“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”
A positive mindset can transform the way you approach life, helping you to overcome negativity, build resilience, and embrace happiness. If you’re looking for the best self-help books for a positive mindset, you’re in the right place with us at What We Reading. Whether you want to shift your perspective, develop a growth mindset, or simply bring more optimism into your life, the right book can provide the motivation and methods you need. In this guide, we’ll explore the best self-improvement books for positivity, covering titles that help rewire your brain for optimism, overcome negativity, and cultivate happiness. From psychology-backed insights to inspiring personal stories, these books will help you develop a healthier, more empowering way of thinking. Ready to take the first step? Here are our top picks for books to improve your mindset and create lasting positive change.
Good Vibes, Good Life: How Self-Love Is The Key To Unlocking Your Greatness – Vex King
Kicking off our list of the best books for a positive mindset is Vex King’s Good Vibes, Good Life, a self-help read that explores how self-love, positive thinking, and high vibrations can lead to a happier life. King, a social media influencer and motivational speaker, weaves together spiritual wisdom with practical advice, making complex self-improvement concepts totally accessible to a wide audience.
The book covers essential topics such as mindset shifts, the law of attraction, self-care, and overcoming negativity. King emphasises the importance of surrounding yourself with positive influences, practising gratitude, and setting boundaries to protect your energy. He also highlights the power of affirmations and visualisation in manifesting success and happiness. Unlike other self-help books, Good Vibes, Good Life is delivered in a friendly, conversational tone, making it easy to digest and relatable to all kinds of readers.
The Power Of Positive Thinking – Norman Vincent Peale
First published in 1952, The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale is one of the classic self-help books that promotes the idea that optimism, faith, and confidence can transform one’s life. Peale argues that by maintaining a positive mindset, individuals can overcome obstacles, achieve success, and improve their overall quality of life.
The book provides practical techniques to eliminate self-doubt, manage stress, and cultivate resilience. Peale emphasises the power of affirmations, visualisation, and faith-based confidence, encouraging readers to swap negative thoughts with uplifting beliefs. He shares real-life success stories of people who have applied these principles to their own lives, achieving happiness and fulfilment in the process. Whilst some criticise the book for being overly simplistic and too rooted in its religious message, its core concept that a positive attitude can lead to real change continues to inspire millions of people across the world.
Learned Optimism: How To Change Your Mind And Your Life – Martin E.P. Seligman
Learned Optimism by Martin Seligman explores how optimism can be learned and used to improve mental health, success, and overall happiness. Seligman, a psychologist and founder of positive psychology, argues that people often develop a pessimistic outlook on the back of previous experiences; but, with the right techniques, they can reframe negative thought patterns and develop a more positive perspective on life.
The book introduces the idea of explanatory styles, which shape how individuals interpret setbacks. Pessimists see failures as permanent, personal, and pervasive, whilst optimists view them as temporary, external, and specific. A key takeaway from this book about positive mindsets is that optimism leads to better health, resilience and success. Through cognitive behaviour techniques, self-awareness, and positive habits, Seligman teaches readers how to ‘learn’ optimism and use it to construct a happier, more fulfilling life.
The High 5 Habit: Take Control Of Your Life With One Simple Habit – Mel Robbins
Mel Robbins’ The High 5 Habit is a motivational self-help book that introduces a simple yet powerful practice to boost self-confidence and positivity – high-fiving yourself in the mirror each and every day. Robbins argues that most people struggle with self-doubt and negative self-talk, but by incorporating this small habit into our daily routines, we can rewire our mindsets for self-love, motivation, and success.
The book delves into the science behind habits, self-esteem, and the brain’s response to positive reinforcement. Just as we celebrate others with high fives, Robbins believes that offering the same gesture to ourselves can subconsciously reframe our self-worth and fuel personal growth. Ultimately, The High 5 Habit is one of the best books for a positive mindset, offering a practical and uplifting guide for anyone struggling with self-doubt, procrastination, or loneliness. It’s a call to embrace self-acceptance, cultivate daily positivity, and take control of our lives – one high five at a time!
