What are the best motivational or self-help books for students.
Here are some of the best books for students to improve self-confidence and develop resilience against the unknown.
Dale Carnegie and Napoleon Hill have written some of the world’s greatest books in this area of building self-confidence and resilience.
One of the world richest men and investor Warren Buffett attended Dale Carnegie confidence and public speaking course and this is that Warren said:
“I don’t have my diploma from the University of Nebraska hanging on my office wall, and I don’t have my diploma from Columbia up there either — but I do have my Dale Carnegie graduation certificate proudly displayed.” - Warren Buffet
Following are the books every student should read:
- How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, Dale Carnegie
- Little Known Facts About Well Known People, Dale Carnegie
- How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie
- Art of Public Speaking, Dale Carnegie
- The Little Recognized Secret of Success, Dale Carnegie
- Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill
- Napoleon Hill’s Keys to Success: The 17 Principles of Personal Achievement, Napoleon Hill
- You Can Work Your Own Miracles, Napoleon Hill
- Keys to Positive Thinking, Napoleon Hill
- Napoleon Hill’s Self-Confidence Formula: Your Guide to Self-Reliance and Success, Napoleon Hill
NOTE: All these books are translated into many languages, if you are not well-versed in English, you can get the desired translated version.
Summary of the above books and their importance:
How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie
“How to Stop Worrying and Start Living” is another self-help book by Dale Carnegie, published in 1948. This book provides practical advice and strategies for managing and reducing worry, stress, and anxiety in daily life. It offers a range of principles and techniques to help individuals overcome their worries and lead a more fulfilling and peaceful life. Here are some key concepts and strategies from the book:
- Live in “day-tight compartments”: Focus on living one day at a time rather than dwelling on past regrets or worrying about an uncertain future. Break your life into manageable chunks.
- Don’t stew about the little things: Recognize that many of the things you worry about are relatively insignificant in the grand scheme of life. Learn to let go of minor concerns.
- Cooperate with the inevitable: Understand that some events are beyond your control. Accept them and adapt to the situation rather than resisting it.
- Face your problems and take action: Instead of avoiding or procrastinating, confront your problems head-on. Develop a plan of action and take steps to address the issues causing you worry.
- Find solutions, not fault: When facing a problem or conflict, focus on finding solutions rather than assigning blame or dwelling on the past.
- Cultivate a mental attitude that will bring you peace and happiness: Train your mind to think positively. Practice gratitude and look for the silver lining in challenging situations.
- Don’t let the past ruin your present: Learn from your mistakes but avoid dwelling on them. Move forward with a positive outlook.
- Count your blessings: Regularly remind yourself of the good things in your life. Keep a gratitude journal to help you focus on the positive.
- Find a healthy way to relax and recharge: Engage in activities that help you unwind and reduce stress, such as hobbies, exercise, or spending time with loved ones.
- Put enthusiasm into your work: Approach your tasks with enthusiasm and a positive attitude. This can make your work more enjoyable and fulfilling.
- Do the very best you can: Strive for excellence in your endeavors, but don’t obsess over perfection. Understand that doing your best is what truly matters.
- Forget yourself and start helping others: Focus on serving and helping others. This can shift your perspective away from your own worries and lead to a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
- Banish the “I should” thoughts: Replace thoughts of “I should have” or “I should be” with practical actions to improve your situation.
- Use the law of averages to your advantage: Recognize that most of your worries and fears will never come to pass, and even if they do, you’ll likely handle them better than you expect.
- Keep busy: Occupy your mind with meaningful activities to prevent excessive rumination and worry.
Little Known Facts About Well Known People, Dale Carnegie
“Little Known Facts About Well Known People” by Dale Carnegie is a book that profiles a wide range of famous people from history, highlighting their lesser-known qualities and quirks. Carnegie draws on his own experiences and research to reveal the human side of these iconic figures, and the lessons we can learn from their lives.
Here are a few examples of the little-known facts that Carnegie shares in the book:
- Abraham Lincoln was a terrible storyteller.
- Thomas Edison was afraid of the dark.
- Marie Curie was a brilliant physicist but a terrible housekeeper.
- Albert Einstein had a speech impediment.
- Winston Churchill was a chain-smoker.
- Mahatma Gandhi was a vegetarian who loved to eat chocolate.
- Eleanor Roosevelt was a shy and insecure child.
- Babe Ruth was afraid of heights.
- Walt Disney was a chain-smoker.
- Henry Ford was a terrible driver.
- Helen Keller was a talented writer and poet.
Throughout the book, Carnegie emphasizes the importance of hard work, perseverance, and a positive attitude. He shows us that even the most successful people have faced challenges and setbacks in their lives. But through it all, they never gave up on their dreams.
