10 Positivity Books That Experts Rely On to Inspire Change

Recommended by Magic Johnson, Sam Gichuru, and Shawn Achor for cultivating optimism and leadership through Positivity books

Earvin Magic Johnson
Sam Gichuru
Hamdi Ulukaya
Deepak Chopra
Skip Prichard
Updated on June 25, 2025
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What if the secret to overcoming daily challenges lies in the way you think? Many people underestimate how powerful a positive mindset can be, yet experts from diverse fields agree that it shapes our resilience, motivation, and even leadership effectiveness. In a world that often feels overwhelming, Positivity isn't just a feel-good buzzword — it's a practical tool for navigating life’s ups and downs.

Consider Sam Gichuru, founder of The Nailab and KuHustle, who credits Power of Positive Thinking with shaping his optimistic outlook during his startup years, helping him face uncertainty with confidence. Basketball legend Earvin Magic Johnson praises Brighter by the Day for inspiring hope through adversity, a quality vital both on and off the court. Meanwhile, Shawn Achor, a New York Times bestselling author, recommends Feedback Reimagined for its fresh take on using positivity to improve organizational culture and performance.

These expert insights form the backbone of a curated collection of Positivity books designed to boost your mindset and daily habits. While these handpicked titles offer proven frameworks, readers aiming for tailored guidance based on their background, goals, or specific challenges might find creating a personalized Positivity book an enriching next step. This approach builds on expert wisdom while addressing your unique journey.

Best for cultivating optimistic mindsets
Sam Gichuru, founder of The Nailab and KuHustle, speaks from experience when he credits this book with shaping his optimistic outlook during his early entrepreneurial years. Faced with the challenges of building startups, he found that starting his day with positive thinking became a powerful ritual. "As an entrepreneur I wake up everyday positively optimistic, the most powerful book I read in my 20s was the power of positive thinking," he shares. This book helped him cultivate a mindset that balances hope with action, which many driven innovators will find inspiring and practical.
SG

Recommended by Sam Gichuru

Founder @thenailab and @kuhustle

As an entrepreneur I wake up everyday positively optimistic, the most powerful book I read in my 20s was the power of positive thinking. Entrepreneurs, founders, innovators are driven by optimism, one must get a good dose of that in the morning. Then they open twitter... (from X)

Power of Positive Thinking book cover

by Norman Vincent Peale··You?

320 pages·Positivity, Mindset, Spirituality, Confidence Building, Self Improvement

The methods Norman Vincent Peale developed while serving as a pastor and motivational speaker shine through in this classic exploration of optimism and faith. You learn how to harness spiritual techniques and mental attitudes to overcome defeatist thinking, boosting your confidence and resilience. Peale’s straightforward chapters guide you through practical exercises for cultivating peace of mind and energy, drawing from his decades of experience at Marble Collegiate Church. This book suits anyone grappling with self-doubt or seeking a steady mindset, though its spiritual tone may resonate more with those open to faith-based approaches. For example, the chapter on "Faith in Action" offers concrete ways to replace anxiety with positive expectation.

Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient
Author of 46 Books
Publisher of Guideposts Magazine
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Best for finding hope in adversity
Earvin Magic Johnson, basketball legend and entrepreneur, praises this book for its uplifting message, saying, "Robin Roberts new book 'Brighter By The Day' is a MUST READ!! Congratulations Robin!" Johnson's endorsement highlights the book's ability to inspire hope and optimism, qualities he values deeply from his own journey in sports and business. Alongside him, Hamdi Ulukaya, founder of Chobani, calls it a special gift full of life lessons, emphasizing how its straightforward wisdom on leadership and positivity resonates across different walks of life.
EM

Recommended by Earvin Magic Johnson

Basketball legend and entrepreneur

Robin Roberts new book "Brighter By The Day" is a MUST READ!! Congratulations Robin! (from X)

Brighter by the Day: Waking Up to New Hopes and Dreams book cover

by Robin Roberts, Michelle Burford··You?

