One of the best strategies for developing in life and entrepreneurship is to learn directly from an experienced mentor. This may seem daunting, but you don’t have to look far (or hard) to find the best mentors.

In fact, I actually don’t know most of the best mentors I’ve had – I read their books! So I’ve compiled this list of 8 of my favourite productivity books for entrepreneurs to read in the hopes that you find the same motivation and encouragement.

8 Productivity Books for Entrepreneurs to Read

These are some of my favourite books that have made me more productive over the past few years. Happy Reading!

1. ATOMIC HABITS BY JAMES CLEAR

Creating routines and habits is essential to creating work+life balance, and no one explains building habits better than James Clear. I absolutely love his work.

His book is super engaging with a combination of data and stories around building habits and setting yourself up for success. I have recommended this book to everyone I know and my clients, it’s that good! 

This is one of, if not THE most important productivity books for entrepreneurs to read. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s time to order it!

2. MINDSET BY CAROL DWECK

Entrepreneurship is not easy and often the number one barrier to success is your mindset. This book explains it all.

I always considered myself to have what Dweck would characterize as a “growth mindset”. Until I read this book and realized that it is possible to have a growth mindset in some areas of life, while simultaneously having a fixed mindset in others.

This idea was life-changing for me. I love the book so much that I would teach it to my Career Ed. students who all loved it.

3. LIMITLESS BY JIM KWIK

Something that often gets overlooked when it comes to productivity is brain training. Yet, when you can read and comprehend things faster, or can recall things quicker, you gain back time.

Jim is a world-renowned brain coach, who suffered a traumatic brain injury as a kid and had learning difficulties all throughout his schooling. He kept looking for more ways to learn and finally asked the question, “How does my brain work, so I can work my brain?”.

This book is his answer to that question. In it, he shares science-based practices and tips to accelerate learning, communication, memory, focus, recall, and speed reading.

4. THE POWER OF WHY BY SIMON SINEK

This is a great book to help you redirect your focus back on the “why” behind everything you do. Understanding the purpose behind every action you take throughout your day is key to mindful productivity.

In addition, knowing your why will also help to inspire and create loyalty with your clients.

5. DARING GREATLY BY BRENÉ BROWN

Being a successful entrepreneur means putting yourself out there and being vulnerable. Yet, we have this silly idea in our society that being vulnerable is a weakness. Brené does a wonderful job highlighting that it is, in truth, our most accurate measure of courage.

Not embracing vulnerability leads to perfectionism, which kills productivity. Yet, in order for your customers and clients to feel connected to you and ready to buy, they need to know that you’re a real person. Not a perfectly curated clone. This book helped me get there. I hope it helps you too!

6. THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE BY STEPHEN COVEY

No list of books for entrepreneurs to read is complete without Stephen Covey’s bestseller. First published in 1989, it has sold more than 40 million copies. Impressively, the audio version was the first non-fiction audiobook to sell more than one million copies. It is a classic for a reason.

I’ll admit, it was on my reading list for years and it wasn’t until I started listening to audiobooks that I actually read it. I wish I’d done so sooner as its lessons are truly timeless. If this one has been on your list for some time and you haven’t gotten to it yet, this is your sign to start it next!

7. INDESTRACTABLE BY NIR EYAL

Indistractable is a well-researched practical guide to overcoming distractions and taking control of your life in our technology-driven world.

Nir removes the victim mentality we have around technology being addictive and teaches a framework for taking personal responsibility in becoming less distracted and more able to focus on what matters.

One of my favourite tidbits is to set priorities using the Me-You-Them focus framework. Meaning take care of yourself first so you have all the stamina to do the rest. Next, focus on your partner. Then everything else comes last.

8. WHY WE SLEEP BY MATTHEW WALKER

This last book on my list of productivity books for entrepreneurs to read may seem out of place. However, sleep is my #1 productivity hack. When you get a good night’s sleep you’re more focused and happy. You’re able to get along with people better, manage your emotions, and remain calm under entrepreneurial pressure. This is one of the first books I read on sleep and the changes I made while listening had immediate and lasting results.

Final Word

I loved all of these books and each of them has helped me be more productive. If you’re looking for more face-to-face mentorship on mindful productivity, let’s connect on Instagram. Follow for inspiration and send me a DM to let me know we’re connected.