Read the best motivational books for students (2024)

It’s not uncommon for you to feel a lack of motivation. This mainly happens when you associate it with an external source of motivation like money, praise or punishment. The real motivation that you should strive for is internal in nature, called intrinsic motivation.

There are various ways which you can use to stay motivated. In the last blog, we talked about 10 tips that can help you stay motivated and keep going. In addition to these factors, today, let’s dive into some motivational books you can read to find your inner strength and reach your full potential. Additionally, you’ll start developing a reading habit.

Whether you’re finding meaning and purpose or developing a positive outlook on life, there's a motivational book out there for you no matter if you're a student, a professional, or just someone looking for inspiration. So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let's dive into the top 10 best motivational books to read as they are a great place to start on your journey to success.

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Top 10 motivational books for students

"Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill

This must read motivational book is based on Hill's philosophy that success can be achieved through the power of thought. To understand the common denominators of wealth and success, Hill spent over 20 years researching and studying the lives of successful people. In "Think and Grow Rich", Hill has outlined 13 steps to riches, which include having a definite purpose, developing a positive mental attitude, and acquiring knowledge through personal development. He also emphasizes the importance of persistence, self-discipline, and taking action towards one's goals.

"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey

This book outlines seven habits that Covey believes are essential for personal and professional success which act as a contribution to your motivational level. The seven habits are: be proactive, begin with the end in mind, put first things first, think win-win, seek first to understand then to be understood, synergize, and sharpen the saw. These practices, according to Covey, can make you more effective in both your personal and professional lives so that you achieve greater levels of happiness and fulfilment.

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"Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl

This is amongst the top motivational books to read which is a testament to the human spirit and its ability to endure in the face of adversity. Frankl's experiences as a prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp led him to develop his theory of logotherapy, which emphasizes the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life. He argues that this is what gives life significance and allows individuals to endure even in the most challenging of circumstances. The book is both an inspiring and deeply moving account of Frankl's life and an important contribution to the field of psychology.

Also read: 8 effective tips to motivate yourself to study

"The Power of Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale

Positivity and hope form a big part of self-motivation. The power of positive thinking and how it can transform one's life is greatly highlighted in this book by Norman Peale. Peale argues that by changing one's thoughts and beliefs, individuals can overcome obstacles and achieve greater levels of success and happiness. The book provides practical advice and techniques for developing a positive outlook, such as visualization, affirmations, and gratitude. Peale also stresses the significance of a strong faith in a higher force to overcome obstacles and achieve goals.

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"The 5 AM Club" by Robin Sharma

"The 5 AM Club" by Robin Sharma emphasises the necessity of a morning routine for self-motivation and achievement. The book stresses on the importance of starting the day with energy and focus and offers practical advice on creating a successful routine. The book also discusses intrinsic motivation—the desire to do something because it is enjoyable and satisfying in and of itself. It can be a huge source of help for students to work hard and set priorities. It is largely considered one of the greatest for students seeking self-motivation and achievement.

"The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now" is a motivational book that promotes living in the present and its rewards. Tolle claims that living in the now brings calm, happiness, and contentment. Tolle believes that by focusing on the present and living fully, people can tap into their intrinsic motivation and find more meaning in their lives. Thus, it is helpful for self-motivation and life fulfilment. This book can help students stay happy and motivated and achieve balance and calm in the middle of academic stress.

"Mindset" by Carol Dweck

Carol Dweck's book "Mindset" explores how mindset affects success and happiness. The book claims that our mindset—how we view our abilities and potential—can greatly affect our personal and professional lives. "Mindset" can help people stay motivated and positive. This book helps students stay motivated and confident in their academic pursuits by stressing on learning and progress and illustrating how a growth mindset may help them overcome problems and stay motivated and confident in their academic pursuits.

"Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" by Daniel H. Pink

In “Drive”, Pink questions the common belief about motivation and reveals what really motivates people. In the book, Pink argues that money and awards, which have been used for decades, don't motivate people. He proposes that autonomy, mastery, and purpose motivate people. Pink also discusses the importance of play, mastery, and storytelling in motivation and creativity. Pink's insights and arguments provide a fresh perspective on what truly drives people and challenge conventional wisdom about motivation.

"The Only Skill That Matters" by Jonathan A.Levi

"The Only Skill That Matters" by Jonathan A. Levi is one of the best motivational book for students, offering practical guidance and insights on intrinsic motivation, self-motivation, and the essence of what motivation truly is. This book empowers students to overcome challenges, ignite their passion, and achieve academic excellence to harness the intrinsic motivation and self-motivation necessary to excel in their studies and beyond.

"The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy

One of the key messages of the book is the power of resilience in the face of adversity. The characters in "The God of Small Things" face many challenges and hardships, but they also show great strength and determination in overcoming them. Another important theme in the book is the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of opposition. In conclusion, "The God of Small Things" is not just a powerful and thought-provoking novel, but also a book that can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for its readers.

Final thoughts

Whether you need to increase your potential to cope with difficult times, need an upliftment in your confidence or bring out effective solutions to problems, there's a motivational book available for you to help you be the best version of yourself.