Calling all bookworms! Guys, when is the last time you sat down, opened a book, and let words speak to you? While reading provides relaxation and a mental break, books can also be an incredibly powerful tool in your business. The words found in those pages can elevate and inspire not only you, but your work. I have read countless books throughout the longevity of my business, but the following are the ones that stick out to me as complete game changers.
Purple Cow by Seth Godin
After reading this book, I strive for my brand to be a Purple Cow. Wait, what? What is a purple cow? It catches your eye, it makes you think, it holds attention. In “Purple Cow” by Seth Godin I was inspired to embrace the individuality of my business and use that stand out and appeal to potential clients. Not only does it serve as a great reminder to be yourself and capitalize on your strengths in the business world, it provides tips and tricks to market your work in a way that will grab clients’ attention. This book serves as a great reminder to not only accept, but broadcast what makes your business unique.
Purple Cow, Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable
Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist
Holy moly, gang. Present Over Perfect sheds so much light on what it truly means to be human. As business owners, it is so easy to get wrapped up in success: profits, exposure, instagram likes, email inboxes- there are so many numbers and values that we let define us. This book invites you to exhale and unearth the human you were meant to be– before the business and stress defined you. Shauna Niequist wrote pages on pages reminding you to live with grace, soak in the messy beauty of life, and to live life connected to what matters. What an amazing reminder that YOU can choose what captivates your attention and controls your emotions. Truly a must read!
Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living
7 Habits of Highly Effective People Stephen Covey
This book is a game changer. In 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey digs into personal development and how that translates to professional growth. From time management to positivity, this book covers so many relatable, crucial topics. Covey looks at the 7 recommended habits through both personal and professional lenses, giving the reader many chances to aspire to be their best selves. Whether you are looking for growth as an entrepreneur or within yourself, this book serves as a vivid reminder that a better YOU is out there- now, go get it!
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss
Tim Ferriss’s 4 Hour Work Week is a powerful tool in reminding you that no dream is too big, too late, or too unique. This books provides a real kick in the pants to get out and chase your goals. These pages provide countless methods to incorporate into your business, productivity habits, and financial choices. 4 Hour Work Week is full of real-life dream chasing blueprints of how to let go of fear’s grip and make. it. happen. If you are in need of a business peptalk with new strategies, do yourself a favor and give this book a read!
The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Calling all creatives! All of us know the struggle of trying and yearning for that next big idea to come around. In this book, Elizabeth Gilbert digs into the creative process and how to generate inspiration. She looks at creativity through multiple lenses and how our choices, mindsets, and lifestyles can impact our creative juices. This book is written with a light hearted tone that packs a serious punch– offering an evaluation of our current creative landscape and ideas for growth. Please, please, please read this book if you are feeling in a rut or complacent in your work ! There is SO much room for growth and ideas and “Big Magic” is the perfect book to provide the spark.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
These specific books were crazy valuable in building my business and provided so many opportunities to evaluate and elevate business methods. Read one or two (or all 5!) of these books for a healthy dose of inspiration, innovation, and ideas to your brand!
I’m currently reading Two Turns to Zero by Stacey Griffith and LOVING it! As a twenty-something who is constantly inundated with messages about what size I should be, why I should be working out, what I should be eating, etc. to live a happy life, this book completely turns around perspective on fitness. It’s all about finding your personal reason for working out and staying fit – whether it be a stress reliever, or just something you do to gain community, or for another reason entirely! I’m having a lot of trouble putting it down!!
Thanks for the book recs! I’m always looking for more reading material!
I’ll have to add that to my list for 2017! Thanks for the recommendation!
I am almost done with Big Magic and every time I read a new piece of it, I am inspired to dream big and get to work!
Right? One of my favorites!
Love these!! Big Magic was great and Present Over Perfect prompted me to make some big changes. I haven’t read Purple Cow yet but its definitely on the list!
Same here Rosemary! Glad you agree!
The 4 Hour Work Week was the first book I purchased after transitioning to self-employment. Great book with applicable tools!
Awesome! I agree!
Badass Your Brand by Pia Silva, I enjoyed her tips on scheduling your time as an entrepreneur, she had helpful tips when it came to finances, doing what you love and getting paid. I’m re-working my site and starting my own LLC soon. So, I’ve been reading a ton and listening to the Goal Digger podcast constantly.
“Miracle Morning” is about to change my life 🙂
(Love all you do Jenna and stay quiet most of the time but attentive to your work always! (Excuse my french! :))
LOVED Big Magic!!! This is a great list, thanks for sharing.