When I first started my entrepreneurial journey, I had no idea where to turn for guidance. Sure, I had ideas, and I had a ton of passion, but what I didn’t have were the strategies, mindsets, and perspectives that would help me truly grow my business. That’s where books came in. And no, I’m not talking about fluff-filled self-help books that offer “magic formulas.” I’m talking about the books that cut through the noise, gave me practical tools, and transformed the way I approach business.
If you’re looking to level up your business and mindset, here are the books that have shaped my entrepreneurial journey and why you need to read them.
“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries
Let’s start with a game-changer. When I first heard about “The Lean Startup”, I was skeptical. The concept of launching a business with minimal resources and adapting as you go seemed… risky. But what Eric Ries teaches in this book is essential for any entrepreneur: start small, test often, and adjust quickly.
This book taught me how to approach my business not as a “perfect product” but as something that evolves over time. I stopped getting bogged down in perfection and instead embraced the idea of constantly testing, learning, and improving. If you want to build a business that grows, lean into experimentation.
“You Are a Badass at Making Money” by Jen Sincero
Okay, real talk: money mindset is EVERYTHING when you’re building a business. For the longest time, I had a warped relationship with money. I was scared to charge what I was worth and felt like I had to hustle nonstop to make ends meet. Enter “You Are a Badass at Making Money” by Jen Sincero. This book completely shifted my perspective on money and success.
Jen’s bold, no-nonsense style encouraged me to stop playing small and step into my full potential. It helped me unblock my money mindset and believe that I could build a profitable business without feeling guilty about it. If you struggle with pricing yourself, charging what you’re worth, or stepping into the wealth you deserve, this book is a must-read.
“Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert
Creativity is at the heart of every business I’ve built, but it’s not always easy to maintain that creative spark. That’s why “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert was a lifesaver. This book isn’t just for artists—it’s for anyone who wants to live a creative life, including entrepreneurs.
Gilbert’s take on creativity is freeing. She talks about making space for creative inspiration and not getting bogged down by fear. I stopped worrying about being “perfect” or “ready” to create something big. Instead, I embraced the messiness and the magic of the creative process. She gave me permission to take imperfect action and, in turn, it allowed me to take bigger creative risks in my business.
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear
If you’re looking to create long-term, sustainable growth in your business, “Atomic Habits” by James Clear is a game-changer. This book made me rethink the way I set goals and created habits. I was tired of making grand, unrealistic goals and feeling disappointed when I couldn’t follow through.
Clear teaches you how to break down big goals into small, actionable habits that compound over time. If you’re struggling with consistency, motivation, or productivity in your entrepreneurial journey, this book will give you the tools you need to build a system that works. I’ve applied his strategies in everything from content creation to managing my daily routines, and the results speak for themselves.
“The 4-Hour Workweek” by Tim Ferriss
Let’s face it: entrepreneurship can feel like a never-ending grind if you’re not careful. That’s where Tim Ferriss comes in with “The 4-Hour Workweek.” While some of the ideas in the book are extreme (hello, automation and outsourcing!), the underlying message is what really clicked for me: work smarter, not harder.
Tim’s focus on outsourcing, automation, and time management helped me create more freedom in my business without sacrificing growth. He challenges the idea that you need to work 60-hour weeks to be successful, and that mindset shift was incredibly liberating. This book pushed me to look for ways to automate tasks, delegate more, and free up time for the things that truly move the needle in my business.
“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek
Lastly, no list would be complete without “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek. This book is the foundation for everything I do in my business. If you’re struggling to define your business’s purpose or struggling to connect with your audience, this book will help you get crystal clear on why you’re doing what you’re doing.
Sinek’s message is simple: people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it. Once I tapped into my “why” and connected it to my audience, everything changed. My content felt more purposeful, my messaging was clearer, and I started attracting people who resonated with my mission. If you want to build a loyal community and stay focused on what truly matters in your entrepreneurial journey, start with your “why.”
The Bottom Line: The Right Books Will Change Your Business
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from these books, it’s that entrepreneurship isn’t just about hustle—it’s about creating the right mindset, building systems that work for you, and connecting with your purpose. These books helped me reframe my approach to business, and they can help you do the same.
Don’t be afraid to dive into these reads and find the wisdom that resonates with you. Every entrepreneur’s journey is different, but the right books can help light your path.
What books have shaped your entrepreneurial journey? Drop your favorites in the comments below or share your thoughts on any of the books I mentioned! Let’s keep the conversation going and learn from each other.
Ready to turn what you know into income?
Here’s where to start:
✨ First, build a business that works for your life. show up smarter.
Inside [Digital Wealth Academy], you’ll learn how to use digital marketing to sell digital products and make real income—without the overwhelm.
✨ Next, show up smarter.
Grab the [Reel Formula Guide] to batch content, create reels with confidence, and finally feel clear on what to post.
✨ Then, sell with soul.
[Stress Free Sales] gives you the step-by-step system to scale without cold DMs, burnout, or burnout-y sales scripts. Just trust, connection, and conversions on repeat.
Comments +