30 Best Self-Help Audiobooks for Reaching Your Potential

It can be hard to find motivation when you’re caught up in the pace of everyday life. When you need to outsource a little inspiration, audiobooks make it possible to put the advice of the world’s personal development experts right into your ears. Here we’ve put together a list of power-packed selections that include both newcomers and time-tested selections from veterans of the genre. Read on for the 30 best self-help audiobooks, and try not to be inspired!

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

De: Stephen R. Covey

Narrado por: Stephen R. Covey

Duración: 13 h y 4 m

Fecha de lanzamiento: 12-28-03

Idioma: Inglés

4.5 out of 5 stars 39,563 calificaciones

Both this best seller and its author are self-development staples. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has been reinvigorating the daily routines of successful people for decades, and Stephen Covey’s advice remains as relevant as ever. Focusing on improvement through the measured achievement of goals, 7 Habits instructs listeners on the specific steps to setting clearer, more achievable objectives. Most important, Covey’s writing and energetic performance infuse each lesson with enthusiasm and drive that will inspire you to put his guidance into practice as soon as the audiobook ends.
How to Win Friends & Influence People

De: Dale Carnegie

Narrado por: Andrew MacMillan

Duración: 7 h y 15 m

Fecha de lanzamiento: 09-16-04

Idioma: Inglés

4.5 out of 5 stars 99,242 calificaciones

Published more than 60 years ago, Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends & Influence People still rides high atop best seller lists and easily ranks as one of the most influential self-development titles of all time. Carnegie focuses not on what a person plans to achieve, but how to achieve it—whatever "it" might be. Carnegie explains that, by developing and training your social skills and charisma, any goal can be made more achievable. When you start listening, you’ll be one step closer to joining the book’s legion of success stories (this is, after all, the book Warren Buffet credited with transforming his life) as you learn the secrets behind effectively networking your way to just about anything you want. Paired with authoritative, straightforward narration by the late Andrew MacMillan, How to Win Friends & Influence People opens a path to success that’s more accessible than ever.
The Power of Now

A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment

De: Eckhart Tolle

Narrado por: Eckhart Tolle

Duración: 7 h y 37 m

Fecha de lanzamiento: 12-31-00

Idioma: Inglés

4.5 out of 5 stars 39,350 calificaciones

In his 1999 best seller, Eckhart Tolle shares his method of living in the moment in order to create the most fulfilling life possible. He urges listeners to throw away the typical approach to problems, which generally involves introspective thoughts of the past and future, and to fully concentrate on the present. Narrated by the author, The Power of Now provides listeners with a simple, easy-to-follow question-and-answer format that offers guidance and support. With advice on positive thinking, as well as meditations and practices that listeners can employ to improve their mindfulness and start embracing the present, this listen is a surefire start to a more meditative, meaningful life.
Daring Greatly

How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

De: Brené Brown

Narrado por: Brené Brown

Duración: 6 h y 30 m

Fecha de lanzamiento: 06-26-18

Idioma: Inglés

5 out of 5 stars 21,299 calificaciones

Brené Brown relays decades of her own research in her New York Times best seller, Daring Greatly. With a PhD in social work, Brown has spent most of her adult life questioning and analyzing the values of vulnerability. In her narration, she argues that welcoming vulnerability can be life-changing, because it forces us to become more courageous. This audiobook explains how this simple (albeit challenging) change can affect how we interact with and are perceived by others, how we approach parenting, and even how we love. As one of the most frequently watched TED speakers in the world, Brown is no stranger to conveying her message orally, and in Daring Greatly, her compelling delivery and strong voice are clearer than ever.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life

De: Mark Manson

Narrado por: Roger Wayne

Duración: 5 h y 17 m

Fecha de lanzamiento: 09-13-16

Idioma: Inglés

4.5 out of 5 stars 172,970 calificaciones

Fans of straight talk are also likely to enjoy Mark Manson's guide to lightening up. The central theory of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck revolves around the idea that sh*t is f*cked, and we have to live with it. It’s self-dev without the sugarcoating, making for a raw approach that cuts through the nonsense and gets to the point. Manson’s unconventional manifesto is designed to help listeners learn to take life’s unpleasant and even tragic events in stride. Narrator Roger Wayne’s attention-grabbing, wry delivery hits every mark, conveying Manson’s title with humor and a dash of profanity. From financial obstacles to family problems, stressful jobs, and more, Manson’s advice is to deal with the problems that matter, and not waste time on those that don't.
Big Magic

Creative Living Beyond Fear

De: Elizabeth Gilbert

Narrado por: Elizabeth Gilbert

Duración: 5 h y 6 m

Fecha de lanzamiento: 09-22-15

Idioma: Inglés

4.5 out of 5 stars 26,625 calificaciones

From Elizabeth Gilbert, the best selling author of Eat, Pray, Love, Big Magic is the self-dev audiobook that’s perfect for creative spirits. In a candid tone and inspiring voice, Gilbert digs into her own creative process and urges listeners to challenge themselves, find their own personal outlets, and, above all, constantly be curious.Even listeners who don’t consider themselves particularly imaginative or expressive will find an engaging path toward a freer and more forgiving relationship with their inner artist. With Gilbert’s poetic perspective as a guide, anyone can find a way to live each day with more passion, enthusiasm, and creative confidence.
The Four Agreements

