Adrian
Table of Contents
- The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday
- Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday
- The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
- Everything Is F*cked by Mark Manson
- Surrounded by Narcissists by Thomas Erikson
- So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport
- Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
- Deep Work by Cal Newport
- The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
- The Almanack Of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgenson
- Last Thoughts
- Read More Relevant Blog Posts
Let's face it. Entrepreneurship is as much a mental game as it is about the hustle. If you don't have your mindset in check, no amount of MVP frameworks will save your startup. Here are some books that dig deep into the psychology every entrepreneur, indie hacker, or small business owner should consider reading. They helped me in my entrepreneurial journey, and I wish I'd read them sooner.
The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday
This book is a game-changer. It's about turning problems into opportunities—a skill every entrepreneur needs. Inspired by Stoic philosophy, Holiday shows how the struggles we face can be our biggest assets if we learn to view them through a different lens. It teaches resilience, which is an underrated but essential trait in business.
Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday
Another masterpiece by Holiday, this book tackles the destructive nature of ego. It's a solid reminder to keep your feet on the ground, no matter how high you climb. For entrepreneurs, staying humble can mean the difference between long-term success and a short-lived ego trip.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
Manson's no-BS approach to life's challenges is refreshing. This book isn't about ignoring everything; it's about choosing what actually matters. In a world where entrepreneurs are bombarded with endless choices and distractions, learning to focus on what's truly important can set you apart.
Everything Is F*cked by Mark Manson
In this book, Manson dives into hope, happiness, and how they're often misunderstood. It's a wake-up call for any entrepreneur who feels overwhelmed by the chaos of startup life. Manson's insights into emotional health make this book a must-read for those looking to maintain sanity in the tumultuous world of entrepreneurship.
Surrounded by Narcissists by Thomas Erikson
Dealing with difficult personalities is inevitable when you're building a business. Erikson's book offers valuable insights into how narcissistic behaviors can impact your work environment. Learning how to recognize and manage these traits in others (and perhaps ourselves) can help maintain a healthy workplace dynamic.
![Surrounded by Narcissists: How to Effectively Recognize, Avoid, and Defend Yourself Against Toxic People (and Not Lose Your Mind) [The Surrounded by Idiots Series]](https://images.spr.so/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/j42No7y-dcokJuNgXeA0ig/f7880017-6935-4285-abe9-131855ee2965/41pF6TcnQUL._SR600,315_PIWhiteStrip,BottomLeft,0,35_PIStarRatingFOURANDHALF,BottomLeft,360,-6_SR600,315_ZA249,445,290,400,400,AmazonEmberBold,12,4,0,0,5_SCLZZZZZZZ_FMpng_BG255,255,255/w=640,quality=90,fit=scale-down)
So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport
Most people will tell you to “follow your passion” when it comes to building a career or business, but Cal Newport flips that idea on its head in So Good They Can’t Ignore You. Instead of chasing passions, Newport argues that mastering valuable skills will get you much further. For entrepreneurs, this is important to understand. Passion alone won’t make your startup a success—it’s about developing expertise that people can’t ignore. The book is super easy to digest, packed with practical advice, and doesn’t sugarcoat the hustle required to stand out. If you’re looking to build something real (and not just chase a dream), this one’s for you.
Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
If you’re a tech entrepreneur, “Digital Minimalism” by Cal Newport is a must-read. In a world where constant notifications and social media can hijack our focus, Newport makes a compelling case for taking control of your tech habits. He offers practical strategies to help you reduce digital clutter and focus on what truly matters, both in business and in life. This isn’t about ditching technology altogether; it’s about using it in a way that supports your goals instead of overwhelming you. Every entrepreneur should give it a read to regain control over their time and attention.
Deep Work by Cal Newport
Deep Work dives into the power of focus in a world full of constant distractions. Cal Newport makes a strong case for dedicating uninterrupted time to “deep work”—the kind of focused effort that leads to high-quality results. For entrepreneurs, this book is a wake-up call on how impactful undistracted time can be when building a business or mastering a craft. Newport doesn’t just talk about focus; he breaks down how to build a routine that actually lets you get into this deep work zone. If you’re looking to boost your productivity and produce real results, Deep Work is a must-read.
![Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World [Paperback] [Jan 01, 2016] Newport, Cal](https://images.spr.so/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/j42No7y-dcokJuNgXeA0ig/a2fd5426-cb78-4831-af06-dd1f135db6d5/31PBdo581fL._SR600,315_PIWhiteStrip,BottomLeft,0,35_PIStarRatingFOURANDHALF,BottomLeft,360,-6_SR600,315_ZA32,997,445,290,400,400,AmazonEmberBold,12,4,0,0,5_SCLZZZZZZZ_FMpng_BG255,255,255/w=640,quality=90,fit=scale-down)
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to make sense of the financial side of running a startup, “The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness” by Morgan Housel is a must-read. It’s not a standard “money book” filled with charts or complex formulas. Instead, it’s a refreshingly human take on how our habits, emotions, and perspectives shape our financial behavior. Housel shares captivating stories and insights that help entrepreneurs—and anyone, really—understand the deeper psychological drivers of money-related decisions. It changed the way I think about personal and financial decisions by showing how behaviors like patience, humility, and understanding "enough" play a massive role in long-term success. I’d highly recommend this book to any entrepreneur looking for wisdom they can actually apply to both their business and personal life.
The Almanack Of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgenson
Another fantastic read for entrepreneurs is "The Almanack of Naval Ravikant." This book is packed with timeless wisdom about building wealth, achieving success, and living a meaningful life. Naval's reflections, compiled by Eric Jorgenson, offer insights on everything from decision-making to happiness, all in a refreshingly straightforward manner. It's an inspiring resource for anyone aiming to lead with wisdom and clarity, both professionally and personally.
Last Thoughts
This blog is a growing collection of insights and lessons from important books for entrepreneurs. As I read more and learn from them, I'll keep adding new recommendations and thoughts here. Keep an eye out for updates as I find more helpful books.