13 Best Success Books
The best success books, ranked by how many expert sources recommend each one, with guidance for choosing among habits, mindset, relationships, and business.
Our take
Success can mean building a business, improving a skill, strengthening relationships, or gaining more control over your working life. These books approach those goals from different directions. Some offer practical routines and decision frameworks, while others emphasize confidence, perseverance, or the circumstances that allow achievement to happen. The useful starting point is the obstacle you actually face.
Atomic Habits and The Compound Effect suit readers who need more consistent action. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People connects priorities with personal values, while How To Win Friends and Influence People concentrates on relationships. The Lean Startup addresses uncertainty in a new business, and The 4-Hour Workweek questions how work should fit into a life. For a wider perspective, Outliers considers opportunity and background alongside individual effort.
Start with the book closest to your current difficulty, then read one that challenges its assumptions about what achievement requires.
13 books · 8 sources · Last updated
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you).
How to choose from this list
Skip to the full rankingIf you struggle with consistency: Atomic Habits → The Compound Effect
If setbacks undermine your confidence: Mindset → Grit
If you want clearer priorities: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
If your goals depend on other people: How To Win Friends and Influence People
If you're building a business: The Lean Startup
If you want to question success stories: Outliers
The 13 books, ranked
Ranked by how many expert sources name each book. Ties go to the book more people recommend.
How To Win Friends and Influence People
For readers whose goals depend on cooperation, conversation, and stronger professional relationships. Its concrete interpersonal principles are easier to try immediately than broad achievement philosophies, though the dated examples and influence focused framing require thoughtful application.
What it's about
Carnegie presents practical guidance for building relationships, communicating effectively, and influencing others. Stories and principles explore social confidence, leadership, and cooperation, offering approaches readers can apply to interactions in their personal lives and at work.
Also recommended by
18 people
Warren Buffett recommended this bookWarren Buffett
"In my office, you will not see the degree I have from the University of Nebraska, or the master’s degree I have from Columbia University, but you’ll see the certificate I got from the Dale Carnegie course." - Warren Buffett
Warren Buffett's recommendation of this book 
Scott Adams recommended this bookScott Adams
One of the books on Scott Adams' "Persuasion Reading List."
Scott Adams's recommendation of this book 
Dave Ramsey recommended this bookDave Ramsey
Recommended on Dave Ramsey's website.
Dave Ramsey's recommendation of this book 
Paul Graham recommended this bookPaul Graham
"The one book we encourage startup founders to read. [...] It's critically important for anyone in business." - Paul Graham
Paul Graham's recommendation of this book 
Derek Sivers recommended this bookDerek Sivers
Derek Sivers mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
Derek Sivers's recommendation of this book 
Dustin Moskovitz recommended this bookDustin Moskovitz
"Seek to be understood." - Dustin Moskovitz
Dustin Moskovitz's recommendation of this book +12
More recommendations
- Ken Block
"One of the first books that really helped me achieve my management style and what’s helped me really be successful." - Ken Block
- DJ Vlad
Most Recommended Books reached out to DJ Vlad directly.
- Strauss Zelnick
"Archaic references and overweening title to the side, it’s actually a great guide to leadership and salesmanship." - Strauss Zelnick
- Daymond John
"I love all the Dale Carnegie books." - Daymond John
- Shay Carl
"A staple that I have listened to three or four times." - Shay Carl
- Tim Draper
"[One of the books] that are recommended or required at Draper University." - Tim Draper
- Sahil Lavingia
Sahil Lavingia recommended this book on Notion.
- Barbara Corcoran
"A must read for anyone in business." - Barbara Corcoran
- Alex Hormozi
Alex Hormozi recommended this book on Instagram.
- Michael Hyatt
Michael Hyatt recommended this book on his website.
- Ben Greenfield
Most Recommended Books reached out to Ben Greenfield directly.
- Patrick Bet-David
Patrick Bet-David recommended this book on his website.