De: don Miguel Ruiz

Narrado por: Peter Coyote

Duración: 2 h y 31 m

Fecha de lanzamiento: 01-27-05

Idioma: Inglés

5 out of 5 stars 58,176 calificaciones

An Oprah Winfrey-endorsed book and a New York Times best seller, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is an assembly of ancient wisdom reimagined for a modern audience. Ruiz bases his advice on the teachings of the Toltecs, predecessors of the Aztecs, who lived with a deep understanding of personal freedom and contentment. Throughout this audiobook, listeners will learn that life revolves around the different agreements we make. Whether these agreements are made with ourselves, with others, or with a higher power, they all impact how much freedom we have and what we choose to do with it. Veteran actor Peter Coyote, who might sound familiar to fans of documentarian Ken Burns (for whom Coyote narrated eight films), guides listeners through each agreement, ensuring that the lessons of the Toltecs are instilled with wisdom, eloquence, and grace.
The Alchemist

A Fable About Following Your Dream

De: Paulo Coelho

Narrado por: Jeremy Irons

Duración: 4 h

Fecha de lanzamiento: 12-26-04

Idioma: Inglés

4.5 out of 5 stars 81,516 calificaciones

Despite being a work of fiction, The Alchemist has been widely embraced as the perfect self-development book for telling a story rich in inspiration and encouragement. The story follows Santiago, a young shepherd from southern Spain, on his quest to see the Great Pyramids in Egypt. Along his journey, Santiago meets many fascinating characters, receiving varying advice from each—but the most helpful advice comes from a mysterious and wise alchemist he encounters near the end of his fateful trip. Narrated with reverence, vibrancy, and incredible range by Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons, The Alchemist stands out as a refreshingly novel parable in a genre that tends toward the literal. Worthwhile for its entertainment value and gorgeous prose alone, it leaves listeners with a few lessons to ponder as well.
The Magic of Thinking Big

De: David J. Schwartz Ph.D.

Narrado por: David J. Schwartz Ph.D.

Duración: 4 h y 8 m

Fecha de lanzamiento: 06-05-19

Idioma: Inglés

4.5 out of 5 stars 5,259 calificaciones

David Schwartz's self-development guide has been influencing millions of people since 1959, and with Jason Culp’s warm, spirited narration, listeners can take advantage of its advice no matter where they are in their career or life. Schwartz’s philosophy is that extraordinary successes are not achieved through extraordinary talent, but rather on the strength of extraordinary thinking. The Magic of Thinking Big guides listeners to break out of traditional thinking surrounding ability and experience, which imposes limits on our expectations, and discover the incredible power of ambitious thinking. In the process, listeners will learn how to destroy fear, build confidence, believe in their potential, and, ultimately, accomplish the extraordinary.
Thinking, Fast and Slow

De: Daniel Kahneman

Narrado por: Patrick Egan

Duración: 20 h y 2 m

Fecha de lanzamiento: 10-25-11

Idioma: Inglés

4.5 out of 5 stars 19,456 calificaciones

For years, psychologist Daniel Kahneman has been personally inspiring some of the most well-known authors in the world, including big thinkers such as Malcolm Gladwell and Steven Pinker. With Thinking Fast and Slow, Kahneman finally makes his expertise available for anyone who’s willing to listen. Narrator Patrick Egan wields a comfortable, easygoing delivery with shifting tones and inflections to keep you engaged and focused through every academic detail of this comprehensive work. Kahneman’s study breaks down, in easy-to-understand language, the human brain’s two primary systems of thinking: fast thinking and slow thinking. He goes on to explore how these two systems interact to influence our behavior, belief systems, relationships, intellect, and more into a masterful study of pop psychology and science.
Rich Dad Poor Dad

What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money - That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!

De: Robert T. Kiyosaki

Narrado por: Tim Wheeler

Serie: Rich Dad Series

Duración: 6 h y 9 m

Fecha de lanzamiento: 06-15-12

Idioma: Inglés

5 out of 5 stars 78,053 calificaciones

Blending parental and financial tips, Rich Dad Poor Dad explores the differences in how parents in different economic classes educate their children—namely, that the middle class teaches kids to work for money, and the upper classes teach kids to make money work for them.This audiobook feels like free access to the financial winner’s circle, without the intimidation factor of actually standing in the room with some of the world’s richest individuals. Anyone with ambitions of becoming (or remaining) upwardly mobile will likely find powerful insight in Kiyosaki’s advice, especially when presented in the reliable, authentic style of narrator Tim Wheeler.
Girl, Stop Apologizing (Audible Exclusive Edition)

