15 Books Most Successful People have read – You should read too
There are countless books most successful people have read. Generally, one of the things that build successful people is reading books. Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world, a door of opportunity opens. But if you only read what everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking. And you can only achieve what everyone else is achieving. Since most people struggle and live average lives, you want to be reading what the successful ones are reading.
So today, you will learn about 15 books the most successful people have read. Significantly, most successful people have read at least 5 of these books. As usual, this post is brought to you by After School Africa and we also have articles on business books every aspiring leader should read.
If you are new to these posts, welcome. We aim for the all-around education of young Africans. Consider joining 20000+ others in subscribing to AfterSchoolAfrica on Youtube to continue exploring opportunities. Here are the 15 best books most successful people have read:
1. Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
If you are going to be reading books successful people have read, you may as well start with the one that explores where successful people come from. In Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell engages in a study to discover what separates high-achieving individuals in various fields from everyone else. In the book, the author approaches an interesting and rather startling hypothesis: individual merit plays only a small role in success. According to Gladwell, luck, circumstances, timing, culture, and even a person’s birth date are all part of the complex roadmap that leads towards success. Outlier is a fascinating read. It may even help you identify some of the unique factors which could contribute to your success.
2. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
If you think your knowledge is all you need to be successful, this book will thwart that belief. According to Carnegie, only 15 percent of financial success could be attributed to professional knowledge. Instead, he ascribed financial success primarily to, “the ability to express ideas, to assume leadership, and to arouse enthusiasm among people.” In How To Win Friends And Influence People, Carnegie goes about teaching you how to accomplish just that. The author details the six ways to make people like you, the nine ways to change people without arousing resentment, and the twelve ways to win people to your way of thinking. One of the richest men in the world, Warren Buffet claims the book changed his life.
3. Focal Point by Brian Tracy
Are you always buried in multiple tasks at the same time? Brian Tracy wrote this book for you. The focal point is a book that will make you understand that what separates productive people from others is their ability to focus on a singular task at a time and get it done before moving on to the next one. Sounds simple in theory, but this can be difficult in practice. In Focal Point, Brian Tracy offers tips to help build discipline and organization into your day so you can get more stuff done.
4. The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz
Perhaps your problem isn’t doing too much work at a time; it’s doing too little work. If you’ve struggled with procrastination or small thinking, get this book. In it, Schwartz offers practical advice that can help you get inspired and motivated to create a bigger life for yourself. And with it can be a more lucrative and rewarding career.
5. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankel
It can be difficult for lots of people to keep things in perspective, especially when working on high-priority and urgent projects at work. Man’s Search for Meaning can be a life-changing book in the sense that it opens your eyes to a first-hand experience of one of the greatest atrocities in the history of mankind, while also teaching a valuable lesson about having a purpose.
6. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
It’s hard to find a highly successful person who hasn’t read this book. If you focus your thoughts on success, achieving it will be much more likely than thinking about obstacles, failures, and everything else that can get in your way. Almost every successful person has Think and Grow Rich in their library. You want to get a copy too. We have a video on 7 life lessons from the author of this book, Napoleon Hill. Be sure to watch it from the description below.
7. The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday
How you handle trials, adversity, and failure defines who you are as a person. Are you someone who rises to the occasion? Are you the type to see a challenge as an opportunity? Do you view obstacles as precious character-building lessons which can make you stronger, smarter, and tougher? If you feel lost, frustrated, stuck, or overwhelmed, the way forward may be hidden within the source of your trouble. That is one of the primary lessons to be drawn from The Obstacle Is The Way. The book is a guide for success and is definitely one you should consider.
8. 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
It is impossible to describe this book and do justice to it. But if you plan on living life on your terms, climbing as high as you’d like to go, and avoiding being controlled by others, then you need to read this book. Robert is an amazing researcher and storyteller — he has a profound ability to explain timeless truths through story and example. If you read the 48 Laws, I promise you will leave not just with actionable lessons but an indelible sense of what to do in many trying and confusing situations.
9. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
This book is written on Covey’s belief that the way we see the world is entirely based on our own perceptions. In order to change a given situation, we must change ourselves, and in order to change ourselves, we must be able to change our perceptions.
If you want to take steps to change your habits or need some extra motivation, then check out this book. The 7 Habits will help you to aim for what you value the most and then, put those values into action in daily life. It is a book that would spur you from being lazy to more productive and thoughtful as a person
10. The Millionaire Next Door, by Thomas Stanley & William Danko
The Millionaire Next Door explains to readers that anyone can become a millionaire. This will give you the fundamental formula for saving and earning money. Most millionaires live below their means and invest the rest. This is definitely a principle you want to live with whether you’re a millionaire yet or not.