- Ken Block
For readers who want achievement connected to values, priorities, and relationships. Its coherent framework reaches beyond workplace tactics, though the abstract principles and older examples demand more reflection than a checklist of quick behavioral changes.
What it's about
Stephen Covey presents seven habits for personal effectiveness, connecting individual responsibility with cooperation and continual renewal. His framework emphasizes principles such as integrity, fairness, and service in approaching relationships, decisions, and goals at work and home.
Also recommended by
12 people- Dave Ramsey recommended this book
Dave Ramsey
Recommended on Dave Ramsey's website.
Dave Ramsey's recommendation of this book 
Daniel Pink recommended this bookDaniel Pink
Daniel Pink mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
Daniel Pink's recommendation of this book 
Ken Block recommended this bookKen Block
"[Also] helped me really be successful." - Ken Block
Ken Block's recommendation of this book - Dustin Moskovitz recommended this book
Dustin Moskovitz
"[I] was surprised at how familiar the topics felt." - Dustin Moskovitz
Dustin Moskovitz's recommendation of this book 
Noah Kagan recommended this bookNoah Kagan
"Begin with the end in mind." - Noah Kagan
Noah Kagan's recommendation of this book 
Kishore Biyani recommended this bookKishore Biyani
"Immensely helpful and influential during my early years, it explained some of the basic mindsets required to succeed in any profession." - Kishore Biyani
Kishore Biyani's recommendation of this book +6
More recommendations
- Michael McCullough
"Helps you decide which action to actually take." - Michael McCullough
- Shay Carl
Shay Carl referenced this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
- Jenn Im
"Has changed my life in such a positive way." - Jenn Im
- Jim Kwik
"This personal development classic is a classic for a reason." - Jim Kwik
- Michael Hyatt
Michael Hyatt recommended this book on his website.
- Ben Greenfield
Most Recommended Books reached out to Ben Greenfield directly.
- Michael McCullough
The Magic of Thinking Big
For readers held back by cautious expectations who want encouragement to pursue larger goals. Its focus on confidence gives it a clear motivational purpose, though dated anecdotes and positive thinking are no substitute for skills or opportunity.
What it's about
David J. Schwartz explores how confidence and ambitious thinking can influence personal and professional action. He offers methods for challenging disbelief, developing creative approaches to problems, and translating larger goals into practical plans and sustained effort.
Also recommended by
9 people
Tim Ferriss recommended this bookTim Ferriss
"I still personally read the first two chapters of this book whenever doubt creeps in." - Tim Ferriss
Tim Ferriss's recommendation of this book 
Mr. Money Mustache recommended this bookMr. Money Mustache
"A really, really old fashioned book if someone just wants to wake themselves up and start turning into more of a positive, less depressed person." - MMM
Mr. Money Mustache's recommendation of this book 
Dave Camarillo recommended this bookDave Camarillo
"[Tim Ferriss] put me on [to this book]." - Dave Camarillo
Dave Camarillo's recommendation of this book 
Steve Harvey recommended this bookSteve Harvey
"Changed my life." - Steve Harvey
Steve Harvey's recommendation of this book 
Jodie Cook recommended this bookJodie Cook
"The sooner you read [this book] the sooner you will up your game." - Jodie Cook
Jodie Cook's recommendation of this book 
Ali Abdaal recommended this bookAli Abdaal
Ali Abdaal recommended this book on his website.
Ali Abdaal's recommendation of this book +3
More recommendations
- Jim Kwik
"You will learn how changing the way you think can become a blueprint for great success." - Jim Kwik
- Michael Hyatt
Michael Hyatt recommended this book on his website.
- Patrick Bet-David
Patrick Bet-David recommended this book on his website.
- Jim Kwik
For readers pursuing a demanding goal over years rather than weeks. Its focus on sustained interest and practice helps distinguish perseverance from brief motivation, though personal persistence cannot explain every outcome or remove structural barriers.
