Self improvement is the act of of improvement of one’s knowledge, status or character by one’s own effort.  Many of us lack certain knowledge, status or character that prohibits us from advancing.   Advances in life such as if your looking at starting your own business, looking for that next promotion or the need to attract the opposite sex, it all starts with yourself.

With self improvement and a little bit of effort, you can achieve your goals, dreams and desires.

OfficeForward recommends these four self help books you must read.  Without further ado, here is the list.

1. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

I’ve always referred people to read this book first in their quest for self improvement.  Napoleon Hill is old school.  Many of today’s other personal-success authors like Anthony Robbins and Robert Kiyosaki may have well read and bought into all the lessons offered in Think and Grow Rich.  Think and Grow Rich helps organize and manage your thoughts and provides a structure to succeed.  You will not become monetarily rich just by reading this book but you will have a better chance.  By reading it, your mind will grow rich as you will be better equipped to start achieving your goals, dreams and desires.

2. The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

In today’s world, we all are a bit selfish.  As your reading this, look around and look at all your possessions.  What really is necessary?  What is the meaning to all this?  The Prophet is a deep poetic manuscript offering wisdoms to life.  The book is brief at only 133 pages but the lessons and wisdom shared are priceless.  Each topic is covered in powerful prose as to invoke thought.  After reading this book, you will come away with a much clearer mind.  Trust me, you will be a better person to yourself, your family and to the community after reading this.

3.  Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson

Literally, it really all is the small stuff that takes up all our time.  Stop dwelling!  Do not let petty things get in the way of your day.  You deserve to use your precious time wisely.  Richard Carlson’s book helps you deal with stress in our day to day environment from dealing with co-workers to clients to family.  I keep this book handy by my desk so  I am able to pick it up and take my mind off the little issues that are bothering me.  A clear conscience and staying focused is the best method to improving one’s self.

4.  The Game by Neil Strauss

The book that spurred a cult following, an inside look to pick up artists (men who’s sole mission is to meet women) and the supposed “secret society” that it revolves around.  The Game is a good read just for the fun factor but tear away the superficial layer of using the acronyms and techniques offered in the book, its actually a self improvement piece of literature.  If you can relate to the lessons learned and put enough effort to trying to game the opposite sex and tap that focus into other aspects of life from business to your career, you will be on your way to achieving your goals.  There are some top-notch references to other books as well.

Conclusion

If you’re a newly graduated student entering the job market, a professional looking to improve your  career outlook or an individual that has been laid off from a job recently; the current job market is not friendly at all.  The unemployment rate is at historical levels and it may not change any time soon.  Dealing with these matters are far from simple yet in order to stay focused, we need better understanding of ourselves and our  own goals.   With the current recession, many people have began to re-evaluate their situations and environments with their jobs.  In years past, job security was high up on the list of priorities.  Things have changed.

The recommended books will help you change your thought process and better manage your time to be more productive and happy.