A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals

De: Rachel Hollis

Narrado por: Rachel Hollis

Duración: 8 h y 10 m

Fecha de lanzamiento: 03-05-19

Idioma: Inglés

4.5 out of 5 stars 20,594 calificaciones

In her New York Times best seller Girl, Stop Apologizing, Rachel Hollis urges every woman to ditch feelings of shame and guilt over placing a priority on being successful. Narrating her own words with zeal, zip, and a bit of zest, Hollis encourages women to worry less about pleasing others and focus more on personal fulfillment, because we cannot be the best person for others until we are the best person for ourselves. Hollis impresses on listeners the idea that achieving our goals is not selfish, and, therefore, we should be more open about what we really want from life. Cleverly sprinkled with pop culture references and tough love, this listen is the perfect pick for any woman seeking the confidence to follow her dreams, no matter how wild they might seem.
Take Control of Your Life

How to Silence Fear and Win the Mental Game

De: Mel Robbins

Narrado por: Mel Robbins

Duración: 10 h y 3 m

Fecha de lanzamiento: 02-07-19

Idioma: Inglés

5 out of 5 stars 18,834 calificaciones

Mel Robbins is a world-renowned television host, best selling author, and motivational speaker, but in listening to Take Control of Your Life, you’ll feel like you’re getting advice from your best friend. Robbins is candid and fun as she delves into her expert advice on how to stop living in fear and start living life to the fullest. Robbins narrates this Audible Original, providing show-don’t-tell advice via real one-on-one coaching sessions. The audio is the perfect first step in learning how to combat your anxieties surrounding change and rejection and harness the abilities necessary to improve your relationships and achieve your goals.
The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich (Expanded and Updated)

De: Timothy Ferriss

Narrado por: Ray Porter

Duración: 13 h y 1 m

Fecha de lanzamiento: 12-28-08

Idioma: Inglés

4.5 out of 5 stars 21,217 calificaciones

The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss is a practical guide to making money and planning for your future efficiently. The New York Times best selling author encourages listeners to work smarter (not harder!) in order to lead fulfilling lives before retirement. Audible fan favorite and Audie-nominated narrator Ray Porter’s clear, energizing performance underscores step-by-step plans for earning and saving money intelligently, as well as motivational stories of those who have mastered the art of living life without worrying about their paychecks.
Think and Grow Rich

De: Napoleon Hill

Narrado por: Erik Synnestvedt

Duración: 9 h y 35 m

Fecha de lanzamiento: 10-16-07

Idioma: Inglés

4.5 out of 5 stars 31,726 calificaciones

Originally published in 1937 during the Great Depression, Think and Grow Rich is the product of 20 years worth of interviews with more than 500 of the world's most successful people, including George Eastman, Henry Ford, and Frank Woolworth. Author Napoleon Hill used these interviews to study individual achievement and extrapolate larger lessons about what makes people successful—and what others can do to emulate that success. Combined with the clarity of Erik Synnestvedt’s narration, this makes a compelling listen for financial fans and history buffs alike. Hill’s interviews are not only instructional but also provide an intimate look at some of the most powerful figures in history.
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success

A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams

De: Deepak Chopra

Narrado por: Deepak Chopra

Duración: 1 h y 26 m

Fecha de lanzamiento: 12-16-99

Idioma: Inglés

5 out of 5 stars 9,078 calificaciones

Deepak Chopra's Seven Spiritual Laws of Success is a breath of fresh air for listeners who feel bogged down by the constant pressure to work harder and plan better. This short and easy-to-digest set of instructions stresses the importance of understanding the basic nature of human beings, which Chopra argues is the key to success. Combining ancient Hindu teachings with a modern point of view, Chopra teaches listeners that goal-oriented lives are not necessarily the most successful. The result is an eye-opening, soothing listening experience that will motivate you to find peace and harmony within yourself.
Outliers

The Story of Success

De: Malcolm Gladwell

Narrado por: Malcolm Gladwell

Duración: 7 h y 18 m

Fecha de lanzamiento: 11-18-08

Idioma: Inglés

4.5 out of 5 stars 48,670 calificaciones

In this critically acclaimed work, best selling author Malcolm Gladwell applies his signature analytical approach to learning what it is that makes the most successful people...well, successful. Describing these people as social "outliers," separated from average folks by their extraordinary achievements, Gladwell argues that we can learn the secrets to their success by studying what makes them different. Narrated by the author, Outliers is a must-listen staple in the self-development genre. Covering topics such as "accumulative advantage" and the 10,000-Hour Rule with a healthy dose of cultural analysis, this audiobook is not only motivating but enlightening, offering research-based practices that can help listeners achieve their goals and fulfill their potential.
Grit

The Power of Passion and Perseverance

De: Angela Duckworth

Narrado por: Angela Duckworth

Duración: 9 h y 22 m

Fecha de lanzamiento: 05-03-16

Idioma: Inglés

4.5 out of 5 stars 26,238 calificaciones

If anyone can be said to be an authority on pluck, it’s psychologist and professor Angela Duckworth, who has made the study of unrelenting perseverance her life’s work. Her audiobook, which she also narrates with bright, genuine command, gives listeners an intimate look into her research as well as her personal experiences in pursuing her research. In an enthralling combination of scientific findings, recounts of personal struggles, and fascinating historical insights, Duckworth explains why, after years of study, she has concluded that the one thing that’s far more important than talent, skill, or experience in determining success is grit.