13 Mindset Books That Will Change How You Think and Grow

Discover Mindset Books recommended by Arianna Huffington, Mel Robbins, and Carol Dweck for personal transformation

Arianna Huffington
Mel Robbins
Updated on June 27, 2025
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Have you ever wondered how some people seem to effortlessly overcome setbacks and thrive while others struggle to break free from limiting beliefs? What if the secret lies not in talent or luck, but in the way they think? Mindset isn't just a buzzword; it’s a powerful lens shaping how you face challenges, seize opportunities, and grow. In times marked by rapid change and uncertainty, cultivating the right mindset can be your greatest advantage.

This collection brings together insights from voices like Arianna Huffington, co-founder of The Huffington Post, who credits "The Greatness Mindset" with helping people reconnect with their purpose amid burnout. Mel Robbins, renowned life coach, emphasizes mindset shifts as essential to transforming limiting beliefs. And Carol Dweck, whose own research popularized the growth mindset concept, highlights books like "The Performance Paradox" for translating mindset into action at work and life.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks for reshaping how you think, readers seeking tailored guidance based on their unique background, current skills, and goals might consider creating a personalized Mindset book that builds on these insights with customized strategies to accelerate growth.

Best for purpose-driven growth seekers
Arianna Huffington, co-founder of The Huffington Post, encountered this book amid a world overwhelmed by burnout and stress. She praises it as a vital message for our times, saying, "What Lewis has written is a message so many need to hear right now. In a world overcome with burnout, stress, and anxiety, The Greatness Mindset will help readers reconnect with their purpose, unlock their inner strength, and use their gifts to better the communities around them." Her experience underscores how this book can guide you back to your core values and empower you to make a meaningful difference. Alongside her, Mel Robbins, known for her practical coaching approach, affirms that changing your beliefs is key to changing your life, making this a compelling read if you're ready for a mindset shift.
AH

Recommended by Arianna Huffington

Co-Founder of The Huffington Post

What Lewis has written is a message so many need to hear right now. In a world overcome with burnout, stress, and anxiety, The Greatness Mindset will help readers reconnect with their purpose, unlock their inner strength, and use their gifts to better the communities around them. (from Amazon)

Drawing from his experience as a former professional athlete and host of a top podcast, Lewis Howes explores how you can reshape your mindset to overcome self-doubt and clarify your purpose. You’ll learn to identify the fears that hold you back, define a meaningful mission for your current life stage, and replace self-sabotaging thoughts with empowering beliefs. The book shares personal stories and expert insights, such as science-backed strategies to manifest your potential and impact your community positively. It suits anyone seeking to reconnect with their authentic self and build mental habits for lasting personal growth.

New York Times Bestseller
Author of The School of Greatness Podcast
Recognized by White House under 30 Entrepreneurs
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Best for sustainable behavior change
Daphne Oz, award-winning television host and bestselling author, highlights Gary Foster's unique expertise in weight loss mindset. After witnessing many struggle with motivation, she credits Foster's tested techniques in The Shift for transforming her thinking and achieving her goals. She says, "Gary Foster is the mastermind behind WW's innovative, effective, and practical approach to removing mental obstacles in our path to true wellness." Her experience underscores why you should consider this book to develop mental habits that support lasting change. Annaleigh Ashford also praises its kindness-centered approach, reinforcing its wide appeal.

Recommended by Daphne Oz

Award-winning TV host and bestselling author

Gary Foster is the mastermind behind WW's innovative, effective, and practical approach to removing mental obstacles in our path to true wellness. I’ve seen first hand how changing the way I think has been the single greatest factor in helping me achieve my goals, and Gary is sharing all his most powerful, tested techniques for creating habits that serve us in The Shift. Get your highlighter ready and dig in! (from Amazon)

2021·240 pages·Weight Loss, Mindset, Behavioral Change, Cognitive Therapy, Positive Psychology

Drawing from decades of scientific research and his leadership at WW, Gary Foster PhD challenges conventional weight loss wisdom by focusing on mindset rather than diet rules. You learn to cultivate seven specific mental habits—such as self-compassion, leveraging your strengths, and celebrating small wins—that reshape how you approach weight loss challenges. The book reveals how cognitive behavioral therapy and positive psychology breakthrough techniques can help you prioritize sustainable thinking patterns over fleeting motivation. If you’re ready to reconsider your relationship with yourself and weight loss, this book offers a thoughtful framework that benefits anyone seeking lasting change beyond quick fixes.

