Ultimate Self-Improvement BOOK Tier List (BEST to WORST) 

DISCLAIMER: every book that made this list is legendary in its own way. The book has to be since our criteria is that it jas sold 5M+ copies OR 10k+ Amazon reviews. This list is 100% my personal opinion, meaning we will probably disagree on a few. Totally cool! That said I hope you walk away from this vid with a few "a-has" and maybe even a new book to read. If you want to go deeper, creating the 2.0 you is literally what we spend 10-weeks walking you through in my coaching program, Metamorphic. Click here to learn a bit more and potentially change your life ➡ www.clarkkegley.com/free-case-study?sl=yt-booktier

I'd put Atomic Habits on the god tier. It's life-changing when you put success on autopilot.

So, I've been reading this retirement book that my brother lent me. It's pretty informative, talking about different investment strategies and all that.

nixorus - forbidden money books (thank me later)

I think the benefit of the 48 Laws of Power wasn't learning these rules to use on others, but recognizing when others are using them on me. I usually tend to be naïve in the sense of assuming everyone is genuine, but in a space like corporate America, this book was a good reminder that the world can be tough even though on the surface everyone is a "family" where you work. Also, if you love history, the book is 80% historical references. I loved the video man, thank you

As someone who read most of the books I'd say that ranking them is really subjective and people that just have started reading self improvement books shouldn't take the tier of these books mentioned into consideration. All of them are fantastic legendary books. I would suggest to someone starting their self improvement journey to pick a book that resonates with their current situation, e.g. if you currently don't have financial problems - don't read rich dad poor dad, however, if you do feel like you have problems accepting your past - rather read the power of now. His ranking of those books has literally zero to do with how helpful they are to YOU in YOUR situation under YOUR circumstances. A book he ranked S tier could be a D to you and vice versa. Also always make sure to implement relevant tips given in a book to truly get the most out of it. After all, having the knowledge and taking action are two different things :)

One more book which i wanted to recommend was: so good they can't ignore you. Everyone talks about achieving goals, but what if you can't find goals? I had no passion of my own, until i read this book. It focuses on cultivating love for a job rather than finding the "right job". It breaks so many detrimental misconceptions that society teaches us and honestly i recommend it for anyone who wants a fulfilling and awesome career.

Great video! I've downloaded several of these books to check out. My one quibble is about 7 Habits. The big idea is *starting by identifying your values* and determining what's important based on that -- and then doing ongoing assessments to make sure you're staying in alignment. The quadrants have far less meaning without first defining what is important to you.

I love Atomic Habits AND I also love Elizabeth Filips perspective on it. It’s important to identify what works best for you and not go too overboard on routine. I experienced a process of profound routine that created a lot of productivity followed by profound burnout. So finding the balance between accountability and sustainability is very important.

The Alchemist and The Power of Now are amongst my favorite books of all time. But I think how you rank these books are obviously subjective to where you are in your journey. Some people are wanting more spiritual development while others may be trying to improve their finances or habits.

I would personally also mention "The Six Pillar Of Self-Esteem". Having somewhat of a clear picture of how a confident person would feel and think about oneself, helped me aspiring the right thing, thus getting there (closer).

Thank you for your great videos! I have learned so much from them ☺️🙏🏻 I remember as a child in the 50s, seeing my parents take off to a night course from Dale Carnegie at UC Berkeley. I think the course lasted between 6 and 8 weeks and they became devout fans of his teachings. Another speaker they loved was Napoleon Hill. And of course , Jim Rohan. ( his quote : “Either you run the day or the day runs you” one of my favorites) My parents were Stanford graduates with honors and believed deeply in constantly learning how to improve themselves, their health, life and making the world a better place for others. Thank you again for your enlightened videos! I read at least 4 books a week and love what you shared about listening to audio books while working on a puzzle. Such a great idea and I’m sure very therapeutic!

Thank you! I've been looking for such a tier list!

Been a subscriber for years to your channel. Always loved your book reviews. Hands down in my opinion this is your best. The tier list is great to see. Would enjoy if you did a tier list for financial/money book recommendations.