11. The Lean Start-Up by Eric Ries
The Lean Startup is designed for any startup or business that has to manage uncertainty. A core principle of Lean Startup is that the faster you learn, the faster you succeed. And the only way to learn is to get your product or service in front of real paying customers. Before you create any sort of business you’ll want to read The Lean Start-Up, as it can save you time and money you’d likely have wasted otherwise. Eric Ries looks at why most startups fail, and how those failures are preventable.
12. Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon.
Part of ambition is modeling yourself after those you’d like to be like. Austin’s philosophy of ruthlessly stealing and remixing the greats might sound appalling at first but it is actually the essence of art. You learn by stealing; you become creative by stealing; you push yourself to be better by working with these materials. Austin is a fantastic artist, but most importantly he communicates the essence of writing and creating art better than anyone else I can think of. It is a manifesto for any young, creative person looking to make his mark.
13. Mastery by Robert Greene
‘The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways,’ Greene writes in his best-seller. This prophecy will only become more relevant as new technologies continue to emerge at faster and faster rates. Those who can quickly gain mastery over the skills necessary to wield this new technology effectively or create new technology of their own will be the ones to dominate their field and change the world. In this book, Greene shares the best strategies for identifying the best skills to master, finding mentors, and innovating in your field.
14. What I Learned Losing a Million Dollars by Jim Paul and Brendan Moynihan.
There are lots of books on aspiring to something. Very little are from actual people who aspired, achieved, and lost it. With each and every successful move that he made, Jim Paul, who made it to Governor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, was convinced that he was special, different, and exempt from the rules. Once the markets turned against his trades, he lost it all — his fortune, job, and reputation. That’s what makes this book a critical part in understanding how letting arrogance and pride get to your head is the beginning of your unraveling.
15. The art of war by Sun Tzu
The Art of War was written by a Chinese general named Sun Tzu more than 2,500 years ago, possibly in the 6th Century BC. The book has long been heralded for its advice on military success. And this advice has since been co-opted by legions of armchair soldiers and generals in the business world. The book is composed of 13 chapters, each of which focuses on a different aspect of war. It’s a smart book. It’s also poetic, repetitive, and arcane.
In conclusion, there are so many books to read in so little time. But you don’t need to read so many books. In fact, it’s not about how many books you read but how much you learn and put to practice. It was Ralph Waldo Emerson that said, “If you encounter a man of rare intellect, you should ask him what books he reads”. We have handpicked these 15 books for you to start with. Pick one from a bookstore near you or download them online, and start reading. The book you don’t read CAN NOT change your life. near you or download them online and start reading. The book you don’t read CAN NOT change your life.
These are books most successful people have read but there are more and in case you are looking for more books to read if you aim for success this year, we have them here. So which of these books have you read and would love to read again? Which other book not in this article has impacted your life significantly? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
Business books recommended by Bill Gates, Barack Obama and other successful people
Today's most successful leaders, from Bill Gates to Richard Branson, have one thing in common: They're all avid readers, using books to stay sharp and in the know. CNBC Make It has gathered 10 business and career books suggested by some of the world's most successful people in 2018. From former President Barack Obama to billionaire Mark Cuban, here are the books these leaders have recommended this year that will give you the edge you need.
"Leadership and Self-Deception"
Author: The Arbinger Institute
Recommended by: Slack co-founder and CEO Stewart Butterfield What the book's about: "Leadership and Self-Deception" uses a relatable story about a man facing hurdles at work to show the ways we blind ourselves to our real motivations and hold ourselves back from reaching our goals and achieving happiness. Why Butterfield recommends it: The Slack CEO said this was the most useful book he's ever read and it's one he has recommended to his entire executive team. He said two key ideas stood out to him: one, that people at work often treat co-workers as obstacles in the way of their goals; and two, that people can create villains at work to justify the ways they fall short of their own potential. Said Butterfield, "It's crazy how much [these ideas show] up in everything — in every kind of relationship that you will have."
"That's What She Said"
Author: Joanne Lipman
Recommended by: Billionaire investor and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban What the book's about: In "That's What She Said," former USA Today editor-in-chief Joanne Lipman tackles gender norms in the workplace and offers solutions on gender gap issues. Using anecdotes from numerous corporate flubs, recent studies and stories from her own experience, Lipman offers a road map for empowering women. Why Mark Cuban recommended it: As a business leader, Cuban said the book provides "amazing insights" that could help anyone recognize workplace issues, communication challenges and possible solutions. "One of my most important takeaways from the book was learning that treating everyone equally doesn't mean treating everyone the same," said Cuban in a Barron's interview. "Each person has unique qualities that can benefit a company in ways I hadn't fully considered. This book helped me. It will help you, too."
