So that it was easier to share reading recommendations when I’m asked, I created a series of readings lists for writers and freelancers on my website. This one contains my picks for the most inspirational books for freelancers and solopreneurs. It’s worth noting that in 2014 I did John Acuff’s “empty shelf challenge” and many of these titles were on that list — this ended up being the same year I decided to leave the 9 to 5! These books, particularly Kleon’s and McKeown’s, literally made a difference in my life.
Manage Your Day-to-Day: Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus, and Sharpen Your Creative Mind by 99U
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad by Austin Kleon
Show Your Work! Ten Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered by Austin Kleon
Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon
Steal Journal: A Notebook for Creative Kleptomaniacs by Austin Kleon
Ignore Everybody: and 39 Other Keys to Creativity by Hugh MacLeod
Essentialism by Greg McKeown
Choose Wonder Over Worry: Move Beyond Fear and Doubt to Unlock Your Full Potential by Amber Rae
You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
Note: This list only contains books I’ve read; if you have suggestions for me and other readers, please share in the comments of the blog post linked here! I’ll update this list periodically when I have new recommendations. Links are affiliate links.