You’ve probably read enough motivational quotes slapped over beach sunsets to fill a coffee table book by now. “Grind till you shine.” “Hustle harder.” Blah, blah, blah.
But if grit and a willingness to sacrifice sleep were all it took to win in the business world, we’d all be billionaires in our pajamas. The truth is, becoming successful in business is not about who can drink the most coffee or survive on four hours of sleep for the longest time. Nope—it’s about mindset.
Your brain? It’s the greatest asset you’ll ever have. Not the fancy MBA degree, not even that networking event where you shook hands with the guy who said he knew a guy.
It’s the way you think. The way you process success, failure, challenges, and opportunities. That’s where the magic happens—or doesn’t.
So, how do you level up that mental game? Fortunately, there are people way smarter than us who’ve been there, done that, and written it all down in these neat little things called books.
You should probably read them. Unless you want to keep making those same old mistakes, of course.
In this post, we’ll go deep into some of the best business mindset books—the ones that don’t just teach you how to do business, but how to think about business.
Because until you fix what’s going on in your head, no amount of strategy or networking is going to get you to the top.
Stop Pretending and Start Reading
Look, I’m not going to lie to you. Reading a book isn’t going to instantly turn you into the next Jeff Bezos. But it will help you start thinking like him (somewhat), which—spoiler alert—is half the battle. The thing is, when it comes to business, most of us spend too much time looking for shortcuts. “How can I close this deal faster?” “How do I scale my business with the least amount of effort?”
And the answer is always the same: You can’t cheat the grind.
But what you can do is shift the way you look at the grind. See it differently. These books we’re about to go into? They’re not here to give you step-by-step playbooks. They’re here to make you reconsider how you approach problems in the first place.
Think of them as mental tune-ups for that engine of a brain you’ve got under the hood.
The Best Business Mindset Books
Ready to get your mind right? Here are 23 must-read entrepreneurial and business mindset books that’ll have you thinking like a mogul before you can say “IPO.”
1. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
If you haven’t heard of Carol Dweck’s Mindset, then I’m guessing you’ve also never heard of the internet? This book is the godfather (or godmother?) of all the business mindset books out there. Dweck’s basic premise is simple: You either have a fixed mindset (where you think your talents are set in stone), or you have a growth mindset (where you believe you can improve and develop your skills). Which do you think the CEOs of Fortune 500 companies have? Yep, not the fixed one.
Pro-tip: You can apply this mindset stuff to more than just your business. Relationships, health, whatever. But if you’re constantly hitting a ceiling in your career, this is the first book that’ll make you realize, “Oh. Maybe it’s me.”
2. Atomic Habits by James Clear
You’ve heard it a million times: habits are the foundation of success. But what’s different about Atomic Habits is that it takes a highly tactical approach to show you how tiny changes in your habits compound over time into big results. Clear isn’t trying to blow your mind with philosophy here—he’s handing you practical tools to make you better at life and business, one tiny, atomic-level shift at a time.
Pro-tip: If you’re one of those people who says, “I’m just not a morning person,” read this book. You’ll be waking up at 5 AM like a Navy SEAL in no time.
3. The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday
Oh, Ryan Holiday. The man who made ancient Stoic philosophy cool again. The Obstacle Is The Way takes principles from Stoicism—a philosophy focused on resilience, fortitude, and turning adversity into opportunity—and applies them to modern business challenges. The premise is as old as time: obstacles aren’t in the way—they are the way. Business isn’t about avoiding problems; it’s about running headfirst into them and figuring out how to solve them better than anyone else.
Pro-tip: Read this if you tend to freak out every time things don’t go exactly as planned. It’ll help you become that annoyingly calm person in the room when everyone else is losing their minds.
4. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
If Dweck’s Mindset taught you that you can develop your skills, Angela Duckworth’s Grit will teach you how to actually do it. Duckworth’s research shows that talent is great, but perseverance—otherwise known as “grit”—is what separates the winners from the quitters. This book breaks down why being passionate and persistent over time is the real key to long-term success, especially in business.
Pro-tip: Duckworth uses real-life examples (think West Point cadets and National Spelling Bee champions) to show you just how much your level of grit matters. Spoiler alert: it’s more than you think.
