Here are 100 books that The Future You fans have personally recommended if you like The Future You. Book DNA is a community of 13,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Book cover of The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact

TJ Kostecky Author Of Eyes Up!: Discover Your Full Potential and Form Meaningful Connections Through Subtle Shifts in Perspective

From my list on self-help on life and leadership that work!.

Why am I passionate about this?

Ever since I first started coaching at the tender age of 15, my main passion in life has been helping others find their own passions. Over more than four decades as a coach, educator, and mentor, I’ve read a lot of self-help books. They don’t always deliver. But some gems in the genre have truly helped me—along with the thousands of people I’ve recommended them to—experience significant personal growth and discover a richer, more meaningful existence. It’s my pleasure to share the best of the best here. Pick one up today and I promise your life will be better for it! 

TJ's book list on self-help on life and leadership that work!

TJ Kostecky Why TJ loves this book

The foundation of my Vision Training for Life leadership workshops is maintaining a wide, open lens on life so that you can take in as many experiences as possible. But one question I used to struggle with was, why do some experiences, even those that seem inconsequential at the time, have such an outsized impact?

The Heath brothers answered the question for me, and then some, through their combination of data-driven research and rich storytelling. This book imparts so many lessons, including how crucial first impressions are for predicting successful outcomes. That insight alone has helped spark so much human connection for me. The book is filled with many more nuggets that promise to improve your life.

By Chip Heath , Dan Heath ,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Power of Moments as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

'Beautifully written, brilliantly researched' Angela Duckworth, bestselling author of GRIT

'The most interesting, immediately actionable book I've read in quite a while... If life is a series of moments, the Heath brothers have transformed how I plan to spend mine' Adam Grant, bestselling author of ORIGINALS and OPTION B, with Sheryl Sandberg

In this latest New York Times bestseller by the authors of Switch and Made to Stick, Chip and Dan Heath explore why certain brief experiences can jolt, elevate and change us - and how we can learn to create such extraordinary moments in…


If you love The Future You...

Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Book cover of The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life

Matt Phelan Author Of The Happiness Index: Why Today's Employee Emotions Equal Tomorrow's Business Success

From my list on workplace happiness.

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm Matt Phelan, and I've always been fascinated by how people think and feel, especially in the workplace. That's why I co-founded The Happiness Index, where we use data to help organizations understand and improve their workplace culture. I love exploring the connection between happiness and performance, and I'm eager to share the insights I've gained along the way. 

Matt's book list on workplace happiness

Matt Phelan Why Matt loves this book

This book highlights the science behind positive psychology and its impact on workplace success. It demonstrates how happiness fuels productivity, creativity, and resilience, leading to improved performance and better outcomes.

By cultivating positive emotions and fostering strong relationships, you can create a more supportive and enjoyable work environment for everyone.

By Shawn Achor ,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked The Happiness Advantage as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Most people want to be successful in life. And of course, everyone wants to be happy. When it comes to the pursuit of success and happiness, most people assume the same formula: if you work hard, you will become successful, and once you become successful, then you'll be happy. The only problem is that a decade of cutting-edge research in the field of positive psychology has proven that this formula is backwards. Success does not beget happiness.

Based on the largest study ever conducted on happiness and human potential (a survey conducted by the author of more than 1,600 students),…


Book cover of Connecting with Coincidence: The New Science for Using Synchronicity and Serendipity in Your Life

TJ Kostecky Author Of Eyes Up!: Discover Your Full Potential and Form Meaningful Connections Through Subtle Shifts in Perspective

From my list on self-help on life and leadership that work!.

Why am I passionate about this?

Ever since I first started coaching at the tender age of 15, my main passion in life has been helping others find their own passions. Over more than four decades as a coach, educator, and mentor, I’ve read a lot of self-help books. They don’t always deliver. But some gems in the genre have truly helped me—along with the thousands of people I’ve recommended them to—experience significant personal growth and discover a richer, more meaningful existence. It’s my pleasure to share the best of the best here. Pick one up today and I promise your life will be better for it! 

TJ's book list on self-help on life and leadership that work!

TJ Kostecky Why TJ loves this book

I’m a big proponent of the power of synchronicity, which I describe as the belief that higher powers are all around us if only we’re willing to let them in. Beitman’s groundbreaking book illuminates the science behind that serendipity. Along the way, he teaches readers how to attract opportunities that will enrich their lives by keeping their eyes and minds open and constantly curious.

 It might sound like magic, but it really is possible to manifest good fortune throughout our lives. It’s no coincidence that so many people who I give this book to are quick to benefit from some lucky break. And what do I tell them? Luck had nothing to do with it, my friend.

By Bernard Beitman ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Connecting with Coincidence as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

We've all experienced or heard of surprising events and unexplainable coincidences-money that seems to come from nowhere, a spontaneous idea that turns into a life-changing solution, meeting our soulmate on a flight we weren't supposed to take, or families being reunited by "accident" after years of separation.

