Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity and keep going despite setbacks. It’s a quality that is essential for success in life, whether in personal relationships, work, or any other area. Resilience helps us to persevere when times are tough, maintain a positive outlook, and believe in ourselves and our ability to overcome challenges.
Fortunately, resilience is a quality that can be developed and strengthened over time. One of the best ways to do this is by reading books about resilience. In this article, we’ll share 20 of the best books on resilience that are sure to inspire and motivate you to become more resilient in all areas of your life.
Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
After the sudden death of her husband, Sheryl Sandberg found herself struggling to cope with grief and overcome the challenges of being a single parent. In this book, she shares her personal journey of resilience, along with insights from experts in psychology, sociology, and neuroscience, to help readers build resilience in their own lives.
The Resilience Factor: 7 Keys to Finding Your Inner Strength and Overcoming Life’s Hurdles by Karen Reivich and Andrew Shatté
Drawing on years of research and clinical practice, psychologists Karen Reivich and Andrew Shatté offer a practical guide to building resilience. Through stories, exercises, and case studies, they show readers how to develop the skills and mindset needed to overcome adversity and thrive in life.
The Art of Resilience: Strategies for an Unbreakable Mind and Body by Ross Edgley
As a former world-record-holding endurance athlete, Ross Edgley knows a thing or two about resilience. In this book, he shares his insights on how to develop mental and physical toughness, overcome setbacks, and achieve your goals.
Resilience: Hard-Won Wisdom for Living a Better Life by Eric Greitens
Eric Greitens is a former Navy SEAL and Rhodes Scholar who has faced his fair share of challenges in life. In this book, he shares the lessons he’s learned about resilience from his experiences as a soldier, humanitarian worker, and public servant.
The Resilience Project: Finding Happiness Through Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness by Hugh van Cuylenburg
After experiencing a mental health crisis, Hugh van Cuylenburg embarked on a journey to discover what makes people happy and resilient. In this book, he shares the insights he gained from interviewing a diverse range of people, from athletes to schoolchildren, and offers practical tips for building resilience in your own life.
Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything by BJ Fogg
BJ Fogg is a behavioral scientist and expert in habit formation. In this book, he offers a practical guide to making small changes in your behavior that can lead to big improvements in your life. By building tiny habits, you can increase your resilience and achieve your goals.
The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph by Ryan Holiday
Drawing on the philosophy of Stoicism, Ryan Holiday offers a guide to turning adversity into advantage. Through stories of historical figures and modern-day examples, he shows how embracing obstacles can help us to develop resilience, creativity, and grit.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
Psychologist Carol S. Dweck’s research has shown that the way we think about our abilities and intelligence can have a profound impact on our success and resilience. In this book, she introduces the concept of a growth mindset, which emphasizes the belief that our abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. By adopting a growth mindset, readers can cultivate resilience and achieve their goals.
Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown
Brené Brown is a research professor and bestselling author who has spent years studying vulnerability, courage, and resilience. In this book, she explores what it takes to rise strong after a fall, and shares stories and insights to help readers become more resilient in all areas of their lives.
The Power of Resilience: Achieving Balance, Confidence, and Personal Strength in Your Life by Robert Brooks and Sam Goldstein
Psychologists Robert Brooks and Sam Goldstein offer a comprehensive guide to building resilience in this book. Through practical advice and real-life stories, they show readers how to overcome adversity, develop positive coping strategies, and build meaningful relationships.
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
Angela Duckworth is a psychologist and MacArthur Fellow who has spent years studying what it takes to achieve success and resilience. In this book, she introduces the concept of grit, which she defines as a combination of passion and perseverance. By developing grit, readers can cultivate the resilience needed to achieve their goals.
The Resilient Gardener: Food Production and Self-Reliance in Uncertain Times by Carol Deppe
While many books on resilience focus on mental and emotional toughness, Carol Deppe’s book takes a practical approach to building resilience. She offers advice on growing your own food, preserving your harvest, and living a self-reliant lifestyle that can help you weather any storm.
Option B+: How to Be Resilient, Adaptable, and Human in Work and Life by Abigail Posner
Abigail Posner is a thought leader in the fields of creativity and innovation. In this book, she shares insights on how to develop the resilience needed to navigate the challenges of work and life. Through real-life stories and practical advice, she shows readers how to embrace change, stay adaptable, and find meaning in their work.
Resilient Grieving: Finding Strength and Embracing Life After a Loss That Changes Everything by Lucy Hone
After the sudden death of her daughter, psychologist Lucy Hone found herself struggling to cope with grief and loss. In this book, she shares her personal journey of resilience and offers practical advice for others who are grieving. Through stories and exercises, she shows readers how to find strength, hope, and joy in the midst of tragedy.
Resilience and the Brain: Using Neuroscience to Improve Your Mental Health by Linda Graham
Neurotherapist Linda Graham offers a science-based approach to building resilience in this book. She explains how the brain can be rewired through mindfulness and other techniques to cultivate greater resilience and well-being. Through exercises and case studies, she shows readers how to apply these principles to their own lives.
The Little Book of Resilience: How to Bounce Back from Adversity and Lead a Fulfilling Life by Matthew Johnstone
In this short but powerful book, author and illustrator Matthew Johnstone offers a practical guide to building resilience. Through simple exercises and illustrations, he shows readers how to develop the skills and mindset needed to overcome adversity and thrive in life.
Stronger: Develop the Resilience You Need to Succeed by George S. Everly Jr.
Psychologist George S. Everly Jr. offers a comprehensive guide to building resilience in this book. Drawing on years of research and clinical experience, he offers practical advice on how to develop the mindset, skills, and resources needed to overcome adversity and achieve success.
The Resilient Child: Preparing Today’s Youth for Tomorrow’s World by Steven M. Southwick and Robert B. Charney
Psychiatrists Steven M. Southwick and Robert B. Charney offer a guide to building resilience in children in this book. Through real-life stories and practical advice, they show parents, teachers, and caregivers how to help children develop the skills and mindset needed to overcome adversity and thrive in life.
The Mindful Twenty-Something: Life Skills to Handle Stress…and Everything Else by Holly B. Rogers
As a psychiatrist who works with young adults, Holly B. Rogers has seen firsthand the challenges that young people face in today’s world. In this book, she offers practical advice and mindfulness exercises to help young adults build resilience, manage stress, and navigate the challenges of early adulthood.
Bouncing Forward: Transforming Bad Breaks into Breakthroughs by Michaela Haas
Journalist Michaela Haas shares stories of resilience from people around the world in this book. Through real-life examples, she shows how people have transformed their lives after experiencing tragedy, trauma, and loss. By focusing on the opportunities that can arise from adversity, readers can learn to bounce forward and create positive change in their lives.
In conclusion, resilience is a quality that is essential for success in life. Fortunately, it is a quality that can be developed and strengthened over time. By reading books about resilience, we can learn from experts and real-life examples, and develop the skills and mindset needed to overcome adversity and thrive in all areas of our lives. The 20 books listed above offer a diverse range of perspectives and approaches to building resilience, making them an excellent resource for anyone looking to become more resilient and achieve their goals.