With the right motivation, you can accomplish anything! However, what happens when you run out of motivational fuel? There aren’t exactly “motivation stations” waiting around. Motivation is one of those things that comes from within, the precursor often being inspiration. If you’re like me, then you know inspiration lies in art, literature, and music. My favorite way to digest such powerful fuel is through reading; especially motivational books.
Looking to put together my next reading list, I asked entrepreneurs, investors, and even a French hypnotist, “What is your favorite motivational book, and how has it impacted your life or mindset?”
Here are their recommendations:
Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
Atomic Habits by James Clear
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsch
How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie
A thought-provoking book that challenges societal norms and encourages readers to quit the things that no longer serve them. While often framed as a book about quitting alcohol, its message extends to self-liberation, empowerment, and breaking free from unhealthy habits and expectations.
Prosperity Coach Jennifer Maher shares:
“It made me take a hard look at the ways I was numbing, not just through substances but through over-giving, over-working, and constantly trying to prove my worth. This book forced me to ask: What am I really running from? Because the truth is, addiction doesn’t always look like alcohol or drugs. Sometimes, it looks like perfectionism. Like people-pleasing. Like staying in toxic relationships because you believe you have to earn love. Like hustling so hard for success that you lose yourself in the process. Like outsourcing your power, silencing your needs, and sacrificing your well-being just to feel worthy.”
She continues:
“Whitaker doesn’t just talk about quitting alcohol—she talks about quitting the belief that we have to dull ourselves to survive. And that hit me on a soul level. For years, I thought my ability to endure, to hold it all together, to give endlessly without asking for anything in return, was my strength. But it wasn’t strength—it was fear. Fear of being seen. Fear of setting boundaries. Fear of choosing myself.”
“This book was a wake-up call. It showed me that quitting isn’t failure—it’s freedom. I started to see quitting as an act of power. I quit apologizing for taking up space. I quit shrinking to make others comfortable. I quit allowing people to treat me like an option when I was showing up as a priority. I quit the belief that struggle was a prerequisite for success. And in the process, I gained everything—self-respect, clarity, and a deep, unshakable trust in myself.”
She concludes:
“If you’ve ever questioned whether you were meant for more—you are. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is quit the things keeping you small.”
A financial classic that contrasts two different mindsets—one focused on traditional employment and the other on wealth-building through investments. Kiyosaki’s book has inspired countless readers to rethink their approach to money, financial independence, and long-term success.
Real estate investor Ryan Chaw shares:
“I retired at 31, and one book that helped me get there was Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. It outlines how real estate can help you become financially free. After becoming a pharmacist, I realized that working a traditional job wasn’t a good way to build wealth. So over the years, I saved up for a down payment on my first investment property and kept reinvesting my returns. Eventually, I started earning a full-time income from rent payments and quit my job.”
“As I know firsthand, the information in this book can completely change your financial situation if you apply it. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to build security outside of their 9-5.”
A must-read for entrepreneurs, this book highlights the crucial difference between working in your business versus working on it. Gerber explains how building systems and delegating tasks can help create a scalable and sustainable business.
Joseph Commisso, Owner of Northview Home Buyers, shares:
“One of my favorite motivational books is The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber. It completely changed my mindset on business by showing me the difference between working in my business versus working on it. I used to handle too many tasks myself, believing that doing the work was the key to success.”
“This book helped me realize that to truly scale, I need to build systems, delegate, and create a business that can function without me being involved in every detail. It reinforced the importance of processes and automation, which has been crucial in refining my real estate investment and wholesaling operations.”
“Reading The E-Myth made me focus on building a business, not just a job, which is essential for long-term success and financial freedom.”
A practical guide to personal transformation, Atomic Habits focuses on how small, consistent changes lead to remarkable results.
Marketing manager Natalia Lavrenenko shares:
“The book changed my approach to daily work and personal growth. Small actions matter, and the advice felt actionable. These ideas improved my creative projects and boosted my focus and productivity.”
“The book taught me to value consistency over intensity. I set small goals each day and celebrated minor victories. Consistent progress leads to lasting change, and anyone can adopt this method for growth.”
5. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey
A timeless classic that emphasizes personal responsibility, long-term thinking, and strategic decision-making.
CEO Samantha Easton shares:
“This book profoundly shaped my mindset by emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility, long-term thinking, and focusing on what I can control.”
“Covey’s framework reminded me to prioritize what truly matters, focusing on solutions instead of problems. The habit of ‘beginning with the end in mind’ helped me set clearer goals, not just for the business but for how we serve clients and support employees. The principle of synergy—collaborating to achieve better outcomes—reinforced the value of teamwork.”
“Overall, the book has been a constant source of inspiration, guiding me to maintain balance, think strategically, and stay grounded in both challenges and successes.”
A deep and introspective book that explores personal growth through spirituality and self-awareness.
Life Coach Sue Smey shares:
“This book showed me that I can’t change others, only myself. I have to allow them to be who they are, and if who they are is harming me, my self-confidence, or my emotions, then I need to walk away and love them from a distance.”
“Once I created distance, those people slowly left my life, and new, healthy people came. I now live the life I’ve always dreamed of.”
Sue Smey, Life Coach, Entrepreneur, Reality TV Star
7. How to Stop Worrying and Start Living – Dale Carnegie
A guide to overcoming worry, building confidence, and improving interactions with others.
Trainer and hypnotist Philippe Guibert shares:
“This book helped me win against a lack of self-esteem and self-confidence. It also provides great insights into how to approach people and influence them.”
Motivation isn’t something we can rely on finding at a moment’s notice—it has to be cultivated. These seven books offer powerful insights on mindset, success, personal growth, and financial independence. Whether you’re looking to break free from limiting beliefs, develop better habits, or gain a fresh perspective on life, these reads can serve as fuel for your journey. The key takeaway? Change happens when we take action, reflect on our choices, and commit to continuous growth.
Which motivational book has changed your life? Let us know in the comments!
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