2. Thinking, Fast and Slow

by Daniel Kahneman

“Thinking, Fast and Slow” explores the two systems that drive the way we think: the fast, intuitive, and often biased System 1, and the slow, deliberate, and analytical System 2. Drawing from decades of research in psychology and behavioral economics, Kahneman reveals the biases that influence our decision-making processes, offering valuable insights into the intricacies of human thought and offering strategies to enhance rational decision-making.

Amazon Description: 

In his mega bestseller, Thinking, Fast and Slow, Daniel Kahneman, world-famous psychologist and winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics, takes us on a groundbreaking tour of the mind and explains the two systems that drive the way we think.

System 1 is fast, intuitive, and emotional; System 2 is slower, more deliberative, and more logical. The impact of overconfidence on corporate strategies, the difficulties of predicting what will make us happy in the future, the profound effect of cognitive biases on everything from playing the stock market to planning our next vacation―each of these can be understood only by knowing how the two systems shape our judgments and decisions.

Engaging the reader in a lively conversation about how we think, Kahneman reveals where we can and cannot trust our intuitions and how we can tap into the benefits of slow thinking. He offers practical and enlightening insights into how choices are made in both our business and our personal lives―and how we can use different techniques to guard against the mental glitches that often get us into trouble. Topping bestseller lists for almost ten years, Thinking, Fast and Slow is a contemporary classic, an essential book that has changed the lives of millions of readers.

3. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Guided Journal: (Goals Journal, Self Improvement Book)

by Stephen R. Covey, Seam Covey

This book is a transformative self-improvement resource based on Stephen Covey’s renowned principles. This guided journal offers a structured approach to internalizing the seven habits, helping individuals cultivate personal and professional effectiveness. By reflecting on their goals, values, and behaviors, readers are encouraged to make positive changes and create lasting habits that lead to increased productivity and fulfillment.

Amazon Description: 

Goal setting just got easier. When The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People was released as a card deck, audiences approached Stephen R. Covey’s time-tested principles in a whole new way. Now, this companion journal gives readers a chance to craft inspiration into action. Its concise format is accessible and easy to stick with. Each habit is broken down into a weekly format inspiring both beginners and seasoned 7 Habits readers to get motivated, build confidence, and boost inspiration and personal growth.

Cultivate success, skill, and self-growth. Featuring thought-provoking prompts, worksheets, and self-development quotes that teach you how to achieve your goals, this is the ultimate guided self-growth journal.

4. The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery

by Brianna Wiest

Through a blend of introspective guidance and psychological insights, Wiest invites readers to confront their internal obstacles and transform them into opportunities for self-discovery and growth. The book offers a roadmap to shifting perspectives, building self-awareness, and embracing the journey of personal transformation.

Amazon Description: 

This is a book about self-sabotage. Why we do it, when we do it, and how to stop doing it—for good. Coexisting but conflicting needs create self-sabotaging behaviors. This is why we resist efforts to change, often until they feel completely futile. But by extracting crucial insight from our most damaging habits, building emotional intelligence by better understanding our brains and bodies, releasing past experiences at a cellular level, and learning to act as our highest potential future selves, we can step out of our own way and into our potential. For centuries, the mountain has been used as a metaphor for the big challenges we face, especially ones that seem impossible to overcome. To scale our mountains, we actually have to do the deep internal work of excavating trauma, building resilience, and adjusting how we show up for the climb. In the end, it is not the mountain we master, but ourselves.

5. Awaken the Giant Within : How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny!

by Tony Robbins

This is a dynamic guide to taking control of one’s life and achieving profound personal change. Robbins shares strategies for harnessing the power of emotions, beliefs, and behaviors to create lasting transformations in various areas of life. With a focus on mental, emotional, physical, and financial empowerment, the book provides actionable steps and empowering principles to help readers shape their destinies.

Amazon Description: 

Wake up and take control of your life! From the bestselling author of Inner Strength, Unlimited Power, and MONEY Master the Game, Anthony Robbins, the nation’s leader in the science of peak performance, shows you his most effective strategies and techniques for mastering your emotions, your body, your relationships, your finances, and your life.

The acknowledged expert in the psychology of change, Anthony Robbins provides a step-by-step program teaching the fundamental lessons of self-mastery that will enable you to discover your true purpose, take control of your life, and harness the forces that shape your destiny.

6. Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?

by Julie Smith

Through personal anecdotes and reflective insights, Smith offers a heartfelt guide to navigating challenges, embracing change, and finding purpose. The book serves as a compassionate companion for those seeking wisdom and understanding in their life’s journey.

Amazon Description: 

Drawing on years of experience as a clinical psychologist, online sensation Dr Julie Smith provides the skills you need to navigate common life challenges and take charge of your emotional and mental health in her debut book.

Filled with secrets from a therapist’s toolkit, Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before teaches you how to fortify and maintain your mental health, even in the most trying of times. Dr Julie Smith’s expert advice and powerful coping techniques will help you stay resilient, whether you want to manage anxiety, deal with criticism, cope with depression, build self-confidence, find motivation, or learn to forgive yourself. Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before tackles everyday issues and offers practical solutions in bite-sized, easy-to-digest entries which make it easy to quickly find specific information and guidance.

Your mental well-being is just as important as your physical well-being. Packed with proven strategies, Dr. Julie’s empathetic guide offers a deeper understanding of how your mind works and gives you the insights and help you need to nurture your mental health every day. Wise and practical, Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before might just change your life.

7. Get Out of Your Own Way: Overcoming Self-Defeating Behavior

by Mark Goulston, Philip Goldberg

This book offers a compassionate and practical approach to overcoming self-sabotage and fostering personal growth. Drawing from psychological expertise, real-life stories, and actionable strategies, the book guides readers through the process of identifying and addressing self-defeating behaviors, unlocking their potential, and cultivating a more positive and fulfilling life.

Amazon Description: 

Practical, proven self help steps show how to transform 40 common self-defeating behaviors, including procrastination, envy, obsession, anger, self-pity, compulsion, neediness, guilt, rebellion, inaction, and more.

8. The Growth Mindset: a Guide to Professional and Personal Growth

by Joshua Moore, Helen Glasgow

This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the growth mindset philosophy and its application in various aspects of life. Through practical advice, case studies, and actionable steps, the book helps individuals develop a growth-oriented perspective, navigate challenges, and continuously evolve in their personal and professional pursuits.

Amazon Description: 

If you’ve ever wanted to experience personal and/or professional growth, but haven’t been able to find practical ways to develop and implement this vital knowledge, this book has the inside track information you’ve been searching for! Co-written by a personal growth researcher and life coach, and a top business executive who also teaches and trains “soft” business skills, this book bridges the gap between personal and professional growth as well as scaffolding theory with concrete plans of action to ensure you are successful in your growth development efforts in all facets of your life.

Best Books on Growth Mindset Conclusion

These books have not only provided us with insights into the potential of a growth mindset, but have also offered practical strategies to embrace challenges, overcome setbacks, and cultivate resilience. Let these books on growth mindset be your guiding lights, illuminating the way towards a life of continuous learning, self-discovery, and endless possibilities. Embrace the growth mindset, and watch yourself discover what was once thought beyond your reach. Happy reading!

Want to explore other topics other than books on growth mindset? Visit our innovation and design thinking resource blog for additional tips and techniques today. You can also learn about growth mindset workshops.