"The Myth of the Nice Girl: Achieving a Career You Love Without Becoming a Person You Hate"
Author: Fran Hauser
Recommended by: Self-made millionaire and media mogul Arianna Huffington What the book's about: Through anecdotes, hard-won wisdom and time-tested strategies, Hauser's "The Myth of the Nice Girl" shows that women leaders can be both kind and strong. Why Huffington recommends it: Huffington said the book redefined the "outdated notion of what powerful leaders should look like and shows how a culture in which we no longer allow brilliant jerks to dominate the workplace will be better not just for women, but for everyone — and for the bottom line."
"Leadership: In Turbulent Times"
Author: Doris Kearns Goodwin
Recommended by: Salesforce co-CEO Keith Block What the book's about: "Leadership" poses a fundamental question: Are leaders born or made? Goodwin studies the adversities faced by four American presidents: Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Lyndon Johnson. By looking at their first entries into public life, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Goodwin reveals how they saw leadership qualities in themselves and how they were perceived as leaders by others. Why Block recommended it: "As a business leader and a student of history," Block told the Wall Street Journal, the book offers "invaluable lessons for anyone who leads a team, large or small." By showcasing the skills the former presidents learned in their careers, Block said the book provides an "an essential, thought-provoking and timely guide for any leader facing any challenge."
"Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup"
Author: John Carreyrou
Recommended by: Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates What the book's about: "Bad Blood" tells the story of failed blood-testing startup Theranos and its founder and CEO Elizabeth Holmes, who was once widely celebrated as the "female Steve Jobs." The book tells the "riveting story of the biggest corporate fraud since Enron, a tale of ambition and hubris set amid bold promises of Silicon Valley," according to its Amazon description. Why Gates recommended it: The book offers a number of lessons any company can learn, wrote Gates on his blog, from properly scaling a startup to building an appropriate a board of directors who'll notice red flags. But ultimately, said Gates, the book is a "thriller with a tragic ending," one he said he couldn't put down. He said the book is "full of bizarre details that will make you gasp out loud." Said Gates, the work is the perfect book to be read in front of the fire this winter.
"Startup: A Silicon Valley Adventure"
Author: Jerry Kaplan
Recommended by: Venture capitalist Bill Gurley What the book's about: In "Startup," computer scientist and entrepreneur Jerry Kaplan explains how he built his computer company GO corporation in the late 1980s. His team pioneered a hand-held computer operated with a pen and faced numerous failures along the way. He also shares his encounters with computing titans such as Microsoft's Bill Gates and ex-Apple CEO John Sculley. Why Gurley recommended it: Though published in 1995, "Startup" offers a personal take on the daily struggle to launch a company from the ground up, which can still apply to today. In a tweet earlier this year, he named it a book "every entrepreneur should read." "It's a spectacular book because [Kaplan] had a tape recorder and on the way home from work every day, he dictated himself notes," Gurley said last year, according to Silicon Valley Business Journal. "It's remarkably detailed. We spend so much time analyzing success. Sometimes it's good to read how hard it can be."
"The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life"
Author: Alice Schroeder
Recommended by: Golden State Warriors small forward Andre Iguodala What the book's about: "The Snowball" is one of a limited number of authorized biographies available on billionaire investor Warren Buffett. Schroeder, a former Morgan Stanley insurance analyst, so impressed Buffett with her writing, perception and business savvy, he allowed her unprecedented access to learn about his work and life. Based on numerous interviews, Schroeder provides a wide-ranging look at Buffett's personal life, investment strategy and business tactics. Why Iguodala recommended it: The basketball star said Schroeder's book on Buffett is one he can't live without. The work, at 982 pages, is "probably the longest" business book he's ever read, he said, but also one of the best. "[Buffett has] been studying money since the age of 8," Iguodala told GQ. "So that's like me — I've been playing basketball since I was 6. His environment put him in that situation. He put the hard work in and made the most of his opportunities."
