20+ Books for Entrepreneurs Seeking Motivation
Expert-recommended reads to spark your ambition again.
Even the brightest entrepreneurial spark can dim at times.
The hustle, the setbacks, and the grind can leave you feeling stuck.
But here’s the thing: sparks are always there. Sometimes, they need a little fuel to reignite.
So, we asked those who’ve walked the entrepreneurial path, faced the highs and lows, and come out stronger this one question:
“What book do you turn to when you need motivation as an entrepreneur?”
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
I often turn to “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries whenever I need a reminder to stay focused and adaptive in the face of challenges.
One thing that always resonates with me is Ries’s idea of “validated learning”—this concept of testing ideas in a low-risk way to gauge if they’re worth pursuing further.
Steve Sacona, Founder, Top 10 Lawyers
It’s a convenient guide that reminds me of the power of starting small, testing ideas, and learning as you go.
It’s encouraging because it takes the pressure off trying to get everything perfect right out of the gate.
Every time I revisit it, I appear energized to tackle challenges with a fresh perspective and a willingness to adapt. It’s a reminder that growth isn’t linear and that resilience and flexibility are often our best tools.
The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
This book is remarkable as it does not trivialize the difficulties of being an entrepreneur.
Rather, Horowitz also tells how he had to make tough choices, deal with conflict, and persevere in difficult situations with little clarity about the future.
What remains as a key framing aspect is the notion that we need to accept the discomfort of the situation and act with incomplete information when necessary.
Cache Merrill, Founder, Zibtek
This book doesn’t sugarcoat the struggles of running a business; instead, it dives straight into the harsh realities and tough decisions that leaders must face.
Horowitz uses lessons from his own experiences to provide guidance on handling difficult situations, which is invaluable when I’m navigating the ups and downs of running Theme Park Brochures.
His advice gives me a practical framework to move forward confidently, reminding me that all entrepreneurs face these moments of truth at some point.
Rhett Crites, Founder, Theme Park Brochures
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
When I need motivation or a confidence boost, I often read “Daring Greatly” by Brene Brown.
It encourages me to step outside my comfort zone and take bold actions, whether launching a new product or having difficult conversations with my team.
When I feel uncertain about a decision or face challenges, revisiting Brown’s work helps me regain perspective, reminding me that taking risks and being authentic can lead to meaningful progress.
Paul Jameson, Founder, Aura.life
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
At our company, I’m always managing challenges and chasing big ideas, and Knight’s story about building Nike from the ground up resonates deeply.
There’s a moment in the book where he describes trusting his gut, even when it went against conventional wisdom.
This hit home because trusting my instincts has been a guiding force in my own journey.
It’s a raw, behind-the-scenes look at building Nike, and it’s packed with every struggle you can imagine: financial stress, supply chain chaos, product flops, you name it.
night’s journey reminds me that every entrepreneur, even the ones who end up leading billion-dollar brands, starts with doubts, tough breaks, and a string of near-disasters.
Thomas Moussafer, Co-Founder, Jimo
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
At Superbly Scripted, I’ve witnessed how encouraging individuals to pursue creativity without fear can lead to personal breakthroughs.
For instance, many of our clients have transformed their stories into sources of strength and self-findy, much like how Gilbert describes allowing inspiration to take the lead.
Jessica Neutz, Founder, Superbly Scripted
Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Holli
I love this book’s focus on practical steps and actionable advice. Hollis provides relatable anecdotes and strategies that empower me to push past self-doubt and take bold action.
Her emphasis on goal-setting and accountability inspires me to reflect on my own objectives and take ownership of my journey.
This book is my go-to source of inspiration and empowerment whenever I need a reminder of my potential.
Betsy Pepine, Owner and Real Estate Broker, Pepine Realty
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
This book helped me understand the power of a growth mindset, which has been crucial in running my solar installation business.