5. Start With Why by Simon Sinek
Sure, it might sound a little woo-woo, but Simon Sinek’s Start With Why will make you rethink why you do everything—especially in business. Most companies focus on what they do and how they do it. But Sinek says that’s backwards. The truly great companies—the Apples, the Googles—start with why. Why does your business exist? What’s your core purpose? If you want to build a business that doesn’t just survive but thrives, you need to get clear on your why.
Pro-tip: Even if you’re not building the next Apple, having a strong “why” can help you be a better leader, a better team player, and a better person in general. If that’s not enough reason to read it, I don’t know what is.
6. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
You might be thinking, “Wait, what? Isn’t this a spiritual book?” Yes, yes it is. But let’s get something straight: the best business minds aren’t simply thinking about spreadsheets and profit margins. They’re thinking about the big picture—about how to stay calm, focused, and present, even when the world is on fire around them. Tolle’s The Power of Now is about mastering mindfulness and presence, which are critical if you want to be the kind of leader who doesn’t crumble under pressure.
Pro-tip: Skip this book if you think meditation and mindfulness are for hippies. But if you’re serious about mastering the mental game of business? This could be the secret sauce you didn’t know you needed.
7. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
Okay, if you haven’t heard of Brené Brown, where have you been? Dare to Lead is all about leadership—but not the “rah-rah, go team!” kind of leadership that makes you cringe at company retreats. No, Brené digs into the uncomfortable truth that vulnerability is the most courageous thing you can bring to the table in business. Want to lead a team that’ll follow you into the trenches? Stop pretending like you have it all together and start showing people you’re human. That’s how real connections—and by extension, real businesses—are built.
Pro-tip: If you’re the type of boss who thinks emotions don’t belong in the boardroom, please read this book. Your employees—and your business—will thank you.
8. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Yep, we’re going old school here. Published in 1937, Think and Grow Rich is one of those classic business mindset books that refuses to die, like a cockroach but in a good way. Hill interviewed over 500 successful people (we’re talking Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, etc.) and broke down what made them tick.
The answer? It wasn’t money, it was their mindset. Hill’s principles still hold up today: visualization, desire, faith, persistence—all the things that sound like they belong on an inspirational poster but actually work.
Pro-tip: Don’t let the title fool you. It’s not all about money. It’s about how to think strategically and purposefully to manifest success. But yeah, the money part is nice too.
9. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Okay, I get it. This one’s on every single “best business books” list ever, but there’s a reason for that. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is like the Swiss Army knife of business mindset books. Covey breaks down the habits that separate the people who just get by from the ones who actually thrive.
Spoiler: It’s not about being smarter; it’s about being more effective. Covey’s all about balancing personal and professional growth, so this book will make you better at business and less of a dumpster fire in your personal life. Win-win.
Pro-tip: If you’re someone who feels constantly overwhelmed, this book will slap some structure and purpose into your day-to-day.
10. Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
Ever wonder why some people seem to catch every break while you’re stuck grinding away in the background? Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers is going to answer that for you—kind of.
Gladwell argues that success isn’t simply about individual talent or hard work. It’s about circumstances, timing, and opportunities that we often overlook. He’ll make you rethink the “self-made” success myth and maybe stop you from beating yourself up for not being the next Steve Jobs—because, newsflash, luck plays a huge role. And luck tends to be when preparedness meets opportunity.
Pro-tip: Gladwell uses a ton of real-life examples, like why Bill Gates and The Beatles were outliers, to break it down. You’ll walk away feeling both enlightened and slightly salty about how much timing matters.
If The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People resonates with you and you’re ready to put those habits into practice, consider checking out Skillshare. They offer courses on productivity, time management, and leadership—all aligned with Covey’s principles. It’s a perfect way to dive deeper into building those good habits and making lasting improvements in your work and personal life.
11. Deep Work by Cal Newport
Ever wonder why it feels like you’re constantly busy but never actually getting anything done? Yeah, Cal Newport knows why.
In Deep Work, he argues that in our always-connected, always-distracted world, the ability to focus deeply on challenging work is basically a superpower. It’s the kind of mindset that’ll not only set you apart in business but also help you actually finish something for once. Newport’s all about cutting out the noise and carving out time for work that matters—something most of us suck at, let’s be honest.
