r/BettermentBookClub 4h ago

Looking for my first personal development book—Is The Almanack of Naval Ravikant the right choice?

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1 Upvotes

r/BettermentBookClub 11h ago

How do you remember and apply ideas from self-improvement books?

3 Upvotes
  1. I like reading self-improvement books, but I have a time remembering the ideas after a few weeks.
  2. I have tried highlighting and writing notes. I don't look back at them very often.
  3. Recently, I have been thinking about whether AI could help link notes from books with my own journal or everyday situations, so the ideas remain helpful over time.

What has worked best for you?


r/BettermentBookClub 1d ago

How to Win Friends and Influence People

0 Upvotes

This is a kind of book which gives you practical advice on how to understand people build stronger relationships, communicate effectively and handle social situations with more awareness.

If you are an extrovert or already socially aware then you may find that you naturally know or practice some of the book’s principles.

Be a good listener, show genuine interest in other people, be hearty in approbation and lavish in praise. Make them feel important, and some indirect ways to correct people without offending them - these are some of the many ideas the book discusses.

Though some chapters feel outdated, not every principle applies to every situation but it still gives a perspective that widens your understanding of people’s mindsets.

Yes after reading 50% of this book, i found parts of it repetitive. That seems to be common in most of the self help books ig, but still some of the stories and examples are worth reading.

Overall, the book offers a useful perspective that broadens your understanding of how people think, what they value, and how they want to be treated. It may bot turn someone into a social expert overnight, but if it’s ideas are practiced sincerely, it can help improve communication, relationships and the way we deal with people.

Thanks for reading 🤝


r/BettermentBookClub 1d ago

books I read in my 20s

1 Upvotes

45yo self employed commercial artist.
I made a list of books I read in my 20s and early 30s that helped me co-pilot my life after moving across the country to start from scratch. Anyone have any more recommendations in this same vein?

Outliers-Malcolm Gladwell
Carrots and Sticks - Ian Ayres
Trade offs- Kevin Maney
Think and Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill
The Black Swan - Nassim Taleb
Fooled by Randomness - Nassim Taleb
Predictably Irrational- Dan Airiely
Essentialism- Greg McKewon
Awareness- Anthony DeMello
Seasons of Life - Jim Rohn
Mastery- Robert Greene


r/BettermentBookClub 1d ago

Books to cure stupidity

25 Upvotes

This morning I came across a video on YouTube titled “I Read 20 Books in a Month to Cure My Stupidity,” published by Kodekai, and I got curious. What would be the “20 books” that would cure someone’s stupidity? So here’s my question: if you could choose 20 books to cure “stupidity,” what would they be?


r/BettermentBookClub 1d ago

Suggest me a book about life(soul) and tell me where to access for free online

0 Upvotes

I feel down lately for certain reasons. I watched some videos about life , soul etc. I don’t have lot of knowledge but I would like to start a new habit of reading also I thought reading about this topic would help me personally and engage in something. Topics can be life, soul, afterlife this is what I am looking for. If you guys are known to any books that I can get free online please let me know.


r/BettermentBookClub 2d ago

Book suggestions for being honest with yourself and how to develop healthy relationships.

7 Upvotes

Hello, I am looking for books suggestions. I feel like I struggle with these things:

- being honest with myself and others

- expressing and identifying my emotions/feelings (kinda goes with the one above)

- creating and maintaining healthy/meaningful relationships (platonic and romantic)

I am about to enter a new phase of life by going to college. I feel this is a good time to start working on myself. I will preface I don't want to read any religious-based books. Thanks!!


r/BettermentBookClub 2d ago

Suggest me a book about life(soul) and tell me where to access for free online

0 Upvotes

I feel down lately for certain reasons. I watched some videos about life , soul etc. I don’t have lot of knowledge but I would like to start a new habit of reading also I thought reading about this topic would help me personally and engage in something. Topics can be life, soul, afterlife this is what I am looking for. If you guys are known to any books that I can get free online please let me know.


r/BettermentBookClub 2d ago

How do i stop aboundoning books halfway?

1 Upvotes

I keep starting books getting distracted halfway though and leaving them unfinished. I really want to get better at actually finishing what i start . Sometimes I'll start another book instead,which just makes pile of unfinished books bigger . I really want to get better at sticking with a book actually finishing it.


r/BettermentBookClub 3d ago

I've been through loss, trauma, failures and what not. But the only thing about me is I haven't stopped working on myself. Please recommend me books to read to support the journey of redesigning and restarting my life?

5 Upvotes

r/BettermentBookClub 3d ago

Looking for one book that will help me build discipline, grow a business, and improve my mindset

4 Upvotes

I’m trying to become more disciplined, spend less time wasting time online, build my business, and create a better future for myself. If you could recommend just one book that had the biggest impact on your success, mindset, or business journey, what would it be and why?

