So, I hear you’re social isolating? Fun… Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business veteran looking to hone your skills — having an active reading list is a necessity. Despite all of the YouTube videos, Netflix binges, TedTalks, and podcasts that are available — books remain the best source for guidance and inspiration. With that in mind, here’s a list of the ten motivational business books to try out while you’re home.
1. “Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers” by Tim Ferriss.
Even though this was released in December 2016, I’ve reread it, and I’m still going to include it in my list of motivational books.
After interviewing over 200 of the most successful people in the world for his podcast, Tim Ferriss, the multi-New York Times Bestselling author of “The 4-Hour Workweek,” shares “the distilled tools, tactics, and ‘inside baseball’ you won’t find anywhere else.” The book also includes tips, as well as life lessons from his guests.
Through these interviews, Ferris was able to provide some of the best business advice, productivity tips, and life lessons out there. The advice from guests like Tony Robbins, Daymond John, and Derek Sivers will undoubtedly make you a more successful business person.
2. “All in: 101 Real Life Business Lessons for Emerging Entrepreneurs” by Bill Green
Green shares 101 key insights that he has learned over a 40-year business career. These insights have taken him from a flea market table to building one of the largest industrial distribution companies in the country. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, this is a glimpse into what you’ll need to go from a startup founder to CEO of a publicly traded company.
“All In” also shows that even the most successful entrepreneurs in the world had humble beginnings. But, thanks to persistence, dedication, and committing yourself 100% you too can become extremely successful — no matter where you started.
3. “Barking Up the Wrong Tree” by Eric Barker
Eric Barker has been running the popular blog, which is the same name as the book, since 2009. The blog has become a fan-favorite thanks to the insights Eric shares from social psychology, which help readers overcome daily challenges.
In the book, Barker uses compelling anecdotes, along with scientific research, to debunk common myths involving the science of success.
For instance, did you know that high-school valedictorians don’t always have a better chance at success than you? The book gives readers tools for defining what success means to them.
Best of all? The book is incredibly easy to follow since Barker writes in a conversational-bordering-on-jokey tone. At the same, he does take the science of success seriously. So, you are assured that you learn a lot of useful information.
4. “Why Motivating People Doesn’t Work…And What Does: The New Science of Leading, Energizing and Engaging” by Susan Fowler.
Susan Fowler is a leadership coach and researcher. As such, she’s gathered compelling data that illustrates why everything we thought we know about motivating employees is wrong. Organizations are stressing the importance of motivation — this is a must-read book.
Besides debunking myths, Fowler also shares about what tactics actually work based on her experience with companies and organizations. Ms. Fowler has worked with companies like Microsoft, NASA, Mattel, and the Catholic Leadership Institute
5. “Unshakeable: Your Financial Freedom Playbook” by Tony Robbins
If you’re looking for insightful financial advice, then look no further than the guru himself, Tony Robbins. “Unshakeable” is essentially a compilation of “the best of the best.” The book collects and shares the knowledge and wisdom from the top financial minds in the world. Robbins’ info can then be used to create a playbook for your own financial freedom.
Whether if you need help with getting your personal finances in order or a business owner wanting to get a grasp on their company’s finances — this is a must-read for everyone.
6. “Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy” by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
“Option B” is a raw, honest, and powerful book that focuses on Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg dealing with the sudden loss of her husband Dave Goldberg in 2015.
With the assistance of Wharton psychologist Adam Grant, Sandberg uses her own experience to explore resiliency when tragedy strikes. The book also discusses how you can move forward and show compassion for others who are hurting — lessons we all need right now.
7. “Super Structured: How to Overcome Chaos and Win Back Time” by David Stiernholm
How can we best deal with information overload, while still effectively leading ourselves and others? Sweden’s only struktör, David Stiernholm, shares the concept of structure so you can become more organized and focused. The book also tells you how to automate what you can.
The book also includes valuable information in the form of methods, routines, and tools that can increase happiness, motivation, and productivity.
8. “Bulletproof Confidence: The Art of Not Caring What People Think and Living Fearlessly” by Patrick King
As a fan of King’s previous work — such as “Improve Your Conversations,” I couldn’t wait to read this when it just came out. I definitely wasn’t disappointed.
King provides real, simple, and practical advice to guide you into the life you want. Instead of hiding behind fear, King urges you to embrace that fear and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Once you do, you can break through those barriers that are blocking your success.
9. “Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One” by Jenny Blake
Pivot still deserves to be included in this list, though it’s a couple of years old. It’s an actionable guide that will help your startup survive by learning how to become lean, agile, and prepared for anything.
The book also discusses topics ranging from how to double-down on your strengths and cover your weaknesses to how to determine which ideas are worth pursuing.
10. “The Future of Happiness: 5 Modern Strategies for Balancing Productivity and Well-Being in the Digital Era” by Amy Blankson
This business book is also a personal growth book that addresses how technology can help, and hinder our emotional well being — even when it doesn’t have to. That’s a concern since technology has become an essential part of our personal and professional and personal life.
Because of this book, Blankson, who is the co-founder of a global positive psychology consulting firm, provides five modern strategies to help readers survive and thrive. The strategies include staying grounded, knowing yourself, training the brain, creating a habit for happiness and being a conscious innovator.
Motivational Business Books
What were the best motivational business books you read last year? What is your all-time favorite among all motivational business books?
