15 Books I Read in 2023

Bringing back one of my favorite things to talk about: reading (and buying) BOOKS. In 2023, I wanted to read 30 books. Even though I didn’t hit my goal, I read TEN more books than last year, which is still progress. Finding time to do things that re-ignite that spark is important, and in 2023, I think I managed to do just that. I worked with a business coach early in the year, recommending I read a book in the middle of the work day.

“I can’t read a book in the middle of the day!” I laughed. The thought of it felt wrong like I was texting during a class or something.

“Why not?” she questioned. I looked at her, puzzled. “Would it help you feel creative?”

“Yes”

“Would it make you feel happy?” I nodded again. “Would that time to reset and read help you work ‘faster?’”

Another yes. I’m sharing this simple but impactful altercation that flipped a switch for me. Why was I not allowing myself to read a book in the day? The fear of looking unprofessional? Like I wasn’t working? Like I wasn’t taking my business seriously? All of the above & then some. But she was right. Reading for me keeps the creative rut at bay. Why SHOULDN’T I read a book during the day?

There are affiliate links in this blog post! 

9 Non-Fiction Books for Business Owners

Some for inspiration, some to question your way of thinking, and some to simply learn new ways to better myself and my business. I read most of Profit First in 2022, but didn’t finish it until January 2023, right on time to update the way I bookkeep. So far, I’ve really loved the concept as it’s proven over 2023 to work for my business.

The 12 12-week year was another pivotal read, helping me clarify goals and systems to help me work faster and simpler. (Who doesn’t love that?)

101 Essays that Will Change the Way You Think by Brianna West ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

You Are A Bad Ass at Making Money by Jen Sincero ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Practice of Not Thinking by Ryūnosuke Koike ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Launch by Jeff Walker ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Science of Stuck by Britt Frank ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Profit First by Mike Michalowicz ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Related Post: Books for Creative Small Business Owners

6 Non-Business Related Books I Read in 2023

I flop between moods of wanting to learn something, wanting to feel inspired, and wanting to binge-read fiction like it’s my favorite Netflix series. These books are just that, a way not to think or “work” and enjoy an unexpected (or totally predictable) read.

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Happy Place by Emily Henry ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Party of Two by Jasmine Guillory ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Lovers by Emily Henry ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Related Post: 16 Books I Read in 2020

What books have you been reading? Do you love non-fiction as much as I do? Or would you prefer reading to be non-work related altogether?