8 Must-Read Books for a Successful Career and Life

There are countless books offering advice on how to live your life or build a successful business quickly and efficiently. However, we’ve gone a step further to curate a list of exceptional works that seamlessly blend these themes into captivating content. Whether you’re a mother, a businesswoman, a homemaker, an artist, or a writer, these books will provide you with fresh perspectives on life and work.

1. “Garlic and Sapphires” by Ruth Reichl

This memoir recounts the experiences of a young woman working as a restaurant critic for The New York Times. The protagonist is a 20-something risk-taker with big ambitions. Reichl’s advice is invaluable for any woman embarking on a serious career and striving for success. Beyond its productive insights, the book is filled with humorous and charming anecdotes from everyday life.

2. “Siblings Without Rivalry” by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

While not explicitly about money or business, this book offers numerous situations and advice that can help create an effective work environment and foster teamwork. The authors present simple yet crucial ideas, such as active listening, clear communication, and the art of constructive disagreement. This book is also highly beneficial for managing household dynamics.

3. “The Business of Design” by Keith Granet

Many of us, particularly women, harbor the misconception that pursuing our passions won’t lead to financial success. However, the truth is quite the opposite. The more you love your work, the easier it becomes, and the faster you complete it. Passion adds genuine value and significance to your endeavors. “The Business of Design” emphasizes that a lifetime of work deserves fair compensation. The money you earn doing what you love should support your business, family, and yourself. Therefore, it’s essential to learn how to spend it wisely and address challenging issues with clients who may not always appreciate the value of your work.

4. “Getting to Yes” by William Ury

The ability to say “no” is a crucial condition for personal success, even though not everyone remembers this golden rule. “Getting to Yes” explores this idea extensively, providing valuable lessons for future business prosperity and overall life improvement. The book underscores that saying “no” doesn’t make you a bad person and doesn’t reflect on your character. Therefore, you shouldn’t hesitate to say it when necessary. Additionally, the book teaches effective negotiation skills and how to decline requests without facing rejection yourself.

5. “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott

This book will resonate with those who enjoy rereading the same story, as it is filled with life experiences and practical advice. “Bird by Bird” delves into the art of writing, various aspects of life, and productive reflection. The title itself suggests that no matter how complex life may be, you can solve any problem gradually, one step at a time.

6. “The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz

One of the most valuable qualities in business and any other endeavor is the ability to view situations from different perspectives and recognize their potential. This book teaches you how to think strategically, develop plans, and achieve success even in the most challenging circumstances. It also covers creativity and leadership skills in both professional and personal life.

7. “Art & Fear” by David Bayles and Ted Orland

For those aspiring to succeed in the artistic world, “Art & Fear” is an invaluable resource. It offers insights that can permanently change your perception of the world. The book presents several crucial lessons that simplify the life of an artist. Here are a few key takeaways:

• Art can be created by ordinary people, so don’t worry about talent—just start working as soon as possible.
• Acting out of fear will only bring more fears.
• The only thing you can do well and is worth doing is what you care about the most.

8. “Give and Take” by Adam M. Grant

In “Give and Take,” Adam Grant explains why the most successful people are those who know how to give. This book helps you understand the essence of partnership and collaboration, and what motivates you and others to work together and share resources. It also discusses how building a business strategy based on generosity and goodwill is not only acceptable but beneficial.