Here are five books I read this year that have been super helpful in my solopreneur journey. They’ve given me great ideas, tips, and motivation to keep going as I build my own business.

What’s a solopreneur?

A solopreneur is someone who runs their own business without any employees or partners. They handle all aspects of the business, from marketing and sales to customer service and product or service delivery.

Solopreneurs might not do everything themselves, but they often rely on collaborators or freelancers to assist with specific tasks.

Being a solopreneur can be a rewarding experience, but it is also challenging.

Solopreneurs need to be able to wear many hats, be comfortable working independently, and know exactly what they want out of life.

However, with the right skills and mindset, solopreneurs can achieve great things.

Why I love being a solopreneur

Being a solopreneur has gifted me with a sense of freedom and flexibility that I truly value. I have the freedom to follow my passions and set my own schedule, often working from a comfortable and relaxed environment.

It’s not always a walk in the park, and I’m not rolling in six figures just yet. But being my own boss gives me the freedom and control I crave.

Sure, there’s always work to be done and bills to pay, but I’m grateful for the flexibility to manage my time, focusing on my well-being and family.

Best books for solopreneurs

Company of One: Why Staying Small is the Next Big Thing for Business

If you’re looking for a book that will inspire you to rethink what success means and redefine your relationship with work, “Company of One” is a must-read. It’s a powerful antidote to the hustle culture that often glorifies overwork and endless growth.

I liked this book because it offers a refreshing perspective. It’s about finding success by doing what you love and building a business that fits your lifestyle.

Paul Jarvis, a successful solopreneur himself, shows us that you don’t need to have a huge team or chase endless growth to be successful. Instead, he advocates for focusing on what truly matters: quality, purpose, and passion.

He encourages us to understand our strengths, interests, and desired lifestyle, and then craft a business that complements our lives. No more sacrificing our well-being for the sake of work.

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

If you’re a solopreneur or entrepreneur seeking to build a successful business, or simply someone seeking personal growth, “Mindset” is an essential toolkit for unlocking your true potential. It will empower you to believe in your abilities, embrace challenges, and achieve remarkable results.

Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist, introduces the concept of growth mindset, which challenges the notion that our abilities and potential are fixed. Instead, she proposes that our mindset, our belief in our ability to grow and learn, is the key determinant of success.

Through compelling research and real-life examples, Dweck demonstrates how a growth mindset empowers us to embrace challenges, view setbacks as opportunities for growth, and strive for continuous improvement.

The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciplines Into Massive Success

Imagine achieving your goals and dreams without feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. That’s the promise of Jeff Olson’s book “The Slight Edge,” a practical guide to building success through small, consistent actions.

Olson, a successful entrepreneur and author, challenges the idea that success requires monumental efforts or overnight breakthroughs. Instead, he advocates for the power of the “Slight Edge,” the cumulative effect of small, positive choices made over time.

Through engaging stories and real-life examples, Olson demonstrates how even the smallest daily actions, such as reading a few pages, exercising for a short time, or practicing a new skill, can compound over time, leading to significant results.

“The Slight Edge” is not about quick fixes or get-rich-quick schemes. It’s about cultivating discipline, consistency, and a long-term mindset. Olson emphasizes the importance of making small, sustainable changes that fit into your lifestyle, rather than drastic changes that are difficult to maintain.

The book is filled with practical tips and strategies for incorporating the Slight Edge into your daily life. Olson guides you through creating habits, setting realistic goals, managing your time effectively, and staying motivated in the face of setbacks.

The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness

“The Psychology of Money” is about cultivating a healthy mindset towards money, making informed decisions based on our values, and finding financial contentment.

Morgan Housel explores the complex relationship between money, happiness, and behavior. He highlights the impact of our emotional responses to money, our tendency to compare ourselves to others, and the power of delayed gratification.

He encourages us to focus on what we can control – our habits, our savings, and our investments – rather than dwelling on external factors beyond our control. He reminds us that true wealth is not just about accumulating money, but also about achieving financial freedom and living a fulfilling life.

The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results

Last, but not least the book that changed everything for me and my business.

This book offers a compelling solution for focusing on the one thing that will make the biggest difference.

The authors challenge the notion that success requires juggling multiple priorities and multitasking. Instead, he advocates for the power of a singular focus that drives exceptional achievements.

Through practical examples and actionable strategies, they demonstrate how identifying and prioritizing “The One Thing” can transform our lives, both personally and professionally. He provides a framework for identifying our most important goals, eliminating distractions, and taking decisive action.

“The One Thing” is not about setting unrealistic goals or sacrificing everything else. It’s about making smart choices, aligning our actions with our values, and achieving remarkable results without burning out.

The book empowers readers to break free from the tyranny of the urgent and instead focus on the truly important. It encourages us to prioritize our personal growth, our relationships, and our most meaningful goals.