One of the most important lessons from the book is that we are all more alike than we are different. We all have our own unique talents and gifts, but we also all share the same basic human needs and desires. By understanding the stories of these well-known people, we can learn more about ourselves and how to achieve our own goals.
How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie
“How to Win Friends and Influence People” is a self-help book written by Dale Carnegie, first published in 1936. It has remained popular for decades and is considered a classic in the genre of personal development and interpersonal skills. The book provides timeless advice on how to improve your social and communication skills to build better relationships and influence others positively. Here are some key principles and strategies from the book:
- Become genuinely interested in others: Show a sincere interest in other people’s lives, opinions, and concerns. Ask questions and listen actively to what they have to say.
- Smile: A smile is a universal sign of friendliness and approachability. Use it to create a positive impression and put others at ease.
- Remember people’s names: People love to hear their own names. Make an effort to remember and use people’s names in your conversations.
- Be a good listener: Give your full attention when others are speaking. Avoid interrupting and resist the urge to jump in with your own thoughts.
- Talk in terms of the other person’s interests: Tailor your conversations to topics that interest the other person. This shows that you care about their preferences and opinions.
- Make the other person feel important: Everyone has a desire to feel important. Acknowledge people’s achievements and contributions, and genuinely praise them when deserved.
- Avoid criticism and condemnation: Criticizing and condemning others can create resentment and defensiveness. Instead, try to provide constructive feedback when necessary and do so in a considerate manner.
- Give honest and sincere appreciation: Express your appreciation and gratitude sincerely. People value recognition and acknowledgment of their efforts.
- Arouse in the other person an eager want: Help others achieve their goals and desires by understanding what motivates them and aligning your actions with their needs.
- Become a good conversationalist: Develop the ability to carry on engaging and meaningful conversations. Learn to be a good storyteller and share relevant anecdotes to make your points more effectively.
- Let the other person feel that the idea is theirs: When trying to influence someone or make a point, present it in a way that makes the other person feel like they came up with the idea themselves.
- Try to see things from the other person’s point of view: Empathy is a powerful tool for understanding others and resolving conflicts.
- Appeal to the nobler motives: Encourage others to act in ways that align with their better selves and higher values.
- Dramatize your ideas: Use vivid and engaging storytelling to convey your message effectively.
- Throw down a challenge: Motivate others by presenting challenges that inspire them to excel and take action.
Remember that the book offers many more insights and examples to illustrate these principles. It’s essential to practice these techniques consistently to improve your social skills and build positive relationships with others.
Art of Public Speaking, Dale Carnegie
Published in 1915, “The Art of Public Speaking” by Dale Carnegie and Joseph Berg Esenwein is a classic book on the subject of public speaking and effective communication. It provides valuable guidance and techniques for improving one’s ability to speak in public, deliver speeches, and engage with an audience effectively.
The book covers a wide range of topics related to public speaking, including:
- Overcoming stage fright: Tips for managing anxiety and nervousness when speaking in public.
- Organizing your speech: Guidance on structuring your speech for clarity and impact, including the use of introductions, body, and conclusions.
- Delivery techniques: Advice on voice modulation, gestures, and body language to engage and captivate your audience.
- Audience analysis: Understanding your audience’s needs, interests, and expectations to tailor your message effectively.
- Language and style: Tips on choosing the right words, phrasing, and tone to convey your message persuasively.
- Types of speeches: Guidance on various types of speeches, from informative and persuasive speeches to special occasion speeches.
- Dealing with difficult situations: Strategies for handling challenging audience questions and managing unexpected disruptions.
- The use of humor: How to use humor effectively in speeches without causing offense.
Dale Carnegie’s “The Art of Public Speaking” remains a valuable resource for individuals looking to enhance their public speaking skills and become more confident and effective communicators.
The Little Recognized Secret of Success, Dale Carnegie
In his book “The Little Recognized Secret of Success”, Dale Carnegie argues that the key to success is enthusiasm. He defines enthusiasm as “a passionate desire to accomplish something.” He believes that enthusiasm is more important than talent, intelligence, or experience.
Carnegie supports his argument with stories of successful people who have achieved great things through their enthusiasm. For example, he tells the story of a young man who was fired from his job as a salesman because he wasn’t enthusiastic enough. The young man eventually found a new job selling insurance, and he quickly became one of the top salesmen in the company. His secret was simple: he was enthusiastic about his job and he loved helping his clients.
Carnegie also provides tips on how to cultivate enthusiasm. He suggests that we should:
- Set goals that we are excited about.
