From learning how to be more charismatic to getting your work done, these books can help you become a better you.

Given the events that have been making the news lately, it is easy to get yourself down—especially now that most of us are cooped up in our homes or elsewhere in an effort to practice social distancing. However, even when you can’t really get out of the house, there are still ways to pick yourself up!

One of those methods is by reading. We gathered five of the most recommended self-improvement books out there; these books are guaranteed to help you grow as a professional as well as in your personal life, and they may even change your entire outlook!

1. The Charisma Myth by Olivia Fox Cabane
   It has been repeated time and time again that charisma is an inherent trait—you’re either born with it or you just don’t have it. Olivia Fox Cabane wrote The Charisma Myth to disprove this theory. In her book, she proclaims that it is the other way around (essentially nurture over nature); she breaks charisma down into its base components to show you how you can be charismatic by choice. Take the time to read this, and you can return to work more influential, more persuasive, and more inspiring than ever before.
2. Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robins
   It is easy to feel like everything is out of your control, especially if you’ve hit a rough patch in your life or career. Tony Robbins developed Awaken the Giant Within to teach you how to master your emotions, relationships, body, finances, and pretty much everything else you can imagine. By following the step-by-step program equipped with Robbins’ most effective techniques, you can take control of the forces in your life and shape your own purpose.
3. Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy
   One of the most pervasive bad habits in the world is procrastination. Almost everybody does it (and if you don’t, kudos to you!). In Eat That Frog!, Brian Tracy teaches the audience how to stop procrastinating and, instead, efficiently and effectively accomplish daily tasks. Of course, the vital lesson is time management—and the core of that lesson centers around discipline, decision, and determination. (And, if you’re worried, you don’t actually have to eat a frog to stop procrastinating.)
4. Acres of Diamonds by Russell H. Conwell
   The book differs from the others in that it teaches a lesson through a story, and it was originally performed as a speech by Conwell before he turned it into an essay. Acres of Diamonds follows an African farmer who hears tales of other farmers making millions by discovering diamond mines. Eager to obtain wealth in the same manner, he sells his farm and sets off the search for diamonds himself. Conwell uses this story to emphasize that all the opportunities you need are within arm’s reach; you just need to look a little closer.
5. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
   Drawing inspiration from ancient Toltec wisdom, Don Miguel Ruiz details how four agreements can dramatically increase a person’s happiness, sense of freedom, and even love. Ruiz reveals the sources that cause us to limit ourselves and then the strategies for how to overcome them. Dubbed a “practical guide to personal freedom,” The Four Agreements has altered the perspective of countless people. If you don’t believe us, take a look at the review section and see just how powerful this code of conduct can be.

Books can change lives. Some are written to entertain, some are written to vent, some are written for fun, and some are written to help. The five books mentioned above were written to help people like you and me. If you are between a rock and a hard place and need some guidance, or even if you are just stuck at home and bored, pick up one of these books and get reading!

It might change your life.

If you have any other recommendations for books that have left a lasting impact on you, let us know! We would love to add to our collection.