Often these coincidences are explained as being controlled by a higher power or pure chance. But for the first time since Carl Jung's work, comes bold new research that explains scientifically how we can identify, understand, and perhaps even control the frequency of coincidences in our everyday lives.

Bernard Beitman, a…


If you love Brian David Johnson...

Book cover of The Tao of Poison

The Tao of Poison by Isham Cook,

A poisonous maiden, a Daoist sex cult, and a violent insurgency.

The polyandrous Yan family in China's rural Shaanxi Province takes in two carpenter brothers. When one brother is convicted of murder after killing their neighbor in a dispute, a constable threatens to expose the family's rumored polyandry and extorts…

Book cover of The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups

Leon Purton Author Of The Ignited Leader

From my list on leaders who Google how to be a good leader.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve seen the benefit of investing in awareness about how you can improve in leadership. I am a military veteran with two decades of experience in leading teams in high-stress environments. I’ve seen military leadership at its strongest and at its weakest. I’ve since led multi-million dollar projects and seen the value of investing in leadership and developing a culture of high-performance. For over 100 weeks, I researched and wrote a series of blog articles titled Leadership Sparks. The goal was to be able to create a spark with my words in someone else's mind. To pass the small ignition point of leadership growth to them. 

Leon's book list on leaders who Google how to be a good leader

Leon Purton Why Leon loves this book

I’ve never had the words to describe why I knew culture was important to success or why I thought the best way to succeed in the long term was to help others succeed.

This book helped me have the words, examples, and stories to be able to communicate that. One of my most recommended books.

By Daniel Coyle ,

Why should I read it?

6 authors picked The Culture Code as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

'A marvel of insight and practicality' Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit
____________________________

How do you build and sustain a great team?

The Culture Code reveals the secrets of some of the best teams in the world - from Pixar to Google to US Navy SEALs - explaining the three skills such groups have mastered in order to generate trust and a willingness to collaborate. Combining cutting-edge science, on-the-ground insight and practical ideas for action, it offers a roadmap for creating an environment where innovation flourishes, problems get solved, and expectations are exceeded.

…


Book cover of Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself

Debbie Sorensen Author Of ACT for Burnout: Recharge, Reconnect, and Transform Burnout with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

From my list on books for lasting recovery from burnout.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a clinical psychologist with a Ph.D. from Harvard. My personal experience of burnout, when I was a psychologist on a medical team in a hospital setting, led me to specialize in burnout in my private therapy practice. I’ve been doing therapy with adults experiencing chronic stress and burnout for many years since. I’ve also interviewed thought leaders in mental health on my podcast, Psychologists Off the Clock. I understand the complexity of burnout and the reason “quick fixes,” like individual wellness interventions, are often not enough to help with burnout. To really solve the problem, we must “dig deeper” and find both personal and cultural solutions.

Debbie's book list on books for lasting recovery from burnout

Debbie Sorensen Why Debbie loves this book

Learning to set boundaries – with work and with other people – was essential to helping me to recover from burnout, and this book is a practical how-to guide for how and why to set them.

In my own life, and in my work as a clinical psychologist, I have seen how chronic people-pleasing tendencies, and saying “yes” to everything, can lead to exhaustion and burnout. Having this book as a tool has helped me to be more intentional about saying no, and more assertive about standing up for my own needs.

As the author, Nedra Glover Tawwab, states in the book, “Burnout is overwhelming, and boundaries are the cure.” I couldn’t agree more!

By Nedra Glover Tawwab ,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked Set Boundaries, Find Peace as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

End the struggle, speak up for what you need, and experience the freedom of being truly yourself.

Healthy boundaries. We all know we should have them in order to achieve work/life balance, cope with toxic people, and enjoy rewarding relationships with partners, friends, and family. But what do "healthy boundaries" really mean - and how can we successfully express our needs, say "no," and be assertive without offending others?

Licensed counselor, sought-after relationship expert, and one of the most influential therapists on Instagram Nedra Glover Tawwab demystifies this complex topic for today's world. In a…


Book cover of Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers

Christopher A. Pinckley Author Of State of Mind 2.0: 11 Lessons of the Most Productive People on the Planet

From my list on leveling up spiritual entrepreneurs & artists.

Why am I passionate about this?

After decades of trial and error, reading hundreds of books and applying the lessons I learned, practicing thousands of hours of meditation & emotional integration work, landing in jail multiple times, battling 20 years of chronic fatigue, surviving a prolonged life/death illness, losing everything, becoming homeless, and rebuilding myself anew, I’ve seen a few things. When I emerged from the abyss, and without my conscious awareness of the fact, I had become transformed. I had become who I’d been seeking all along. Now I hold the space for my clients to express themselves unconditionally, access their deeply held suppressed emotional charges, and shatter the beliefs that keep them tethered to an outdated reality that is fast becoming obsolete in the New Earth.

