10+ Best Self Help Books for 20-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Navigating your twenties can be as thrilling as it is challenging, but you're not in it alone! Whether you're looking to boost your confidence, manage your finances, or simply find a little inspiration, the right guidance is crucial. That's where self help books for 20-year-olds come into play. In this blog, we've curated a diverse selection of reads tailored specifically to help you thrive during this pivotal decade. Curious to see which books made the list? Keep reading to discover our top picks for self help books for 20-year-olds that could transform your approach to life's exciting hurdles!

Fun Self Help Books for 20-Year-Olds

• You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Personal Development
  • Synopsis: This book offers a refreshing and humorous take on self-empowerment, providing readers with actionable advice to improve their lives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's written in a fun, engaging style that resonates well with younger audiences, making the concept of self-improvement more accessible and enjoyable.
  • Perfect for: Individuals looking to boost their confidence and take charge of their life direction.

• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Personal Development
  • Synopsis: This book challenges conventional self-help advice, advocating for focusing on what truly matters and letting go of superficial concerns.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its bold, straightforward approach is particularly appealing to young adults who appreciate honesty and directness in their reading.
  • Perfect for: Readers who want a no-nonsense guide to prioritizing their lives and embracing their limitations.

• Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Psychology
  • Synopsis: Clear provides a step-by-step guide to forming good habits, breaking bad ones, and mastering the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers practical strategies that are easy to implement, making it ideal for young adults looking to make positive changes in their lives.
  • Perfect for: Anyone interested in personal development through habit formation and incremental improvement.

• The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Organization
  • Synopsis: Marie Kondo introduces her KonMari Method, focusing on decluttering and organizing your space by keeping only what sparks joy.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its unique approach to decluttering can help young adults create a serene and inspiring living environment, which is crucial during this transitional phase of life.
  • Perfect for: Those who feel overwhelmed by clutter and seek a fresh start in both their physical and mental spaces.

• Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World by Admiral William H. McRaven
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Motivational
  • Synopsis: Based on a commencement speech that went viral, this book outlines the benefits of simple daily tasks that have far-reaching impacts on your life and success.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's concise and powerful, offering practical advice that is easy to incorporate into daily routines, making it ideal for busy young adults.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for quick, impactful ways to improve their daily lives and achieve long-term goals.

Educational Self Help Books for 20-Year-Olds

• Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Personal Development
  • Synopsis: This book provides readers with tools from the Stanford design lab to create a fulfilling life by approaching life choices as design problems that can be solved.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, life planning, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses a unique, design-thinking approach that helps readers construct a meaningful life, making it particularly accessible and practical for young adults.
  • Perfect for: Young adults interested in personal development and those at a crossroads in their career or education.

• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Self-help
  • Synopsis: Carol S. Dweck discusses the concept of "mindset" and how having a fixed or growth mindset can affect all areas of life, including work, relationships, and personal growth.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Personal growth, resilience, learning strategies
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a foundational understanding of how adopting a growth mindset can lead to success and personal fulfillment.
  • Perfect for: Individuals looking to change their thought patterns and foster personal and professional growth.

• Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Self-help
  • Synopsis: Angela Duckworth explores the power of grit—a combination of passion and perseverance—in achieving success, surpassing even talent or intelligence.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Determination, goal-setting, perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides compelling evidence and stories that illustrate how grit can be a major determinant of success, which is highly motivating for young adults.
  • Perfect for: Anyone who wants to overcome obstacles and pursue long-term goals despite challenges.

• The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter—And How to Make the Most of Them Now by Meg Jay
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Personal Development
  • Synopsis: This book emphasizes the importance of one's twenties and offers practical advice on how to make the most of this defining decade through personal stories and psychological research.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Career planning, relationship building, psychological health
  • Why we recommend this book: It directly addresses the challenges and opportunities that come with being in your twenties, making it especially relevant and impactful for readers in that age group.
  • Perfect for: Twenty-somethings seeking guidance on making critical life decisions in career, relationships, and personal growth.

• Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Psychology
  • Synopsis: Brené Brown discusses the importance of vulnerability in achieving deeper connections and living a more fulfilling life, challenging common perceptions about weakness.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, leadership, interpersonal relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a transformative look at how embracing vulnerability can lead to greater courage and meaningful connections.
  • Perfect for: Readers who want to improve their relationships and leadership skills through the power of vulnerability.

