Photo by Alicia Christin Gerald on Unsplash
This article may contain affiliate links.
Your 20s can feel both exciting and overwhelming. This is a time where you are finding yourself — whether that be your style, career, hobbies or dislikes.
The good news is you don’t have to do it alone.
One way to gain wisdom during this time in life (at least without learning the hard way) is to read books that have stood the test of time.
Here are 10 self help books that can help guide you through the chaos and set your future self up for success.
1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People — Stephen R. Covey
This book is a timeless classic that teaches you how to be proactive, set priorities, and create lasting habits that actually stick.
This is a perfect read if you’re building the foundation for your career and life. Covey lays out a roadmap for building discipline and focus during a decade where everything feels uncertain.
2. Atomic Habits — James Clear
Small changes compound into big results.
James Clear shows you how to use small wins as momentum, making self-improvement less intimidating and more sustainable. His system is simple enough to start right away but also juuust powerful enough to transform your long-term future.
3. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck — Mark Manson
Life is extremely short. Stop wasting time caring about the wrong things.
Mark Manson pushes you to question your values and cut out what drains your time and energy. It’s a refreshing reminder that saying no is just as important as saying yes.
4. How to Win Friends and Influence People — Dale Carnegie
First published in 1936 but still relevant today, this book teaches the art of communication and building relationships. These in turn lead to new opportunities.
It’s packed with timeless advice that can instantly make you better at networking and leadership. The skills you’ll learn here will benefit you in your career, friendships, and personal lives.
5. Can’t Hurt Me — David Goggins
Goggins’ story of resilience and mental toughness is the ultimate motivation when life feels overwhelming.
His methods for building mental grit will change how you handle challenges and setbacks. By the end, you’ll realize you’re capable of far more than you thought possible.
6. Think and Grow Rich — Napoleon Hill
Growing in life is not just about money. It is everything about your mindset.
Hill explains how to turn ambition into action, teaching you the habits that separate dreamers from doers. This book can help you shape a clearer vision of what future success can look like for you. Sometimes knowing exactly what you want is the key to getting what you need.
7. The Power of Now — Eckhart Tolle
In your 20s, it’s easy to get stuck worrying about the future.
This book teaches you how to slow down and focus on what’s right in front of you. It’s a powerful tool for reducing anxiety and living more intentionally during a time where things might feel hazy.
8. Rich Dad Poor Dad — Robert T. Kiyosaki
Kiyosaki gives us a crash course in financial literacy, something many of us don’t learn while in school.
This book helps you think differently about money so you can avoid debt and start building assets early. Kiyosaki’s simple approach makes financial independence feel possible, even if you’re just starting out.
9. Daring Greatly — Brené Brown
Learning to be vulnerable and authentic is a superpower.
Brown shows that openness builds confidence, trust, and deeper human connection. Her work is especially impactful if you struggle with perfectionism or fear of failure.
10. The Four Agreements — Don Miguel Ruiz
A short but powerful guide to living with clarity and freedom by following four simple principles.
Its lessons are simple enough to apply daily but profound enough to reshape your outlook on life. This is a book you’ll want to revisit often as your life changes.
Your 20s are a decade of change, growth, and self-discovery.
The right books can give you guidance when life feels messy, while also challenging you to build habits that last a lifetime. Each of these reads offers practical lessons you can apply right away, whether you’re focused on career, relationships, finance or personal growth.
Start with the one that speaks to you most, and let it guide you toward the next version of yourself.
This article was written by Haley for The Cash Flow Diaries