A lot of books have been written about mental health, personal growth, and being happy. Stories that can help you move forward or learn to cope with certain situations. Our psychologists regularly recommend books during consultations. Not just because reading helps you to relax, but also because it helps you to look at things from a different perspective and gain new insights.
We’ve put together a list of 23 books recommended by the OpenUp psychologists to help you change your mindset. Pick one that speaks to you right now and crack it open. Who knows how it could change your life?
Psychologist-Recommended Mindset Books
“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” – Joseph Addison
Book 1: Russ Harris – The Happiness Trap
“If you run after happiness, you’ll run past it.” That’s the philosophy behind The Happiness Trap. It contains many mindfulness exercises that teach you how to put destructive thoughts in their place. Acceptance is a key concept here. It’s about breaking the viscous cycle of always searching for happiness.
Book 2: Francesca Gino – Rebel Talent
Being a rebel doesn’t have to mean you’re always getting into trouble. It can also be about bringing more joy into your life. Rebels are innovative people and they can make real changes. Try breaking a rule for once (not all of them of course) and see what kind of doors it opens for you.
Book 3: Brené Brown – The Gifts of Imperfection
Do you worry too much about what other people think about you? Then this book is for you. You’ll recognize that you’ve always been good enough and learn to embrace vulnerability.
Book 4: Simon Sinek – Start With Why
Simon Sinek explains how the ‘Golden Circle’ works and how many successful people began by asking themselves ‘why’ before carrying out their mission. It doesn’t matter what you do, but how you do it. A still inspiring book based on the most watched TED Talk of all time.
“We become the books we read.” – Matthew Kelly
Book 5: James Clear – Atomic Habits
Everyone has bad habits. If you’re struggling to unlearn them, then it probably doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you, it’s just the system you’re using. In this guide by James Clear, supported by biology, psychology, and neuroscience, you’ll learn how to change your bad habits and maintain your good ones.
Book 6: David Goggins – Can’t Hurt Me
David Goggins had a terrible childhood, but with a strong dose of self-discipline and mental resilience, he’s worked hard to get where he is today: “the fittest man in America.” His life story is bizarre and shows that everyone can overcome pain and fear to reach their potential.
Book 7: Dale Carnegie – How to Stop Worrying and Start Living
Want to get more done and have fun doing it? This one is for you. In this book, Dale Carnegie teaches you to stop just focusing on yourself, and instead look around at your surroundings and see the more carefree side of life.
Book 8: Daniel Kahneman – Thinking Fast and Slow
People have two ways of thinking: A fast, impulsive way and a slow, deliberate way. Both ways are good, but sometimes we use the wrong way of thinking for a particular situation. In this book, you’ll discover why people so often jump to the wrong conclusions and how you can avoid this.
“The keys to life are running and reading.” – Will Smith
Book 9: Dacher Keltner – Born to Be Good
Positive emotions are at the core of human nature and shape our daily behavior. In fact, they might be the way to understand how we can live better lives. In this book, Dacher Keltner takes you through scientific discovery, Eastern philosophy, and personal stories regarding human emotions to illustrate how we can live in harmony with them.
Book 10: Sonja Lyubomirsky – The How of Happiness
A simple and practical guide, supported by scientific research, re-explains what happiness is and what happiness isn’t. The book contains numerous activities and tips for practicing optimism and enjoying your life.
Book 11: Rick Hanson – Hardwiring Happiness
In four steps, you’ll learn to manage challenging thoughts and hardwire happiness. By overcoming ‘negativity bias’ you can turn your life around and allow good experiences to get to the right part of your brain. The best part: It only takes a few minutes a day.
Book 12: Martin Seligman – Authentic Happiness
In this practical book, Martin Seligman explains that every person has different ‘signature strengths’ and that when you activate these, you not only arm yourself against negative emotions, but you also make the world around you a better place.
