Motivational books sometimes get a bad reputation and often, it’s deserved. Who hasn’t bought a glossy-covered self-improvement book promising to “change your life” only to abandon it three chapters in when Netflix calls? But every so often, the right motivational read sticks reshaping your habits, boosting your mindset, and sparking genuine personal growth.

Fun fact: when Chapters Bookstore Dublin launched our website, the very first book ever bought online was Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King. Which feels right - like the internet’s algorithm knew we could use a little positivity.

Here’s our totally objective, absolutely scientific, mildly caffeine-fuelled list of the best motivational books in Ireland you can buy right now all available at Chapters Bookstore Dublin you’re welcome, future self.

1. Good Vibes, Good Life – Vex King

Good Life by Vex King would be it, by Vex King blends personal stories, self-love theory, and a dash of manifest-your-dreams into something that makes you want to get off the sofa. Psychology buffs will notice his quiet nod to self-determination theory competence, autonomy, relatedness without any of the academic footnotes.

“You cannot control everything that happens to you; you can only control the way you respond to what happens. Your response is your power.”

2. Closer to Love – Vex King

Where Good Vibes, Good Life sets the stage for self-worth, Closer to Love – Vex King digs into how we connect with others (and ourselves) without losing the plot. It’s attachment theory meets modern dating with a side order of “please stop texting your ex.”

“Love is not just something you feel - it’s something you do, over and over again.”

3. The Let Them Theory – Mel Robbins

Mel Robbins has basically bottled boundary-setting into a pithy, portable rule in The Let Them Theory – Mel Robbins: let people be who they are, while you get on with your actual life. Its radical acceptance meets stoic philosophy, with less togas and more coffee. Perfect for recovering people-pleasers who can’t quite bring themselves to ignore a WhatsApp message.

 “When you let people be who they are, you create space for yourself to be who you are

4. Your One Wild and Precious Life – Maureen Gaffney

Maureen Gaffney, national treasure and psychologist, gives you a roadmap for a life that’s more intentional than accidental in Your One Wild and Precious Life. The title nods to Mary Oliver’s famous poem, but Gaffney’s prose is pure pragmatic optimism. Expect neuroscience, life design theory, and a good dose of “you can do this” Irish sensibility.

“You can drift into a life you never planned - or you can shape a life you truly want.”

5. Atomic Habits – James Clear

The motivational juggernaut that launched a thousand habit trackers, Atomic Habits by James Clear proves that transformation doesn’t come from overhauling your life in a single weekend, but from tweaking your cue → craving → response → reward loop (straight from behavioural psychology). Read it if you’ve ever promised yourself, you’d start running “tomorrow”.

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

6. The Habit Revolution – Dr Gina Cleo

Cleo takes you beyond “just do it” motivational slogans in The Habit Revolution, exploring the real science of why habits stick and why they don’t. Think of it as Atomic Habits with a lifestyle coach and a biology degree, bringing habit change into the world of everyday, doable action

“Habits aren’t broken by force - they’re replaced by design.”

7. Honourable Mention: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck – Mark Manson

Equal part’s existential philosophy and no-nonsense coaching, Honourable Mention: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* is for anyone tired of relentless “good vibes only” culture. Manson channels the stoics, a little Sartre, and a lot of common sense, with enough swearing to make it feel like a pep talk from a brutally honest friend.

“You can’t be an important and life-changing presence for some people without also being a joke and an embarrassment to others.”

Why Buy Second-Hand Books at Chapters?

If you love these titles but also love a bargain, our second-hand section is a treasure trove. You’ll find gently read copies of popular self-improvement books at a fraction of the price, making it easier to build your personal library without breaking the bank. Plus, buying pre-loved books is kinder to the planet – and you never know, you might spot a past reader’s scribbled note in the margins that speaks to you as much as the author’s words.

The truth is that motivational books are like gym memberships: buying one isn’t enough you actually have to use it. But with the right mix of science, storytelling, and sass, these bestsellers might just be the catalyst you need. And if not, well at least they look good on the coffee table.

We’ll leave you with the Mary Oliver line that inspired one of our favourites on this list:

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”