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Best for personal mindset transformation
This AI-created book on mindset mastery is crafted based on your personal background, skill level, and the specific mindset areas you want to improve. By sharing your goals and interests, you receive a book that focuses precisely on the mindset principles and techniques that matter most to you. This tailored approach helps you cut through generic advice and engage deeply with content that fits your unique thinking journey.
2025·50-300 pages·Mindset, Mindset Principles, Cognitive Flexibility, Emotional Resilience, Growth Mindset

This tailored book explores mindset principles in a way that speaks directly to your unique background, interests, and goals. It examines essential concepts such as cognitive flexibility, emotional resilience, and goal-oriented thinking, weaving them into a narrative that matches your personal learning journey. By focusing on your specific mindset challenges and aspirations, this personalized guide reveals pathways for growth that resonate with your experiences. It covers foundational mindset theories while diving into tailored techniques designed to help you cultivate a transformative way of thinking. This approach ensures that you engage deeply with the material, making the complex science of mindset accessible and relevant to your life.

Tailored Blueprint
Cognitive Resilience
3,000+ Books Generated
Best for leaders balancing growth and results
Carol Dweck, a Stanford psychology professor and author of the seminal book on mindset, endorses this work as "an essential read for fostering learning, performance, and a growth mindset." Her expertise in the science of motivation lends strong weight to her recommendation. She highlights how this book helped her see mindset beyond theory, showing you how to put it into practical action both personally and organizationally. Dweck’s praise signals that if you want to build resilience and world-class competencies, this book deserves your attention. Similarly, Chip Conley, a bestselling author and former Airbnb strategist, calls it a "go-to playbook" for thriving in constant change, reinforcing its relevance across career stages and leadership roles.

Recommended by Carol Dweck

Psychology professor, author of Mindset

The Performance Paradox is an essential read for fostering learning, performance, and a growth mindset. It skillfully shows you how to put your mindset into action as an individual and as an organization. This book will guide your journey toward building world-class competencies, resilience, and impact. (from Amazon)

2023·336 pages·Mindset, Performance, Learning, Leadership, Growth

Eduardo Briceño, with deep experience as a keynote speaker and founder of Mindset Works, explores the tension between learning and performing that often hinders progress. You’ll learn to recognize when focusing solely on results actually undermines growth and how to cultivate habits that balance experimentation with execution. The book offers practical frameworks for integrating feedback, embracing mistakes, and leading teams that improve continuously. If you want to enhance both your skills and output sustainably, this book offers insights grounded in real organizational practice and psychology. It’s particularly suited for individuals and leaders committed to long-term development rather than quick wins.

Stevie Awards Gold Winner
Non Fiction Book Awards Gold Winner
Axiom Awards Silver Medalist
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Best for transforming financial mindset
New York Magazine, a respected voice in cultural commentary, praises this book as "a cheerful manifesto on removing obstacles between yourself and the income of your dreams." Their endorsement carries weight for anyone serious about mindset shifts because they recognize how this guide blends humor with practical insights to challenge financial fears. This perspective helped redefine many assumptions about money and success. Following closely, The New York Times highlights how Jen Sincero’s thought exercises and mantras empower you to change the narrative you tell yourself about money, unlocking your potential to earn. Their combined insights make a compelling case for why this book deserves your attention if transforming your financial mindset is a priority.

