Update: This article was last updated on 09th April 2025 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
Student life is one of the most exciting phases of one’s life that also sets the foundation for the future. It also offers the highest turmoil about figuring out the rest of life while optimally managing the current one.
With so much to tackle, students often feel burdened and demotivated to stir through this new set of responsibilities. But as rightly quoted by Jim Rohn, “Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.”
Books can be an influential source of motivation. Each book has a unique lesson of its own. So here is our list of the top 5 motivational books for students to provide them with tips for life-sorting skills like self-improvement, personal growth, productivity, mindset, leadership, and, most importantly, time management.
Recommended Reading: 5 Best Books to Improve Your Social Skills
The Best Motivational Book for Students in 2025
1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Amazon: 4.6/5
Originally published: 15 August 1989
Author: Stephen Covey
Followed by: The 8th Habit
Original language: English
Genre: Self-help book
Dewey Decimal: 158 22
This is a great book to learn practical life skills that can be applied now and in the future. The book presents seven habits that successful people tend to exhibit and practical guidance on cultivating these habits in oneself.
These habits include being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, putting first things first, thinking win-win, seeking to understand then to be understood, synergizing, and sharpening the saw.
Through relatable examples and engaging stories, students can develop positive habits and attitudes, enhance their social and emotional intelligence, and feel empowered to become leaders of tomorrow.
2. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
Amazon: 4.5/5
Originally published: 28 February 2006
Author: Carol Dweck
Genre: Self-help book
Original language: English
A correct and strong mindset is the key to being laser-focused on growth. Author Carol S. Dweck, in her book, illustrates the power of a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset. The book provides practical strategies to help students develop a growth mindset, such as embracing challenges, learning from failures, seeking feedback, and persevering through obstacles. By adopting a growth mindset, students can improve their academic performance, enhance their motivation and resilience, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
The book also provides insight into the impact of mindset on relationships, leadership, and personal well-being. Overall, “Mindset” can help students develop a more positive and empowering attitude that will serve them well throughout their academic and personal lives.
3. The Power of Positive Thinking
Amazon: 4.3/5
Originally published: 1952
Author: Norman Vincent Peale
Original language: English
Genre: Self-help book
LC Class: BV4908.5
Subject: Self-help
This book by Norman Vincent Peale emphasizes the importance of positive thinking and how it can affect all areas of life, including academic performance, relationships, and personal well-being. He provides numerous examples of how positive thinking can transform negative situations into positive ones, and he shares practical tips on developing a positive attitude.
The book also encourages students to cultivate faith and belief in themselves, as well as in a higher power, to help them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. By incorporating the principles of positive thinking into their lives, students can develop greater resilience, self-confidence, and inner strength to navigate life’s challenges. Overall, “The Power of Positive Thinking” can inspire and empower students to cultivate a positive mindset and achieve greater success and fulfillment in all areas of their lives.
4. How to Win Friends and Influence People
Amazon: 4.5/5
Originally published: October 1936
Author: Dale Carnegie
Genre: Self-help book
Pages: 291 pp
Original language: English
ISBN: 1-4391-6734-6
Networking and social mingling are the prime contributors to stress in students’ lives as they prepare to face the adult world. “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie is a classic book that can be their best friend. It offers tips and strategies to work on networking skills. It can help them to form stronger bonds and relationships in and outside their personal and professional circles.
Dale Carnegie emphasizes certain habits like remembering names, not criticizing others, and providing honest views and feedback that might sound small but can make a huge impact when implemented.
5. The Alchemist
Amazon: 4.6/5
Originally published: 1988
Author: Paulo Coelho
Genres: Novel, Drama, Quest, Fantasy Fiction, Adventure fiction
Cover artist: Caravaggio, Narcissus, 1597–9
Language: Portuguese
Original title: O Alquimista
This book can be a drift when speaking of highly motivational books. However, if one does not understand their purpose in life, setting and achieving goals can start feeling cumbersome. Through the story of the shepherd boy, the book emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s heart, taking risks, and following one’s dreams, even in the face of adversity. It also highlights the power of the universe to guide and support individuals on a path toward their destiny.
This book by Paulo Coelho is a perfect guide for students to figure out their purpose in life and follow their dreams regardless of the obstacles. The book can help students develop a sense of self-awareness, confidence, and resilience and encourage them to embrace the journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” – The Alchemist.”
6. Atomic Habits
📖 Amazon Rating: 4.8/5
📅 Originally Published: October 16, 2018
🖋 Author: James Clear
📚 Genre: Self-help, Productivity
🌍 Original Language: English
Summary:
James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” is an informative guide that explains how one can achieve wonderful outcomes through little changes. It emphasizes the habits of formation science and provides ways to eliminate unhealthy habits, instill healthy habits, and increase productivity.