It emphasizes that skills, intelligence, and success are all things we can grow with time and effort rather than something we’re born with or without.
That idea transformed how I view setbacks-not as failures, but as valuable learning opportunities.
Phill Stevens, Founder & CEO, Avail Solar
I often turn to “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert when I need a dose of motivation and confidence.
What I love most about it is its message that creativity is not just reserved for a select few; it’s something we all can tap into.
She talks about the importance of curiosity and how it can lead us to unexpected places, which is so relevant in the ever-evolving world of business.
Danielle Hu, Founder, The Wanderlover
Atomic Habits by James Clear
The book’s science-backed approach to building small, incremental changes has transformed how I tackle business challenges.
The concept of improving by 1% each day compounds into remarkable results, which has helped me maintain momentum during tough periods.
The most impactful lesson from the book centers on identity-based habits. Instead of focusing solely on outcomes, I’ve learned to embody the characteristics of a successful business owner.
This mental shift from “I want to build a successful company” to “I am becoming a skilled entrepreneur” has strengthened my resolve during setbacks.
This book is a game-changer for understanding how small, consistent actions can lead to extraordinary results over time.
Whenever I feel stuck or doubt my abilities, I revisit Clear’s stories and advice to remind myself of the power of small wins.
It’s the perfect confidence boost and a reminder that growth is a continuous process.
Jason Holicky, Owner and Marketing Consultant, Holicky Corporation
Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard
When I need a little motivation as an entrepreneur, I grab Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia.
Chouinard writes so honestly about Patagonia’s journey and his own struggles with conventional business thinking.
Chouinard shows you can be incredibly successful without losing your values, and honestly, that’s a message every entrepreneur could use.
Stefano Lodola, Founder & Course Author, Think Languages
Company of One by Paul Jarvis
A good insight from the book is the idea of challenging the traditional metrics of success.
Jarvis suggests that entrepreneurs focus on elements like freedom, autonomy, and the quality of work-life balance rather than just revenue charts or market shares.
This perspective can be a game-changer, especially for those who feel trapped in the relentless pursuit of growth at the expense of personal fulfillment.
Allan Wille, CEO & Co-Founder, Klipfolio
Good to Great by Jim Collins
What I find most motivating is the concept of the “Hedgehog Principle,” which encourages businesses to find the intersection of what they’re passionate about, what they can be the best at, and what drives their economic engine.
Whenever I need confidence, I revisit Collins’ insights on Level 5 Leadership-leaders who blend humility with intense professional will.
It’s a reminder that true success is rooted in serving a purpose larger than ourselves.
Justin Landis, Founder, Justin Landis Group
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
As someone who has navigated the entrepreneurial waters for over a decade, “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek has been a steadfast companion on this journey.
Opening its cover reminds me of the importance of purpose and re-centers my focus on why I embarked on this path with KetieStory.
Although the entrepreneurial journey can sometimes feel isolating, this book serves as an encouraging nudge towards clarity and determination.
Ketie Zhang, Founder, Ketie Story
Whenever I start feeling down or demotivated, I tried to remember why I’m doing what I’m doing.
This is the simplest thing that is easy to forget, but it really helps. And this book is precisely about that.
In order to have the strength to keep going and for your company or project to succeed, you need to understand the purpose behind it.
Developing a deep understanding of the “why” includes defining clear goals, mission, and values of your business.
It’s important to regularly go back to these “whys” to make sure that you and your team truly connect with these fundamentals of the company.
Dmytro Tymoshenko, CEO of Noiz, Noiz
Watch an animated summary of another insightful piece from Simon Sinek; Find Your Why — created by LeadLearnLeap:
The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander
This book flips your mindset faster than a kiln heats up. AIt reminds me to see every challenge as an opportunity (even when it feels more like a disaster waiting to happen) and helps me reframe obstacles as stepping stones.
The book’s stories make me feel like I could conquer anything, one “possibility” at a time, even if that means coaxing a kiln back to life on a Monday morning.
