Motivational books | 6 books to get you through college!

Motivational books | What are they?

College is fun! At least most of the time. Students often feel overwhelmed due to coursework and exams and tend to get demotivated. At university, almost everyone deals with the stresses of life in their own way. Here are 6 motivational books to inspire you during tough times.

While getting your mental health back on track may require a multitude of things, some of the best motivational books lead you into the right headspace where you begin to realign yourself to your goals. Barring that, these are just some good reads if you’re looking for inspiration or are educating yourself to become a better person.

Before we get into the list, let’s see why you may be lacking motivation:

Why do you lack motivation at college?

The reasons may be simple, from time occurrences to something complex –

• You may be feeling overwhelmed with the amount of coursework and other challenges that college life comes with.
• You may have trouble adjusting to the changed environment
• Something may be troubling you on a deeper level

In all these cases, you may want to speak with a counselor, therapist, or at the least, a friend.

Top 6 motivational books

As you begin your journey to get back to your goals, take a look at these 6 motivational books and give them a read.

1. The Power of Your Subconscious Mind

Author – Dr. Joseph Murphy 

First Published – 1963

This is one of the top motivational books to read when feeling helpless. This book teaches and trains you to understand yourself. It talks about understanding the nature and power of the mind. This book is a gem with guided advice on fighting your fears, sleeping well, feeling happy, and having healthy relationships. The techniques mentioned in the book are easy to perform, and results follow soon after. The book’s premise is to help you use the power of the subconscious to give you inner strength and mental fortitude. 

2. Awaken the Giant Within

Author – Tony Robbins

First Published – 1991

Tony Robbins is a leading expert on the psychology of change. As a savvy businessman and an efficiency hunter, he penned down his methods, thought process, and a program to help people become masters of themselves. This motivational book can be helpful for those who find themselves easily distracted from their goals and need to get themselves back on track. Self-control leads to better management of emotions, body, finances, and relationships. This program also seeks to help you discover your life’s purpose and empower you to change forward as captain and leader of your own destiny. 

3. The Alchemist 

Author – Paulo Coelho

First Published – 1988

The book has been popular in waves ever since its first release in 1988. We follow Santiago as he treks across the earth in the novel, searching for his destiny. Along the way, we see him go through challenges, fall in love, discover his true treasure and find himself. As you read along and root for young Santiago, this book also helps you find your own treasure. The Alchemist has been described as being closer to a self-help book than literature, but many consider it to be both. If the tips, techniques, and guides of regular self-help books aren’t working, try this motivational book out. The story will charm and soothe you as you fall deeper into its world. 

4. The Power of Habit

Author – Charles Duhigg

First Published – 2012

If you don’t want to wait around to get feelings of motivation but just want to throw yourself into a routine, then this is the book for you. Author Charles Duhigg weaves an enticing narrative while offloading bundles of information without coming across as boring. The book deals with habits, the science behind them, and the magic of how habits work. The book presents habit-forming as the solution within this narrative while leaving the action up to the reader. Regardless of your motivational state, this book is a great read simply for the magnetically exciting subject matter. Once you understand its contents, you can use your newfound knowledge to begin forming good habits and routines, which can cascade into so much more.

5. Own Your Anxiety 

Author – Julian Brass

First Published – 2019

Written by an anxiety coach, this book is perfect for those who feel overwhelmed by workloads and social interactions at college. Anxiety has a way of destroying any plans or motivation you may have. Still, the author provides 99 ways to cut this raw emotion down, using his own life, experiences, and various tools to use anxiety instead of frantically trying to fight it. With a mix of scientific research and eastern philosophies, Julian provides a steady stream of encouragement and help throughout these pages. The book’s goal is to help you find your own internal strength. This book can be an excellent complement to go along with counseling since you may need professional help to manage your anxiety well. 

6. Reader’s Choice 

Author – Your Favourite Author 

First Published – Whenever!

Reading your favorite book can be a balm for your soul. Often these books will not only take us to faraway worlds but we are also transported back to the time we first read them. A favored book is like an old friend, comfortable and calming to be around. If you find yourself lacking motivation, then reading your favorite book can remind you on an emotional, and psychological level of who you are, especially during the times you feel lost. There is a certain safety and pleasure in rereading the books we love. Granted, it may not be the strongest force to get motivated. But, sometimes, treating yourself to a familiar book can be just what your soul needs to get refreshed! 

Key takeaways

• Reading a book is not the end. Most of these books aim to help you get back up and take another shot at life.
• So, use the momentum you get from reading to stay in a routine or create new routines.
• If you find yourself constantly helpless and unable to do the things you need to do, then you should see a doctor or student counselor.
• Remember that you are not alone; there are many people who are ready to help you.
• You may want to consider having an exercise routine, too, since most data show that being healthy can also improve your mental health. 

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog. In case of any queries, reach out to us or drop a comment below!

Liked this Blog? Read Need of motivational quotes for students to study hard

FAQs

Q1. What are some other popular motivational books to read?

Answer – Here are a few other motivational books to try out –

• Atomic Habit – It starts small and helps build bigger changes as you progress
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – A classic self-help book that’s still popular
• Man’s Search for Meaning – A helpful book to find meaning in life, death and suffering
• Make Your Bed – 10 principles from a Navy Seal, and it all starts with making your bed

Q2. What else can I do to stay motivated?

Answer – Apart from reading motivational books, there are many steps you can take to help you get motivated again. Review your dreams and goals to see whether they are still relevant to you and what you truly want from life. Look back at your progress; this can be a real boost for your self-esteem. Set new goals but take each goal one at a time; overwhelming yourself with too many goals is a shortcut to being demotivated. Find a mentor, advisor, or someone who can speak with you and encourage you when you don’t have the strength to encourage yourself. Use regular physical exercise as a tool for getting healthier in mind and body. Lastly, you may just need a break from work or study. Take a nap and get some rest, it will help clear your mind. 

Q3. What are some famous motivational quotes?

Answer – Here are a few motivational quotes-

• Mark Twain said, “Getting started is the secret to getting ahead.”
• “We have a choice – to experience the pain from regret, or the pain of being disciplined” – Unknown
• Even if the odds are stacked against you, if something is important enough, you should do it – Elon Musk 
• We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. – Aristotle