"Leaders are readers." 14 Books: Think & Grow Rich, The Secret, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F, Rich Dad Poor Dad, Atomic Habits, How To Win Friends & Influence People, 48 Laws of Power, The Alchemist, The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People, Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself (alternatively Becoming Supernatural) The 4 Agreements, The Untethered Soul, The Power of Now, Unlimited Power.

I listened to the power of now while I was doing housekeeping. I feel like that moment really made me change my perspective. I remember the exact house I was in, old wooden and gorgeous honestly, and I went from tired when I went in, to coming out feeling incredibly satisfied. I took my time feeling the rag under my hands as I wiped the counters, vacuuming was almost therapeutic, and I realized what a blessing I was to someone else. Even though they were paying me, I switched to the mindset of “I’m doing a service” and it was incredibly satisfying after that. Definitely what I needed at that point in my life when I felt low about myself

Great video! I appreciate you getting straight to the point and giving a detailed yet short synopsis of each book. Keep these coming!

The Power of Now completely shifted my perspective of life and I've lived totally different life after I read it. So for me it holds special number 1 place :)

Thank you for this ranking, Clark 🙏🏻🌸 I found it very helpful 🌟

This is a great video. I had forgotten about some of these books because they're classics. It's making me think about compiling my own list with a more diverse list of authors that aligns with my life experience.

The four agreements really helped me with my overthinking

Amazing video. Super fun to watch and learn

Every single word you said was genuine , thank this video helped us know up and downside of those boom .

Love this vid Clark. I am a life learner and teacher. I appreciate your time and research. You Sharpen my tools exponentially

Great idea for a video! Tony Robbins also changed my life… I laughed at him until I read his book and it certainly humbled me.

A book that is more characterized as philosophical but has immensely great lessons is “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius, Gregory Hayes translation. It is pretty much a personal journal written by one of the last great emperors of Rome. It has such great tips on how to approach life neutrally and through logic. How to accept things for what they are, even if they are bad. How to use the bad things that happen in your life as fuel to make yourself a better person. Etc.

Just found you on you tube. I love your book reviews, insights on journaling and pops of humor. Tyvm for being you.

Thanks for sharing Clark!

I just finished "How To Win Friends & Influence People" and it was great. Atomic Habits also resonates with me a lot. I actually really like The 4 Agreements as well. One book I also recently finished that really reeled me in from start to finish is "The World's Greatest Salesman". There are so many great books out there in self development, you really can't go wrong. I'm definitely gonna get Tony Robbins "Unlimited Power"- you have it up there and that's one I haven't read and I feel it's gonna get me hooked. Bless.

This was awesome! I’m pouring through books at a pretty fierce pace. But I don’t have time to waste on books not worth it. Now I’m finally on this path for good, at 52, after many detours, distractions, and set backs.

It’s been a while always great watching you💜💜 such great book reviews!!!

Clark please do more of these type of videos these are so amazing and great to watch and absorb

More of these please!

starting the list with a classic, love your content

This was such a great video. I have a few of those books and I can’t wait to pick up the copies of the other books mentioned!

I enjoyed this, it helped. Thanks! just beginning my journey as a nurse coach. It’s so exciting to be able to help people…. Really help people.

You’re providing so much value with your channel holy shit. As a nutrition coach I aspire to give people as much value for free as you do man!

He Clark many thanks for the recommendations. Specially the book breaking the habit of being yourself is helping me a ton

Thanks for the video and book suggestions.

I've read a lot of these books cover to cover as well and honestly, you nailed the main points really well! Nice structured video and tier list

Was surprised by where you put the Alchemist! That's a solid gold S Tier book for me!

Thanks for making this video, imma surely read these book you've recommended 📚💜

Love this video. Thank for that a lot! Want be a better human, you gave me a good starting point

For me, the book Power was quite enlightening. It was not useful in my life, but it allowed me to understand local politicians and community leaders. Many if not most of them follow the precepts of the book to some extent, because to them, life is a 0 sum game.