The kind of book leaves you thinking, “Yep, I’ve got this… kiln dust and all!”
Gail Stouffer, Owner, KilnFrog.com
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma
As an entrepreneur, my go-to book for motivation is “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” by Robin Sharma.
It aligns with my journey to promote core SGI practices, emphasizing inner happiness and personal change.
This philosophy has been crucial in my role at Net Success USA, where we focus on changing businesses through exceptional SEO strategies.
Neal Stein, President, Net Success USA
The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday
It’s a book that reframes challenges as stepping stones rather than setbacks, which is essential in our fast-moving industry.
Holiday’s philosophy on embracing adversity as part of growth reminds me that even the toughest moments can be fuel for future success.
I often find that by applying this mindset, I approach problems with more clarity and a sense of purpose, transforming obstacles into opportunities.
This stoic approach grounds me, making every hurdle feel like a chance to learn and grow.
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth
This book has been a game-changer for me, especially when the road gets tough.
It reminds me that success isn’t just about talent or luck-it’s about relentless perseverance and a deep, unwavering passion for what we’re building.
Duckworth’s insights into the power of grit have been a huge motivator, especially on those challenging days when the vision feels far away.
It helps me remember that staying the course, even through setbacks, is often the key to long-term success.
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
The story is told from the perspective of Enzo, a dog who believes he’ll come back as a human someday.
He’s got this unique way of seeing life that really resonates with me. Enzo watches his owner, Denny, navigate the ups and downs of life and racing.
He learns that just like in racing, where you focus on where you want to go, in life, you have to keep your eyes on your goals.
Enzo says something that sticks with me: “Your car goes where your eyes go.” It’s simple but powerful.
Gary Gray, CEO, CouponChief.com
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
I turn to Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now to stay motivated as an entrepreneur.
Tolle connects you to the Buddhist Philosophy of staying in the present moment without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
He suggests mindfulness as a powerful method for observing your thoughts, responding to challenges, and learning from your mistakes.
Whenever I feel low during my profession, I turn its pages to embrace the present moment and find inner peace.
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
I read this book a few years ago, and it’s been pivotal in shaping my approach and understanding of leadership, as well as the importance of creating a supporting and strong company culture.
The book talks about the importance of putting your team first and creating an environment where trust and collaboration are paramount.
It helps you realize, as a leader, that success blooms out of a culture where people feel safe and valued.
David Janovic, Founder & CEO, RJ Living
The Power Law: Venture Capital and the Making of the New Future by Sebastian Mallaby
Mallaby provides insightful profiles of influential venture capitalists and the companies they helped build, highlighting the power of bold investments and long-term vision.
This can be particularly motivating for a health tech entrepreneur navigating a rapidly evolving landscape and seeking to make a lasting impact.
Bjørn Ekeberg, CEO and Co-founder, Recharge Health
The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor
This book definitely gives me an extra boost whenever I feel overwhelmed as an entrepreneur.
It helped me understand that success FOLLOWS happiness rather than the other way around.
The book also made me realize that oftentimes, I expected to be happy immediately after success rather than building a foundation of happiness to build upon.
David Rubie-Todd, Co-Founder & Marketing Head, Sticker It
Put Your Team First
For me, this e-book is more than a manual for achievement; it’s like a non-public playbook on mindset.
Hill’s cognizance of a “specific fundamental cause” resonates deeply. He emphasizes that, as entrepreneurs, we want to be crystal clear on what we’re striving for and why it matters.
Whenever I hit a difficult patch or experience like I’m losing sight of the larger picture, I return to this idea.
Kraig Kleeman, CEO and Founder, The New Workforce
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
I turn to How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
It’s a reminder that business is fundamentally about relationships, emphasizing the importance of connection, empathy, and clear communication.
Patric Edwards, Founder & Principal Software Architect, Cirrus Bridge
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