20 Life-Changing Books You Must Add to Your
List for 2017
Every book on this list has the power to change
your life.
The magical thing about books is that they have the power
to change your life. It's a big reason why reading
is an activity shared by the most successful
people on earth.
The
right book at the right time is priceless. With the investment of a few hours
and less than $15 you can obtain actionable advice and knowledge that took
brilliant people years to figure out. Or you can gain the inspiration you need
to change
something in your life.
The new year is the perfect time to make an
intention to read more books. I've compiled a list of 20 books that are
frequently recommended for entrepreneurs. Some are new, others are timeless
classics. Some will challenge your idea of entrepreneurship, and others will
challenge your personal status quo.
1. How to Win Friends and Influence People by
Dale Carnegie
This
book changed my life. It's the book I hear most commonly recommended by other
entrepreneurs. This book will change your outlook on life while helping
you become
a more likable person. I read it twice a year, every year, and
I've read it 14 times in total.
2. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
The
Alchemist is a classic hero's journey. Santiago sets
out on an adventure to a far away land in search of treasure. During his
travels, he meets strangers, discovers the treasures hidden within, and learns
the importance of listening to the wisdom of his heart. It's a personal
favorite of actor Will Smith.
3. Start With Why by Simon Sinek
"People don't buy what you do, they buy
why you do it," according to Simon Sinek. This book explores how having a
clear purpose and mission can propel you to the success you want, both in life
and in your business. It's a must-read.
4. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
The "lean methodology" has helped
hundreds of entrepreneurs bootstrap businesses and scale them with minimum
time, money, and resources. This is a great book for solo-entrepreneurs and
startups alike.
5. The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
Another
one of the most commonly recommended books for entrepreneurs, The Hard
Thing About Hard Things provides a candid and realistic picture of
just how messy starting a business can be. Read this dynamic book to become
a better leader or entrepreneur.
6. Zero to One by
Blake Masters and Peter Thiel
It's hard to find a better business and
startup book than this one. Masters and Thiel provide insight on how unicorns
are made, and how key principles can impact your success. It's an easy read,
yet the principles are powerful.
7. The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff
This
book turns Winnie-the-Pooh into a quintessential example of Taoist philosophy.
It's a simple read and you'll learn
how important mindfulness, staying grounded, and
gratitude are for personal and professional success.
8. The Dip by
Seth Godin
The "dip" is the period of time
after you launch and enjoy some early success when things get really hard. It's
when you start doubting yourself. Ultimately, the dip is the most important
period for you to get through in order to find success. This book empowers you
with a stronger awareness of what that period means and the perspective to
overcome it.
9. Crucial Conversations by Al Switzler, Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, and Ron
McMillan
The best leaders know how to turn tough
conversations into positives moments for all parties involved. If you want to
join the ranks of great leaders, read this book and master the art of crucial
conversations.
10. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Ever wonder why the most successful people
talk about their habits? This book will teach you the biological origins of
habit, and how to use psychology and evolutionary biology to undo bad ones and
replace them with new routines that will fuel your success.
11. Tribes by
Seth Godin
Seth
Godin is a legend in the marketing industry, and this book is one of his
best. Tribes highlights how communities form around successful
brands and why a community is so important to a brand's success.
12. The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
Tim Ferriss provides a blueprint for escaping
the daily grind through outsourcing and automation, so you can live the life
you want instead of waiting to retire. This book will inspire you to design the
life you want, and empower you with tools to build that life.
13. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
This classic, seven-pronged approach
encourages you to find your "true north," move out of inertia, and
accomplish your goals.
14. The Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy Gallwey
Instead of focusing on technique or skill,
author Timothy Gallwey encourages readers to discover their potential through
the practice of concentration, mindfulness, and breaking bad habits.
15. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
A classic by business luminary Napoleon Hill,
this book details and condenses the lessons obtained over 20 years of studying
successful leaders into "laws" that can be applied to achieve success
in any line of work.
16. The Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte
Get out of your own way and make your dreams
a reality. That's the promise of this "apathy kicking" book that
takes you on a soul-searching journey to discover your desires and define the
life you want.
17. Mindset by
Carol S. Dweck
Do you have a fixed mindset or a growth
mindset? Author Carol Dweck examines this mindset dichotomy, and how success is
influenced by our approach to life and how we approach achieving our goals.
18. Thrive by
Arianna Huffington
In this manifesto, the co-founder and former
editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post challenges the way we think about
success, asserting that there is more to life than the pursuit of money and
power.
19. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
This book details how little changes can lead
to a "tipping point" where products, ideas, and behaviors can spread
like a virus.
20. Rework by
Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
The founders of Basecamp (formerly 37signals)
wrote this startup playbook for the modern world, challenging readers to defy
the status quo, simplify the way they work, and take action in pursuit of their
dreams.
The benefits of diversified knowledge
This
year, try to read books that go beyond just business. Don't be afraid to read a
novel that might inspire you to travel, like The Alchemist. Don't avoid The
Tao of Pooh because you assume Taoism is religious or you're too grown
up to read about Winnie-the-Pooh.
Your world will expand when you read about
different people, places, and principles. Remember that inspiration can come in
unexpected ways and from unexpected sources. You never know, one of these books
could change your life. Several of them changed mine.
By Andrew
Thomas
http://www.inc.com/andrew-thomas/20-books-all-entrepreneurs-should-read-in-2017.html
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