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The ReadDown

Books On Positive Thinking That Will Help You Achieve More

by Sonya Matejko Published on May 26, 2026

As a chronic overthinker, I tend to focus on what could go wrong rather than what could go right. It feels like a way of protection, a way of not being disappointed. I know I’m not alone in this way of thinking. Research tells us that negative things are more likely to grab our attention, linger in our memories, and influence our choices. But I also know there’s another way. A way to fight against the natural inclination to assume the worst, and, instead, assume the best. Or at least find yourself somewhere in the middle, because, let’s be real, no one wants to be told to ‘just be positive’ when they’re discouraged.

So, this collection of books offers realistic, doable advice to help you shift your thinking, unlock greatness, and assume more of yourself — and of the world. Because better days are ahead, and — with the right tools — we can be better prepared to greet them. Or, dare I say, expect them.

  1. 1
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    The Greatness Mindset

    by Lewis Howes

    Uncover the mindset shifts that will move you to rediscover your purpose, overcome self-doubt, and achieve your dreams in The Greatness Mindset. Written by bestselling author Lewis Howes, this book offers step-by-step guidance on how to transform your mind to end self-sabotaging thoughts so you can lead a rich life. Expect the lessons and strategies within to help you rewrite your past — and propel you into a powerful, abundant future. Pick this one up if you ache for something more.
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    Paperback
    $18.99

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  2. 2
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    The Key to Positivity

    by Kristen Butler

    What would it take for you to really love your life? According to Kristen Butler, it’s in a place you may not expect. Butler, the creator of Power of Positivity — an online community with 50+ million members — has spent years helping people unlock the door to their inner sanctuary. Now, in The Key To Positivity, she reveals to readers everywhere that the gateway to a life you truly love is actually found in your Comfort Zone. Take it from fellow bestselling author Lewis Howes, “this book will forever change the way you think about growth and comfort.” Pick this one up if you want to let positive emotions run freely.
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    $18.99

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  3. 3
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    Toxic Positivity

    by Whitney Goodman, LMFT

    Have you ever wondered: If positivity was the answer, then why are so many of us anxious, depressed, and burned out? The popular therapist behind @sitwithwhit answers this in her refreshingly honest book, Toxic Positivity. Because hearing “good vibes only” and being told to “look on the bright side” isn’t always what we need. In fact, Goodman shares the latest research and client stories that reveal how damaging toxic positivity is to ourselves and our relationships, and presents simple ways to experience and work through difficult emotions. Pick this one up if you get the ick from being told to be positive.
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    Paperback
    $19.00

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  4. 4
    The Can-Do Mindset Book Cover Picture
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    The Can-Do Mindset

    by Candace Parker

    One of the most decorated and celebrated women’s basketball players of all time is defining the next era of the “can-do attitude.” Candace Parker’s The Can-Do Mindset is a timely playbook for achieving greatness on your own terms. Because while Parker is a living legend, her success didn’t happen by accident. Candace turned her childhood nickname, Can-Do, into a daily mantra and teaches readers how CAN-DO becomes an acronym to live by. Pick this one up if you want to learn positivity from an icon who lives bravely and unapologetically.
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    Hardcover
    $28.00

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  5. 5
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    Read Your Mind

    by Oz Pearlman

    From the world’s greatest mentalist, Oz Pearlman, Read Your Mind helps you turn inward so you can be more successful outward. In this New York Times bestseller, Pearlman shares easy-to-use strategies that you can learn in minutes — and apply for a lifetime. Read Your Mind teaches you not only how to overcome rejection, procrastination, and self-doubt, but also how to master the art of influence to read people, win trust, and shape outcomes. It’s not changing how you think; it’s changing how others think, too. Pick this one up if you want a modern twist on How To Win Friends and Influence People.
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    Hardcover
    $30.00

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  6. 6
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    Who Better Than You?

    by Will Packer

    Unlock a new level of confidence, convince people that your goals are essential, and embrace the fact that no one is more deserving of achieving their dreams than you in Who Better Than You?. Written by billion-dollar Hollywood producer Will Packer, this book demystifies success in Hollywood and offers empowering guidance on how to achieve your own. Because, to Packer, if you want to start producing your own blockbuster life, you must start by believing there is no one more worthy of it than you. Pick this one up if you want to see what “healthy arrogance” can do.
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    Hardcover
    $28.00

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  7. 7
    The Gratitude Effect Positivity Journal Book Cover Picture
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    The Gratitude Effect Positivity Journal

    by Randy E. Kamen, EdD

    Retrain your brain for greater joy, resiliency, and personal empowerment with The Gratitude Effect Positivity Journal. Using practical strategies — grounded in neuroscience and positive psychology — this 90-day gratitude journal is designed to cultivate positive thinking in just a few minutes a day. And don’t worry, psychologist, coach, and educator Randy E. Kamen, EdD, includes inspirational quotations, tips, and prompts to get positivity flowing on those days you (inevitably) feel stuck. Pick this one up if you want a simple framework to overcome negative thinking and adopt a positive mindset.
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    Paperback
    $13.99

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  8. 8
    How to Make Your Brain Your Best Friend Book Cover Picture
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    How to Make Your Brain Your Best Friend

    by Rachel Barr

    Truth is, it’s never too late to carve out pathways in your brain to form new habits, new skills, and new ways of thinking … in fact, it’s science. In How to Make Your Brain Your Best Friend, Rachel Barr delivers a delightful guide to taking better care of your mind. It’s a book that both demystifies the human brain and feels like a warm hug for your mind, and it’s one that anxiety therapists like Joshua Fletcher are proud to have on their shelves. Pick this one up if you want to finally understand what’s going on in your head.
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    Paperback
    $12.99

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  9. 9
    Clear Thinking Book Cover Picture
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    Clear Thinking

    by Shane Parrish

    Throughout your life, you will arrive at specific moments that have the potential to transform your trajectory. But too often when these moments arrive, we react without thinking. Clear Thinking helps you recognize and respond to these moments so you can achieve the life you want. In this instant New York Times bestseller, Shane Parrish decodes how to react with purpose instead of autopilot — and put your positive mindset to work. Pick this one up if you could use a manual for optimizing your decisions and living a more intentional life.
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    Hardcover
    $30.00

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  10. 10
    Positive Psychology For Overcoming Depression Book Cover Picture
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    Positive Psychology For Overcoming Depression

    by Miriam Akhtar

    Discover techniques to help you overcome depression and reduce the chances of it happening again in Positive Psychology For Overcoming Depression. Inside, Miriam Akhtar explains the core principles of Positive Psychology — and what it takes to feel good, function well, and flourish. The insights within the book are based on Akhtar’s professional knowledge and her own experience suffering from depression. Come away knowing how to savour positive events, practice gratitude, play to your strengths, and, ultimately, invite happiness back into your life. Pick this one up if you want to learn real techniques to soothe your soul and embrace a positive outlook.
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    Paperback
    $16.95

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  11. 11
    The Book of Alchemy Book Cover Picture
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    The Book of Alchemy

    by Suleika Jaouad

    A guide to the art of journaling — and a meditation on the central questions of life — with contributions from Hanif Abdurraqib, Jon Batiste, Salman Rushdie, Gloria Steinem, George Saunders, and many more. In The Book of Alchemy, Suleika Jaouad explores the art of journaling and shares everything she’s learned about how this life-altering practice can help us tap into that mystical trait that exists in every human: creativity. She has gathered wisdom from one hundred writers, artists, and thinkers in the form of essays and writing prompts. Their insights invite us to inhabit a more inspired life.
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    Hardcover
    $30.00

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