Seven Classic Personal Development Books

Recently one of my coaching clients asked me for a list of personal development books. Having read hundreds through the years, here are some of the classics in my estimation.

1. Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill 

This was required reading for us as young insurance agents working with AEGON Corporation. The author interviewed the wealthiest individuals of his generation to learn how they think and act. To this day I recite The Self Confidence Formula. 

“Every adversity, every failure, every heartbreak, carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.”

Think and Grow Rich

2. Power vs Force, by David R. Hawkins

I have studied David R. Hawkins perhaps more than any other single author. Power vs Force is a deep-dive into consistently living our higher SELF. Hawkins brings the perspectives of physics, psychology, spirituality and sociology (among others) into this masterpiece. 

“The universe holds its breath as we choose, instant by instant, which pathway to follow; for the universe, the very essence of life itself, is highly conscious. Every act, thought, and choice adds to a permanent mosaic; our decisions ripple through the universe of consciousness to affect the lives of all.”

Power vs Force

3. Unlimited Power, by Tony Robbins 

Textbook on neuro-linguistic programming, a science of communication both verbal and nonverbal and its effect on the nervous system. I learned how to develop rapport more effectively with a wide variety of people. And to embrace my personal power.

“If you don’t plant the mental and physiological seeds of the results you want, weeds will grow automatically.”

Unlimited Power

4. Success, Motivation and the Scriptures, by William Cook (updated title: The Chase)

A biblical perspective of success and achievement.

“The individual who correctly assimilates success, motivation, and the truths of Scripture will experience fantastic excitement and achievement.”

Success, Motivation and the Scriptures

5. The Power of Focus, by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Les Hewitt

This book addresses three key challenges generally faced by people: Time pressure, financial pressure and the struggle to maintain a healthy balance. This is the second (to Think and Grow Rich) most tattered book in my library. 

“When you consistently make better choices you create better habits. These better habits produce better character. When you have better character, you add more value to the world. This in turn leads to bigger and better results.”

The Power of FOCUS

6. The Greatest Salesman in the World, by Og Mandino

Another go-to classic from my early days in the insurance industry.  This beautiful, timeless parable unveils The Twelve Scrolls, full of wisdom on leading an extraordinary life. At one point I knew at least three of the scrolls word for word.

“I will persist until I succeed.”

The Scroll Marked III

7. Philippians, by Paul the Apostle

Written while Paul was in prison, a letter to the Philippians. A message on how to choose joy no matter what the circumstances. Philippians 4 is a go to for me when feeling anxious. 

“…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Philippians 4:8

What would you add to this list?