Christopher's book list on leveling up spiritual entrepreneurs & artists

Christopher A. Pinckley Why Christopher loves this book

The magic of Tim Ferris is that his attention to detail is second to none. Thus, when he decided to turn his insanely insightful podcast with an ‘A List’ of some of the most amazing, goal-achieving maniacs on the planet, I was excited to see how it would turn out. And, let me tell you, he did not disappoint! If you want a detailed list of the habits, tactics, rituals, routines, diets, supplements, exercise routines, and mind/body practices of the world’s best of the best, then you’ve got the book of all time. I can’t recommend it enough. If this book doesn’t help you to level up, then go back and reread it, and take notes this time.

By Timothy Ferriss ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Tools of Titans as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

#1 New York Times Bestseller

The latest groundbreaking tome from Tim Ferriss, the best-selling author of The 4-Hour Workweek.

From the author: "For the last two years, I've interviewed nearly two hundred world-class performers for my podcast,The Tim Ferriss Show. The guests range from super celebs (Jamie Foxx, Arnold Schwarzenegger, etc.) and athletes (icons of powerlifting, gymnastics, surfing, etc.) to legendary Special Operations commanders and black-market biochemists. For most of my guests, it's the first time they've agreed to a two-to-three-hour interview, and the show is on the cusp of passing 100 million downloads.

"This book contains the distilled tools,…


If you love The Future You...

Book cover of Big Ideas... For Small Businesses: Simple, Practical Tools and Tactics to Help Your Small Business Grow

Big Ideas... For Small Businesses by John Lamerton,

Big Ideas… for Small Businesses is a straight-talking, no-nonsense guide to growing a small business without sacrificing your lifestyle. Written by a former civil servant turned entrepreneur, the book challenges hustle culture and instead champions the idea of an "ambitious lifestyle business" - one that provides freedom and financial stability,…

Book cover of Master of Change: How to Excel When Everything Is Changing - Including You

Sage Rountree Author Of The Athlete's Guide to Recovery: Rest, Relax, and Restore for Peak Performance

From my list on books for athletes who want to up their game.

Why am I passionate about this?

Though I’ve coached endurance athletes to world championships, I’m an expert on not working out. It’s what you do when you’re not training that matters most! All the books on this list teach habits that help you relax about things that don’t matter while guiding you to define what does matter and explaining ways to most efficiently focus your energies there. This jibes with my work as a yoga teacher: we seek to find the right application of effort, and to layer in ease wherever possible. I don’t think it’s stretching too much to call each book on the list both a work of philosophy and also a deeply practical life manual.

Sage's book list on books for athletes who want to up their game

Sage Rountree Why Sage loves this book

Like the prior book, this book takes principles from both science and mindfulness and applies them to life in interesting ways that help me feel strong and capable.

I love how it gives me perspective on aging and the various changes that we all undergo, both chosen and inevitable. The book’s concept of “rugged flexibility” applies super well for athletes, but it also reminds me to be resilient at work, in family life, and in all my relationships.

By Brad Stulberg ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Master of Change as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From expert on sustainable excellence, coach, and bestselling author of The Practice of Groundedness comes a revelatory book on rethinking change and creating a rugged and flexible mindset amidst life's intensifying flux.

We undergo change and transformation-both good and bad-regularly. From social disruptions like economic recessions, pandemics, and new technologies to individual disruptions like getting married, career transitions, and becoming a parent, change is not the exception, it's the rule. Yet we endlessly fight it, often viewing it as a threat to our stability and sense of self.

Master of Change flips this script on its head and offers a…


Book cover of The Power to Change

Allie Marie Smith Author Of Social Media Reset

From my list on overcome social media obsession and get your life back.

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm an award-winning author, podcast host, life coach, and the Founder and CEO of Wonderfully Made, a faith-based non-profit organization that empowers girls and women to know their value and purpose, experience vibrant mental health, and lead flourishing lives. I’m passionate about the mental health of girls and women and am a leading voice on the impact of social media—and what we can do about it. I live in Santa Barbara County with my husband, Paul, and I love being unplugged, writing, playing with horses, surfing, and adventuring up and down the California coast.

Allie's book list on overcome social media obsession and get your life back

Allie Marie Smith Why Allie loves this book

I’ve always been committed to personal growth, and as a high-achiever, I’m constantly setting new goals. This book is a faith-based guide to transforming your life by aligning your habits with your God-given identity. He offers a paradigm shift that argues that lasting change doesn’t come from willpower alone but from changing how you see yourself through the lens of who God says you are.

