How to Find Happiness: 15 Self-help Books to Inspire You

Last Updated on 24/02/2025

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Get inspired on how to find happiness with 15 self-help books that will help you approach such a vague subject in practical and realistic ways.

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How to Find Happiness: 15 Self-help Books to Inspire You

The primary goals of a self-help book are to help you understand a difficult situation, inspire you to cope with it, and motivate you to take action. So, here are 15 self-help books that explore happiness, along with short reviews:

1

The Four Agreements – Don Miguel Ruiz

Using ancient Toltec wisdom, “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz offers simple yet profound principles for a happier and more fulfilling life. Is it a coincidence that this book is a New York Times and international bestseller, counting so far 465,191 ratings on Goodreads and  116,599 ratings on Amazon? It’s worth finding out.

2

The Happiness Project – Gretchen Rubin

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin is a year-long experiment in finding happiness through small, practical changes. Inspiring and actionable, it’s a New York Times bestseller with 177,223 ratings on Goodreads and  7,376 ratings on Amazon.

3

The Untethered Soul – Michael A. Singer

“The Untethered Soul” by Michael A. Singer encourages self-awareness and letting go of mental chatter to achieve deep inner peace and joy. Offering simple yet profound answers to inward questions, it’s a New York Times bestseller and counts 127,388 ratings ratings on Goodreads and 41,915 ratings on Amazon.

4

The How of Happiness – Sonja Lyubomirsky

With a scientific approach to happiness, “The How of Happiness” by Sonja Lyubomirsky is backed by research and practical exercises for long-term well-being. With 10,160 ratings on Goodreads and 1,757 ratings on Amazon, it gives useful pieces of advice and practical tools.

5

Happier – Tal Ben-Shahar

Tal Ben-Shahar, a Harvard professor, shares in his book “Happier” his insights into what truly makes us happy, balancing pleasure and meaning in life. Having 8,584 ratings on Goodreads and 1,046 ratings on Amazon, it aims to help you learn the secrets to daily joy and lasting fulfillment

6

The Happiness Advantage – Shawn Achor

Exploring how happiness fuels success, “The Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achornot gives a guide to the other way around and strategies to cultivate positivity. With 42,631 ratings on Goodreads and 9,906 reviews on Amazon, it connects happiness performance at work.

7

Radical Acceptance – Tara Brach

Embracing life as it is to find true happiness, “Radical Acceptance” by Tara Brach is a powerful book on self-compassion and mindfulness. Drawing on personal stories, Buddhist teachings and guided meditations, it tries to lead you to your innate goodness and has 32,112 ratings on Goodreads and 1,325 reviews on Amazon.

8

Stumbling on Happiness – Daniel Gilbert

“Stumbling on Happiness” by Daniel Gilbert is a fascinating look at why humans are often wrong about what will make them happy, based on psychology research. It’s a national bestseller with 62,493 ratings on Goodreads and 9,906 reviews on Amazon that combines life scientific research in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, philosophy, and behavioral economics.

9

The Art of Happiness – Dalai Lama & Howard Cutler

Blending Buddhist wisdom and psychology, The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama & Howard Cutler offers a spiritual yet practical guide to happiness. It has 121,193 ratings on Goodreads and  10,535 ratings on Amazon.

10

Ikigai – Héctor García & Francesc Miralles

“Ikigai” by Héctor García & Francesc Miralles explores the Japanese concept of Ikigai (reason for being) and how it contributes to happiness and longevity. It shares the Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life.

11

Daring Greatly – Brené Brown

“Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown encourages vulnerability as a path to happiness, resilience, and deeper connections.

12

The Book of Joy – Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu

The Book of Joy – Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu is a heartwarming dialogue between two spiritual leaders on finding joy even in difficult times.

13

Atomic Habits – James Clear

Atomic Habits by James Clear is not directly about happiness, but it helps cultivate habits that lead to long-term fulfillment and success.

14

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success – Carol S. Dweck

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck explores the power of a growth mindset in achieving happiness through lifelong learning and resilience.

15

Happiness Is All We Want by Ashutosh Mishra

The last book is a personal selection. I’ve read for free in exchange for my honest and subjective review thanks to the BookTasters because it’s good to include not-so-known books. “Happiness Is All We Want” by Ashutosh Mishra organizes the things that contribute to happiness in three parts (body, mind, and spirit), and includes Smart Wellbeing Capsule activities.

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