Recommended by New York Magazine

A cheerful manifesto on removing obstacles between yourself and the income of your dreams. (from Amazon)

Jen Sincero draws from her own striking turnaround—from scraping by in a garage to traveling the world in style—to challenge how you think about money. This book teaches you to identify and toss aside the mental blocks and fears that have held your earning potential hostage. With a blend of humor and pointed exercises, it shows how to reshape your relationship with wealth, from recognizing limiting beliefs to actively crafting your financial reality. Chapters like "Shake up the cocktail of creation" offer fresh ways to tap into your natural ability to grow rich. It's a solid fit if you’re ready to confront your financial mindset head-on, but those seeking technical investing advice might want to look elsewhere.

New York Times Bestseller
#1 New York Times Bestselling Author
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Best for improving clear judgment
Stephen Hayes, editor and CEO of The Dispatch, brings a sharp eye to mindset books, having hosted Julia Galef on his podcast to explore her insights. Facing today's polarized climate, Hayes found her discussion on the "scout mindset" approach timely and compelling, praising the book for encouraging intellectual honesty over defensiveness. His experience navigating complex political discourse makes his endorsement particularly relevant to you if clarity matters in your decisions. Psychologist Paul Bloom also highlights this as a top scholarly work, reinforcing its appeal to those drawn to rigorous understanding of human thought.
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Recommended by Stephen Hayes

Editor and CEO of The Dispatch

We hosted @juliagalef on the Friday Dispatch Pod to discuss her forthcoming book, "The Scout Mindset: Why Some People See Things Clearly and Others Don't." Great book, fascinating discussion. (from X)

2021·288 pages·Mindset, Decision Making, Mental Skills, Bias Recognition, Rational Thinking

Julia Galef challenges the conventional wisdom that intelligence alone drives clear thinking by introducing the concept of the "scout" versus "soldier" mindset. Drawing on her background as a rationality advocate and podcast host, she reveals how emotional habits and intellectual honesty shape the way we perceive truth, using vivid examples like Jeff Bezos's decision-making and superforecasters' accuracy. You’ll learn specific mental skills to recognize and overcome biases, improving your ability to evaluate information without allegiance to preconceived beliefs. This book suits anyone seeking to sharpen their judgment, especially in polarized environments where clarity is rare.

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Best for rapid mindset shifts
This AI-created book on mindset reset is tailored to your specific goals and current mindset challenges. By sharing your background and what you want to achieve, you receive a custom guide focused precisely on the mindset shifts you need. Personalization matters here because mindset work is deeply individual—what works for one person may miss the mark for another. This tailored approach helps you concentrate on the steps most relevant to your journey, making mindset transformation more achievable and aligned with your unique experience.
2025·50-300 pages·Mindset, Mindset Fundamentals, Cognitive Reframing, Emotional Resilience, Habit Formation

This personalized AI book explores a focused pathway to transforming your mindset within three months, crafting a tailored journey that matches your unique background and goals. It delves into essential concepts around mindset shifts, motivation, and cognitive reframing, presenting them in a way that fits your specific interests. The book examines practical steps to dismantle limiting beliefs, nurture resilience, and foster sustainable mental habits that empower rapid change. By blending expert knowledge with your personal context, this tailored guide reveals how consistent, intentional actions can reset your thinking patterns effectively. It offers a clear, engaging approach to help you initiate meaningful mindset shifts and sustain growth over 90 days.

