my current favorite books

Growing up, I hated reading.

No one around me really did it, and when they did, it was either fiction I couldn’t get into or dry textbooks that made me want to fall asleep. But once I graduated college and entered the business world, I realized how much I didn’t know and how badly I wanted to learn. That’s when I started picking up books that actually spoke to me. Now, I try to read at least a chapter every night. It doesn’t always happen, but it’s the goal. These books have taught me that I’m not crazy, that dreaming big isn’t a flaw, and that there are smarter ways to run a business, manage money, and just be a functioning adult (lol). Most importantly, they’ve helped me grow my confidence in who I am and what I’m building.

So, here are my current top 10 book recommendations (not in order).

1. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz

This book completely changed the way I think about money in business. Instead of waiting to “hopefully” have profit left over, it teaches you how to build profit into your system from the start. It’s practical and easy to follow, which is exactly what I needed when things felt messy in the beginning and as I started to grow. I recommend this to every small business owner.

2. The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone

This one is intense, in the best way. It’s all about taking massive action and going all-in on your goals. It gave me permission to go bigger, to stop playing small, and to stop waiting for things to feel easy. I love how he calls you out, too. Like it may be as simple as you truly aren’t doing enough and you don’t realize what it actually takes. If you’re feeling stuck or timid in your goals, read this.

3. Atomic Habits by James Clear

If you’ve ever wanted to change your habits without feeling like you’re overhauling your life, this is the one. It breaks down the science of habit-building into something doable and kind. I love habit-stacking and habit-sandwiching now! What stuck with me the most was the idea of becoming the type of person who does the thing, not just trying to force the outcome.

4. Let Them by Mel Robbins

A short but powerful read that helped me stop over-explaining myself. The core idea is simple: if someone wants to doubt you, misunderstand you, or count you out... let them. I also love how she talks about friendships as adults, the emotional maturity of most grown-ups, and practice steps on what to do after you ‘let them’. I think about this book almost daily, especially when I’m tempted to shrink or soften myself for the sake of being “understood.”

5. The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz

This one is old-school, but timeless. It reminds you that you’re allowed to want more, dream bigger, and go further - without needing permission or proof first. I read it early in my business journey and still go back to it when I need a mental reset.

6. Why Now Is the Time to Crush It! by Gary Vaynerchuk

This one is all about building something real and lasting online. Even though parts of it are a little dated now, the energy is what makes it powerful. It made me feel like I could actually do this.. like there’s no better time than right now to go all in on your idea.

7. Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

Brutal and inspiring. Goggins doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and that’s part of what makes this book so unforgettable. It’s not just about toughness, it’s about mastering your mind when your circumstances want to break you. It helped me believe I can do hard things.

8. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

I avoided this book for years because the title felt cheesy... but wow. It’s one of the most practical books about communication I’ve ever read. If you work with people in any way (aka all of us), read this. It helped me improve relationships and show up with more empathy and confidence.

9. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

This was my first real introduction to thinking about money differently. It lays out the mindset shift between working for money and having money work for you. It’s a classic for a reason, and a great one to read early on in your financial journey.

10. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

This book is like a pep talk in paperback form. Ladies - highly recommend! It's funny, honest, and pushes you to stop playing small and start owning your power. I read it during a time when I needed to be reminded that confidence is a skill, and not something you're born with. It helped me get out of my head and into action.

-Nicole 🖤

P.S. What book do you recommend that has changed your life or how you view things? I’d love to add to my list. Share below in the comments!