10% Happier – Dan Harris
In 10% Happier, Dan Harris, an ABC news anchor, shares his journey from being a skeptical, high-strung journalist to discovering the transformative power of meditation. After experiencing a panic attack on live television, Harris chronicles his turn to meditation as a way to improve his mental health and overall well-being.
The book explores the concept of meditation as a tool for reducing stress, increasing emotional balance, and achieving a happier life. Harris emphasises that meditation doesn’t require any spiritual or religious commitment, and can be a practical method that anyone can make use of. 10% Happier is perfect for anyone interested in learning about meditation and mindfulness, but unsure where they should begin. Harris’ humorous and accessible tone makes the book both informative and enjoyable, demonstrating how, through just a few minutes of meditation a day, you can become at least 10% happier.
Daring Greatly: How The Courage To Be Vulnerable Transforms The Way We Live, Love, Parent, And Lead – Brené Brown
Daring Greatly by Brené Brown explores the transformative power of vulnerability and how embracing it can lead to great courage, connection, and creativity. Drawing on years of research, Brown makes the case that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a source of strength. In a world that often values perfection, she demonstrates how embracing imperfections and being open to uncertainty can lead to a fuller, more meaningful life.
This mindset-shifting book encourages readers to take risks, be authentic, and show up as their true selves, both in personal relationships and professional environments. Brown emphasises that vulnerability fosters trust, empathy, and innovation, and is vital for building meaningful connections with others. Daring Greatly is a powerful summons to let go of the fear of failure and embrace the courage to be vulnerable. Through Brown’s impeccable storytelling and research, we’re given a practical guide that is a must-read for anyone looking to cultivate more courage, resilience and wholeheartedness in their lives.
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The How Of Happiness: A Scientific Approach To Getting The Life You Want – Sonja Lyubomirsky
Utilising research from positive psychology, Sonja Lyumbomirsky explores the factors that contribute to lasting happiness in her book for a positive mindset, The How of Happiness. The book unveils how 50% of our happiness comes from our genetic set point, 10% from external circumstances, and 40% from intentional activities – meaning that we have significant control over our happiness.
Lyubomirsky outlines specific happiness-boosting activities and exercises that readers can incorporate into their lives, including practices like gratitude, kindness, optimism and nurturing relationships. Through personal stories, scientific research, and actionable steps, The How of Happiness helps readers understand that happiness isn’t just about fleeting pleasure, but about cultivating meaning, resilience and connection over time.
The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles Of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success And Performance At Work – Shawn Achor
Shawn Achor’s The Happiness Advantage explores the powerful link between happiness and success, challenging the conventional wisdom that success leads to happiness. Based on extensive research in the field of positive psychology, Achor argues that happiness is actually the key driver of success, not the other way around.
Through engaging anecdotes and scientific studies, Achor demonstrates how cultivating a positive mindset can increase productivity, creativity, and resilience. He introduces the concept of the ‘Happiness Advantage’, which suggests that when we hone in on positive emotions, we are more motivated, energetic, and effective in all aspects of our lives. Achor provides seven practical principles designed to help readers rewire their brains for positivity, such as practising gratitude, creating social connections, and engaging in daily acts of kindness. The Happiness Advantage teaches readers that by starting with happiness, they can achieve greater success in all areas of life.
The Magic Of Thinking Big – David J. Schwartz
Another one of the most acclaimed books for a positive mindset, The Magic of Thinking Big is a timeless self-help classic that emphasises the transformative power of thinking big. Author David Schwartz argues that success and personal fulfilment are not determined by intelligence or talent alone but by the size of our dreams, and our confidence in pursuing them.
Through practical advice and motivational principles, the book shows readers how to overcome self-doubt, fear, and limiting beliefs that hold them back from achieving their full potential. Schwartz demonstrates the importance of goal-setting, maintaining a positive attitude, and acting boldly. The book’s core message is that by thinking and acting on a large scale, individuals can unlock doors to success in their personal and professional lives. The Magic of Thinking Big is full of actionable strategies, including tips for building confidence, honing leadership skills, and fostering motivation. It’s an inspiring guide for anyone looking to dream bigger and achieve greater heights.
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Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