What it's about
Angela Duckworth examines the role of sustained passion and perseverance in achievement. Combining research with stories from education, sports, and professional life, she explores how interests, practice, purpose, and supportive environments contribute to developing what she calls grit.
Also recommended by
7 people
Josh Waitzkin recommended this bookJosh Waitzkin
Josh Waitzkin recommended this book in the "Tools of Titans" book.
Josh Waitzkin's recommendation of this book - Tim Ferriss recommended this book
Tim Ferriss
"Really about teaching your kids to focus on hard work and not intrinsic capability." - Tim Ferriss
Tim Ferriss's recommendation of this book 
Keith Rabois recommended this bookKeith Rabois
"Although the title may make it appear intuitive, the reading is much more insightful and applicable than you might guess." - Keith Rabois
Keith Rabois's recommendation of this book 
Tobi Lütke recommended this bookTobi Lütke
"Great book. I think she actually talks about me in it ?" - Tobi Lütke
Tobi Lütke's recommendation of this book 
Tom Bilyeu recommended this bookTom Bilyeu
Tom Bilyeu recommended this book on his website.
Tom Bilyeu's recommendation of this book - Jodie Cook recommended this book
Jodie Cook
"Enthusiasm and knowledge are totally useless without grit." - Jodie Cook
Jodie Cook's recommendation of this book +1
More recommendations
- Ali Abdaal
Ali Abdaal recommended this book on his website.
- Ali Abdaal
For readers who interpret setbacks as proof of fixed ability. Its distinction between fixed and growth mindsets offers a useful lens on learning, though applying the idea requires specific support and practice rather than positive slogans.
What it's about
Carol Dweck explores how beliefs about ability influence learning, achievement, and responses to setbacks. Contrasting fixed and growth mindsets, she considers their implications for parenting, education, work, sports, and personal development.
Also recommended by
10 people
Bill Gates recommended this bookBill Gates
"Dweck and her research have helped my foundation colleagues and me understand more about the attitudes and habits that allow some students to persevere in school despite big challenges." - Bill Gates
Bill Gates's recommendation of this book - Tobi Lütke recommended this book
Tobi Lütke
Mentioned on "The Knowledge Project" podcast.
Tobi Lütke's recommendation of this book 
Satya Nadella recommended this bookSatya Nadella
"Whatever change we’ve been able to achieve is because the cultural meme we picked was inspired by [this book]." - Satya Nadella
Satya Nadella's recommendation of this book 
Tony Robbins recommended this bookTony Robbins
Tony Robbins mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
Tony Robbins's recommendation of this book - Josh Waitzkin recommended this book
Josh Waitzkin
Josh Waitzkin recommended this book in the "Tools of Titans" book.
Josh Waitzkin's recommendation of this book 
Ev Williams recommended this bookEv Williams
"One of those ideas that is obvious only once you know it." - Ev Williams
Ev Williams's recommendation of this book +4
More recommendations
- Dustin Moskovitz
Dustin Moskovitz recommended this book on Twitter.
- Kathryn Minshew
"Read this book & love the idea!" - Kathryn Minshew
- Tom Bilyeu
Tom Bilyeu recommended this book on his website.
- Mark Manson
Mark Manson recommended this book on his website.
- Dustin Moskovitz
For readers who need daily behavior to support an ambitious goal. Its attention to cues and environment makes action more concrete than motivational classics, though habit systems alone cannot decide which goals deserve your time.
What it's about
James Clear offers a framework for changing habits through small, consistent adjustments. He explores the role of systems in shaping repeated behavior, using research and stories to explain how people can develop useful routines and interrupt unhelpful ones.
Also recommended by
1 person
Justin Kan recommended this bookJustin Kan
"I learned how to hack habits with help from [this book]." - Justin Kan
Justin Kan's recommendation of this book
For readers who want to question explanations of success based only on individual drive. Its stories foreground timing, culture, and opportunity, though memorable examples simplify complex research and should not become universal rules for achievement.