2022·240 pages·Positivity, Mindset, Emotional Resilience, Spirituality, Personal Growth

When Robin Roberts, the longtime anchor of Good Morning America, decided to share her approach to optimism, she drew from sixteen years of greeting mornings with heart and humility. In "Brighter by the Day," you discover how she cultivates hope and positivity even through life's darkest moments by shifting mindset and nurturing intention. The book offers specific reflections and practices from her personal journey, spiritual insights, and conversations with loved ones, showing you how optimism is a skill you can develop daily. This thoughtful guide suits anyone seeking gentle encouragement to embrace new hopes and dreams without glossing over life's challenges.

Instant New York Times Bestseller
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Best for targeted mindset growth
This AI-created book on positivity mastery is designed based on your background, skill level, and the specific mindset and motivation topics you want to focus on. By sharing your goals and interests, you receive a book that delves deeply into techniques suited just for you. Personalizing content in this area helps you connect core concepts to your daily life, making growth more accessible and meaningful.
2025·50-300 pages·Positivity, Positive Psychology, Motivation Techniques, Mindset Development, Habit Formation

This personalized book explores tailored techniques for mastering positivity and motivation, focusing on your unique interests and background. It covers the science behind optimistic thinking, practical ways to cultivate a resilient mindset, and methods to sustain motivation even through challenges. By examining the nuances of positive psychology and habit formation, it reveals how personalized approaches can unlock lasting mental uplift and drive. The book is crafted to align with your specific goals, weaving together insights that resonate with your experiences and desired outcomes. By tailoring content to your needs, this book offers a focused journey through mindset transformation and motivational mastery, helping you harness optimism as a powerful daily tool.

Tailored Guide
Motivation Science
3,000+ Books Created
Best for positive feedback in leadership
Shawn Achor, New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Advantage, highlights the importance of positive feedback loops in personal and organizational success. After years studying happiness and performance, he recommends "Feedback Reimagined" for anyone wanting to improve how they give and receive feedback. He notes the book's practical approach to returning humanity to feedback and creating virtuous cycles that boost both happiness and effectiveness. For those seeking to bring out the best in themselves and others, this book reshaped his thinking on feedback's power.

Recommended by Shawn Achor

New York Times bestselling author

Positive feedback loops are crucial for creating virtuous cycles. Anyone interested in becoming better and bringing out the best in others, start here. Feedback Reimagined is a well-researched and practical guide for putting humans back into the equation for happiness and success.

2023·208 pages·Feedback, Positivity, Leadership, Employee Engagement, Psychological Safety

Unlike most positivity books that focus on vague encouragement, this one breaks down why traditional feedback often backfires and how to fix it using positive psychology and social support. Peter Berridge, with over 25 years in coaching and a Master of Applied Positive Psychology, teamed up with Jen Ostrich to develop the Shift Positive® Method. You learn to identify ineffective feedback patterns, foster psychological safety, and build two-way accountability cultures that truly engage employees. For leaders and coaches stuck on talent retention and development, this book offers concrete frameworks like transparent feedback and allyship that reshape organizational dynamics.

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Best for daily positivity practice
Meera Lee Patel, author of the self-realization journal Made Out of Stars, recommends this book as a pathway to engineering positivity. She emphasizes how Cyndie Spiegel’s honest and earnest voice resonates because she’s experienced the same struggles, making the reflections feel deeply authentic. "A Year of Positive Thinking is a beautiful, accessible book for engineering positivity," Patel says, highlighting how it goes beyond comfort to transform your thinking. Similarly, Rachel Wilkerson Miller, Editor-in-Chief of SELF, appreciates how the book encourages saying yes and no intentionally, offering daily reminders that you are enough—messages that landed for her during challenging times.

Recommended by Meera Lee Patel

Author of Made Out of Stars journal

A Year of Positive Thinking is a beautiful, accessible book for engineering positivity. Cyndie’s voice is powerful because of its honesty and earnestness—she’s walked where I’ve walked, she’s stood where I stand. Full of inspiring wisdom and encouraging call to action, this book is more than simple comfort on a rough day—it’s a way to change your entire way of thinking.

Cyndie Spiegel’s experience as a community builder and keynote speaker fuels this daily guide to cultivating a positive mindset. You’ll explore 365 brief reflections that blend insights from positive psychology and neuroscience, each designed to reshape how you approach setbacks and self-worth. The book teaches you to practice kindness, self-respect, and curiosity, with easily digestible quotes and prompts that fit into any schedule. If you want a gentle but consistent nudge towards optimism that feels authentic rather than clichéd, this collection offers a steady companion for daily motivation.

