As a Man Thinketh (1902) says our thoughts set the course our life, not our circumstances. James Allen says thoughts are seeds for actions, so our mind is a garden where we must cultivate the right seeds. This short, inspiring book still influences many modern self-help teachers.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (1989) is one of the most popular self help books ever, selling 25 million copies. Stephen Covey explains 7 principles for becoming more effective in our personal and professional lives. These include taking responsibility, acting with long-term perspective and building mutually beneficial relationships.
Grinding It Out (1977) shows how McDonald's grew to be one of the biggest companies in the world. Ray Kroc did it through seizing the right opportunity, perfecting the fundamentals of the business, always emphasizing growth, and persisting until he found the successful strategy.
Rich Dad Poor Dad is Robert Kiyosaki's story of growing up with a "Poor Dad" (his middle class biological father) and a "Rich Dad" (his best friend's father and a savvy entrepreneur). Kiyosaki learned rich people buy assets that make them money, rather than working for an income.
Think and Grow Rich is a classic self help book, based on Napoleon Hill interviewing 500 millionaires including Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. He says the formula for riches is first having a burning desire for them, then following a definite plan and having faith that plan will succeed.