What it's about
Gladwell looks past talent alone and asks how timing, family, culture, luck, and opportunity shape success. From hockey players to software billionaires and the Beatles, he makes the case that achievement is never as individual as it seems.
Also recommended by
11 people- Bill Gates recommended this book
Bill Gates
"Makes a lot of great points." - Bill Gates
Bill Gates's recommendation of this book 
Charlie Munger recommended this bookCharlie Munger
"Perfectly marvelous book." - Charlie Munger
Charlie Munger's recommendation of this book 
DJ Vlad recommended this bookDJ Vlad
Most Recommended Books reached out to DJ Vlad directly.
DJ Vlad's recommendation of this book 
Dwayne Johnson recommended this bookDwayne Johnson
Dwayne Johnson said he was reading this book in an interview with Andy Warhol.
Dwayne Johnson's recommendation of this book 
James Altucher recommended this bookJames Altucher
"I really love [this book]." - James Altucher
James Altucher's recommendation of this book 
Joe Rogan recommended this bookJoe Rogan
"It's fucking great." - Joe Rogan
Joe Rogan's recommendation of this book +5
More recommendations
- Shaun White
"I started applying [a lesson from this book] to my own life." - Shaun White
- Will Smith
"Talks about the concept of 10,000 hours." - Will Smith
- Jay-Z
"About the principles of timing and repetition—about preparing yourself for luck, really." - Jay-Z
- Carlos Slim
"Must [read]." - Carlos Slim
- Patrick Bet-David
Patrick Bet-David recommended this book on his website.
- Shaun White
Think and Grow Rich
For readers curious about a foundational tradition of achievement and wealth literature. Its emphasis on definite goals and persistence remains influential, though anecdotal evidence and claims about thought should not be mistaken for reliable financial guidance.
What it's about
Napoleon Hill presents a philosophy of achievement centered on definite goals, persistent effort, and directed thought. Using stories of successful business figures, he explores desire, planning, cooperation, and overcoming fear as elements of his approach to wealth.
Also recommended by
7 people
Neville Medhora recommended this bookNeville Medhora
"I’d bet money this book has restored countless relationships, made millions of millionaires and saved many lives." - Neville Medhora
Neville Medhora's recommendation of this book 
Shay Carl recommended this bookShay Carl
"Amazing." - Shay Carl
Shay Carl's recommendation of this book 
Daymond John recommended this bookDaymond John
"The main takeaway from [this book] was goal-setting. It was the fact that if you don't set a specific goal, then how can you expect to hit it?" - Daymond John
Daymond John's recommendation of this book 
Anthony Pompliano recommended this bookAnthony Pompliano
"[One of] the three most impactful books for me." - Anthony Pompliano
Anthony Pompliano's recommendation of this book - Tom Bilyeu recommended this book
Tom Bilyeu
Tom Bilyeu recommended this book on his website.
Tom Bilyeu's recommendation of this book 
Jen Sincero recommended this bookJen Sincero
"Do what he says (and really do all of it) and you will be large and in charge." - Jen Sincero
Jen Sincero's recommendation of this book +1
More recommendations
- Patrick Bet-David
Patrick Bet-David recommended this book on his website.
- Patrick Bet-David
The Compound Effect
For readers who repeatedly start ambitious plans but struggle to sustain ordinary actions. Its tracking and consistency focus turns achievement into daily choices, though the motivational style offers less explanation of circumstances outside individual control.
What it's about
Darren Hardy argues that small daily decisions accumulate into major changes over time. He offers a framework for tracking choices, replacing unhelpful habits, maintaining discipline, and building momentum toward goals in work, relationships, and personal life.
Also recommended by
1 person
Chris Do recommended this bookChris Do
"Classic." - Chris Do
Chris Do's recommendation of this book
For readers who prefer a large menu of goal setting and action exercises to a single theory. Its practical prompts encourage deliberate follow through, though the breadth can feel repetitive and the success stories need critical perspective.