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Best for embracing body acceptance
Stacey Rebecca Twitchcon Eu, a data analyst and Twitch partner, recommends Megan Jayne Crabbe’s book as a needed uplift for anyone struggling with self-image. She highlights Crabbe’s message as a refreshing antidote to diet culture, sharing it alongside other self-love advocates. This endorsement comes from someone who knows the impact of positivity in challenging times. Additionally, The Today Show notes Crabbe’s resilience, emphasizing how she refuses to let criticism undermine her confidence, making this book a powerful voice in body positivity conversations.
SR

Recommended by Stacey Rebecca Twitchcon Eu

Data analyst and Twitch partner

Here are some wonderful people you should follow for a pick me up ✨ Megan Crabbe (her book Body Positive Power is great too!) Danae Mercer Soph Butler Self Love Liv (from X)

2018·304 pages·Positivity, Self Acceptance, Body Image, Diet Culture, Fat Acceptance

What if everything you knew about body image was wrong? Megan Jayne Crabbe, a social media influencer and anorexia survivor, challenges the obsession with dieting and unrealistic beauty standards in this book. You learn how to replace body shame with genuine self-acceptance and everyday joy, drawing from Crabbe's own journey through eating disorders and weight fluctuations. Chapters delve into rejecting harmful diet culture, embracing fat acceptance, and building confidence without shrinking yourself to fit societal molds. This book suits anyone tired of battling body image issues and ready to embrace a more compassionate relationship with themselves.

#1 Bestseller in Body Positivity
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Best for daily positivity boosts
This custom AI book on positivity reset is created based on your experience level and specific goals. By sharing what aspects of positivity and resilience you want to target, this book is written to fit your current mindset and aspirations. It offers a focused, daily roadmap designed just for you, avoiding generic advice in favor of meaningful, personalized learning. This tailored approach makes the journey both manageable and effective, helping you build lasting optimism in a way that resonates with your unique background.
2025·50-300 pages·Positivity, Positive Psychology, Emotional Resilience, Mindset Shifts, Daily Habits

This tailored book explores a custom 30-day journey to boost positivity and resilience, carefully matching your background and goals. It examines how daily actions can incrementally build a sustained optimistic mindset, strengthening emotional endurance in the face of challenges. Covering both foundational concepts of positive psychology and specific, personalized exercises, the book reveals how small, consistent shifts in thought and behavior foster lasting change. By focusing on your interests and needs, it crafts a unique pathway through complex expert knowledge, making the process accessible and motivating. This approach ensures that every day’s content is relevant, encouraging practical growth aligned with your personal aspirations.

Tailored Guide
Positive Psychology Focus
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for leading with authentic positivity
Jon Gordon is a 16x bestselling author and thought leader, renowned keynote speaker, and consultant who has worked with many of the top leaders and organizations around the world. Jon is a highly sought after global influencer who inspires millions of people each year with his books, talks, podcasts, and messages on positivity, teamwork, and leadership. His expertise and experience uniquely qualify him to explore how authentic positive leadership can transform teams and organizations, offering you a practical and compelling guide to lead effectively and inspire excellence.
SP

Recommended by Skip Prichard

CEO, author, speaker, and blogger

2017·208 pages·Leadership, Positivity, Management and Leadership, Management, Team Building

Jon Gordon's decades of experience working with top leaders worldwide led him to write this insightful guide on positive leadership. You learn how authentic positivity—not just forced cheerfulness—can break through adversity to unite teams, build culture, and drive superior results. The book shares specific principles and stories from leaders who transformed organizations, making it clear how positivity translates into real leadership power. If you're aiming to foster commitment and excel amid challenges, this book offers a grounded roadmap rather than vague inspiration. It's especially well suited for those leading groups through tough times, seeking practical frameworks to uplift and motivate.

