Your twenties is one of the most defining times of your life.
Itās the time that you experiment and take risks. Itās a time when you experience pressure and emotional stress. And itās also the time that you make some big decisions, like the career you want to pursue.
Most people struggle with these new challenges.
Thatās why Iāve created this list of the best books to read in your 20s. These books will help you to get unstuck and prepare you for challenges down the line.
So letās dive in!
P.S. Read my full Audible review if you prefer to listen to books. It’s the platform I use to listen to audiobooks.
#1: Awaken the Giant Within
Your twenties are a challenging time. I remember the many struggles I had with myself and life in general throughout this period…
The problem?
My ignorance. I lacked self-knowledge and didnāt have the tools to manage myself. And I also lacked general knowledge about how life works.
Reading Awaken the Giant Within gave me my first breakthrough.
It gave me a lot of āahaā moments and sparked a personal transformation. And I credit this book for the change of feeling frustrated to empowered.
And I believe this book can do that for you too.
The reason is that itās packed with valuable tips and insights. And whether you are struggling or not, I recommend that you read this book at least once in your twenties.
#2: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
We all suffer from the need to be accepted, included, and loved. And unfortunately, this human desire often causes us to live unauthentically.
So let me ask you this:
Do you do the things you truly want to do? Or are you pursuing a path because you feel like you should? That you would let other people down if you were to live your life the way you want?
To live a good life, you have to do what feels best for you.
This will not only benefits yourself but for everyone around you. When you start living authentically, you will attract the right people and opportunities.
This book helps you to do that.
#3: Mastery
A big challenge in your twenties is dealing with shiny objects.
Most people look for a secret or big-ticket to success. We fall in love with the idea of overnight results. Quick fixes sell out like hotcakes in any category you can imagine.
The result?
We chase one promise after the other, never to achieve true success. Surely, some people get lucky in this process, though the majority certainly do not.
What to do about it?
Find something you want to get good at and then aim for mastery. This book will change your perspective on how to achieve success.
In addition, this book tells the stories of some of the greatest individuals in history. Think about the likes of Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo.
If you only want one book about success, this is hands-down the best book to read in your 20s.
#4: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is one of the most classic life-changing books that you should read in your twenties. Though this book was written over 30 years ago, it has never been more relevant.
It reveals the secrets to success in the external world and also how you can conquer your inner world.
The book contains many simple yet powerful ideas that are guaranteed to change your perspective on life. Even if you were only to apply one of these habits, it will have tremendous benefits.
If thereās one classic that you must read in your 20-something, make sure to pick up a copy of this book from Stephen Covey.
#5: How to Win Friends and Influence People
Though the name of this book may put you off, here me out:
As long as you have to deal with other people (hint: for your entire life), you will have to learn how to communicate effectively. And this book contains many golden nuggets to improve your relationships.
But here is the drawback:
You will want to read this book in one sitting. The only problem with this is that you will not put into practice what you read.
Because though the principles in this book are simple, they are also easily forgotten.
Communication is hard – but those who master it enjoy its wide spectrum of benefits. Not only that but everyone around you will appreciate you more for it.
If you want a book to better understand people, look no further.
#6: The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari
Improving yourself and seeing the success you achieve from it is fun. And maybe you even achieve some of the symbols of wealth, like a Ferrari.
But success isnāt only about the stuff you can get.
In this book, you will learn about Julian Mantle, a successful lawyer who struggles with lots of stress. In other words: though he is successful, he isnāt enjoying it.
And what is worse than achieving everything, but not feeling successful?
He decides to quit his career and live as a monk for some time. This book tells you about his lessons as a monk. These lessons prepare you for success and also to feel successful.
So if you want success without sacrificing satisfaction and joy, then you will want to read the life-changing principles in this book.
#7: Atomic Habits
Most people look for the big secret or breakthrough to achieve success. But in reality, success comes from the small things you do every day.
You are a bundle of your habits.
So your best shot at making change and achieving success is to develop empowering habits. Because small consistent actions will add up to the big stuff.
