Entrepreneurship is full of highs and lows that you can never possibly predict.
While there is a thrill of building something from ground up, it’s often accompanied by long hours, stress and moments of self-doubt. Burnout is a real challenge for many entrepreneurs and I am no different.
But when these moments of exhaustion, lack of motivation and even self-doubt arise, I now turn to books. So I’m going to recommend some of those that have helped me snap out of the worst of burnouts!
Best books to read when you hit a burnout
There are several books that can help entrepreneurs. While I’ll keep updating this list, here are some I do recommend adding to your list:
1. The Hard Thing About Hard Things – Ben Horowitz
Ben Horowitz, a Silicon Valley legend, shares candid insights into the struggles of running a business. Unlike the usual business books, this one focuses on dealing with crises, making tough decisions, and leading through uncertainty – which is far too common in my experience so far.
2. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less – Greg McKeown
One major cause of burnout is spreading yourself too thin. In Essentialism, McKeown shares that success doesn’t come from doing everything but from focusing on what truly matters. This book will help entrepreneurs simplify their workload (which was a must-have for me), say no to unnecessary commitments (well, me again), and create a more balanced life without sacrificing business success.
3. The 4-Hour Workweek – Timothy Ferriss
For those who feel trapped in the never-ending grind, The 4-Hour Workweek presents an alternative approach to work and life. Ferriss introduces strategies to automate, delegate, and optimize tasks so you can work smarter, not harder. This book is a game-changer for those who need to learn about working ‘on’ the business, instead of always ‘in’ the business.
4. Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle – Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski
This book is specifically designed to help people break the cycle of chronic stress and exhaustion. The Nagoski sisters use science-backed research to explain how stress works and provide actionable steps to recover.
5. Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less – Alex Soojung-Kim Pang
Contrary to the hustle culture, Rest argues that downtime is just as crucial as work. Through historical and scientific examples, Pang demonstrates how rest fuels creativity, productivity, and long-term success. If you’re feeling burnt out, this book might just encourage you to take that next break and come back refreshed!
6. Dare to Lead – Brené Brown
Burnout often stems from the immense pressure of leadership. In Dare to Lead, Brené Brown explores the power of vulnerability, courage, and empathy in leadership. This book is a must-read for entrepreneurs who struggle with the emotional toll of running a business and need a fresh perspective on leading with authenticity.
7. Atomic Habits – James Clear
Burnout can make you feel stuck, but Atomic Habits provides a practical roadmap for making small, consistent changes that lead to big results. James Clear explains how to break bad habits, build positive ones, and create a system for long-term success. Although, I did have a tough time getting through the book because it does feel a little heavier to read at times.
8. Rework – Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson
If traditional business advice is leading to burnout, Rework offers a fresh take. Fried and Hansson challenge conventional wisdom and advocate for a more streamlined, efficient way to run a business. This book is perfect for entrepreneurs who need to rethink their approach and create a sustainable work-life balance. Personally, this book became my go-to even at work as I optimized processes for the entire team.
9. The Obstacle Is the Way – Ryan Holiday
Inspired by Stoic philosophy, The Obstacle Is the Way teaches how to transform challenges into opportunities. Ryan Holiday’s approach to resilience and mental toughness is especially helpful for entrepreneurs facing difficulties.
10. Mindfulness for Beginners – Jon Kabat-Zinn
When burnout hits, it’s often a sign that you need to slow down and reconnect with yourself. Mindfulness for Beginners introduces meditation and mindfulness techniques that can help entrepreneurs manage stress, improve focus, and cultivate a sense of calm. To be honest, this is one practice that I haven’t yet gotten to.
Conclusion
I know these books may sound a bit preachy at times.
I know these books may even sound like they’re a repeat of what you already know – or have experienced.
But sometimes, when you hit burnout, that’s exactly what you need.
Hearing what you know. Hearing what you have experienced.
I’m not one to make book recommendations out of thin air. I like to share what I read. So if you’re a reader, an entrepreneur or someone who’s thinking about building their own company, follow along on my reading journey!
