In my other blog we compared the difference in listening to an audiobook versus reading a physical book. We found that research concludes that retention and learning for non-academic material is equal between audiobooks and traditional books. As such, it is not a surprise that circa 9% of books sales in the US are audiobooks and as of 2022. Moreover, one out of every 5 Americans say they listen to audiobooks.

With rising popular in this format and a greater set of options available to you, we needed to be diligent in finding top-picks. As such, after much listening and comparing pros and cons of each, herewith the best-of-the-best in the self-help category for 2023.

In case you find useful, I included for each audiobook the punchline in terms of Key Lessons learned from listening to the book. Happy Holidays and great listening!

Top Self-Help Audiobooks of 2023

Make Your Bed

Listeners in search of concise life lessons will find Admiral McRaven’s experiences both inspiring and practical.

Key Lessons from the Book:

• Start your day with a simple task completed.
• Make your bed.
• You can’t change the things you can’t change.
• Get strong.
• Never give up.
• Find someone to carry you when you stumble.
• Have the courage to fail.
• Respect everyone.
• Know that life won’t be fair and that you will fail often.
• Take risks.
• Step up when times are tough.
• Face down the bullies.
• Lift up the downtrodden.
• Never, ever give up.

In Terms of Pros:

• Delivers powerful life lessons in under two hours
• Narration by the author adds authenticity and gravitas
• Engaging storytelling anchors advice in real-world experiences

The Cons:

• Very brief, might leave listeners wanting more in-depth exploration
• Single perspective, primarily military-focused
• Some may find the advice too simplistic

Admiral William H. McRaven’s voice brings an air of seriousness and sincerity to “Make Your Bed”. His firsthand accounts underscore the practicality of his insights. One feels as though McRaven is not just sharing advice but imparting wisdom gleaned from years of unique experiences.

As the listener, you can easily apply the compact nuggets of wisdom to daily life. The book’s pithy nature allows one to quickly take in the essential points without sifting through filler material. Its brevity is a boon for those pressed for time but still in pursuit of self-improvement.

However, the book’s succinct style might not satiate all appetites. Some might wish for a more comprehensive guide filled with varying perspectives. Moreover, those seeking complex or revolutionary self-help strategies might find the simplicity less appealing. Despite this, the book stands out for its direct and undeniable truths.

The power of your subconscious Mind

One should consider this audiobook for its insightful approach to harnessing hidden mental power, though it may require contemplation to fully grasp the concepts.

Key Lessons from the Book:

• Your thoughts create your reality: The book emphasizes the immense power of thought. It argues that our subconscious mind accepts and acts upon our dominant thoughts, shaping our experiences and outcomes. By focusing on positive thoughts and affirmations, we can program our subconscious mind for success and fulfillment.

• The power of belief: Belief is fundamental to unlocking the potential of your subconscious mind. When you truly believe in your desires and capabilities, your subconscious mind works tirelessly to make them manifest. Conversely, doubt and negativity hinder progress and limit your potential.

• The healing power of the mind: The book explores the role of the subconscious mind in healing physical and mental ailments. It suggests that by visualizing positive outcomes and utilizing affirmations, we can harness the power of our minds to promote healing and well-being.

• The importance of forgiveness: Holding onto anger, resentment, and unforgiveness creates negativity within the subconscious mind, blocking its positive potential. The book emphasizes the importance of forgiveness for both oneself and others as a way to release negativity and open oneself up to positive change.

• The power of prayer and meditation: Prayer and meditation are powerful tools for accessing the subconscious mind and channeling its energy towards positive outcomes. By practicing these techniques regularly, we can cultivate peace, clarity, and direction in our lives.

In Terms of Pros:

• Offers in-depth exploration of subconscious influence
• Narration by Mark White is clear and engaging
• Beneficial for personal growth and understanding of mental patterns

The Cons:

• Some concepts may need additional reflection to apply
• May reiterate known self-help principles for frequent readers
• Length may be daunting for some at over 7 hours

“Unlock Your Mind,” an audiobook narrated by the adept Mark White, presents Joseph Murphy’s classic “The Power of Your Subconscious Mind.” The material has been proven to offer transformative insights into how one can leverage subconscious thought patterns to significantly improve personal happiness and success. Murphy’s strategies resonate well today, providing timeless guidance for steering one’s subconscious towards more fruitful endeavors.

Listeners will find the approachable yet profound narration style conducive to absorbing the nuanced concepts Murphy posits. The audiobook format is particularly beneficial for those seeking to integrate these lessons into their daily routine; whether commuting or during a workout, they can incorporate personal development seamlessly.