"The Person You Mean To Be"
Author: Dolly Chugh
Recommended by: Wharton professor and organizational psychologist Adam Grant What the book's about: In "The Person You Mean To Be," New York University Stern School of Business social psychologist Dolly Chugh details how people can identify bias in their actions and change their actions and behaviors. In a step-by-step guide, Chugh provides a way to think about inclusion and strategies to implement it. Why Grant recommended it: "Finally: a lively, evidence-based book about how to battle biases, champion diversity and inclusion, and advocate for those who lack power and privilege," wrote Grant about the book on LinkedIn. "An unusually thoughtful psychologist makes a convincing case that being an ally isn't about being a good person—it's about constantly striving to be a better person."
"The New Geography of Jobs"
Top 10 Self-Improvement Books Recommended by Successful People
After a great extent of research and reading, a list of the top 10 books that successful people have recommended has been created. Many of them wish they had read these books earlier because of how dramatically they have impacted their lives for the better.
Ask any successful business person, teacher, CEO, etc., and they will likely say that reading can truly transform a person through education. If you are looking to improve your life, relationships, and thoughts, read these ten books recommended by people who once wanted to do the same.
Rich Dad Poor Dad
Robert Kiyosaki
How does one make decisions when they have two different people giving them opposite advice? Robert Kiyosaki tells the story of how he grew up with two dads- his biological father and biological father’s best friend. Both of his fathers influenced his thoughts about business and finances, and the author ultimately explains how to make your money work for you, instead of using your time to work for money.
How to Win Friends and Influence People
Dale Carnegie
Gaining friends and popularity is likely something that the average person would love to do.
This book will help the reader become a more persuasive and impactful person. Small, simple strategies such as listening, smiling, and showing appreciation go a long way. The reader will understand the importance of keeping other’s interests in mind and how to make others feel important. Dale Carnegie delivers skills to become more popular and make others enjoy your presence with tips that can positively change the way others view you.
Atomic Habits
James Clear
A habit is a constantly repeated routine or tendency that is difficult to give up. Atomic Habits by James Clear guides the reader to build good habits and prevent bad ones. This insightful book puts into perspective the impact of improvement and that over time, even the smallest changes can make a huge difference.
Think and Grow Rich
Napoleon Hill
This classic book has been recommended by so many successful people because of how the educational principles taught have been applied in their own lives. Blinkist describes this book as a “classic that demonstrates how wealth is rarely the result of luck or coincidence, and that, almost always, it’s the outcome of traits and skills anyone can learn and acquire.” There are many impactful and memorable stories throughout this book that Napoleon Hill uses to emphasize the importance of the skill or attitude that he wants the readers to take away.
The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People
Stephen R. Covey
This book, written by Stephen R. Covey, explains seven principles that have helped successful people get to the place they are today. Learn to effectively deal with the world around you by becoming more proactive, problem-solving, and learning to lead a fulfilling life. By applying these concepts in everyday life, this Bestseller has helped millions of people of all ages and professions transform their lives for the better.
The Four- Hour Work Week
Tim Ferriss
Have you ever dreamed of ditching your job to enjoy a leisurely lifestyle and increase or automate your income? If you answered yes, then Tim Ferriss has you covered. Learn how to negotiate, become more productive, and make the most of your working hours, so you can spend more time doing what you love.
Who Moved my Cheese?
Dr. Spencer Johnson
Change is inevitable, but what matters most is how you deal with it. The story follows four mice stuck in a maze who have to deal with unexpected changes when looking for their cheese reward. This short book will help readers develop a mindset to overcome the fear of change and learn from it.
The Happiness Project
Gretchen Rubin
More so than money, many people believe that achieving happiness should be the ultimate goal in one’s life. Gretchen Rubin talks about her own dissatisfaction in life ,despite having all she believed she wanted, like money, a family, friends, and a good job. The Happiness Project is a book that will encourage readers to think more positively about their journey in life when achieving the things they desire.
The 80/20 Principle
Richard Koch
The main idea of this self-improvement book is that 80% of our results and work are generated by 20% of our time and effort. The author wants the reader to understand how to achieve much more in a short amount of time and with less effort. The 80/20 Principle can change what people spend their time on and discover what things truly matter.
The Power of Now
Eckhart Tolle
Eckhart Tolle provides principles that can help readers achieve inner peace and connect with spirituality to ultimately result in personal growth. Living in the present and being cognizant of one’s existence and relationships are skills that will be improved.
Now that you have read this list of self-improvement books and descriptions about them, it is encouraged that you go to your nearest bookstore or library and take the time to read these books. Do some research of your own and try to absorb the information in these books and stories to use to your advantage. Hopefully, your everyday life and ways of thinking will improve and you will learn essential skills that can transform you and your relationships.