This has informed the way I see my goals and has taught me that if I want to change my behavior or accomplish a goal, I need to renew my mind systems, and relying on God’s strength, I can break negative patterns and form new, life-giving habits. I recommend this book to all the women I work with as a life coach, and it’s been the most practical and powerful book that has contributed to my recent professional and personal success. 

By Craig Groeschel ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Power to Change as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Life-Changing Spiritual and Practical Strategies for True Transformation.

Nothing is more frustrating than knowing you need to change and trying to change, but failing to change. You feel stuck, no matter how hard you try. Craig Groeschel, author of Winning the War in Your Mind, knows what it's like to be caught in that cycle. That was his own story-until he discovered these practical and biblical principles for experiencing lasting change.

In The Power to Change, Craig will help you find true change in your relationships, habits, and thoughts by unpacking:

How God's power, not your willpower, leads to true…


Book cover of Who Moved My Cheese? An A-Mazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life

Ronnie F. Lee Author Of Know Money No Problem: A Guide to Positive Personal Economics

From my list on creating a better you.

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm an ordinary person who was able to achieve an extraordinary life for myself. My parents, who currently do not own a home, have always struggled to make ends meet. When I left the US Army at 23 with only $3,000 in savings, I quickly spent it while trying to adjust to civilian life in a foreign country. With a limited college education, I turned to books for inspiration. These books provided me with insights into the details behind success stories and changed my mindset. I was motivated to write my own book, Know Money No Problem, to pay it forward and help others achieve their own version of success. 

Ronnie's book list on creating a better you

Ronnie F. Lee Why Ronnie loves this book

To truly stay ahead of failure, one must embrace discomfort and avoid becoming stagnant. Life is a constant race, and if you stop running, you cannot win. Who Moved My Cheese? serves as a great example that is easy to read, digest, and a powerful reminder to keep pushing forward in the race of life.

The book highlights the importance of not taking good fortune for granted and avoiding getting too comfortable. It teaches that everything is constantly evolving, and it is essential to remain vigilant and open to new opportunities.

I once used this book to teach a group of high schoolers how to stay alert to opportunities and overcome the fear of discomfort.

By Spencer Johnson ,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked Who Moved My Cheese? An A-Mazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Who Moved My Cheese? is a simple parable that reveals profound truths. It is the amusing and enlightening story of four characters who live in a maze and look for cheese to nourish them and make them happy. Cheese is a metaphor for what you want to have in life, for example a good job, a loving relationship, money or possessions, health or spiritual peace of mind. The maze is where you look for what you want, perhaps the organisation you work in, or the family or community you live in. The problem is that the cheese keeps moving.

In…


If you love Brian David Johnson...

Book cover of Sexy Selfie Nation: Standing Up for Yourself in Today's Toxic, Sexist Culture

Sexy Selfie Nation by Leora Tanenbaum,

The problem is not with the actions young women take but with the toxic, sexist conditions they are responding to.

Tanenbaum found, based on six years of interviews with young people ages 14-30, that young women are navigating a culture littered with gendered dress codes, revenge porn, and sexually explicit…

Book cover of Impact: A Step-by-Step Plan to Create the World You Want to Live In

Dale Hanson Bourke Author Of Strong Girls, Strong World: A Practical Guide to Helping Them Soar--and Creating a Better Future for Us All

From my list on helping you make the world a better place.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I lost a baby late in my pregnancy, I was overwhelmed by grief. And then I learned that tens of thousands of babies died every day from preventable causes. I couldn’t save my own baby, but I wanted to know how to help others. I joined the board of World Vision and then other groups, including Opportunity International, MAP International, and International Justice Mission. I took numerous trips to developing countries and eventually headed a foundation dedicated to maternal health. I listened to the stories of women and tried to tell them to the world through a variety of international publications. I'm forever grateful to those who changed the way I see the world.

Dale's book list on helping you make the world a better place

Dale Hanson Bourke Why Dale loves this book

Whenever anyone tells me they want to change the world but don’t know where to start, I recommend this book.

It’s a step-by-step plan to help find your calling and then focus on the difference you want to make. With very helpful questions and guided exercises, it helps you understand the essentials of your goal and then create a truly actionable plan for moving forward.

The authors include their own experiences and offer very helpful cautions as well.

By Christen Brandt , Tammy Tibbetts ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Impact as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

When you feel that pull to be part of social change, where do you start? How can you ensure that your good intentions create a positive impact? How do you focus your scattered efforts? And how do you sustain yourself throughout?

Impact brings you the answers. Drawing on their network and experience as founders of She's the First, Christen Brandt and Tammy Tibbetts show you how to create your own impact strategy, one that fits into your life and allows you to match what you have with what the world needs.

Their guidance, paired with interactive activities, will lead you…


Book cover of The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact
Book cover of The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life
Book cover of Connecting with Coincidence: The New Science for Using Synchronicity and Serendipity in Your Life

Share your top 3 reads of 2026!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

172

readers submitted
so far, will you?