How to Win Friends and Influence People has kind of an awkward title by modern usage, but the idea and advice in it will genuinely make you a better human being, and people will like you because you are better. It’s all about how to be sincere, kind, and genuinely interested in others. God Tier indeed!

Just discovered your channel a few days ago... new habit, watching a new vid each day!

Life changing stuff here Clark, subbing.

Having a hard time here. 7 Habits - solid, practical, possibly life-changing advice throughout. The Secret - metaphysical woo. Somehow the woo wins over a solid actionable plan? Puts the entire perspective of the list into serious doubt.

Clark it has been a true honor to have found your channel. Thank you for adding a new list of books to myself. If you have not read "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living" by Dale Carnegie. Their is a whole society of Dale Carnegie strategy to be a leader. He has a few other books I think they'll make you 3.0.

Love this! Thanks for the great content.

I love your channel! Keep it going!!!

Thank you! I took every single book you described and added it to my list on audible, and will listen to every one of them!

Well done mate. I like the way you've presented this video. It's easy to understand and helpful for a new reader like myself

Unreal video. Ive added a handful to my amazon Wishlist.

Loved the video. I would like to see regular follow ups as you read more.

This is an inspiring list. Because of your enthusiasm about Atomic Habits I have already bought a copy and I am not halfway through the video. I have to ask you a simple question. Why such a low ranking of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People? I agree with you that it is not as easy to digest 7 Habits as you can some newer books, but that’s the point of the book. 7 Habits teaches the character ethic of being effective with people and efficient with finishing tasks, and it’s covers both in depth. This one book is multiple books, and each habit could easily be studied individually. For example Habit 5 “Seek first to understand then be understood” applies to most areas of my life. It is my answer to how I became a better husband, father, businessman or mentor? What’s most impressive to me is Covey walked his talk. Not only did he sell millions of books all around the world he was also an accomplishment professor whose ideas where so sought after that large companies asked Covey to coach them. Unlike Napoleon Hill, Covey died a wealthy man owning a success book franchise, planner business and public speaking company to name a few. He lived out his principles in real life, possibly better than any of the other authors on this list. I read this book once a year, and have been doing so for over a decade. This book is better described as a manual that reads differently depending upon where you are in your life. It is substance over style, and principles over platitudes. Sir, I ask that you reconsider.

Fantastic share, Clark! Thank you for sharing this list with us. ♥

You just gain my subscribe , amazing video!

Love this! Well done 👍

Closing 1 million subscribers Advance congratulations. ❤️

can't believe you put power of now on a low level like that bro wow, that was one of the best books ive ever read, maybe you should listen to the audio version of it

Hey Clark, awesome video mate! Just found your channel and really enjoyed your analysis on the books (I've read 6 of them) Not read "Unlimited Power" yet though, I reckon that'll be next! Thanks for the recommendations 🙏🏽

I watch so much crap on RU-vid but your content is always gold and a good use of time. I added 2 books from your list and walk away with action items.

I read so many of these books before this video. No wonder I’m so hopeful and optimistic and on my way to rebuilding my life. Thanks for the video

You’ve given me a huge mental shift in the last 6 or so months since I found your channel, I wish I would have known about you sooner!! Highly contemplating signing up for your course, only reason I haven’t yet is simply for financial reasons. Saving up! Thank you for all you do Clark.

How To Win Friends changed my life. It made me realise that your personality and how you interact with others isn't simply an inherent thing that is just "you", but a skill that can be worked on and improved. And it's so powerful.

One of the best vídeos on all RU-vid!! Thank you

This video was so good/helpful I had to watch it twice. And If I could I would give It two thumbs up👍👍

How to Win Friends and Influence People would also be my S- tier. Came to be "more likeable", stayed because it helped me become a better person in general. More understanding, sincere, down to earth, less judgemental, etc. I'm still young and grateful to be able to read it as soon as I could.

Thanks for the list, I might check them out after I finish reading my other book

Sup Clark Thanks for the video

I have read most of those books. In the middle of 'Atomic Habits' right now. My favourite out of this list would have to be 'The Untethered Soul'. Great list! Would love you see you do a list of the most under rated self improvement books. You know, those little gems that you come across that you haven't heard of before but really spark something in you.

