4 Books Every Business Owner Should Read

Today, I want to share 4 books that have impacted me as a person and as a business owner and what they taught me.

The first 3 books are ones that I have listened to on Audible and I’ve included the listening time for each book. I love listening to books while I’m getting ready for the day, driving, cooking, etc.

1. The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy. Listening time: 5 hours 58 minutes.

I learned that

When you focus on “the gap” (what you are lacking), you will be unsuccessful.

When you focus on “the gain” (what you do have, what you’ve accomplished, your "wins"), you will be successful.?

If you always measure your progress by what you lack, then you will be unhappy.?

You will be in “the gap” if you always measure yourself against where you want to be (like the unattainable horizon line that is always moving away from you, no matter how many steps forward you take).

You will be in “the gain” when you measure yourself against where you were previously.?

This book taught me that I was measuring success wrong.?

It’s all about shifting your mindset.

2. The Dip by Seth Godin- This book was recommended to me when I was at a low point in my business because I wanted to quit and questioned whether or not I wanted to continue. Listening time: 1 hour 32 minutes?

A few of the things I learned were:

• Being the “best in the world” is overrated and it’s subjective.
• It’s ok to quit. It doesn’t mean that you have given up. But, when you quit, you have to quit the wrong stuff.
• You can be successful at quitting, if you quit strategically.
• And, it’s important to set your limits before you start.
• Ask yourself, “in what circumstances am I willing to quit?”

3. Atomic Habits by James Clear- I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s filled with so many wonderful tips on how to build good habits and break bad habits. I loved this book so much that I listened to it again at the beginning of this year. Listening time: 5 hours 36 minutes

I learned that?

Most people (including myself) want to see big changes right away.

However, that’s unrealistic.

Small changes are the key to successful change.

Get 1% better everyday because the compounded interest accrues over time and it is easier to stick with.

James teaches you how to develop systems so that you can change your habits (ex: habit stacking).

This book has taught me how to overcome when I lack motivation, how to design my environment to make success easier (which is something I needed; working from home isn’t always easy), and how to get back on track with my business when I fall off course (i.e. don't let it happen twice).

My final book recommendation had been on my “Want to Read” list for several years. It was originally published in 2010.?

In March, I was on campus at Campbell University to give a lecture with another pharmacist. We both graduated from Campbell but 10 years apart. It was her first time back on campus since she graduated, so we walked around and I showed her some of the new buildings. When we walked in the book store, I saw this book and knew it was meant for me to read it. And I’m so glad I did.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

We owe so much of what we know in science to Henrietta Lacks.

In 1951, a sample of Henrietta’s cervical cancer cells were taken without her knowledge and consent by Johns Hopkins hospital (there was no such thing as informed consent back then).

She died a few months later.

Those cells are still alive today and have been used to develop vaccines, medicines, and chemotherapies.

Because of Henrietta’s cells, I have a job in pharmacogenomics. Why? Because her cells helped scientists learn that humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes. This lead to advances in in vitro fertilization, cloning and the Human Genome Project which eventually led to pharmacogenomics/precision medicine.?

More than 20 years after Henrietta’s death, her family learned of the “immortality” of her cells.?They had no idea her cells were still "alive".

Millions of dollars were made because of the work that was done using Henrietta’s cells but her family never saw any of the profits.

This book reminds me that all of the patients I work with are human beings with stories and families and the work we do as scientists as human consequences.?

-Melissa

Have you read any of these books? Do you have a favorite?

Comment below!