So if you want to achieve big things, then Atomic Habits is a must-read in your 20s.
#8: Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence often stands in the shadow of IQ. You donāt learn much about it in school and it doesnāt seem too important when looking for a job.
But here is the truth:
Your emotional intelligence is one of the biggest factors that determines how much success you will achieve. Especially with the current changes in the world.
Not only is emotional intelligence important in your relationships, but it also helps you to understand yourself. It helps you to deal with setbacks, challenges, stress, and anxiety.
Schools fail to teach you about this stuff…
Which makes this one of the best books to read in your 20s.
#9: Think and Grow Rich
Did you know that the biggest battles for success take place in your head?
Thatās exactly what this book is about.
It will help you to think about what you want and then put it into a plan of action. And though this book is over 80 years old, the information in it is still relevant today.
I recommend this book to everyone who is just starting on their journey to success.
#10: The 4 Disciplines of Execution
What makes the difference in life between those who succeed and those who do not?
Execution.
Success is simple: those who take action achieve more than those who do not.
But though it sounds simple, execution is hard. We all lose focus from time to time. Everyone procrastinates. And we all experience fear, doubt, and insecurity.
This book focuses on the most important aspects to help you take more action. Through the four disciplines, you will learn how to take massive action.
And the more action you take early in life, the more experience you gain. Thatās why this book is a must-read in your twenties.
#11: Goals!
Those who set goals achieve much more than those who do not. And besides achieving more, setting and achieving goals also gives personal satisfaction.
If you want a good life, then you must set some goals.
Not only in your career or business, but in every area of your life. And thatās exactly what this book focuses on.
Goals are not only important in your twenties, but for the rest of your life. Itās the force that makes you feel excited to get up in the morning.
#12: The Power of Now
The Power of Now is more of a spiritual book, which makes it different from the others in this list.
Even if you donāt consider yourself spiritual, you might want to read this book in your twenties.
Hereās why:
Your mind is a powerful tool – if you know how to use it. Unfortunately, many donāt know how to use the mind, and instead, it ends up using them.
Thatās when you become a slave of your mind.
In this book, Eckhart Tolle explains how you can use your mind to achieve freedom. It helps you to break free from the invisible shackles that so many people suffer from.
If you want to live your best life, you cannot afford not to read this book at least once.
#13: The 4 Agreements
Do the opinions of others weigh heavily on you?
If so, then this is a life-changing book to read in your 20s. This book will not only help you to put these opinions into perspective, but it will also help you to become more compassionate.
This book teaches you how you can let go of guilt and anxiety. It also teaches you how you can be more authentic and responsible for your own life.
So do you need a different perspective so that you can let go and live your best life?
#14: The 4-Hour Workweek
Though technology has given you the tools to be more productive, truth is that we are working harder than ever before.
And many people experience stress because of it…
So who doensāt want a 4-hour workweek?
But letās not become confused by this title. Itās not a get-rich-quick book. It will take hard work and consistent effort to realize your dreams.
Instead, this book is all about creating a better lifestyle for yourself. And it provides insights into how you can work smarter and create systems for personal productivity.
That said, itās still one of the best books to read in your 20s.
#15: Rich Dad Poor Dad
Rich Dad Poor Dad is for anyone who lacks a good understanding of money but desires financial freedom.
The book tells the story about Mikeās real father (poor dad) and the father of his friend (rich dad). You learn how both fathers make decisions and how the rich dad gets richer, while the poor dad works hard but never picks the financial fruit from it.
The story tells you all the basics you need to know about money.
Conclusion
Throughout this article, I covered the best books to read in your 20s.
Or at least, these are the books that have helped me the most to transform my life and achieve more success. The more you learn, the more you will benefit from it in your twenties and beyond.
Whether itās your career, business, relationships, financials, or identity, lots of it is being shaped throughout these early years.
I hope you find some good advice in what I consider to be the best books to read in your 20-something.
Do you crave more?
Then check out the most life-changing books everyone should read at least once. Additionally, browse Audible for audiobooks and claim your 30-day free tiral.
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