Pro-tip: This book is especially for you if you’re one of those people who checks their phone every five minutes and then wonders why they didn’t finish that big project. Spoiler: you won’t finish it until you go deep.
12. Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t by Jim Collins
Ever wonder why some companies crush it while others barely survive? In Good to Great, Jim Collins digs into years of research to find out what separates the “good” from the “great.” Hint: it’s simply not luck, and it’s not magic. Collins breaks down the patterns and mindsets that set the top companies apart, and how you can apply those same principles to your business.
Spoiler: It’s getting the right people in the right places, having a clear direction, and executing relentlessly.
Pro-tip: This book is for anyone who’s already doing “good” but wants to go further. You’ll learn that greatness is a choice—just not an easy one.
13. Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio
Ray Dalio is one of the most successful investors in the world, so when he writes a book, you read it. Principles is a blend of autobiography, life philosophy, and actionable advice for anyone looking to not only survive in business but make it big. Dalio’s no-nonsense approach to decision-making, leadership, and risk-taking will make you rethink how you’ve been doing business up until now. He breaks down his life lessons into a set of principles you can apply in your own work (and life) immediately.
Pro-tip: This book is packed with real-life examples from Dalio’s own business journey, so it’s like getting insider knowledge without the hefty hedge fund fees.
14. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Whether you’re building the next tech unicorn or just trying to launch your Etsy store, Eric Ries’s The Lean Startup is a game-changer. Ries introduces the idea of running a startup with the least amount of waste—whether that’s time, money, or resources. His approach is all about testing your ideas quickly, getting feedback, and adjusting as needed, which will save you from dumping your life savings into an idea nobody wants. It’s basically the startup bible at this point.
Pro-tip: If you’re the type of person who overthinks every single detail before you even start, this book will help you get out of your own way and just launch.
15. Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syed
Failure. It’s the F-word no one wants to talk about, especially in business. But Matthew Syed’s Black Box Thinking makes the argument that failure is your greatest teacher. Syed uses real-life examples from aviation (where every failure is studied meticulously) to show that the key to success is learning from your mistakes—not avoiding them. This book will rewire your brain to see failure as feedback, and it’ll make you a lot less afraid to take the big risks that lead to big rewards.
Pro-tip: Read this if you’re someone who’s paralyzed by the fear of making mistakes. Syed will show you how to embrace failure like a pro and turn it into your secret weapon.
16. The Art of War by Sun Tzu
No, this isn’t just for military strategists or history buffs. Sun Tzu’s The Art of War is a book that’s been adapted for business leaders and executives for good reason. It’s all about strategy, planning, and knowing when to strike (and when to chill). Business is war, after all, and those who understand strategy, preparation, and the value of patience tend to come out on top. Tzu’s timeless wisdom on competitive advantage, flexibility, and leveraging your opponent’s weaknesses? That’s basically MBA 101 without the student loans.
Pro-tip: Read this if you feel like you’re always playing defense. It’ll help you start thinking like a general, instead of a foot soldier.
17. The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton M. Christensen
So, you’ve got a great business idea. Now what? The Innovator’s Dilemma is all about why companies fail even when they do everything right. Christensen breaks down how successful companies can get stuck in their ways and miss out on disruptive innovations that could change the game. It’s a must-read if you want to avoid becoming the next Blockbuster—blindsided by innovation while you’re too busy admiring your own success.
Pro-tip: This book is perfect for entrepreneurs who are worried about staying ahead of the curve. Christensen will show you how to avoid falling into the trap of complacency.
18. The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
If you think being a CEO is glamorous, this book will slap you with a cold dose of reality. Ben Horowitz, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz, takes you behind the scenes of what it’s really like to run a business—when things go wrong, when layoffs have to happen, when success is far from guaranteed. The Hard Thing About Hard Things is all about the gut-wrenching decisions and brutal realities that entrepreneurs face but no one likes to talk about. It’s practical, raw, and doesn’t sugarcoat the ugly side of business.
Pro-tip: Read this if you’re facing tough decisions and wondering if you’re the only one struggling. You’re not. Horowitz will make you feel less alone.
