A Dose of Motivation: 5 Books that Inspire Entrepreneurs

If you're searching for a dose of inspiration, check out these books - all packed with plenty of knowledge and insight about running a successful business. With a quick read or two, you may be able to boost your optimism and power you through to your next big goal.

The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward

By Daniel H. Pink

Dubbed one of the most anticipated and inspiring business books for 2022 by CEO Today magazine and a must-read by Forbes and Newsweek, "The Power of Regret: How Looking Forward Moves us Forward" is the latest from Daniel H. Pink, author of "When" and "Drive."

In this book, Pink draws on research in social psychology, neuroscience, and biology to challenge life's "no regrets" philosophy. He examines the hidden potential of regret - how it can work to help you make smarter decisions, perform better and bring greater meaning to life.

"We might find lessons lurking in moments we've pushed from the light," writes Kelsey Ables in a Washington Post story. "Regret has long been considered a sign of weakness, but what if we saw it as a strength?"

Driven: The Never-Give-Up Roadmap to Massive Success 

By Manny Khoshbin and Rich Mintzer 

Manny Khoshbin, a real estate mogul and serial entrepreneur, shares his story of perseverance, experiences and lessons - everything from the importance of challenging yourself and pivoting your plans to surrounding yourself with positive, successful, and like-minded people.

According to Amazon Books, this book "goes beyond Manny's personal ride through the entrepreneurial journey to deliver the habits, mindset, and insights aspiring entrepreneurs need to turn dreams into reality," according to Amazon Books.

The Infinite Game

by Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek, author of "Start With Why" and "Leaders Eat Last," provides a mindset for leading with an "infinite mindset."

"Leaders who embrace an infinite mindset build stronger, more innovative, more inspiring organizations. Ultimately, they are the ones who lead us into the future," reads the Amazon description.

Karlo Tanjuakio, CEO and founder of Kure, says Sinek's book significantly impacted how he leads his company, a project management platform for process improvement.

"Life and business aren't a zero-sum game, and anyone who operates as if they are is at a huge disadvantage," he says in a Forbes Expert Panel post.

"The journey of successful people, especially entrepreneurs, is filled with ups and downs—and the more you maintain the mindset of abundance instead of scarcity, the more successful you'll become."

Shoe Dog: A Memoir by The Creator of Nike

by Phil Knight

Nike co-founder Phil Knight shares details of his entrepreneurial journey, including the "many risks he encountered, the crushing setbacks, the ruthless competitors and hostile bankers—as well as his many thrilling triumphs."

Maryana Grinshpun, founder of the architecture and interior design company Mammoth Projects, calls this book "an endless source of inspiration."

"It reminds me that every business is a struggle, and that the intersection of determination, relationships and luck is what builds great companies," she writes in a Forbes Expert Panel post

"All of the ingredients take years or decades to cultivate, and that's okay. Whether knowingly or not, Knight makes the case that building a business—like life—is about the journey, not the destination."

"You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life"

By Jen Sincero

One of the most popular books by internationally known author and speaker Jen Sincero, "You are a Badass" has been on the New York Times bestseller list for more than 4 1/2 years.

In this book, the success coach serves up 27 bite-sized chapters full of hilariously inspiring stories, sage advice and easy self-help exercises, says Amazon Books.

Entrepreneur Kat Norton attributes part of her accomplishments to this book, sharing its impact on her success in transforming her TikTok-launched Miss Excel into a hugely successful software training business.

"This book helped me identify my self-limiting beliefs, so I could deconstruct them and build my confidence up enough to run my own business," Norton writes in a post for CNBC

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