8 Must Read Books for Entrepreneurs Seeking to RefreshMotivational books and tools are just what you need to give yourself a competitive boost.

ByPeter Gasca

Entrep表达的意见reneur contributors are their own.

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One goal I typically set after the new year -- when I have had a chance to review other book lists -- is a new reading list to carry me through the long months. I like to include multiple titles, because I will often start books while still reading others. I do this so I can find correlations and connections between the different titles and ideas.

This year, my reading list is one that can help whether you are looking to improve your financial situation or health (check), make a major life or career change (check), work on your spirituality (check), or simply be entertained (check).

1.Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise-- Anders Ericsson

You might already be familiar with the "10,000 hour" rule, which hypothesizes that that 10,000 hours of practice are needed to develop world-class skills in any field. The idea became popular after it was published inMalcolm Gladwell's book,Outliers. The principle, however, is based on studies and science conducted by Anders Ericsson, who inPeak, released in 2016, goes into details and provides tips to readers on how to apply the idea of "deliberate practice" properly in order to master any skill you endeavor to learn.

Related:The 6 Books Shark Tank's Daymond John Wants You to Read

2.Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business-- Charles Duhigg

InSmarter Faster Better,Charles Duhigg expands on his previous best seller,The Power of Habit, to share ideas on how people can be more productive. Habits,he explains, are not the key to productivity. Instead, habits are decisions you stop making and become automatic, while productivity is the process of taking control of your decisions, not through reaction but rather a conscious decision that you are in charge of them.

3.The Entrepreneurs Book of Actions: Essential Daily Exercises and Habits for Becoming Wealthier, Smarter, and More Successful-- Rhett Power.

This book, written by successful entrepreneur and coach, Rhett Power, isa daily devotionalbased on his extensive experience and that of several other successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. Readers are lead through 53 weeks ofhabit forming actionsmeant to help aspiring entrepreneurs reach their professional and personal goals. It also provides tools and processes that will encourage sustainable growth and success.

Related:Reading Books Makes You Smarter, Richer and Surprisingly Healthier

4.Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers-- Tim Ferriss.

Written by the legendary motivator and well-knownself-help author,蒂姆Ferriss,Tools of Titansprovides an insider's look to the lives of a few famous and well-known billionaires. Readers will gain insights about the habits of these highly motivated individuals, includingmorning routines, daily habits, andhealthand mind regimen. It also discusses and provides tips for several pitfalls to avoid.

5.Head Strong: The Bulletproof Plan to Activate Untapped Brain Energy to Work Smarter and Think Faster-in Just Two Weeks-- Dave Asprey.

Self improvement and sustainable good habits require time and discipline to master.Head Strong, written by the trend setting creator ofThe Bulletproof Diet, Dave Asprey, focuses on an intense session of biohacking and training your brain to become sharper, smarter, faster, and more resilient -- just what you need to at least make it through January with your resolutions.

6.Mind Over Meds: Know When Drugs Are Necessary, When Alternatives Are Better – and When to Let Your Body Heal on Its Own——Andrew Weil。

One of the most respected doctors in the world, Andrew Weil, introduces anew bookthat helps link the practice of sharpening your mind with that ofrenewing your body-- holistically. Proclaimed as a book for "anyone who is sick and tired of being sick and tired," this book will help teach you about good and bad medications and the true necessity for them while providing tips for more holistic recovery methods.

Related:The Entrepreneur's Ultimate List of 8 Must-Read Books

7.There Is No Good Card for This: What to Say and Do When Life Is Scary, Awful, and Unfair to People You Love-- Kelsey Crowe and Emily McDowell.

If 2017 is even a fraction as crazy as its predecessor, we are sure to run into a number of obstacles that will make us question the fairness of life. Kelsey Crowe's and Emily McDowell'sentertaining new bookis your guide to dealing with life'sunexpected surprises and unplanned challenges, providing readers with ideas and tips (with a healthy balance of well placed humor) on how to deal when bad things that happen to good people. It is especially well suited for those who too easily find excuses for deviating from their resolutions.

8.Underground Railroad-- Colson Whitehead

No read list is complete without at least one reading election meant to entertain. In this case,my fictional pickby Colson Whitehead, which rose to best selling status almost as soon as it was released (thanks to Oprah), follows a slave named Cora who, at the age of 15, escapes from the Georgia plantation on which she was raised via the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad in this book, however, is a literal railroad with underground tracks and locomotives making stops in different states. Although a bit deep, it sounds like an enticing and exciting escape from reality.

My hope is that these books will help me -- and you -- refocus our minds and bodies toward a productive year. Let us know what you think and what is on your reading list onTwitter at @Entrepreneur. Happy reading.

Peter Gasca

Entrepreneur Leadership Network® Writer

Management and Entrepreneur Consultant

Peter Gasca is an author and consultant at Peter Paul Advisors. He also serves as Executive-in-Residence and Director of the Community and Business Engagement Institute at Coastal Carolina University. His book, One Million Frogs', details his early entrepreneurial journey.

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