1. The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy 
This was the very FIRST personal development/business growth book I ever read. Since my first read through I have read it at least 2 dozen times.  Daren Hardy shares principles about how the decisions you make shape your destiny.  The smallest daily decision can either lead you to your biggest life desires or it can lead you down the road of disaster.  If I had to pick my #1 favorite PD book this would hands down be the book I suggest anyone read.  There are easy to use, step-by-step systems he share to help you achieve your success.

2. Failing Forward by John C. Maxwell 
The number one fear people have when getting started in their own business is the fear of failing.  I can’t say that i’ve ever truly been afraid of failing because growing up we were taught that “we didn’t fail at something, we just learned a new way that didn’t work”. I appreciate my parents so much for that life lesson and it is why I find this book so dead on with that very lesson.  Most people are never prepared to deal with failure.  Maxwell shares how to make failure your friend so that you can harness the lesson and turn it into success later on.  As the author is quoted “I want to help you learn how to confidently look the prospect of failure in the eye and move forward anyway because in life, the question is not if you will have problems, but how you are going to deal with them. Stop failing backward and start failing forward!””

3. The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod  
While I am admittedly NOT a morning person I had some fantastic take aways form this book that I apply every day to my business. The main idea is to create time to do things that matter most to you at the begging of the day. The idea behind this is that you will feel energized and creative throughout the rest of the day.  I apply the same principles in his “morning” to my afternoon when the kiddo is napping.  Maybe when little mr gets older i’ll become more of a morning person but until then I’m rocking these techniques on my own schedule.

4. Flight Plan: The Real Secret of Success by Brian Tracy
I firmly believe that life is a journey that must be lived however it takes navigational skills to master.  In business you need to know where you are headed and you must have a process on how you plan to get there.  This book is all about life being a journey, teaching how to create clear goals, plans, schedules, etc. in order to establish a plan for your future.  Brian Tracy uses the analogy of a pilot needed a flight plan to guide him along his flight in order to illustrate how best to navigate your business for success.

5. The Desire Map: A Guide To Creating Goals With Soul by Danielle Laporte
As a new mom I found this book and it was eye opening. I could run my business a different way prior to little mr but my whole world and subsequently my business was rocked when he finally arrived.  I use to be such an over planner, I use to try and keep pace with those out of my league,  and I based my goals on other peoples goals. The desire map shows you how to set goals based on your desires instead of sticking rigidly to a timeline.  When I read this book post kiddo arrival I really had an uhhhh-oooo-ahhhaaa moment and embraced a new way of setting goals in my business.

6. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
My biggest take away from this book is the you are not meant to run with EVERY idea that comes to mind. There will be others who are better suited for an idea you had that you will be.  This was a hard topic to learn for me because I like to have my fingers in all areas of everything.  But after I read this book I realized that I was REALLY good at a few things and I needed to focus on those things and share those things rather than trying to stretch myself thin sharing EVERYTHING I was only mediocre at doing.  You’ll realize this book is about the creative process of business life and it’s a great read for those who feel stretched thin.

7. Launch by Jeff Walker  
I had the privilege of meeting Jeff Walker at one of the seminars that I attended and he signed my book! His story is powerful and the content he shares ground breaking for businesses that want to take themselves to the next level.  Walker gives you the EXACT steps to creating a successful online launch. This isn’t for just one specific type of business, it can be applied to any type of business. I have successfully implemented his techniques multiple times and the process breakdown is simply and easy to apply.

8. Habit Stacking: 97 Small Life Changes That Take Five Minutes or Less by S.J. Scott
I passed by this book a DOZEN times while scrolling through Amazon. I honestly kept skipping it because I didn’t feel I needed to simplify life but boy was I wrong.  I liked how Scott broke down simple tasks that are done throughout the day and turning them into a habit.  The idea behind the book is that simple tasks create big results.

9. The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Peale    
Its easy to get down on yourself in business, personal life, in the mommy life, etc.  It is nice to be able to check back in with your goals and desires and realize that the negative thoughts are merely doubt clouds that should be brushed away.  In this book Peale teaches you how to believe in yourself, build new power, develop the power to reach your goals, break through old negative habits, improve your relationships, and be kind to yourself.  When i’m feeling stuck or down on myself for something in my business or personal life I dive into this book for a refresher in positive thinking.

10. The 4 Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferris  

When I first decided I wanted to quit my full time job and start my own business I had MAJOR doubts.  I wondered if I was going to be strapped to my computer 24 hours a day just struggling to make it.  I went to the library and check out this book, yes I went to the library instead of purchasing the book in a store or online.  Ferris teaches how theres no need to wait for the life you desire.  He lays out an entire blueprint for outsourcing, eliminating the unnecessary work, managing all aspects of your business in less time so that you have more time to actually enjoy your life. Disclaimer I now own my own copy because I go back and reference it when need.