June 21, 2025
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The Best Psychology Books That Changed How I Think
There are books that entertain, and then there are books that fundamentally rewire how you see the world. As someone studying both psychology and business, I’ve come across a handful of psychology books that genuinely changed how I think, feel and act. This isn’t just a list, it’s a personal journey through the ideas that shaped me. Whether you’re looking to understand yourself better, improve decision-making, or just see the world more clearly, these books are a powerful place to start. Here are the best psychology books that changed how I think:
I’ve included links if you want to grab a copy for yourself (some are affiliate links, which helps support this site at no extra cost to you).
1. Atomic Habits by James Clear
How This Book Changed My Thinking
This book taught me how influential our environments really are over our behaviours. James Clear talks about concepts such as; identity-based habits, the compounding effect of tiny changes, and environment design. It’s my go to book if I’m struggling to stay ‘on task’ or feel like I’m slipping into negative habits.
Core Idea in One Line
“Small changes, done consistently – lead to massive long-term transformations”.
Best For:
Those who want more consistency and better habits in their lives.
-> Grab it on Amazon (From $22 AUD)
2. Never Split The Difference by Chris Voss
How This Book Changed My Thinking
This book made me realize that negotiation isn’t about winning, it’s about listening. As an ex-FBI hostage negotiator, Voss teaches tactics like “tactical empathy” and “mirroring” that work just as well in everyday conversations as they do in high-stakes situations.
Core Idea in One Line
“The best negotiators don’t argue—they listen so well that others talk themselves into agreement.”
Best For:
Those who want to improve their communication and negotiation in business, relationships and life.
-> Grab it on Amazon (From $16 AUD)
3. Thinking Fast & Slow by Daniel Kahneman
How This Book Changed My Thinking
It showed me how much my thoughts and behaviours are affected by a large amount of stimulus. The split between System 1 (fast, emotional) and System 2 (slow, rational) explains so many human quirks, mistakes, and blind spots. I now catch myself mid-bias more often than I’d like to admit.
Core Idea in One Line
We rely too heavily on intuition—and our brains are full of shortcuts that often lead us astray
Best For:
Those who want to learn about decision making or personal growth.
-> Grab it on Amazon (From $16 AUD)
4. The Courage To Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
How This Book Changed My Thinking
This book reframed how I see identity, trauma, and personal responsibility. Told as a dialogue between a philosopher and a young man, it challenges the idea that your past defines you and shows that freedom begins when you stop needing approval. Sounds simple, but it’s very eye opening.
Core Idea in One Line
You are not controlled by your past, you are free to choose your present
Best For:
Anyone stuck in old thought loops, people-pleasers, or fans of stoic and minimalist thinking.
-> Grab it on Amazon (From $16 AUD)
5. The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli
How This Book Changed My Thinking
Each chapter is short, snappy, and focused on one specific bias or thinking error. It helped me spot when I’m thinking emotionally without realizing it. It helped me come to the conclusion that you can’t eliminate thinking errors, but by being aware of them, you can reduce their impact and make smarter, more rational decisions.
Core Idea in One Line
We are predictably irrational—and knowing the patterns gives you power.
Best For:
Entrepreneurs, students, or anyone who wants to sharpen their decision-making fast.
-> Grab it on Amazon (From $38 AUD)
Retention Tips
Reading psychology books can be inspiring, but transformation happens when ideas turn into action. Here’s how to actually remember and use what you learn.
Teach It To Learn It
After each chapter, try explaining the main idea in your own words, either out loud or in a journal. This is called the Feynman Technique, and it’s one of the best ways to cement your understanding.
Use the 1-1-1 Rule
Once you finish a book, take two minutes to write down:
1 key idea
1 way it shifted your thinking
1 action you’ll take going forward
It turns reading into something personal and practical.
Review Notes Weekly
Revisiting your highlights or notes every Sunday keeps insights fresh. Most people forget what they read; repetition is how you make it stick.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
There you have it, those where my picks of the best psychology books about the mind that improve thinking, decision making, behaviours and maybe even morals.
These books have helped me better understand myself and others—and I hope they do the same for you. If you pick one up, let me know what you think. If there’s a book that changed your life, I’d love to hear about it—drop a comment or email me.
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