Have you read any Joseph Campbell? Seems like his life's work and research could be on this list. & Dune (the book), "Fear is the mind killer I must not fear" is the opening of an epic story that poses so many wonderful questions back to self around risk, drive, and personal alchemy.

This was a fun and informative video! I like this!

This is a favourite indeed! Great video!

Great list! I am always on the lookout for new books, thanks for putting this up!

Even though I disagreed with some of the rankings, I really appreciate and enjoyed the video. At the end of the day it's all subjective!! For anyone wondering, I just finished "The Alchemist" today and I have to say it's my favorite book i've read so far. I don't want to put a limit on myself, or any other book, but I strongly believe it will be the best book I will ever read. I HIGHLY suggest you check it out, I finished it in a couple of hours, so it's not a huge time commitment. I'm buying a copy each for two of my friends for their birthdays.

All the book list are ultimate to move one towards success. Everyone must read these books. Great list.

Love this video, think and grow rich, love that book soo much. I've not listened to secrets! Great content and love this. How to win friends was super life changing to me. Unlimite power okay I'm getting that one

Can't Hurt Me is definitely the S+ Tier

I’d be really interested in a follow up video where you give us the alternative/better books you mentioned for laws of power and 7 habits of highly effective people. 🙏🏻

I totally agree with the the subtle art of not giving a f.....loved it so much and I have read all the others also

Excellent Video! -Content: A -Delivery: A -Analysis: A -Entertainment: A ✊🏾✌🏾

Clark pls do this exact same video with just books people DON'T know about. Those can be the hidden keys people need for that specific mental door.

"Love yourself like your life depends on it " by Kamal Ravikant. I think that everyone should read this book.

Love it! I don't agree with some of the ratings, but great video ty!

Congrats 🍾 for over 1 M subscribers 💖

Best RU-vidr when it comes to being well spoken in spirituality

When I was in the Army I first encountered the self help Genre and it was a wild ride. The most remarkable thing was I applied a few tips of "The Secret" whenever something unpleasant happened and more often than not it dissolved without me needing to take any action. I know this all went down by chance and there are no higher powers but the timing was indeed impressive. I did that for a few weeks and in total maybe 7 times but ~5/7 times some miracle happened. :D very interesting experience. My all time favorite book though is Mastery by Robert Greene. It's so damn inspiring and without all that Vodoo. :D With more years and more wins and more failures on my belt I more and more realise the importance of optimism(not naivity) and self believe(not ignorance). And this book delivers on that end as much as I ever saw anything do.

New subscriber here. This channel is fantastic. Such great content.

Great video ❤️

I love the Compound Effect by Darren Hardy! 🎉

Look at David Goggin’s “Can’t Hurt Me” to me that was the best self improvement book ever

Great video thanks!

Amazing video!

Cant believe 7 habits is not a God Tier. That book changed my life.

Thank you so much, Clark! Loved hearing your personal story at the end, too. I was so happy to see 48 laws were not on your top list and that's when I knew we could get along.

The best thing about this video is that each book has different tips and he's shorting the beautiful thing about each book 😍

Just wanna say you've got a very nice personality. You really applied the very best books in your life.

The point you made about "48 laws of power" is spot on,it trains you to be manipulative, narcissist.The thing is, it won't work for everybody,as you said, it will be successful while interacting with certain people,but in the end of the book(48th law),it says "be formless,like water" which means : don't act directly with the way you're told to(by parents,elders and etc),most importantly the book itself, Robert Greene stated it's laws were basically a list made up from the past events in history,not everything repeat itself,the sentence which is "be formless" means : act specifically for the each situation,be a chameleon, there's no laws in reality,act the way which you're supposed act, that's the main topic of the book,before understanding the meaning of the book,i was acting the way book told me to, directly,which lead to lot of arguments,even lost my relationship with friends,so that's a reminder "Be like water,my friend"