- Find a mentor or role model who can inspire us.
- Visualize ourselves achieving our goals.
- Focus on the positive aspects of our work and our lives.
- Surround ourselves with positive people.
Carnegie concludes by saying that enthusiasm is contagious. When we are enthusiastic, it inspires others to be enthusiastic as well. This can create a positive feedback loop that can help us achieve our goals and achieve success.
Here is a quote from the book that sums up Carnegie’s message:
“Enthusiasm is the little recognized secret of success. When you are enthusiastic about something, it shows. People see your enthusiasm and they are drawn to it. They want to help you achieve your goals. Enthusiasm is contagious, and it can lead to great things.”
Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill
“Think and Grow Rich” is a personal development and self-help book written by Napoleon Hill and first published in 1937. It remains one of the most influential and widely read books in the self-help genre. The book is based on Hill’s study of successful individuals, including some of the most financially successful people of his time, such as Andrew Carnegie and Henry Ford.
The central premise of “Think and Grow Rich” is that one’s thoughts and mindset have a profound impact on their ability to achieve success, particularly in the realm of wealth and personal achievement. Here are some key concepts and principles from the book:
- Definite Purpose: Hill emphasizes the importance of setting a clear and definite goal or purpose in life. Without a specific aim, individuals are less likely to achieve success.
- Faith: Develop unwavering faith and belief in your ability to achieve your goals. Hill suggests using positive affirmations and visualization to reinforce this faith.
- Autosuggestion: Regularly feed your subconscious mind with positive thoughts and affirmations related to your goals. This can help you reprogram your thinking patterns.
- Specialized Knowledge: Seek to acquire specialized knowledge and skills related to your chosen field. Continuous learning is key to success.
- Imagination: Harness the power of your imagination to come up with innovative ideas and solutions. Creative thinking can lead to breakthroughs.
- Organized Planning: Develop a well-structured plan to achieve your goals. Break your plan into actionable steps and take consistent action.
- Decision: Make prompt and firm decisions. Avoid procrastination and indecision, as they can hinder progress.
- Persistence: Persevere in the face of challenges and setbacks. Many successful people encountered failures before achieving their goals.
- The Mastermind: Surround yourself with a supportive network of like-minded individuals who can provide advice, support, and guidance.
- The Subconscious Mind: Understand the power of the subconscious mind and how it can influence your thoughts, actions, and outcomes.
- The Brain: Recognize that your thoughts have a direct impact on your brain and physical well-being. Positive thoughts can lead to positive health outcomes.
- The Sixth Sense: Develop your intuition and the ability to tap into higher levels of consciousness for guidance.
Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich” is a timeless classic that has inspired countless individuals to pursue their goals and dreams with determination and a positive mindset. While the book primarily focuses on financial success, its principles can be applied to various aspects of life, including personal and professional achievement.
Napoleon Hill’s Keys to Success: The 17 Principles of Personal Achievement, Napoleon Hill
In “Napoleon Hill’s Keys to Success,” Hill presents a set of 17 principles that he believed were crucial for personal achievement and success in all areas of life. These principles are based on Hill’s extensive research and interviews with some of the most successful individuals of his time. Here are the 17 key principles of personal achievement as outlined in the book:
- Definiteness of Purpose: Have a clear and specific goal that you are working towards.
- Mastermind Alliance: Surround yourself with a supportive network of individuals who can help you achieve your goals.
- Applied Faith: Develop unwavering faith and belief in your ability to achieve your goals.
- Going the Extra Mile: Be willing to do more than what is expected or required.
- Pleasing Personality: Cultivate a positive and pleasant personality that attracts and influences others.
- Personal Initiative: Take the initiative and be proactive in pursuing your goals.
- Positive Mental Attitude: Maintain a consistently positive mindset and outlook on life.
- Enthusiasm: Approach your goals with enthusiasm and passion.
- Self-Discipline: Exercise self-control and discipline in all aspects of your life.
- Accurate Thinking: Develop the ability to think critically and make well-informed decisions.
- Controlled Attention: Focus your attention on your goals and avoid distractions.
- Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with others to achieve common goals.
- Adversity and Defeat: Learn from failures and setbacks, and use them as stepping stones to success.
- Creative Vision: Cultivate creativity and vision to develop innovative solutions.
- Health: Take care of your physical and mental health as it is essential for success.
- Budgeting Time and Money: Manage your time and resources efficiently.
- Habit of Saving: Develop the habit of saving and investing wisely.
“Napoleon Hill’s Keys to Success” provides practical advice and strategies for applying these principles to one’s life. It serves as a comprehensive guide for personal development, emphasizing the importance of a positive mindset, goal-setting, and taking action to achieve success. This book is a valuable resource for those seeking to improve their personal and professional lives based on Napoleon Hill’s timeless wisdom.