💡 Key Takeaways:
✅ The 1% Rule – Small, but steady improvement can add up in the long term.
✅ Focus on the system, rather than on a goal.
✅ The environment can both reinforce and interfere with habit creation.
✅ Habits tied to identity cause sustained change.
7. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
📖 Amazon Rating: 4.6/5
📅 Originally Published: May 3, 2016
🖋 Author: Angela Duckworth
📚 Genre: Psychology, Self-help
🌍 Original Language: English
Summary:
Angela Duckworth‘s “Grit” delves into the secret to success—passion and perseverance. The book unveils that talent is not enough; persistent effort and a growth mindset contribute more to success.
💡 Key Takeaways:
✅ Success = Passion + Perseverance.
✅ Effort counts twice as much as talent.
✅ Growth mindset builds resilience.
✅ Success through failure is the secret to long-term success.
8. The Magic of Thinking Big
📖 Amazon Rating: 4.5/5
📅 Originally Published: 1959
🖋 Author: David J. Schwartz
📚 Genre: Self-help, Success
🌍 Original Language: English
Summary:
“The Magic of Thinking Big” educates students on how to develop confidence, set ambitious goals, and act. The book is loaded with practical techniques to defeat fear, enhance creativity, and think above limitations.
💡 Key Takeaways:
✅ Trust yourself to accomplish great things.
✅ Excuses destroy success.
✅ Action conquers fear.
✅ Think positively for improved results.
9. Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
📖 Amazon Rating: 4.7/5
📅 Originally Published: January 5, 2016
🖋 Author: Cal Newport
📚 Genre: Self-help, Productivity
🌍 Original Language: English
Summary:
Distractions are around every corner these days in this digital age. “Deep Work” shows students how to have the ability to concentrate deeply on important tasks and enhance focus. The book explains how developing the ability to concentrate leads to tremendous productivity.
💡 Key Takeaways:
✅ Shallow work = low value, deep work = high value.
✅ Reduce distractions for improved outcomes.
✅ Condition your mind to maintain intense focus.
✅ Mastery results from purposeful practice.
10. Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds
📖 Amazon Rating: 4.9/5
📅 Originally Published: November 15, 2018
🖋 Author: David Goggins
📚 Genre: Memoir, Self-help
🌍 Original Language: English
Summary:
David Goggins‘ autobiography is an inspirational story of mental resilience, toughness, and discipline. From surviving intense hardships to going beyond limits, “Can‘t Hurt Me” educates students on how to eliminate self-doubt and unlock their full potential.
💡 Key Takeaways:
✅ Success revolves around mental strength.
✅ Accept suffering and go beyond limits.
✅ Discipline is the path to transformation.
✅ Motivation is temporary; discipline is eternal.
Final Thoughts
These other five books, along with the above-mentioned ones, are tremendous weapons to motivate students in building resilience, productivity, and self-enhancement. Whether it is building good habits, building deep focus, or adopting a winning mentality, reading these books can change a student’s attitude towards success. These above-mentioned books can motivate readers of all ages and can be useful in many walks of life. Outside this list, there may be any number of inspirational, motivational, and self-help books for students providing different forms of knowledge and lessons to diverse readers. Like any good or bad book does have lessons, limiting any list to a specified number can do nothing but limit the readers to read more. The knowledge and power contained within the pages of any book could only be accessed personally.
Moonpreneur is on a mission to disrupt traditional education and future-proof the next generation with holistic learning solutions. Its Innovator Program is building tomorrow’s workforce by training students in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, IoT, and Apps, enabling entrepreneurship through experiential learning.
Find the tips below to get the most out of motivational books:
Choose books that are relevant to your interests and goals.
Read actively and take notes.
Reflect on what you are reading and how it applies to your life.
Set goals for yourself based on what you are learning.
Take action on the advice and lessons in the books.
Re-read the books periodically to reinforce your learning.
List is good but can you please tell me the benefits of reading motivational books?
There are many benefits to reading motivational books, especially for students. These books can help students to:
Set and achieve their goals
Stay motivated and focused
Develop a positive attitude
Overcome challenges and setbacks
Build self-confidence and resilience
Which specific strategies from these motivational books will have the most significant impact on my academic journey?
The visualization techniques advocated in “Mindset” profoundly impacted my academic journey, reshaping how I approach challenges and fostering a growth-oriented mindset for learning and improvement.
Can you share personal anecdotes or instances where the lessons from these books directly influenced your mindset or actions as a student?