What a year! Despite everything that’s happened this year, 2021 did provide us all with the opportunity to stay home, take stock of our lives, improve our skills and maybe even take up some new hobbies. One of the things I’ve been grateful for is settling into a new routine and making time for enriching my mind and my business. With so many great books for business owners out there, there have been even more inspirational stories to read and inspirational leaders to learn from. Here are some of my favourite books that I think female entrepreneurs should read this year

1. Atomic Habits, James Clear

Get the book here: amzn.to/37YqkVn

This was the first book I read in 2021 and boy did it set me up well for the rest of the year. That initial moment when your world has been turned upside down, your morning routine is a thing of the past, and you’re just trying to get some normalcy back to your life (in a year that’s been completely abnormal). Well this is the book that will set things right. For entrepreneurs both new and seasoned, this will help you re examine your goals, help you create new habits to achieve your goals, and help you examine what has been keeping you from achieving your dreams in the past

2. Girl, Stop Apologizing, Rachel Hollis

Get the book here: amzn.to/3nUu4ge

As a Canadian, this book really spoke to me. Do you ever find yourself feeling the need to apologize for going after what you want? For not being completely satisfied with your life? For having more goals you want to accomplish than your friends? This book is a must read for you. This book helps explain why women are so ingrained to feel this guilt. More importantly though, how we as female entrepreneurs can stop it.

3. Post Corona: From Crisis to Opportunity, Scott Galloway

Get the book here: amzn.to/3mUE3B3

This year has thrown so many of us for a loop. For some of us, a life changing one. Some of us lost our jobs, others have had to readjust to life working from home. Despite all this, 2020 and hopefully soon, a post corona reality will have us thinking about new opportunities, and new ways of doing things.

4. Becoming, Michelle Obama

Get the book here: amzn.to/2L620b4

Yes, this is largely a biography so what does this have to do with business and entrepreneurship? In her memoir, Michelle Obama delves into what it’s like trying to balance so many priorities as a woman. Not only that, but how do you carve your own voice and your own path in a world that expects you to sit on the sidelines. Fantastic book!

5. Super Attractor: Methods for Manifesting a Life beyond Your Wildest Dreams, Gabrielle Bernstein

Get the book here: amzn.to/38KYXgP

Have you ever sat alone with your thoughts, thinking about what you want your life to be? What did you do about those thoughts and dreams? For many of us, our biggest dreams seem so unattainable we don’t even try. In super attractor, Gabrielle Bernstein shows us how we can readjust our mindset to believe even the loftiest of all our goals.

6. Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, Emily and Amelia Nagoski

Get the book here: https://amzn.to/3pFf8mR

Did you know women are more likely to experience burnout than men? Not only that, but women also experience it differently than men. This book helps women with the tools they need to help manage stress, be in tune with your emotions, and live a happier and more present life

7. You Are a Badass®: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life, Jen Sincero

Get the book here: https://amzn.to/2WXcTyR

Another book on mindset! Let’s admit it, we really need it this year. This is the perfect book if you KNOW what you want to do, but you keep doubting your abilities and circumstances. Best of all, the entire book is written in an easy to read, no fluff, right to the point, blunt style that’s as refreshing as it is motivating.

8. The 4-Hour Workweek, Timothy Ferriss

Get the book here: https://amzn.to/3804rVZ

This book is an oldie but a goodie and it changed my life. I’ll be honest though, the first time I saw this book I scoffed thinking “ok this is bull”. The title and artwork are a bit misleading, but, the message is there. This book will help you achieve your independence and make money on your own terms. For all aspiring digital nomads out there, this is a must read

9. 5 a.m Club, Robin Sharma

Get the book here: https://amzn.to/3804rVZ

So now you’ve got the right mindset, you’ve set your goals, it’s time to unlock your productivity. What do you think will happen when you start waking up just one hour earlier. How much more productive do you think you can be? Fact is most of the world’s most successful people are…you guessed it, morning people! This extra hour in your day can improve your stress levels, increase focus and productivity, unleash your creativity and restore your work life balance

10. Find Your Why: A Practical Guide for Discovering Purpose for You and Your Team, Simon Sinek

Get the book here: https://amzn.to/34W6053

When all else fails, when you find yourself scraping at the last bits of motivation you have, it’s important to always go back to your why. Why do you want to run your own business? Who are you helping? Why do you care? It’s so important to both your business and your well being to keep referring back to you own life’s purpose and what makes you happy. It’s amazing how quickly your mindset and motivation change when you remember your why.

What have been some of your favourite books you’ve read? How have they helped you? Lets help each other achieve our goals in life and business in 2022