What it's about
Canfield and Janet Switzer present strategies for clarifying goals, taking responsibility, building confidence, and turning intentions into action. Examples from different lives support advice on managing challenges, developing supportive relationships, and applying consistent habits to personal and professional ambitions.
For readers who define success partly as control over their time and location. Its emphasis on redesigning work stands apart from effort centered advice, though outsourcing assumptions and entrepreneurial examples fit some careers much better than others.
What it's about
Tim Ferriss presents an approach to reorganizing work around greater freedom of time and location. The guide explores reducing unnecessary tasks, outsourcing, automating income, and planning shorter periods away from work rather than postponing enjoyment until retirement.
Also recommended by
26 people
Eric Weinstein recommended this bookEric Weinstein
Eric Weinstein tweet about books that mattered enough to him.
Eric Weinstein's recommendation of this book 
Tristan Harris recommended this bookTristan Harris
Tristan Harris mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
Tristan Harris's recommendation of this book 
Charles Poliquin recommended this bookCharles Poliquin
Charles Poliquin recommended this book in the "Tools of Titans" book.
Charles Poliquin's recommendation of this book 
Walter Isaacson recommended this bookWalter Isaacson
"[The author has] a great curiosity and [...] a great love for things." - Walter Isaacson
Walter Isaacson's recommendation of this book - Daniel Pink recommended this book
Daniel Pink
Daniel Pink mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
Daniel Pink's recommendation of this book 
Blake Mycoskie recommended this bookBlake Mycoskie
"I read [this book] right when I started Toms. There’s so many things that I took from [it] that allowed Toms to have this incredible growth." - Blake Mycoskie
Blake Mycoskie's recommendation of this book +20
More recommendations
- David Heinemeier Hansson
"My key takeaway from [this book] was the concept of lifestyle design." - DHH
- Marc Andreessen
"[The author] basically takes all of the time management and personal productivity theories of the last 20 to 30 years and pushes them to 11, to paraphrase 'Spinal Tap.'" - Marc Andreessen
- Jason Silva
"I was very affected by [this book]. I was like this guy has it figured out." - Jason Silva
- Mike Shinoda
"I do talk about [this book] quite a bit." - Mike Shinoda
- Mark Bell
"Taught me better ways to manage my time and the value of not making myself too busy." - Mark Bell
- Maurice Ashley
"Made me ditch the average life in search of one with complete flexibility and freedom to live life on my terms." - Maurice Ashley
- Tim Draper
"With this kind of time management and focus on the important things in life, people should be able to get 15 times as much done in a normal work week." - Tim Draper
- Derek Sivers
"Brilliant reversal of all of the 'how to manage all your crap' books." - Derek Sivers
- Rolf Potts
"Challenges the reader to seriously consider an essential–yet rarely asked–question: What do you really want from life?" - Rolf Potts
- A.J. Jacobs
A.J. Jacobs mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
- Caterina Fake
Caterina Fake mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
- Ev Williams
On the "books read" section of Ev Williams' GoodReads profile.
- Gary Keller
"This is a significant book." - Gary Keller
- Laura R Walker
"For those who struggle with productivity and taking control of their lives, [I give this book], of course!" - Laura R Walker
- Marc Goodman
One of Marc Goodman's most-gifted or recommended books.
- Mike Maples, Jr.
"If you want to live life on your own terms, this is your blueprint." - Mike Maples, Jr.
- Lewis Howes
"I've only probably read 4 books cover to cover. [This is one of them.]" - Lewis Howes
- Jodie Cook
"Life and work are reimagined and built back from scratch, in a way optimised for freedom and enjoyment." - Jodie Cook
- Brian Dean
"This book created thousands of entrepreneurs over the last 15 years… including me." - Brian Dean
- Michael Hyatt
Michael Hyatt recommended this book on his website.
- David Heinemeier Hansson
For readers whose success depends on concentrated intellectual work. Its emphasis on protecting attention provides a clear alternative to constant availability, though the proposed boundaries can be difficult in service roles or highly collaborative workplaces.
