12 Best Self-Help Books For Men to Read in 2024
Last Update on May 7, 2024 : Published on April 19, 2024
Tell me if this has happened to you; When I ask my guy friends to take a self-care break, they automatically assume I’m talking about them taking a bubble bath or going for a spa day – not that there is anything wrong with doing all these things. But, what perplexes me most is the way they callously treat their self-care.
Now, this is my experience with my guy friends. I can’t say that about you or any guy friends you have, so let’s talk, shall we? No shame in the game here.
We all want to be a better version of ourselves, don’t we? When you think of self-care and self-improvement, you think, “scented candles” or “fuzzy socks” – but hold on a sec. Self-care and self-improvement aren’t about becoming a touchy-feely person when you’re not. It’s about taking the challenges in life as they come and knowing how to manage them, without harming your mental and emotional health.
Think about it. We juggle careers, relationships, and family, and on top of that, there’s the unwritten code of “masculinity” men have to follow. I can only imagine how confusing at times life can become, especially when you don’t have a role model to guide you. Here comes self-help books; they can be that wise old uncle you’ve never had, offering guidance and support, with a healthy dose of tough love.
Can Self-Help Books For Men Help?
Why not? Self-help books are not always about stress management, meditation, yoga, and all the other stuff you’re making in your head. If you want to be a better communicator, manage your finances like a boss, or need help changing careers, self-help books can offer practical strategies to help you.
If you’re feeling stuck in a rut or going through an early or late midlife crisis, then self-help books can help you identify your limiting beliefs, develop a more positive mindset, and boost your self-confidence. And when life throws an unexpected curveball, these self-help books will be there to help you bounce back stronger than ever.
Moreover, men are usually told to suppress their emotions, but what this does is limit men in understanding their emotions in the first place. Self-help books for men can help them understand their emotions, communicate them effectively, and build healthier relationships.
So, are you sold on the idea of self-help books for men, yet? Let’s take a look at the best self-help books you need to read this year!
Self-Help Books For Men in 2024
1. Atomic Habits by James Clear
Talk about a game-changer! Atomic Habits breaks down how tiny changes to your routine can lead to great improvements in almost every aspect of your life. Forget willpower, this book is about creating habits that will stick. With practical strategies to teach you how to form good habits and how to break bad ones, this book will change your life – one habit at a time.
2. Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl
A powerful memoir by a Holocaust survivor, Man’s Search For Meaning explores the importance of finding purpose in life, even in the face of unimaginable suffering. It’s a powerful reminder about how resilient we can be when we truly have to be. According to the NY Times, this book – the account of Viktor Frankl’s time and fight – offers solace and guidance to generations of readers.
3. The Art of Manliness by Brett and Kate McKay
The Art of Manliness is a treasure trove of practical wisdom for the modern man. From mastering essential life skills to building healthy relationships, this book has it all. This book is inspired by the philosophy of Aristotle to the essays of the 19th and 20th centuries and is designed to motivate men of the modern world to live life to the fullest and realize their true potential. There are 7 chapters in the book and each chapter focuses on one virtue. So, feeling inspired yet?
4. Deep Work by Cal Newport
If you feel constantly overwhelmed by distractions, then Deep Work is for you. This book explores the importance of focused work in a world of constant distractions in the form of pings and notifications. With the insights published in this book, you can learn how to practice “deep work” sessions to achieve peak performance and productivity, while getting things done!
5. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a classic for a reason. This book outlines the seven core principles of effectiveness. Covey’s wisdom on goal setting, time management, and building relationships is timeless. And the best part is that they work! With practical insights and tips, find step-by-step ways to live with fairness, integrity, and honesty. So, want to live and reach great heights? Buy the book now.
6. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
If you’ve ever felt like your social skills are lacking and could use a tune-up, then How to Win Friends… is the best guide for you. This time-tested guide offers practical tips on building rapport, making a good impression, and becoming an effective communicator. One of the best self-help books for men, this book is packed with advice that has helped many people over the years and keeps doing that still.
7. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
It might not be the self-help book you’ve been anticipating, but this book will help you nonetheless. The Last Lecture is based on a computer science professor at Carnegie, diagnosed with cancer, and is asked to give his last lecture. This book, inspired by his last lecture, turns into a guide on overcoming what seems insurmountable challenges, supporting others, and living life as it is. In the words of the author, “We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.” So, seize the day!
8. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
The message is simple; Live in the moment as it is the truest path to happiness. While it sounds generic, the author – with his writing and voice – makes this book an excellent manual for anyone who wants to live more in the now and find inner peace. The Power of Now is like a breath of fresh air in a world obsessed with busyness.
9. The Highly Sensitive Man by Tom Falkenstein
HSP or Highly Sensitive People think differently, empathize more, and tend to help everyone. But what we don’t realize is the need we have for HSPs. In this negative world, we need more sensitive people than most. Yet, when it comes to men, being an HSP changes the game. CBT specialist Tom Faulkenstein offers the first psychological guide that addresses highly sensitive men and the challenges they face in this “Toxic masculinity” world. With interesting tips and insights, this book could be an invaluable asset in your library and life.
10. Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins
This book is all about the incredible journey of overcoming adversity and pushing yourself through your limits. A reminder – more like – about how anything is possible with determination and grit. From poverty, prejudice, and physical abuse, Goggins has lived through it all, but with self-discipline, hard work, and mental strength, he turned himself into one of the world’s top athletes. The only man in history to have gone through elite training as a Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and Air Force ATC, Goggins has numerous records and a title as The Fittest (Real) Man in America. Get inspired with Can’t Hurt Me…
11. The Mask of Masculinity by Lewis Howes
Society never shies away from telling men to suppress and bottle their emotions. This book changes everything. The Mask of Masculinity challenges traditional role beliefs about masculinity and encourages men to let their vulnerability shine to build a stronger relationship with themselves and live authentically. From this self-help book for men, learn how to break the walls of masculinity and show others how to understand men.
12. Unfu*k Yourself by Gary John Bishop
The title might grab your attention, but the message is powerful. There are a lot of things that surround us every day. From wealth to success and from happiness to purpose. To pacify everything, we end up running like a hamster on a wheel. What if someone told you that all you ever wanted was within you the whole time, waiting to be unleashed? Well, there you go! Unfu*k Yourself is THE handbook you need to bring real change in life and unleash your potential.
Your Self-Help Journey Starts Now…
There’s something out there for everyone, no matter if you’re looking to change your life, career, relationships, or mindset. Ditch the preconceived notions, grab a book, and go on a satisfying self-improvement journey…for yourself. Self-help books aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re looking for guidance and support, you can feel free to reach out to us or join an online forum to meet like-minded people or just make friends.
So, did our list of self-help books for men help you select a few for your bookshelf? Let us know your favorites in the comments below.
Take Care! Happy Reading!
About The Author
Swarnakshi Sharma
Swarnakshi is a content writer at Calm sage, who believes in a healthier lifestyle for mind and body. A fighter and survivor of depression, she strives to reach and help spread awareness on ending the stigma surrounding mental health issues. A spiritual person at heart, she believes in destiny and the power of Self. She is an avid reader and writer and likes to spend her free time baking and learning about world cultures.