You Can Work Your Own Miracles, Napoleon Hill
“You Can Work Your Own Miracles” is another self-help book by Napoleon Hill, published in 1971. In this book, Hill builds on his previous works and shares insights into personal achievement and success. The central theme of the book is that individuals have the power to shape their destinies through their thoughts, beliefs, and actions. Here are some key concepts and principles from “You Can Work Your Own Miracles”:
- Belief: Hill emphasizes the importance of belief in oneself and one’s abilities. He argues that belief is a powerful force that can move individuals to achieve their goals.
- The Power of Thought: Hill explores the idea that thoughts are the starting point for all actions and outcomes. He encourages readers to harness the power of positive thinking to achieve their desires.
- Auto-Suggestion: Similar to his earlier works, Hill discusses the concept of auto-suggestion, where individuals repeatedly affirm their goals and desires to their subconscious minds to influence their behavior and actions.
- Definiteness of Purpose: Having a clear and definite purpose is essential for success. Hill advises readers to set specific goals and work relentlessly toward achieving them.
- Overcoming Fear: Hill provides strategies for overcoming fear, which he sees as one of the primary obstacles to success.
- Persistence: Persistence and determination are key to achieving one’s goals. Hill encourages readers not to give up in the face of challenges and setbacks.
- The Mastermind Principle: Building a supportive network of individuals who share similar goals can greatly enhance one’s chances of success. Hill suggests creating a mastermind group for mutual support and guidance.
- Creative Vision: Developing creativity and the ability to see opportunities where others see obstacles is crucial for success.
- Positive Mental Attitude: Maintaining a positive mental attitude is a recurring theme in Hill’s work. He emphasizes the importance of a positive outlook in all aspects of life.
- Self-Discipline: Hill discusses the importance of self-discipline and self-control in achieving long-term success.
This book is considered a valuable addition to Hill’s body of work and continues to inspire individuals to pursue their goals and dreams.
Keys to Positive Thinking, Napoleon Hill
In his book “Keys to Positive Thinking”", he shares his insights on how to develop a positive mindset and achieve your goals.
Hill argues that positive thinking is essential for success. When you have a positive attitude, you are more likely to see opportunities, take risks, and persevere in the face of challenges.
Here are some of Hill’s key tips for developing positive thinking:
- Focus on the good. It’s easy to get caught up in the negative aspects of life, but it’s important to make a conscious effort to focus on the good things. Start each day by thinking about something that you are grateful for.
- Believe in yourself. You need to have faith in your abilities and believe that you can achieve your goals. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will either.
- Set positive goals. When you have something to strive for, it gives you a sense of purpose and direction. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
- Surround yourself with positive people. The people you spend time with have a big impact on your mood and outlook. Make sure you are surrounding yourself with positive people who support your goals and dreams.
- Practice positive self-talk. The way you talk to yourself can have a big impact on your mindset. Make a conscious effort to use positive language and affirmations when talking to yourself.
Hill also emphasizes the importance of taking action. Positive thinking is important, but it’s not enough. You need to take action and work towards your goals in order to achieve them.
Napoleon Hill’s Self-Confidence Formula: Your Guide to Self-Reliance and Success
Napoleon Hill’s Self-Confidence Formula: Your Guide to Self-Reliance and Success is a book about how to develop self-confidence and achieve your goals. Hill argues that self-confidence is the most important factor in success, and he provides a number of exercises and techniques for developing it.
One of the key principles of Hill’s formula is that self-confidence comes from within. You can’t rely on other people to give you self-confidence. You have to believe in yourself and your abilities.
Another important principle is that self-confidence is built through action. The more you take action and achieve your goals, the more self-confidence you will develop.
Hill’s formula includes a number of exercises and techniques for developing self-confidence, such as:
- Setting goals and taking action. The more you achieve your goals, the more self-confidence you will develop.
- Affirmations. Positive affirmations can help to reprogram your subconscious mind and boost your self-confidence.
- Visualization. Visualizing yourself achieving your goals can help to boost your self-confidence and motivation.
- Association. Surround yourself with positive people who believe in you and your abilities.
Hill also emphasizes the importance of persistence. Everyone faces setbacks and challenges in life. But the successful people are the ones who persist and never give up on their goals.
Napoleon Hill’s Self-Confidence Formula is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to develop self-confidence and achieve their goals. Hill’s insights and advice are timeless and have helped millions of people to achieve success.
Here is a quote from the book that sums up Hill’s message:
“Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings.”