What it's about
Newport makes the case that focused, distraction-free work is a rare and valuable skill. He explains why shallow busyness takes over and offers rules for building routines that protect serious thinking.
Also recommended by
1 person
Tai Lopez recommended this bookTai Lopez
"Great book on how to focus the mind. Read this if you need to be more productive." - Tai Lopez
Tai Lopez's recommendation of this book
The Lean Startup
How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses
For founders who need a way to test business ideas before committing more resources. Its experimental approach connects success with customer learning, though startup vocabulary and organizational examples make it less useful for general personal goals.
What it's about
Eric Ries proposes developing businesses through repeated experiments, customer feedback, and validated learning. The book explains how entrepreneurs can test assumptions, measure progress, and adjust products and strategy under uncertainty rather than rely entirely on detailed initial plans.
Also recommended by
15 people
Andrew Ng recommended this bookAndrew Ng
"Gives one specific tactic for innovating quickly." - Andrew Ng
Andrew Ng's recommendation of this book 
Ben Horowitz recommended this bookBen Horowitz
"Great." - Ben Horowitz
Ben Horowitz's recommendation of this book - Dustin Moskovitz recommended this book
Dustin Moskovitz
"At Asana, we've been lucky to benefit from [the author]'s advice firsthand; this book will enable him to help many more entrepreneurs answer the tough questions about their business." - Dustin Moskovitz
Dustin Moskovitz's recommendation of this book 
Jason Calacanis recommended this bookJason Calacanis
"You need to read [this book]." - Jason Calacanis
Jason Calacanis's recommendation of this book 
Kevin Systrom recommended this bookKevin Systrom
"The principles from [this book], I still apply today." - Kevin Systrom
Kevin Systrom's recommendation of this book 
Marc Andreessen recommended this bookMarc Andreessen
"[The author] has created a science where previously there was only art. A must read for every serious entrepreneur—and every manager interested in innovation." - Marc Andreessen
Marc Andreessen's recommendation of this book +9
More recommendations
- Mark Cuban
One of the 7 books Mark Cuban credits his success to.
- Mike Maples, Jr.
"[I was] lucky enough to have a front-row seat at the birth of these ideas." - Mike Maples, Jr.
- Tim O’Reilly
"[This book] isn't just about how to create a more successful entrepreneurial business, it's about what we can learn from those businesses to improve virtually everything we do." - Tim O’Reilly
- Chris Dixon
Chris Dixon recommended this book on Twitter.
- Raoul Pal
Raoul Pal recommended this book on Twitter.
- Sheryl Sandberg
"Provides a great inside look at how the tech industry approaches building products and businesses." - Sheryl Sandberg
- Steve Blank
"A 'must have' for your shelf." - Steve Blank
- Marty Cagan
"Buy it." - Marty Cagan
- Patrick Bet-David
Patrick Bet-David recommended this book on his website.
- Mark Cuban
Sources
- 1
20 Must-Read Books for Success - Tom Ferry
tomferry.com
- 2
BecomingX | Science of Success
becomingx.com
- 3
10 Best Success Books You Need to Read to Be Great at Business - LifeHack
lifehack.org
- 4
Success Books
goodreads.com
- 5
best books for success in the workplace? : r/selfimprovement
reddit.com
- 6
Six Must-Read Books To Inspire Success - Forbes Books
books.forbes.com
- 7
20 Best Books To Become Successful In Life (2025)
stunningmotivation.com
- 8
40 of the best books about success - Pan Macmillan
panmacmillan.com
Edited by
Software engineer whose passion for tracking book recommendations from podcasts inspired the creation of MRB.
Lead investor at 3one4 Capital whose startup expertise and love for books helped shape MRB and its growth.
Comments
Spotted a missing book, a wrong order or a mistake? Tell us and we'll fix this page.
We're a reading guide, not the author or publisher, so we can't send books or pass on messages.