Open a new chapter in your life with this list of the best self improvement books for men!

The modern world can sometimes be an overwhelming place, both on the news and in our own personal lives. For many men, it can feel as though the world is shifting underneath our feet. Yet, as we prepare for the new year, it is the perfect time to think about the next steps on our life journey.

Perfect for the sophisticated modern man, we’ve scribed a list of the five best self help books for men, providing salient advice on leading a happier, more fulfilling life. This collection of psychology and philosophy books are the perfect way to make positive change in your life, regardless of if you are 18 or 88. So sit down for a minute and dig deep into the best self improvement books for men to read in 2023!

<strong>How to Win Friends and Influence People</strong> by Dale Carnegie
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How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

A classic of the self help field, Dale Carnegie’s poignant advice still resonates with our daily lives even 86 years after it was first published. Offering practical, clear advice on mastering your career, building your social network, or even learning the art of winning arguments, How to Win Friends and Influence People is an essential read for all modern men. Whether it be learning to become a better listener, or sympathising with different points of view, it’s no surprise this simple yet profound guild has built a reputation as one of the best self help books of all time.

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<strong>Atomic Habits</strong> by James Clear
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Atomic Habits by James Clear

It is common for men to think that great success comes from equally great acts. Yet in Atomic Habits, world-renowned habit expert James Clear has a much ‘clearer’ way to succeed: habits. Using reams of academic research, Clear explores how real change often comes from the tiny acts we make everyday — two push-ups a day, waking up a few minutes earlier, holding a single short phone call — that snowball into something much greater. Described as atomic habits, this self help book acts as a masterclass by offering a new revolutionary system that may change your life. So start the revolution by making the tiny act of picking up this self improvement book ASAP.

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<strong>The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck</strong> by Mark Manson
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The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

A provocative title for a provocative life philosophy. Mark Mansons’ brutally honest self-help guide contends that yes, life really does suck. But rather than wading into the depressing waters of nihilism, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck will show you how this harsh truth shouldn’t stop us from positive thinking. Instead, this unique self help book tells us that positivity can go hand-in-hand with the shittier parts of our lives, learning to accept that sometimes, we just have to carry on. A captivating mixture of academic diatribes and the occasional poop joke, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck is the perfect guide for men who don’t want the truth sugar-coated.

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<strong>The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People</strong> by Stephen R. Covey
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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

One of the most well-known self help books for men, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has changed the way millions of men (and women) navigate the world. With habits like being proactive in life or thinking about the conclusion at the beginning, author Stephen Covey will teach you a pathway for living with fairness, integrity, honesty and human dignity. After reading this beloved self-help classic, you may find the wisdom and power to take advantage of the opportunities that change creates. Make it a habit to pick up a copy of this brilliant self improvement book today!

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<strong>You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life</strong> by Jen Sincero
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You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero

Sometimes you just need to feel empowered. And sometimes you need a helpful voice that tells you that you can do it. Thankfully, You are a Badass is that voice that will strive you to create a life that you totally love. This refreshing how-to guide, written by success coach Jen Sincero, serves up plenty of inspiring stories, sage advice and easy exercises, peppered with occasional profanity. By the end of You are a Badass, you’ll understand a little more about yourself, how to love what you can’t change, and maybe get the self-confidence to tackle anything that life throws your way. So guys, what are you waiting for? Start living your ‘awesome life’ with You are a Badass.

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For more great reads, here are the 10 Best Books for the Everyday Man. And for the perfect place to read these self help titles, check out Australia’s Best Bookstore Cafes.

Editor’s Note: Our writers and contributors have independently selected and curated this article, and all opinions are their own. This article does contain affiliate links which allow us to make revenue off some purchases made by our readers.
Feature image: Photography by Felipe Bustillo. Image via Unsplash.