Book 13: Mo Gawdat – Solve for Happy
In Solve for Happy, Mo Gawdat shares the underlying reasons why we suffer and dives into a step-by-step process for achieving lifelong happiness and contentment. He shows how we can view our lives through a brighter lens and how we can overcome the blind spots in our brains. Even when we encounter obstacles, we can still find satisfaction in our current situation and be optimistic about the future. An optimistic book with a positive message.
“Reading to me is like entering into a different world, learning new things and changing my perspective.” – Pia Linden
Book 14: Mark Manson – The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
In his book, Mark Manson argues that we should stop trying to be positive all the time. Learn the right way to tackle your shortcomings and setbacks so that you don’t have to keep running from them. Simply looking the (sometimes painful) truth in the eye, gives you more courage and confidence. He provides tools to help you decide what you do and don’t care about. His advice is written in a humorous style, but is also supported by scientific insights.
“Reading teaches us so much about the human condition and can help develop our empathy.” – Joseph Alezzi
Book 15: Robert Greene – The Laws of Human Nature
This book helps you get to know yourself and others, including the hidden biases we all carry. Greene explains what drives people and what shapes their actions. He gives you tools to pause, notice your own reactions, and respond more wisely at work, in relationships, and in daily life.
Book 16: Michael Pilarczyk – Master Your Mindset
This is a personal and inspiring book about mindset, spirituality, and growth. Michael Pilarczyk shares his story and offers a method to change limiting beliefs and break old habits. It’s a practical guide for anyone who wants to take charge of their thoughts and life direction.
Book 17: Wouter de Jong – Mindgym
Mindgym is a guide to building mental strength. Taking care of yourself goes beyond sleep, food, and exercise. With science-based tips and exercises, Wouter de Jong helps you build resilience in twelve weeks and create healthier habits for your mind.
Book 18: Stefanie Stahl – The Child in You
This book shows how reconnecting with your inner child can help you find more happiness. Our childhood experiences shape how we act as adults. Psychologist Stefanie Stahl shares a method to understand and accept your inner child, so you can build better relationships with yourself and others.
Book 19: Irvin D. Yalom – The Schopenhauer Cure
This novel tells the story of an aging psychiatrist who faces his own mortality and reconnects with a former patient who now looks to philosophy for answers. It explores how we search for meaning, deal with change, and face life’s biggest questions.
Book 20: Dr. Julie Smith – Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?
Psychologist Julie Smith shares practical skills for handling everyday challenges. She covers building confidence, managing anxiety, and boosting mental resilience. The book gives you clear tools and advice to support your emotional and mental health.
Book 21: Yung Pueblo – Lighter
This book helps you understand yourself better. Yung Pueblo shows how letting go of the past, building self-compassion, and growing emotionally can bring more clarity and space into your life. It’s a calming read that encourages you to live more in the present.
Book 22: Gabor Maté – The Myth of Normal
Gabor Maté explains how trauma and today’s pressures affect our mental and physical health. He links illness, stress, and emotional pain to the world around us, and encourages you to be authentic instead of chasing unrealistic standards.
Book 23: Stephen R. Covey & Cynthia Covey – Live Life in Crescendo
It’s never too late to live fully. Stephen Covey and Cynthia Covey show that growth and meaning can continue at any age. Live Life in Crescendo encourages you to keep learning, giving back, and believing that your best days are still to come.
Which book is next on your reading list?
Read more: What We Can Learn From the Happiest and Healthiest People in the World
Ready to put these mindset insights into practice?
FAQs about Mindset Books
What is the best book about changing your mindset?
There isn’t one mindset book that works for everyone. It really comes down to what you want to change in your life. Some people like practical, research-based books like Atomic Habits. Others might find more meaning in personal stories, like The Happiness Trap or The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck*. The best book is the one that speaks to you right now and helps you look at your habits and thoughts differently.
How do I completely change my mindset?
Changing your mindset takes time and starts with noticing your own thoughts. Pay attention to the beliefs or habits that hold you back, and try making small changes, one step at a time. Journaling, mindfulness, and reading can all help you get started. If you want more support, talking with a psychologist can make things clearer and help you turn new ideas into real change.
