Classic motivational books by Paulo Coelho, Robin Sharma and others

Motivational books, or self-help books, are available in abundance today. There are tonnes of writers doling out such content dealing with different aspects of life. But until a few years ago, there were only a bunch of such books people swore by. These motivational books provided people with the much-needed ways to live their lives with positivity and in a healthy fashion. Here are five such motivational, or self-help books, that are classics and will never become obsolete.

1. The Alchemist

This book by Paulo Coelho has transcended borders and generations, acting as an essential guidebook to following one's dreams. The book talks about the importance of following our dreams and learning to recognise the omens one comes across almost every day. It teaches us about how something that we perceive as a treasure lying far away from us, might have been near you all this while. The book is about a shepherd named Santiago who wants to travel to find a treasure. How his journey unfolds makes up for the story, while talking about how life has different things in store for us.

2. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

Written by Robin Sharma, this book doles out seven ways to live a peaceful and blissful life. It tells the story of Julian Mantle, a lawyer who lives a fast-paced lifestyle and pays the price with a sudden heart attack. After recovering, he takes a trip to India, lives with the monks and learns the secrets to a happy and peaceful life. His spiritual journey changes him and he starts living his life in a totally different manner. The book talks of the importance of valuing time and relationships, thinking right, discipline and much more.

3. The Power of Positive Thinking

Written by Norman Vincent Peale, the book aims to help people identify the best in them and livea happy and positive life. The book talks about shunning negative attitudes and becoming confident and a winner. Using spiritual techniques, Peale tells about the importance of faith and optimism in leading a more satisfying and happy life. Positive thinking is known to change one's life, which we all today practice as manifestation. To think positively means inviting positivity into our lives, and that's what the book teaches its readers.

4. Who Moved My Cheese?

This short and simple story by Spencer Johnson teaches us about the value of embracing change and being ready for it. The book talks about two mice and two "Littlepeople" who in their hunt for cheese discover a cheese station. Soon the cheese is over, leaving the two "Littlepeople" devastated. While the mice were prepared for such a scenario, the "Littlepeople" were not. The mice go out to look for more cheese, but one of the "Littlepeople" refuses to move and go out to look for more cheese. He keeps sulking about the lost cheese and doesn't want to go out to look for more. The book is a simple lesson on how ignoring change can lead to one's end.

5. How To Win Friends And Influence People

This book by Dale Carnegie might come across as manipulative to some, but it aims to teach the reader ways to win over people. It delves into human psychology to talk about the ways through which one can make friends, irrespective of the person being an introvert or extrovert. It talks about how should one come across to another person and what personality traits can help one attract people. All this needs to be done while appearing to be manipulative, which the books says is an art.

Give these motivational books a read to change your life.