Being caught in a cycle of negative thinking can diminish not only one’s energy levels, but also the ability to make clear decisions. Thankfully, as the members of Forbes Coaches Council know, there are a number of helpful books available that can serve as practical guides to reframe a pessimistic outlook.
While reading is not a quick fix, some books offer invaluable tools, insights and stories that encourage a more balanced perspective and a starting point for the inner work needed to shift negative thought patterns. Below, 18 members share their top book recommendations for challenging pessimistic attitudes and cultivating a healthier mindset.
1. The Alchemist
I recommend The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Sometimes we need tools that will shift our current mindset. This story helps us appreciate the journey life presents to us. It reminds us that the thing we are often seeking is closer than we realize. (It is within.) It’s about self-discovery, gratitude, living in the moment and tapping into your true inner self. – Novena Riojas, Envrio Coaching
2. The Art Of Possibility
The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life, by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander, flips the script on how we see challenges, showing that possibility is always bigger than circumstance. For clients stuck in negativity, it’s not a “fix yourself” book—it’s an invitation to reframe, expand perspective and live with more freedom and joy. The Zanders have written the perfect antidote to pessimism! – David Taylor-Klaus, MCC, CPCC, DTK Coaching
3. First, Break All The Rules
The book from the Gallup Organization by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman, First, Break All the Rules: What the World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently, helps shift focus from weaknesses to strengths, showing how reframing challenges can unlock potential. It empowers readers to see possibilities instead of limits, turning pessimism into proactive, strengths-based action. This opened my mind to always cross-question my decisions, and I became my own critic, revealing a better me every time. – Nav Thethi, The Nav Thethi
4. As A Man Thinketh
James Allen’s As a Man Thinketh is a concise yet profoundly impactful book that challenges us to rethink our mindset. It expertly illustrates the principle that our focus shapes our path in life. Where we focus is where we go. – Karen Tracy, Dr. Karen A Tracy, LLC
5. The Science Of Stuck
In my experience, feeling trapped or stuck is often the cause of negativity and pessimism. I’d recommend The Science of Stuck: Breaking Through Inertia to Find Your Path Forward by Britt Frank. She gives easy-to-understand answers to why our brain keeps us stuck and how to get it unstuck (which is the real work). She’s funny, tells some deep truths about herself that immediately make you feel seen and backs her work up with science. – Ellen Whitlock Baker, EWB Coaching
6. The Gap And The Gain
The Gap and The Gain: The High Achievers’ Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success, by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy, flips the script on success. Instead of measuring yourself against an ever-moving ideal future state (the gap), you measure against the progress you’ve made from your past (the gain). It’s a simple mindset shift that focuses on how far you’ve come instead of how far you have to go. This fuels momentum, confidence and forward movement. – Mel Cidado, Breakthrough Coaching
7. The Happiness Advantage
One book I recommend is The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life by Shawn Achor. It’s a powerful reminder that happiness isn’t the result of success but the fuel that drives it. Achor offers practical strategies for reframing your perspective, finding gratitude and building resilience. For clients who feel stuck in negativity, it helps them see that optimism isn’t naive—it’s a skill they can practice. – Kathryn Lancioni, Presenting Perfection
8. The Power Of Now
The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle is not just a book; it’s a shift in perspective. For someone stuck in negative thinking, it teaches how to gently observe the mind without being consumed by it. By anchoring attention to the present, it dissolves the grip of worry, regret and self-judgment. Clarity follows presence, and presence begins now. – Kiran Mann, M2M Business Solutions Inc.
9. The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People
I recommend The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen Covey. Its timeless principles help shift focus from problems to possibilities, building a proactive mindset grounded in values and purpose. By learning to prioritize what you can control, you naturally reduce negativity and create space for optimism, resilience and meaningful progress, both professionally and personally. – Veronica Angela, CONQUER EDGE, LLC
10. Man’s Search For Meaning
I’d recommend Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. It provides a powerful perspective from someone who survived unimaginable suffering yet found purpose and meaning. The book demonstrates how we maintain freedom to choose our attitude even in difficult circumstances, offering both practical wisdom and profound hope. – Jonathan H. Westover, Ph.D., Human Capital Innovations
11. Learned Optimism
There are so many good books, but I often recommend Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life, by Martin Seligman, as it offers a powerful framework for reframing negative thinking using evidence-based strategies. It is not about forced positivity, but about building resilience by challenging unhelpful beliefs. Clients who read it gain language to name limiting patterns and tools to shift mindset and lead with emotional agility. – Dr. Flo Falayi, Korn Ferry
12. Meaningful Work
Most of my clients are C-level, and most of their pessimism arises from people problems. Meaningful Work: How to Ignite Passion and Performance in Every Employee, by Wes Adams and Tamara Myles, is a handbook for creating a workplace culture where work ignites passion and performance. It is a new, actionable book that addresses the current changes in the workplace and how to transform organizational culture. – Edward Doherty, One Degree Coaching, LLC
13. Emotional Agility
I recommend Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life by Susan David—a warm, practical guide to navigating difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them. Backed by science yet easy to read, it offers a simple four-step framework to shift from negativity to purposeful action, making it ideal for someone ready to start feeling lighter and more in control. – Stephan Lendi, Newbury Media & Communications GmbH
14. Atomic Habits
I’d recommend Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear. It emphasizes how small, consistent actions can lead to big changes, helping clients reframe their mindset. By focusing on positive habits and the power of incremental improvements, they can overcome negativity and build momentum toward a more optimistic outlook. – Yasir Hashmi, The Hashmi Group
15. Positive Intelligence
Negativity and pessimism are symptoms of a problem, not the core issue, often stemming from overused coping and survival skills. My top choice is Positive Intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential and How You Can Achieve Yours, by Shirzad Chamine, a coaching and leadership expert, CEO and more. It even includes information to access a free assessment that helps a reader target their unique issues. “PQ” has been transformational for my clients and me. – Barbara Anne Gardenhire-Mills, Purpose-Filled Solutions & Evolutions®
16. The Power Of Attitude
In John Maxwell’s book, The Power of Attitude, he makes a powerful point: “Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.” He argues that your attitude, a choice you make daily, is the single most powerful factor in shaping your life and overcoming adversity. It’s the ultimate source of personal power. – Lori Huss, Lori Huss Coaching and Consulting
17. The Radical Leap
I recommend The Radical Leap: A Personal Lesson in Extreme Leadership by Steve Farber. Published in 2004, I still use it as a foundational book with my clients. LEAP stands for love, energy, audacity and proof. True leadership is hard, and it can be scary. That fear creates negativity and pessimism. The book helps us reframe and remind ourselves why we love (yes, love!) the opportunity we have to lead. – Steven Dealph, Dealph Consulting Partners
18. Papillon
Try literature like Henri Carrier’s Papillon, a semi-autobiographical tale of prisoners’ hope and resilience under brutal conditions on an island—both nail-biting and inspirational. For nonfiction, read Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness by Ingrid Fetell Lee. Who knew colors, shapes and spatial arrangements can trigger joy, playfulness and creativity? – Susan Sadler, Sadler Communications LLC
This article was originally posted on Forbes.com.