19. Radical Candor by Kim Scott
Want to be a boss that people actually respect—and like? Kim Scott’s Radical Candor is about balancing tough love with empathy. It’s a blueprint for how to give honest, direct feedback while still being kind and considerate. If you’ve ever worked for a micromanager or an absentee boss, you know how important this is. Scott gives you tools to be the kind of leader who pushes people to be their best without making them hate you.
Pro-tip: If you struggle with giving feedback or feel awkward in tough conversations, this book is your new best friend.
20. Crushing It! by Gary Vaynerchuk
Gary Vee is the king of hustle culture, and whether you love or hate him, you can’t deny the guy knows a thing or two about building a brand. Crushing It! is all about how to use social media and personal branding to grow your business and dominate your niche. It’s a follow-up to his earlier book Crush It, and this one’s packed with stories of entrepreneurs who have used his advice to create major success. The book is high-energy, blunt, and full of practical tips for anyone looking to get their hustle on.
Pro-tip: If you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or side-hustler looking to take over the world (or at least your corner of it), this book will light a fire under you.
21. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink
You probably think money is what motivates people, right? Well, guess again. Daniel Pink’s Drive explores the psychology of motivation and why old-school carrot-and-stick methods don’t work anymore—especially in today’s knowledge-based economy. Pink argues that autonomy, mastery, and purpose are what really drive people to do their best work. This book will help you understand what makes you tick, and more importantly, how to motivate your team to bring their A-game every day.
Pro-tip: If you’re leading a team or trying to figure out why you’re not feeling motivated at work, Drive will give you the insights you need to change the game.
22. Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future by Peter Thiel
Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, offers a contrarian take on what it takes to build a successful startup. In Zero to One, Thiel argues that the key to success isn’t competing in a crowded market—it’s creating something completely new that doesn’t exist yet. He calls this going from “zero to one”—building a monopoly instead of just fighting for market share. It’s a bold, forward-thinking mindset that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about competition.
Pro-tip: Read this if you’re thinking about launching a startup or if you’re stuck in a saturated market. Thiel will show you how to think bigger and more innovatively.
23. Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne
Sick of fighting over scraps in a crowded market? Blue Ocean Strategy is here to show you how to escape the competition entirely. Instead of battling it out in a “red ocean” full of sharks (aka competitors), Kim and Mauborgne explain how to create a “blue ocean”—a completely new market space that’s ripe for innovation. The book is packed with case studies from companies that have successfully created blue oceans and avoided the bloodbath of competition.
Pro-tip: If you feel like you’re stuck in a sea of competitors, this book will give you a fresh perspective on how to swim into uncontested waters.
Closing Thoughts: Time to Get Your Head in the Game
Here’s the thing: reading these books won’t magically make your business soar or turn you into the next Elon Musk. But what they will do is challenge the way you think, push you out of your comfort zone, and give you the mental tools to handle whatever the business world throws your way. Business isn’t limited to strategy, numbers, or knowing the right people—a major part is mindset. Fix that, and everything else falls into place.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick one of these up, start reading, and get ready to change the way you approach not just business, but life.
If reading all 23 of these business mindset books sounds overwhelming, don’t sweat it—get started with Audible. You can listen to most of these titles while commuting, working out, or even cooking. Audible makes it easy to absorb these life-changing insights on the go, so no more excuses for not leveling up your mindset.
Practical Tips to Apply What You’ve Learned
Reading these books is great, but unless you actually apply the knowledge, you’re just stockpiling wisdom without action—like hoarding tools and never fixing the leaky faucet. Now, let’s get into some practical tips on how to turn all this newfound business mindset knowledge into tangible results.
1. Start Small, Apply Daily
You don’t have to overhaul your entire life in one go. Pick a single principle from your favorite book and start there. For example, if you’ve read Atomic Habits by James Clear, implement just one good habit today, like a 5-minute daily reflection or prioritizing your top task. Small actions compound over time, and trying to do it all at once is a sure-fire way to burn out.
2. Track Your Progress
It’s not enough to just “think positively” or “become more strategic.” You’ve got to measure results. Use tools like a journal or an app to track how well you’re implementing the ideas from these books. For example, if you’re diving into Deep Work, track how many hours a day you’re actually spending in focused, uninterrupted work. Consistency is key to forming new mindsets, just as it is with good habits.