Tailored Guide
Cognitive Restructuring
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for mastering emotional control
Marcus Stroman, a Duke University alumnus and entrepreneur, credits this book for giving him mental tools matching his physical training regimen. After rigorous preparation for competition, he found Trevor Moawad's concept of neutral thinking helped him build an "invincible mind." "Working with Trevor on having a neutral mind has given me the same tools mentally and allowed me to build an invincible mind," he says. This mindset approach helped Stroman maintain calm focus under pressure, a benefit that extends beyond sports into everyday challenges. For anyone aiming to strengthen their mental game alongside physical or professional goals, his endorsement signals the book's broad applicability and effectiveness.
MS

Recommended by Marcus Stroman

Duke University alumnus and entrepreneur

I train my body relentlessly in order to be prepared for competition. Working with Trevor on having a neutral mind has given me the same tools mentally and allowed me to build an invincible mind. (from Amazon)

2020·272 pages·Mindset, Mental Skills, Neutral Thinking, Performance Coaching, Emotional Control

Drawing from years as a mental conditioning coach to elite athletes like Russell Wilson and Nick Saban, Trevor Moawad introduces a mindset shift called "neutral thinking." This approach encourages you to let go of past failures and defeatist attitudes, allowing you to assess challenges calmly and make clearer decisions. For example, Moawad explains how neutral thinking helps athletes stay focused during high-pressure moments rather than reacting emotionally. If you want insights into overcoming negativity and gaining control over your mental game, this book offers practical frameworks tailored not only for athletes but also for business leaders and anyone facing critical decisions.

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Best for daily mindfulness practice
Sharon Salzberg, a New York Times bestselling author renowned for her expertise in mindfulness meditation, praises this book as a heartfelt conversation between two close friends. She appreciates how the authors' daily reflections provide practical and insightful guidance to deepen your mindfulness practice. Salzberg's recommendation highlights how these meditations offer various ways to engage with mindfulness beyond typical approaches, making it a meaningful companion for your daily routine. Paired with Bishop Alison White's view of the book as a generous gift born from authentic life experiences, this collection invites you to embrace life's subtleties and live more deeply in the present moment.

Recommended by Sharon Salzberg

New York Times Bestselling Author

A Mindful Year is a conversation between two cherished friends. It is a collection of the authors' back-and-forth correspondence, down-to-earth, practical, and insight-full daily meditations. There are a variety of ways to enhance one's mindfulness meditation practice. A Mindful Year is a very good one. (from Amazon)

2019·400 pages·Mindset, Stress Management, Happiness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Unlike most mindset books that focus on abstract theory, this one delivers daily meditations grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy principles, offering a tangible way to reduce stress and anxiety. Authored by Aria Campbell-Danesh and Seth J. Gillihan, who combine expertise in mindfulness and psychology, it presents 365 reflections paired with quotes from renowned thinkers, guiding you to reconnect with values like compassion and gratitude. You’ll learn how to be present with thoughts and feelings without judgment, cultivating a calmer, more centered approach to everyday challenges. This book suits anyone seeking a structured, year-long companion to build mindfulness into daily life.

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Best for fearless focused leadership
Mike Michalowicz, author of Get Different and Profit First, brings authoritative insight into mindset transformation through his detailed review of this book. He highlights how David Schnurman distilled his own journey into a three-step formula that helps break through barriers and cultivate fearless focus. This endorsement carries weight given Michalowicz’s extensive experience advising entrepreneurs on growth strategies. He notes, "If you're ready to become a fearless and focused leader, David's book shows you how." This reflects how the book can practically shift your approach to leadership and success. Alongside Michalowicz, Verne Harnish, founder of Entrepreneurs' Organization, praises the book for guiding entrepreneurs through business and leadership growth stages, reinforcing its value for anyone aiming to accelerate their impact.

Recommended by Mike Michalowicz

Author of Get Different and Profit First

In The Fast Forward Mindset, David distilled his own experiences into a powerful three-step formula that will help you break through any barrier in your way. If you're ready to become a fearless and focused leader, David's book shows you how. (from Amazon)

2019·186 pages·Mindset, Focus, Success, Leadership, Entrepreneurship

Drawing from his experience as CEO of Lawline and a seasoned entrepreneur, David Schnurman developed a mindset approach centered on becoming fearless and focused to push beyond mental barriers. The book offers a three-step formula grounded in his marathon training and business growth journey, emphasizing stepping out of comfort zones to accelerate impact. You’ll explore practical insights into maintaining focus and overcoming fear that are applicable whether you’re leading a startup or navigating personal challenges. It’s particularly suited for those ready to challenge their limits and enhance leadership skills through a mindset shift.