However, for those new to New Thought ideology, this title may require some deeper contemplation to truly benefit from its full potential. This is not a ‘quick fix’ solution but a guide that encourages profound self-reflection and long-term cognitive change. Moreover, those already familiar with self-help literature may find some teachings to be a reiteration of established principles. Despite these considerations, the audiobook remains an influential work, grounding listeners in techniques that promote a positive mindset and personal mastery.

Build the life you want

One should consider “The Art and Science of Getting Happier” for its practical approach to well-being, featuring insights from acclaimed voices like Oprah Winfrey and Arthur C. Brooks.

Key Lessons from the Book:

Emotional self-management:

• Identify and manage your emotions: Understand your emotional triggers and develop strategies to regulate them.
• Practice mindfulness: Cultivate awareness of your present moment experiences without judgment.
• Develop gratitude: Focus on the good things in your life and express appreciation.

Four Pillars of Happiness:

• Family: Build strong relationships with loved ones.
• Friendship: Invest in meaningful connections with friends.
• Work: Find work that is fulfilling and allows you to utilize your talents.
• Faith: Develop a sense of purpose and meaning in life, whether through religion, spirituality, or other values.

In terms of Pros:

• Engages with relatable anecdotes and heartfelt advice
• Provides a diverse blend of philosophical perspectives
• Offers actionable strategies for personal growth

The Cons:

• Some concepts may be complex for new self-help listeners
• At just under six hours, may be brief for those preferring deep dives
• Several reviewers found the content lacked depth

Listening to “The Happiness Blueprint” feels like a conversation with a wise mentor. Brooks and Winfrey’s expertise in personal development shines through each chapter, making complex ideas around happiness and fulfillment accessible. They weave in philosophy and personal anecdotes, which resonate on a deep level, encouraging the listener to reflect on their life journey.

This audiobook’s production quality is excellent, and the narration brings a natural ebb and flow to the content, keeping one engaged from start to finish. Listeners will appreciate how each chapter builds on the last, creating a cohesive roadmap towards achieving a happier life.

Their collaborative wisdom combines personal success stories with scientific research, effectively turning the pursuit of happiness into a tangible and structured process. It’s a compelling guide for anyone looking to enhance their happiness and find meaning in their pursuits. The approachable tone and informed content make “The Happiness Blueprint” a refreshing addition to the self-help genre.

Unfu*k Yourself

Catchy title to say the least, listeners seeking a candid book filled with actionable advice will appreciate Gary John Bishop’s straightforward approach to personal development.

Key Lessons from the Book:

Taking Responsibility:

• Stop blaming others for your problems.
• Own your choices and actions.
• Focus on what you can control, not what you can’t.

Identifying Limiting Beliefs:

• Challenge the negative thoughts that hold you back.
• Replace limiting beliefs with empowering ones.
• Focus on your strengths and capabilities.

Developing Self-Awareness:

• Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
• Identify your self-destructive patterns.
• Take responsibility for your own happiness.

Taking Action:

• Stop waiting for things to change and start making changes yourself.
• Set goals and take action to achieve them.
• Don’t be afraid to fail, learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.

Practicing Self-Compassion:

• Be kind to yourself.
• Accept yourself for who you are.
• Forgive yourself for your mistakes.

Living in the Present Moment:

• Don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future.
• Focus on the present moment.
• Be grateful for what you have.

In terms of Pros:

• Engaging and direct narration style
• Concise, with just over three hours of listening time
• Offers clear, no-nonsense life advice

The Cons:

• Some may find the language and approach too blunt
• Advice might be perceived as common sense by some
• Not a deep dive into the theory behind the concepts

Bishop’s “Unfu*k Yourself” provides listeners with a brisk and assertive pep talk, encouraging them to step out of their mental confines and start taking action. One immediately notices the raw and unapologetic tone of the audiobook, which resonates with the audience in a unique way. Not only does it capture one’s attention, but it also instills a sense of confidence to tackle life’s hurdles head-on.

Heeding the lessons from “Unfu*k Yourself” is akin to engaging in a no-holds-barred coaching session. The author doesn’t mince his words, yet he manages to sprinkle humor and frank wisdom throughout, making the content digestible. His Scottish accent adds a distinctive touch that brings the material to life, infusing it with personality and vigor.

While the audiobook offers liberating perspectives, some may not welcome the repetition of certain self-help mantras. However, one can’t deny the effectiveness of the succinct and punchy delivery that Bishop has perfected. He manages to condense complex ideas into bite-sized wisdom, ensuring that the listener can easily grasp and remember the key takeaways.