3. Create an Accountability System
Find someone—a colleague, mentor, or fellow entrepreneur—who’s willing to hold you accountable. Share what you’re working on or what insights you’re trying to implement from your favorite business mindset book. Schedule regular check-ins to discuss progress and challenges. Entrepreneurship can be lonely, but you don’t have to go it alone.
4. Focus on One Key Area of Improvement
After reading a book like The Lean Startup, you may feel inspired to tackle every weak point in your business at once. Don’t. Pick one key area—like reducing waste, streamlining a process, or validating an idea—and focus on that. Once you’ve got that down, move to the next. Trying to fix everything at once leads to scattered focus and mediocre results.
5. Embrace Failure as Part of the Process
A lot of these books, especially Black Box Thinking, emphasize learning from failure. Shift your mindset from seeing failure as a defeat to seeing it as feedback. If you’re trying out a new strategy or launching a business, don’t expect instant success. Entrepreneurship, by its very nature, involves trial and error. When something doesn’t work, figure out why and adjust. It’s not the failure that matters; it’s how quickly you course-correct afterward.
6. Commit to Lifelong Learning
One thing all these business mindset books have in common is that they promote the idea of continuous learning. Don’t just stop with these books. Make personal and professional development a non-negotiable part of your life. Whether it’s reading one new business book a month, attending seminars, or following relevant podcasts, keep learning. The best entrepreneurs never stop growing.
FAQs
1. How do I know which book to start with?
It depends on what you need right now. If you’re struggling with leadership, go for Dare to Lead or Radical Candor. If you’re launching a new business and need a solid framework, try The Lean Startup. For a broader mindset shift, you can’t go wrong with Atomic Habits or The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Pick the book that resonates with your current challenges.
2. How can I apply these books if I’m new to entrepreneurship?
If you’re new to entrepreneurship, it can feel overwhelming to put these big ideas into practice. The key is to start small. For instance, if you’re reading Zero to One, focus on finding that unique value proposition for your business. If you’re inspired by Crushing It! then begin building your personal brand by posting regularly on social media. Each book offers specific actions that can help you build a foundation from the ground up.
3. What’s a good strategy for retaining the information from these books?
Retention isn’t just about memorizing the text. Use techniques like active reading—highlight key points, write summaries, and apply the concepts immediately. Discussing what you’ve read with others is also a great way to reinforce what you’ve learned. Implementing small, practical steps (like adopting one habit from Atomic Habits) helps reinforce retention through action.
4. Which book is best for building good habits?
Without a doubt, Atomic Habits by James Clear is the go-to for building good habits. It’s packed with actionable strategies on how to build lasting habits and break bad ones. The key takeaway? Start small and be consistent. You don’t need a complete life overhaul—just 1% better every day is enough to transform your life and business in the long run.
5. Are these books only for entrepreneurs, or can professionals benefit too?
While many of these books are entrepreneurship-focused, the principles apply broadly to anyone looking to improve their business mindset. Whether you’re a corporate professional, freelancer, or someone climbing the career ladder, you’ll find valuable insights in all of these reads. Books like The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and Deep Work are universally beneficial for any professional.
6. How do I build a routine that incorporates lessons from these books?
Start by blocking out 30 minutes every day for reading. Then, pick a small action to implement each day or week based on what you’ve learned. For example, after reading Deep Work, schedule daily “focus blocks” in your calendar where you turn off all distractions and work deeply on one task. Make reading and self-improvement a habit—just like brushing your teeth.
7. Can these books actually help me get rich?
Look, no book will guarantee you riches, but the mindset shifts, strategies, and good habits you develop from reading them will set you up for success. Books like Think and Grow Rich lay out the foundation for wealth-building principles, but it’s up to you to put in the work and take action. These books are tools, not magic wands.
8. What’s the most important takeaway from all these business mindset books?
The biggest takeaway is that mindset matters more than anything else. You can have the best business plan in the world, but if your mindset is garbage, you’ll sabotage your own success. Whether it’s adopting a growth mindset, being more disciplined with time, or learning to embrace failure, these books all point to one truth: change your mindset, and you’ll change your results.