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Best for foundational growth psychology
Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, brings a unique perspective grounded in leading one of the world’s most influential technology companies. His endorsement of this book reflects its deep relevance for anyone aiming to foster innovation and growth in high-performing environments. Nadella’s focus on transformation dovetails with the book’s insights into how shifting mindset can unlock potential not just individually but across organizations. Following closely, Bill Gates' appreciation underscores the book’s foundational role in understanding success from a psychological viewpoint, highlighting why this book remains a touchstone for leaders and learners alike.
GK

Recommended by Guy Kawasaki

Chief Evangelist at Canva, Author

If you manage people or are a parent, drop everything and read Mindset. (from Amazon)

Carol S. Dweck, a Stanford psychologist with decades of research on personality and motivation, explores how our beliefs about abilities shape success. You’ll discover the difference between a fixed and growth mindset and how adopting the latter can transform your approach to challenges, learning, and relationships. Dweck offers examples from education, sports, and business, showing how mindset influences achievement and resilience. The updated edition also addresses misconceptions about growth mindset and extends the concept to organizational culture. If you're interested in changing how you and those around you develop talents and handle setbacks, this book provides a clear framework to guide that transformation.

New York Times Bestseller
Author of multiple influential psychology books
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Best for building mindfulness habits
Pete J. Economou, PhD, ABPP, is an Associate Professor at Rutgers University specializing in applied and professional psychology, with a clinical practice focused on cognitive behavioral therapy and sports psychology. His expertise in these areas informs this workbook, which guides you through beginner-friendly mindfulness exercises and meditations. Economou’s approach emphasizes practical engagement with mindfulness concepts to help you build lasting habits that foster calm, gratitude, and emotional balance.
2021·182 pages·Mindfulness, Mindset, Meditation, Gratitude, Stress Relief

Drawing from his extensive background in clinical psychology and sports psychology, Peter Economou PhD ABPP offers a straightforward guide to establishing a mindfulness practice tailored for beginners. You’ll find clear explanations of mindfulness principles, alongside exercises like attentional breathing, body scans, and journaling prompts that encourage you to engage with your thoughts and emotions realistically. This workbook walks you through cultivating gratitude, compassion, and presence without assuming prior experience. If your aim is to build a sustainable mindfulness habit grounded in psychological research, this book provides concrete tools and reflections to support that journey effectively.

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Best for mental flexibility training
Paul Biancardi, ESPN's National Recruiting Director and NBA draft analyst, discovered this book amid his deep involvement with high-performing athletes. He calls it "awesome" and a "game changer," highlighting how the mental shifts Brian Levenson outlines offer a new lens on performance preparation. Biancardi’s perspective as a talent evaluator adds weight to the book’s practical approach in helping you refine your mindset to excel when it matters most.
PB

Recommended by Paul Biancardi

ESPN National Recruiting Director & NBA draft analyst

The book was awesome. A game changer. Thank you!!@BrianLevenson #shiftyourmind (from X)

2020·250 pages·Mental Skills, Mindset, Sports Psychology, Visualization, Mindfulness

What if everything you knew about high performance was wrong? Brian Levenson, an executive and mental performance coach, challenges the idea that talent alone drives success. Drawing from interviews with CIA agents, athletes, astronauts, and CEOs, he reveals nine mental shifts elite performers use to prepare and perform under pressure. You’ll explore shifts like humble versus arrogant and analysis versus instinct, with practical exercises on visualization and mindfulness. This book is ideal if you want to understand and train the mental flexibility behind peak performance rather than just skills.