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Best for overcoming depression with hope
Deepak Chopra, renowned author and wellness expert, highlights how 'moments of despair are opportunities for healing and growth.' After exploring Daniel Tomasulo’s work, Chopra emphasizes the book’s deep insight into the intertwining of perception, emotion, and purposeful action, calling it a "perfect recipe for fulfillment, joy, peace, and expansion of awareness." This endorsement reflects Chopra's extensive experience with well-being and spiritual growth, underscoring the book’s practical depth. Alongside Chopra, Caroline Adams Miller praises Tomasulo’s skill in blending therapy stories with positive psychology research that engages both intellect and heart, making this an inspiring read for anyone seeking hope and motivation.
DC

Recommended by Deepak Chopra

Author of Metahuman, wellness expert

A life well lived is founded on meaning, purpose, and a higher calling. Moments of despair are opportunities for healing, and emotional and spiritual growth. Daniel Tomasulo’s deep understanding of the entanglement of perceptions, experiences, emotions, and modes of thinking, envisioning, and actualizing worthy goals is the perfect recipe for fulfillment, joy, peace, and expansion of awareness.

Learned Hopefulness: The Power of Positivity to Overcome Depression book cover

by Dan Tomasulo PhD, Scott Barry Kaufman PhD··You?

2020·192 pages·Positivity, Depression, Mental Health, Mood Disorders, Strengths Identification

Dan Tomasulo, PhD, brings decades of psychotherapy experience and rigorous positive psychology research together in Learned Hopefulness, a guide designed to help you overcome depression through cultivating hope. The book offers specific exercises that help identify your strengths, challenge limiting beliefs, and shift your focus from past rumination to a more optimistic present and future. Tomasulo’s approach draws on his clinical work and research, blending stories and evidence to show how hope can be a powerful force in building motivation, resilience, and well-being. If you’re grappling with low mood or depression, this book provides tools to help you reframe your mindset and foster lasting emotional vitality.

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Best for mindful parenting strategies
Literary Titan, an authority on literature and parenting, highlights this book's role as a practical guide that demystifies parenting dynamics. They note how Lyon and Braga's approachable style uses relatable scenarios and contrasts traditional with modern methods, making complex ideas accessible. This recommendation comes from their deep engagement with parenting challenges and the book’s focus on empathy, mindfulness, and resilience. "Positive Parenting Made Simple: The Revolutionary Guide to Mindful Parenting Techniques That Nurture Happiness, Success, and Stronger Bonds With Science-Backed Steps to Raising Holistic Kids" helped them see parenting as a journey where adaptable strategies can foster stronger family bonds and emotional growth.

Recommended by Literary Titan

Positive Parenting Made Simple: The Revolutionary Guide to Mindful Parenting Techniques That Nurture Happiness, Success, and Stronger Bonds With Science-Backed Steps to Raising Holistic Kids serves as an essential digest for parents and guardians, offering a comprehensive understanding of parenting dynamics. Authors Raffael Lyon and S.K. Braga effectively demystify the parenting process, presenting a myriad of parenting styles, challenges, and potential outcomes. The book begins on a note of positivity, setting the tone for a journey of simple yet insightful strategies. The authors adeptly employ common scenarios to provide readers with relatable context, elevating the discussion beyond theory. The authors contrast traditional and modern parenting methodologies, delineating their impact on children and highlighting their distinct features. The information provided in this book is similar to attending a comprehensive parenting seminar. Central to the book is the exploration of building robust bonds, cultivating mindfulness, facilitating recovery from setbacks, and nurturing empathy. It emphasizes the parent's role as a pivotal influence, akin to how the moon shapes the Earth, in molding their child's world. One of the book's strengths lies in its acknowledgment of the imperfections inherent in parenting. It provides a pragmatic, step-by-step guide, acting as a manual for navigating the complex parenting landscape. The authors address potential flaws in parenting styles with tact and understanding, avoiding condescension and employing a friendly, supportive approach. While recognizing the unique nature of each parent-child relationship, Lyon and Braga encourage adaptable parenting strategies that resonate with individual family dynamics. The book is peppered with encouraging words for those who find parenting daunting, reaffirming that while the journey may be challenging, resources like this guide are available to aid in employing effective parenting techniques. Positive Parenting Made Simple is a supportive companion for any parent on their journey, offering wisdom, understanding, and encouragement to foster a healthier, happier family dynamic. - Literary Titan

Drawing from their personal experience as parents and extensive work in personal development, Raffael Lyon and S.K. Braga present a fresh perspective on positive parenting. You’ll gain practical techniques that focus on mindful communication, emotional regulation, and resilience-building in children. Chapters explore the C.A.R.E.S. framework, which guides you to nurture empathy and stronger bonds while managing common parenting challenges like tantrums or screen addiction. This book suits parents seeking a holistic approach to raising confident, emotionally intelligent children without feeling overwhelmed. It doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulties but offers clear ways to foster a supportive and joyful family environment.

