Perspective-Shifting Books For Wellness Founders. A resource round-up for founders who want a perspective shift.
Building and growing your business takes a lot of mental, emotional and physical energy so I understand if the last thing you want to do is fill your mind with more work related books when you’re winding down for bed. At the same time, allocating your time to upskilling and learning from people who have already been where you are is incredibly valuable.
I suggest either carving out some time during your work day to read for 20 minutes on a topic that will support your business journey or downloading the audiobook version and listening to it during filler tasks like household chores.
So many 8 figure founders suggest filling every spare moment gathering knowledge during ‘unimportant daily tasks.’ I personally disagree. Downtime where you are single tasking and not thinking about your business (or anything) is essential for your mental rest. So please don’t take this list as another pressure point to add to your to-do list and refer back to when you have the capacity to absorb this as inspiration, motivation and clarity.
So with all that said, I value your time and hope you enjoy this round-up perspective shifting books to support your sustainable business growth.
1. The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
Why You Should Read It: This book fundamentally changed the way I view business. Naval Ravikant, a successful entrepreneur and investor, distills his wisdom on wealth, happiness, and life in this comprehensive guide. It’s not just about business tactics; it’s about the philosophy behind achieving success and fulfillment.
My top takeaway was the difference between content creators and start-up founders and why this matters for your marketing strategy.
Key Takeaways:
- Focus on long-term thinking and decision-making.
- Embrace continuous learning and self-improvement.
- Understand the importance of leverage in business—using technology, capital, and labor to maximize impact.
2. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Why You Should Read It: This book is a bible for entrepreneurs looking to build a successful startup. Eric Ries introduces a systematic, scientific approach for creating and managing successful startups in an age when companies are expected to innovate more than ever.
My top takeaway was the faster you can test an offer and gather feedback the quicker you can improve your business and grow. Ie. don’t get stuck in the build or branding stage.
Key Takeaways:
- The Build-Measure-Learn feedback loop: Continuously test your vision by building a minimum viable product (MVP), measuring its success, and learning from the results.
- Validated learning: Use data to validate your assumptions and guide your business decisions.
- Pivot or persevere: Know when to pivot your business model based on feedback and metrics.
3. Can’t Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation by Anne Helen Petersen
Why You Should Read It: Anne Helen Petersen explores the phenomenon of burnout among millennials, analyzing its causes and implications within modern work culture. This book offers a critical examination of societal pressures, economic challenges, and the digital age’s impact on personal well-being and productivity. Buy on Amazon
“Can’t Even” provides profound insights into the challenges faced by today’s workforce, highlighting the importance of addressing burnout to foster sustainable professional growth and personal well-being.
Key Takeaways:
- Burnout is a systemic issue and not a personal problem.
- Mindset shifts around toxic productivity and value.
- Ways you can rethink your own workplace culture.
4. Start With Why by Simon Sinek
Why You Should Read It: Simon Sinek’s book is a must-read for understanding the power of purpose in business. Sinek explains that the most successful businesses start with a clear sense of “why” they do what they do, which inspires and attracts loyal customers and employees.
My top takeaway: This book coupled with Brene’s Browns value’s exercise would really help you tune into your mission statement and why you began the business in the first place.
Key Takeaways:
- The Golden Circle: Start with why, then move to how, and finally what.
- People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.
- Inspiring leaders and organizations communicate from the inside out, focusing on their core purpose.
5. Building A Story Brand by Donald Miller
Why You Should Read It: This book is an essential guide for clarifying your message and creating compelling brand narratives. Donald Miller provides a framework for connecting with customers and building a brand that stands out. Get it on Amazon
This is a super actionable book that will help you create a lasting brand identity.
My top takeaway was how the hero’s journey reflects your brand ID and the fact that your brand is always the guide to your hero (ideal customer).
Key Takeaways:
- The StoryBrand Framework: Position your customer as the hero and your brand as the guide.
- Clarify your message to cut through the noise and connect with your audience.
- Use storytelling principles to communicate your brand’s value effectively.
6. Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull
Why You Should Read It: Written by the co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios, Ed Catmull, this book offers insights into fostering creativity and building an innovative company culture. It’s a treasure trove of advice for anyone looking to infuse creativity into their business.
This is honestly one of my all time favourite books (I read this before the author’s allegations but still see the value in his words – not his actions).
My top takeaway was shifting away from seeing problems as negative, rather inevitable part of business that can be celebrated and actively worked towards resolving.
Key Takeaways:
- The importance of a creative culture: Encourage openness and protect the creative process.
- Embrace failure as a learning opportunity.
- Lead with a vision but be flexible in how you achieve it.
What are some books that have shifted your perception of business and life?
For more marketing and business resources tips, visit our website.
Comments +