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Best for educators supporting adversity
Eric Jensen, PhD, is a former teacher and author of over 28 books who has applied brain research to education. A member of the Society for Neuroscience and President's Club at the Salk Institute, he wrote this book to address the urgent challenges poverty poses in classrooms. His expertise shines through as he lays out seven mindsets essential for helping economically disadvantaged students succeed academically and beyond.
2019·272 pages·Education, Mindset, Poverty, Student Engagement, Classroom Climate

After analyzing extensive research on poverty and education, Eric Jensen developed a framework centered on seven mindsets that can transform how teachers engage with students facing economic hardship. You’ll explore mindsets like the relational and achievement mindset, gaining insight into fostering meaningful connections and setting ambitious goals. The book offers practical strategies for creating positive classroom climates and boosting student motivation. If you work in education or care about equity in learning, this book provides a thoughtful approach to helping students overcome adversity without sugarcoating the challenges involved.

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Best for science-backed mindset insights
Nigella Lawson, a well-known celebrity chef and TV personality, shared her enthusiasm for this book after engaging with an insightful interview about it. She said, "I was riveted by @d_a_robson’s new book The Expectation Effect, which is not out till January... I recommend you give it a listen." Her interest highlights how the book’s scientific take on mindset appeals beyond traditional psychology circles, pointing to its broad impact. This underscores why you might consider it if you’re curious about how your expectations shape your world.
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Recommended by Nigella Lawson

Celebrity chef and TV personality

I was riveted by @d_a_robson’s new book The Expectation Effect, which is not out till January, I’m afraid, but this brilliant interview by @sturdyAlex is available now, and I recommend you give it a listen. (from X)

2022·336 pages·Mindset, Psychology, Neuroscience, Health, Stress

David Robson, an award-winning science writer with a background at New Scientist and the BBC, explores the profound influence of mindset on various aspects of life in this book. You’ll uncover how beliefs shape physiological responses, such as the placebo effect and how stress perception can enhance creativity. The book draws on neuroscience and psychology to explain why your expectations can alter outcomes in health, productivity, and aging, offering science-based insights rather than wishful thinking. If you want to understand the measurable power of mindset and how to harness it realistically, this is a fitting read—though it’s less about quick fixes and more about shifting perspective with evidence.

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Conclusion

Across these 13 books, three clear themes emerge: the power of purpose to fuel lasting change, the importance of mental flexibility to navigate complexity, and the practical steps to cultivate resilience and focus. If you're struggling with self-doubt and want to reconnect with your mission, start with "The Greatness Mindset" or "Mindset" by Carol Dweck. For those looking to apply mindset shifts in leadership or high-pressure environments, "The Performance Paradox" and "It Takes What It Takes" provide actionable guidance.

Rapid transformation seekers might combine the fearless focus of "The Fast Forward Mindset" with the kindness-centered approach of "The Shift" to build sustainable habits. Educators and those working with adversity will find valuable strategies in "Poor Students, Rich Teaching." Alternatively, you can create a personalized Mindset book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation.

These books can help you accelerate your learning journey by offering trusted, expert-validated approaches to reshape how you think, act, and succeed. Take the first step today and unlock the potential of your mindset.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Mindset" by Carol Dweck for foundational understanding, or "The Greatness Mindset" for a purpose-driven approach. Both offer clear frameworks that set the stage for deeper exploration.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Mindset?

Not at all. Many, like "Mindfulness Workbook for Beginners" and "A Mindful Year," are designed for newcomers, offering accessible exercises to build mindset skills step by step.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational theory like "Mindset," then explore practical applications in books such as "The Performance Paradox" and "The Shift." Follow with specialized topics that match your interests.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can absolutely pick one that aligns with your current goals. Each book offers unique insights, so choose based on what mindset aspect you want to develop first.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

"It Takes What It Takes" provides clear mental tools for emotional control and decision-making you can apply immediately, especially under pressure.

How can I get mindset advice tailored to my specific goals and situation?

Expert books provide great frameworks, but personalized content can bridge the gap to your unique needs. You can create a personalized Mindset book that adapts expert insights to your background, skill level, and objectives for more targeted growth.

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