This is a post about my favorite books for entrepreneurs. Let me explain why… I started my first business 21 years ago with little more than a high school education (OK there was one year of acting school but that didn’t prepare me much!) I like to say I learned everything I know about business through trial and error, a Google search bar and a library card.
As an entrepreneur, reading has been one of my biggest tools for growth. Leaders are Readers after all. There are so many incredible books that offer insights, strategies, and inspiration (I think I’ve read about 1,000 of them at this point) that can propel you forward on your entrepreneurial journey. Since I get asked all the time about what I’m reading, I’d love to share some of my absolute favorite books for entrepreneurs that have had a profound impact on me and my business. If you’re ready to grow and level up, these books should be on your shelf!
1. The One Thing by Gary Keller
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my entrepreneurial journey, it’s that focus is everything. Gary Keller’s The One Thing has been a game-changer for me in terms of understanding how to focus my energy and efforts on what truly matters. This book teaches you how to cut through the noise of everyday distractions and focus on that one thing that will have the greatest impact on your life and business. By narrowing your focus, you can make massive strides in less time. Whether it’s scaling your business, improving personal productivity, or simply finding balance, The One Thing will help you identify and prioritize your most important tasks. It’s all about doing less, but doing it better.
2. The Dip by Seth Godin
If you haven’t read The Dip by Seth Godin yet, you’re missing out on one of the most essential reads for entrepreneurs who’ve been “in the game” for a long time. Seth’s insights on knowing when to push forward and when to quit are incredibly valuable. In the book, Seth discusses the concept of “The Dip,” that tough period where most people quit, but those who push through it end up achieving great success.
If you want even more insights into Seth’s genius, I had the privilege of interviewing him on my podcast (after half a decade of trying!) where we dive deeper into his ideas. It’s a must-listen if you’re navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship or freelancing. You can catch our conversation here.
3. Girl, Stop Apologizing by Me
Of course, if we’re going to talk about favorites, I have to mention Girl, Stop Apologizing. I never imagined I’d write a book for women who were pursuing business and careers but so many people kept asking me how they could pursue goals without their ambition upsetting their partners and I realized we have a real problem. Writing this book was my answer. t’s all about taking ownership of your goals, dreams, and ambitions, and most importantly, learning how to stop apologizing for wanting more in life. I’ve met so many women who have big dreams but hold themselves back because of imposter syndrome or fear of judgment. In Girl, Stop Apologizing, I teach you how to break free from that mindset and build the confidence you need to pursue your dreams unapologetically. This book is a call to action, a wake-up call to stop hiding and start showing up as the ambitious entrepreneur you were meant to be.
4. The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Ben Hardy
The Gap and the Gain is a powerful book by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Ben Hardy that explores a critical mindset shift that can make a huge difference in your entrepreneurial journey. The authors explain the difference between the “gap” (the space between where you are and where you want to be) and the “gain” (the progress you’ve already made). Entrepreneurs often focus too much on the gap, which leads to frustration and burnout, but focusing on the gain allows you to celebrate your progress and stay motivated. This book has been pivotal in helping me shift my mindset from a place of lack to one of abundance, helping me to stay grounded and inspired while running my business.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Ben Hardy on my podcast, where we discussed the powerful lessons from The Gap and the Gain and how you can start applying them in your life and business.
5. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a classic for a reason. This is one of my favorite books for entrepreneurs because lays out the foundation for personal and professional success, offering timeless principles for building strong habits and creating a life of purpose and balance. One of the biggest takeaways for me was Covey’s emphasis on proactivity and the importance of prioritizing what truly matters. I love the grid he made of “urgent, not urgent, important, not important” (I was so excited I drew it out in my notebook so I wouldn’t remember — hence the drawing above) In entrepreneurship, we can easily get caught up in the daily grind, constantly reacting to external circumstances, but Covey encourages us to take control of our lives by setting clear priorities and creating a plan to achieve them. His seven habits offer a holistic approach to becoming a highly effective entrepreneur—not just in business, but in all aspects of life.
6. The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman
The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman is one of those books that makes you say, “Why didn’t I think of that?” In this book, Todd introduces the concept of creating an alter ego to help you perform at your highest level. By tapping into this alter ego, you can step into your power and get past the self-doubt and hesitation that often hold us back as entrepreneurs. I love how Todd breaks down the idea of creating a persona to access your best qualities in moments when you need them most, whether that’s in a meeting, during a big presentation, or when you’re feeling overwhelmed by the weight of responsibility. It’s a fun, actionable concept that can radically change the way you show up in your business and your life.
If you haven’t yet read my favorite books for entrepreneurs, I highly recommend you add them to your reading list. And if you’re looking for even more actionable advice and inspiration, check out my podcast episodes with Seth Godin, Dr. Ben Hardy, and Todd Herman. It’s time to stop waiting and start taking action. The best is yet to come!