Challenging Self Help Books for 20-Year-Olds

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Self-help, Cognitive Science
  • Synopsis: Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman explores the two systems that drive the way we think: System 1 is fast, intuitive, and emotional; System 2 is slower, more deliberative, and more logical.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex cognitive theories and psychological experiments to explain how our minds work, making it a dense read that requires time and reflection.
  • Why we recommend this book: Understanding the dual-process model of the brain can help readers make better decisions, think more clearly, and avoid common mental pitfalls.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in psychology and improving their cognitive skills.

• Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Business, Self-help
  • Synopsis: Taleb introduces the concept of "antifragility," a category of things that not only gain from chaos but need it in order to survive and flourish.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book's interdisciplinary approach crosses traditional boundaries between the sciences and humanities, and its ideas challenge conventional wisdom.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a new framework for dealing with risk and uncertainty, encouraging readers to think about resilience in a way that goes beyond mere toughness.
  • Perfect for: Young adults who are navigating uncertain environments and want to thrive in them.

• Mastery by Robert Greene
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Personal Development, Psychology
  • Synopsis: Greene examines the lives of historical figures and contemporary masters to uncover the secrets of their success, focusing on the process of attaining mastery in a field.
  • Why this book is challenging: It requires readers to engage deeply with case studies and to reflect on long-term commitments, which can be daunting.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers valuable insights into the nature of mastery, discipline, and creativity, providing a roadmap to becoming a master in one's chosen field.
  • Perfect for: Individuals committed to deep, sustained personal growth and expertise in their careers or passions.

• The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom by Jonathan Haidt
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Philosophy, Self-help
  • Synopsis: Haidt examines ten great ideas from ancient wisdom and what psychological science says about them today, exploring how they can apply to modern life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It integrates concepts from psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience, requiring a broad understanding and openness to interdisciplinary learning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It connects age-old insights with modern science, offering practical advice for achieving happiness and fulfillment.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy a blend of science and philosophy in their quest for personal well-being.

• Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink
  • Genre(s): Business, Psychology, Self-help
  • Synopsis: Pink examines the three elements of true motivation—autonomy, mastery, and purpose—and offers smart and surprising techniques for putting these into action.
  • Why this book is challenging: It challenges traditional rewards-based motivation systems, pushing readers to rethink how they approach motivation in both personal and professional settings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a fresh perspective on what motivates us, leading to more satisfying and productive lives and careers.
  • Perfect for: Young professionals and anyone interested in understanding and harnessing their intrinsic motivations.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of self-help books, you're already on a great path to personal development. But, let's make sure you're getting the most out of your reading time. Here are some exercises specifically designed to help 20-year-olds like you develop stellar reading habits. These will not only enhance your understanding but also ensure you apply what you learn.

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Define clear, achievable goals for your reading, like the number of books you want to read per month.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and on track with your personal development journey.
  • Tips: Start small and gradually increase your goal as you become more comfortable with your reading pace.

• Create a Reading Schedule
  • What it is: Dedicate specific times of the day or week exclusively for reading.
  • How it helps: Ensures consistent reading, which is key to building and maintaining this beneficial habit.
  • Tips: Link your reading time to another daily habit, like reading right after breakfast or just before bed.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in or start a book club focused on self-help and personal growth.
  • How it helps: Provides motivation through social commitment and can offer new insights and perspectives.
  • Tips: If you can't find a suitable club, consider starting one with friends or look for online communities.

• Reflect on Your Reading
  • What it is: Take time after each reading session to reflect on what you've learned and how it applies to your life.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention, making the reading more impactful.
  • Tips: Keep a notebook handy specifically for reflections, or discuss your thoughts with a friend or mentor.

• Implement What You Learn
  • What it is: Actively apply at least one idea from each book you read into your daily life.
  • How it helps: Transforms reading from a passive activity into an active growth experience.
  • Tips: Write down actionable steps and review their effectiveness regularly.

• Mix It Up
  • What it is: Alternate between different types of self-help books to cover various aspects of personal development.
  • How it helps: Prevents boredom and broadens your understanding of personal growth.
  • Tips: Choose books that challenge your current views or habits to keep your learning dynamic.

Remember, the key to benefiting from self-help books is not just in reading them, but in how you integrate their lessons into your life. These exercises are designed to help you do just that. So, grab your book, pick an exercise, and start transforming those words into action. Happy reading!