18 Biz and Self-Development Books I’ve Read More Than Once
Life is too short to read bad books. I believe in this so much that instead of always reading every newly published book in the space, I’ll often re-read the books that I know are impactful.
I do this for a couple of reasons.
Reason #1 I don’t remember most of what I read the first time. None of us do; it stinks, but we’re really only retaining a fraction of what we read. Re-reading great books has value.
Reason #2: My situation is different, and different chapters might be more relevant or hit differently. There is usually at least a year between when I first read these books and when I re-read them. What wasn’t applicable at the time might be applicable now.
So, I did a little brainstorming and made a list of books I know I’ve read at least twice. This doesn’t mean that everyone should read them twice (1 book on this list, I think, should be ignored by everyone).
Here they are with a short description.
#1 Atomic Habits by James Clear
Every book on habit formation will be chasing the dragon that James Clear has created in this book.
#2 Everybody Writes by Ann Handley
You could have flunked English class every year of school, and this book would get you back on track. The gospel for writers, in my humble opinion.
#3 Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
This is an amazing book on the creative process and how we develop our unique voice and style by copying other people.
#4 The 4-Hour WorkWeek by Tim Ferriss
The gateway drug for many entrepreneurs. Much of the book is outdated now, but it’s still a fabulous jumping-off point for aspiring entrepreneurs.
#5 Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
This book is a classic and sets the foundation for an entrepreneurial mindset; however, I’ve grown to despise Kiyosaki as a person in recent years. He’s a grifter who seems to be losing his marbles.
#6 Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
This is the book that I don’t recommend anyone read. Hill was a notorious conman, and this book, although it inspired me at the time, is full of pseudoscience and silly tips that Hill himself didn’t actually practice.
#7 How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
I think everyone should read this book if they want to have better relationships. Some of it is a little corny and, arguably, manipulative.
#8 Bigger, Leaner, Stronger by Mike Matthews
The only fitness book I’ve re-read, this one is the basis of all the workouts I do.
#9 The One Thing by Gary Keller
A magnum opus in the getting things done niche.
#10 You’re Not So Smart by David McRainey
The best book I’ve read on logical fallacies and innate human biases
#11 The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
I think everyone has read this one, right? A nice book on mindest.
#12 Influence by Robert B. Cialdini
A fabulous book on the psychology of influence, I found these principles wildly useful in my marketing career.
#13 Outliers by Malcom Gladwell
It is not particularly a “self-development” book, but it does provide fascinating insights into what makes people successful.
#14 The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
Another important book to read before you start any business.
#15 Deep Work by Cal Newport
Newport is one of my favorite writers. This book is a fun read and really gets me motivated to cut out the distractions and get shit done.
#16 How to Write Copy That Sells by Ray Edwards
Almost every copywriting principle I use can be found in this book.
#17 80/20 Sales and Marketing by Perry Marshall
A brilliant approach to marketing and sales that focuses on doubling down on what’s working and cutting out what’s not.
#18 Getting Real by 37 Signals
The most underrated book on this list, if you want to create a software product, read this first.
What books have you read multiple times? Let me know in the comments!
