Let me be honest with you, starting something of your own sounds exciting (and it definitely is), but it also comes with a rollercoaster of emotions, late-night overthinking, tough calls, and a whole lot of figuring things out as you go. It’s thrilling, messy, rewarding, and overwhelming, all at once. If you’re a first-time entrepreneur or someone planning to take the leap, these 7 Books for Entrepreneur might just give you the clarity, mindset shifts, and motivation you didn’t know you needed.
When I was just starting out, one of the best things I did (without even realizing how helpful it would be) was picking up a few great books. Not the boring, 400-page business textbooks, but books that actually made me think sharper, act smarter, and stay grounded when things got rough. They weren’t just inspiring, they were practical.
Let’s dive in:
1. The Lean Startup – Eric Ries
If I had a rupee for every time someone recommended this book, I’d have funded my first startup without investors.
But jokes aside, this book is a must-read. It teaches you how to build something without wasting time or money. Instead of making a big, perfect product and then launching it to crickets, it helps you build small, test fast, and learn quickly.
I learned how to stop aiming for perfection and start aiming for progress. And honestly, that mindset saved me from burning out early.
It gave me permission to experiment without fear of failure. In startup life, it’s not about doing it perfectly, it’s about doing it fast and learning on the go.
2. Zero to One – Peter Thiel
This one changed the game for me.
Thiel talks about going from zero to one, basically, creating something truly new, instead of just copying what’s already out there. If you’re building the “next Uber” or “like Zomato, but for pets,” this book will make you pause and rethink.
It made me ask myself: Am I solving a real problem? Or just doing a cooler version of something that already exists?
Game changer.
It pushed me to think about long-term value, not just short-term hype.
And honestly, it gave me permission to think bigger than I was.
3. Start With Why – Simon Sinek
Okay, this book hit me right in the gut. In a good way.
So many people start businesses with “what” they want to do. But this book flips the script and says: Start with WHY.
Why are you doing what you’re doing? What’s your purpose? Your mission? Your “north star”?
This one helped me find clarity when I felt lost or disconnected from my work. It reminded me that passion without purpose can fizzle out pretty fast.
4. The Hard Thing About Hard Things – Ben Horowitz
This isn’t your typical motivational book. It’s raw, real, and brutally honest.
Ben doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He talks about layoffs, co-founder fights, investor drama, all the messy stuff no one warns you about.
Reading this felt like having a seasoned mentor who just sat me down and said, “Here’s what really happens. Be ready.”
It helped me feel less alone when things got tough. It reminded me that struggling doesn’t mean failing, it’s just part of the job.
And sometimes, surviving is the win.
5. Rework – Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson
This one is super easy to read (short chapters, no fluff), but it’s packed with gold.
Rework challenges traditional ideas about business, like needing an office, raising tons of money, or working 80 hours a week. The writers built Basecamp (a super successful company) by doing the exact opposite of what most startups do.
It taught me that “more” doesn’t always mean “better.” Sometimes, slow and simple wins the race.
6. Atomic Habits – James Clear
Yes, I know, this isn’t a “business” book per se. Believe me, your habits are what decide whether you sink or soar as an entrepreneur.
This book helped me fix my daily routine, stop procrastinating, and build systems that actually stick. It’s not about massive overnight changes, it’s about small, consistent actions that compound over time.
And as any founder will tell you, your discipline is your superpower. This book made consistency feel doable, not daunting.
It taught me that success isn’t one big leap, it’s a thousand tiny steps done right.
7. Shoe Dog – Phil Knight
If you love stories, this one’s for you.
Shoe Dog tells the story of how Nike came to be, but it’s far from a typical glossy brand fairytale. It’s messy, emotional, and real. You see the doubts, the sleepless nights, the almost-shut-down moments… and somehow, that makes the eventual success feel earned.
When I felt like giving up, this book reminded me that every great founder has had their share of chaos. It showed me that resilience isn’t a trait, it’s a decision you keep making.
There are days when showing up is a power move.
Why Books Matter (Especially at the Start)
Here’s the thing, no book will build your business for you. But they offer something just as valuable:
They’ll help you think better.
In the early days of building something new, it’s your mind that needs the most sharpening. Good books give you mentors you may never meet, strategies you’d never think of, and stories that keep you going when it feels like no one understands.
I’ve kept these books close, not because I always agree with everything in them, but because they challenge me, and they help me grow.
They remind me that I’m not the only one figuring things out. And sometimes, it just takes one sharp sentence to flip your perspective.
Final Thoughts
If you’re starting your entrepreneurial journey, let books be your quiet co-founders. They won’t complain, they won’t judge, and they’ll always be one page away when you need them.
Don’t try to read them all in one go. Pick one, live with it, take notes, and apply what clicks. The rest will follow.
That’s all from me, I’m Anek Bedi, and I’ll see you in the next one with more content that helps you grow, build, and lead better.