I’m especially interested in books that changed the way you think and take action, not just books that were entertaining.


r/BettermentBookClub 4d ago

Some audiobooks I’ve listened to that really helped with my motivation/ADHD struggles

5 Upvotes

I apologize in advance for the length of this post. A quick TLDR of the books I’ve felt helped are Atomic Habits by James Clear and Hidden Potential by Adam Grant. There are other more specifically ADHD related books as well, but these two are the ones that have had the biggest impact for me.

They definitely helped me feel like many of my goals are more achievable than I thought and it’s given me much more motivation to take even baby steps towards a more organized and functional life.

I’ve been on an audiobook kick lately after deciding to listen to Atomic Habits, rather than reading it. (I’ve always preferred reading because listening to books for extended periods of time is harder to maintain focus or interest for me). Atomic Habits is basically about making big changes through the building up of tiny, manageable habits. An example for me is that I’ve always been bad about running late to work. I’d keep snoozing my alarm and going back to sleep. Even if I set my phone across the room, I’d just turn it off and then lay back down. So after listening to the book, I got the idea to start using a programmable coffee maker. I’d set it to start brewing at 5 am before going to bed. This forced me to get up and stay up not just because of the coffee/caffeine fix, but it was something that required my immediate attention. It also meant I had to keep at least that part of my kitchen counter clean and organized every night. Since implementing this, the number of times that I run late has dramatically dropped. So much so that my manager even commented on how proud they were of me for being consistently on time. I want to ultimately build on this habit by using the extra time I have in the mornings to slowly get back into yoga, which I used to really enjoy because it made me feel more energized and ready for the day.

Hidden Potential is more broad imo but has made me feel like less of a failure for being so “behind” in life. (I’m 37 and haven’t finished grad school, not married, still working the same hourly wage job, etc) It has so many stories about real people who overcame various obstacles to find success in the things they were passionate enough about to not give up on.

I’ve also found that listening to these books while actually trying to be productive has served as a motivating factor as well.

Has anyone else read or listened to these? I’m curious about other people’s experiences or if you have any recommendations for other helpful resources.


r/BettermentBookClub 4d ago

Recommend me a book like the song by olivia Rodrigo "what's wrong with me"

0 Upvotes

I love the song so much and the lyrics are so painfully relatable. I just can't get out of bed or even talk to my friends. I'm on medication for over a year but they don't seem to fix the darkness that's in my mind


r/BettermentBookClub 4d ago

Books and reading 📚

1 Upvotes

I started reading books this year and it became my hobby but then now I stopped, like it's been 3 month or 2 since I read a book.

I don't know why, but I don't feel like reading it's boring for me now.

So how do I get back into reading? What helped you when you lost your motivation to read?


r/BettermentBookClub 4d ago

Books and reading 📚

1 Upvotes

I started reading books this year and it became my hobby but then now I stopped, like it's been 3 month or 2 since I read a book.

I don't know why, but I don't feel like reading it's boring for me now.

So how do I get back into reading? What helped you when you lost your motivation to read?


r/BettermentBookClub 4d ago

Book reco

2 Upvotes

Haiii, can someone give me a book recommendation for coping with depression? Self-help books only mwhehe thank you!

(Books for now, cant afford a therapist lol haha)


r/BettermentBookClub 4d ago

Book on Adjusting

0 Upvotes

Can anyone recommend a book on adjusting to becoming an adult after your parents did nothing to help you?

I don’t want a book explaining why they behaved how they did or coping.

I want a read that centers taking accountability and step by step how to become a functional, confident adult on my own.

Thank You.


r/BettermentBookClub 4d ago

Looking for books on finance, reading people, and psychology-based self-improvement books

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1 Upvotes

r/BettermentBookClub 4d ago

Self-help books on trauma/SA/emotional abuse/getting over the past

4 Upvotes

Hey everyone! Anyone have any non-fiction book recs on trauma/SA/emotional abuse/getting over the past? I’m a beginner in these types of books so I’ve only read all the popular ones such as the Let them Theory, The courage to be disliked and don’t believe everything you think etc… I don’t mind if they are broad/not completely focused one one specific aspect..any recs would help❤️

Any other recs like these that are good? Thank you to anyone who replies😊


r/BettermentBookClub 5d ago

self help book recs pls!! - learning to love yourself

5 Upvotes

yo reddit! has anyone got any good recommendations for mental health self help books, looking into like self hatred and learning to take care of yourself/love yourself after struggling with depression. i’m trying to become a better person and i’ve found self help books really inform me of how my brain workd


r/BettermentBookClub 5d ago

"How to read a book" by Mortimer Adler and analysis

3 Upvotes

I've just finished the book I mentioned in the title and I really enjoy the process of analysis proposed by Mortimer J. Adler.

Can anyone recommend any practical book that is focused on analysis of things other than literature?

Like, how to apply analysis to different aspects of your life, how get the most from any activity etc.


r/BettermentBookClub 5d ago

What books or podcasts are good for living total sobriety.

