Books: our forever companions. Books nourish the mind and soul. Ever since humans started using written material to pass down knowledge, books have become our most cherished treasures. Through books, we can get an insight into the workings and the thought processes of great people, and we can strive to emulate them. Books can impart a wealth of knowledge and wisdom which can help build character, inflame passions and enlighten souls.
When it comes to entrepreneurs, books can sneak you a peek into the lives of previous successful entrepreneurs. You can learn about their obstacles, their goals, their working methods and their work, and can mould yourself in their image. But an entrepreneur should not limit himself or herself to just books about entrepreneurs and/or entrepreneurship. One must strive to read books from all spectrum and walks of life, so as to be a well-rounded person. From The Hacker Street, we are proud to present to you what we think are the top ten books which you must read, entrepreneur or not.
1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
An international bestseller and the Guinness World Record Holder for the most translated book by a living author, The Alchemist describes the story of a young shepherd called Santiago, and his journey to Egypt. The book is actually a story about self-help and self-actualization. Paulo Coelho tells us about how Santiago can achieve everything he dreams of, simply by believing in himself, and working for it. Although faced with numerous obstacles, Santiago eventually arrives at his goal. For lessons in sheer simplicity, hard work and self-belief, The Alchemist should be a must read for any entrepreneur.
2. The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle
It is not often that a self-help book gets the thumbs up by Oprah herself, but there you go. This book describes to you the power of being in the present. A lot of us spend a lot of time worrying about the future and the past, instead of focusing on now. This book serves as a reminder to all of us as to the value of the present moment, and to not while it away thinking of what was or what may be.
3. The Happiness of Pursuit by Chris Guillebeau
There are many books in the world that will teach you how to market, how to attract customers, etc. But sometimes, in the race to become successful, we forget the true essence of life: we forget to be happy. The Happiness of Pursuit shows how several successful entrepreneurs around the world achieved and maintained happiness throughout their journey. They maintained happiness throughout and not just at achieving certain goals. This book is recommended since we must strive to extract as much happiness and satisfaction as possible from our limited time.
4. The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau
For entrepreneurs who are just starting, and suffer from a chronic disease known as Lack-of-Funds-ititis, this book shows the stories of entrepreneurs who started with barely any money in their account, and are now raking in the big bucks. This book motivates you to take the leap without thinking about the money or other factors which might be holding you back. It tells you to that as long as you have a solid idea, and the passion to work for it, the chips will always fall into place.
5. The Entrepreneur Mind by Kevin D. Johnson
The book tackles the mantra of mind over matter. This book is an insight into the mental workings of successful entrepreneurs. It teaches us how the right pattern of thinking is instrumental in achieving success. The author advises us against negativity and stubbornness of thought and instead talks to us about clarity and vision, which are two very important factors in the daily life of an entrepreneur.
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6. The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
The current generation is obsessed with finding shortcuts to what they want. Ideas like a 4-hour workday for success become instant bestsellers, simply because we have become lazy. Ben Horowitz in this book pushes aside all the ridiculous myths about shortcuts and teaches us the amount of hard work and dedication required for running a successful business. This book won’t offer you cushioned lies about shortcuts to success, but will show you how hard work, dedication and passion lead to achievements.
7. Business Adventures by John Brooks
It is not always that a book becomes a recommended must-read by Bill Gates himself. Business Adventures is a book on the failures and the successes of businesses, and understanding both these sides. Bill Gates calls it the best business book he has ever read, and who are we to disagree?
8. Awakening Joy by James Baraz
This book teaches us how we should make happiness and joy one of our driving forces in our attempts to be successful. James Baraz uses age-old strategies to teach us new ways of thinking, so that our entrepreneurial spirit may never extinguish. Another recommendation from Mr. Gates, Awakening Joy can take us away from the path of discontent and teach us happiness and satisfaction in daily life.
9. Deng Xiaoping by Ezra F. Vogel
Many people have forged companies, business empires, etc. But how many people have taken control of one of the poorest and hungriest nations in the world, and transformed it into an economic superpower? This book describes the story of Deng Xiaoping, the Chinese leader who took China from a nation where people struggled to earn daily wages to one of the most dynamic and powerful markets in the world, through his revolutionary reforms. Very little can be more inspirational than this.
10. The Now Habit by Neil Fiore
The Now Habit describes itself as A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination and Enjoying Guilt-free Play. This could not be any more self explanatory. This book is for those among us who prefer tomorrow over today, who prefer later over now. This book describes how they merely punish themselves through acts of procrastination, and how working for the moment can reap great rewards.
We at The Hacker Street have sought to give you this list of 10 Must-Read Books. Do you feel we missed out any? Which favorite book of yours would you like to be included in future lists? Please let us know!