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Best for developing positive mental habits
Napoleon Hill, whose career began as a mountain reporter and evolved into one of America's most influential motivational authors, brings his extensive experience to this exploration of success through positivity. Known for his seminal work shaping modern motivation, Hill's insights into leadership and self-motivation provide the foundation for this book, crafted to help you harness the power of your mental attitude to achieve meaningful growth.
Success Through A Positive Mental Attitude book cover

by W Cllement Stone, Zinc Read··You?

2023·309 pages·Positivity, Motivation, Success, Mindset, Self Improvement

What started as Napoleon Hill's personal challenge to understand success transformed into a philosophy that underpins this book. Drawing from decades of motivational writing and leadership expertise, Hill, alongside Zinc Read, explores how adopting a positive mental attitude can shape your achievements and mindset. You’ll gain insights into practical ways to shift your perspective, backed by examples and principles that reinforce persistence and self-belief. This book offers you a structured approach to harnessing positivity as a tool for personal and professional growth, especially suited for those looking to reframe challenges and cultivate resilience.

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Best for transforming self-talk habits
Shad Helmstetter, Ph.D., is a bestselling author and a recognized authority on self-talk, having reached audiences worldwide through his books and extensive media appearances. His expertise in behavioral research underpins this book, which explores how the conversations you have with yourself profoundly influence your life outcomes. Helmstetter’s approach offers readers a way to reframe their internal dialogue, fostering greater positivity and effectiveness both personally and professionally.

Shad Helmstetter, Ph.D., brings decades of behavioral research to illuminate the often-overlooked power of self-talk. This book teaches you how to recognize and reshape the internal dialogue that shapes your confidence, motivation, and habits. You’ll discover techniques to replace negative patterns with constructive ones, directly impacting areas like work performance, weight management, and overcoming fears. For anyone ready to take control of their mental script and see tangible changes, this book offers a clear and methodical approach grounded in neuroscience. Chapters guide you through identifying harmful self-talk and reprogramming your mind for better outcomes.

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Conclusion

Across these 10 books, three themes stand out: the power of mindset shifts, the importance of hope and resilience, and the role of positivity in leadership and relationships. If you’re facing self-doubt or seeking motivation, starting with Power of Positive Thinking or A Year of Positive Thinking builds foundational optimism. For those leading teams or organizations, The Power of Positive Leadership and Feedback Reimagined offer actionable strategies to cultivate positive culture.

If body image or parenting challenges weigh on you, Body Positive Power and Positive Parenting Made Simple provide compassionate, practical approaches. And for readers grappling with depression or negative self-talk, Learned Hopefulness and What to Say When You Talk to Yourself offer tools to reshape inner dialogue and foster emotional strength.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Positivity book to bridge the gap between these expert insights and your specific situation. These books can help accelerate your learning journey, empowering you to embrace a more positive and resilient life.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "Power of Positive Thinking" for a classic foundation in optimism, or "A Year of Positive Thinking" for daily inspiration. Both are accessible and set a positive tone for your journey.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Positivity?

Not at all. Many books like "Brighter by the Day" and "Positive Parenting Made Simple" are approachable and designed for readers at any level seeking practical positivity.

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

You can pick one that aligns with your current focus, whether it's leadership, parenting, or self-talk. Each book offers distinct value, so choose based on your goals.

Which books focus more on practical application versus theory?

"Feedback Reimagined" and "The Power of Positive Leadership" are strong on practical frameworks, while "Learned Hopefulness" blends research with exercises for personal growth.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast Positivity research evolves?

The selected books balance timeless principles with recent insights, including titles published as recently as 2023, ensuring relevance and contemporary approaches.

How can I get Positivity advice tailored specifically to my needs?

Expert books provide solid foundations, but personalized content can bridge theory and your unique situation. Consider creating a personalized Positivity book to get strategies focused precisely on your goals and challenges.

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