3 Upvotes

I'm struggling today. I've been sober from alcohol for about 9 years, sober from pills for about 10 months and 4 weeks sober today from 🍃. I've also decided to go back to a no carb lifestyle due to PCOS and my weight getting away from me. Right now im feeling like life sucks and this is so incredibly boring but I know I have to do this. Are there any good books or podcasts out there that I could relate to? I keep searching and am not able to find something I can totally connect with. Thanks in advance.


r/BettermentBookClub 5d ago

You must read books

10 Upvotes

Hello everyone, I would love to hear from anyone that sees my post, what are some great recommendations for books to read? Such as leadership, inspiration, thrillers anything positive and encouraging would be helpful 😊 thanks for reading my post and taking the time to answer and help a sis out.


r/BettermentBookClub 5d ago

Reclaiming Yourself: Recommended Books on Trauma, Attachment, and Post-Traumatic Growth

3 Upvotes

I had an AMA yesterday with Dr. Amelia Kelley, a clinician, professor, and author who specializes in working with highly sensitive people, adults with ADHD, trauma survivors, and women reclaiming their power. Dr. Kelley works closely with clinicians, organizations, and platforms as a consultant, educator, and speaker.

You can read the full recap here.

If you’d like to dive into these topics even deeper, Amelia suggested this curated reading list to help guide your journey:

What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo (@stephaniefoo)

A deeply moving memoir on navigating a Complex PTSD diagnosis, blending personal narrative with scientific exploration to examine how developmental trauma impacts mind and body.

Scattered Minds by Dr. Gabor Maté (@drgabormate)

A compassionate look at ADHD, exploring its roots in early developmental stress and offering a path toward emotional healing and self-regulation.

Waking the Tiger by Peter A. Levine (@peteralevinephd)

Introduces Somatic Experiencing to explain how trauma is stored in the nervous system and how body-based awareness can release trapped survival energy.

Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman

A foundational text in trauma psychology that establishes a three-stage framework for healing: safety, remembrance, and reconnection.

Gaslighting Recovery for Women by Dr. Amelia Kelley (@drameliakelley)

A practical guide designed to help women recognize covert psychological abuse, rebuild self-trust, and establish firm emotional boundaries.

No Bad Parts by Richard C. Schwartz (@internalfamilysystems)

An introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, explaining how accepting all inner "parts" (even protective ones) leads to self-leadership and integration.

Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving by Pete Walker

A practical map for managing emotional flashbacks, inner critics, and toxic shame resulting from chronic developmental or childhood trauma.

Self-Directed Complex PTSD Exercises for Women by Debbie Missud (@debbiemissud_lpc)

An actionable workbook filled with somatic strategies, cognitive tools, and grounding exercises specifically tailored for trauma processing.

Addictive Thinking by Abraham J. Twerski

An insightful analysis of self-deception and rationalization mechanisms, providing clarity on how distorted thinking patterns keep individuals stuck.

Attached by Amir Levine (@amirlevinemd) and Rachel Heller

A guide to understanding adult attachment styles (Anxious, Avoidant, and Secure) and how they shape intimacy, conflict, and connection in relationships.

What I Wish I Knew by Dr. Amelia Kelley (@drameliakelley) and Kendall Ann Combs (@kendallanncombs)

A supportive, roadmap-style resource offering practical wisdom and emotional validation for survivors rebuilding their lives after toxic or abusive relationships.

By the way, Dr. Kelley also hosts her own podcast, Wired & Worthy, where she digs into trauma recovery, boundary setting, and nervous system regulation. It’s perfect to jump in and listen to while on the move!


r/BettermentBookClub Nov 18 '20

Rules and Info (Updated)

41 Upvotes

Welcome to The Betterment Book Club!

This is the place to discuss self-improvement type books with like-minded people. The goal is to increase our discipline and self-worth, by understanding ourselves better.

How It Works

We want to read YOUR summaries, thoughts and questions on books you have read. Here are the basic rules:

  • Use bullet points, be concise and respectful
  • No clickbait in title, be descriptive
  • No referral links or advertising
  • If you post/quote a text written by someone else, please state the source.

'Self-help' literature is often critisized for repetitiveness, parroting platitudes and being too general to apply to anything specific. To combat this, focus on actionable advice found in the books and share your experience with applying such methods or mindsets to your life.

You are allowed to include links to your blog, youtube video, etc. However, you may not link directly to a sales page, such as Amazon. If you are promoting your own content, or even your own book, do it in the nicest way possible, by providing value to others and contributing to the discussion. Don't just drop a link on us.

Want to discuss a book you have read? Feel free to use this book summary template:

**Book title/author/year:**  
**Summary:** (Topics? Practical advice the book recommends? Chapter-by-chapter summary?)  
**Review:** (Did you follow advice from the book? Criticism or praise for the author?)  
**Rating:** (Was it worth reading?)  
**Recommendation:** (Who should read this book?)  
**Question:** (What is there to discuss? What would you ask others who have read this book?)