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Books That Changed How I Think About Business, Mindset & Life
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items I'm a vacation rental entrepreneur and mom who reads constantly to grow personally and professionally. These are the books I gift to friends, recommend to fellow hosts, and come back to again and again. From mindset shifts to business strategy, every...
Sections
4
Mindset & Personal Growth
Business & Money
Hospitality & Leadership
Inspiration & Fiction
Mindset & Personal Growth
Books that challenge your thinking and help you grow. These are the mindset and personal development reads that have made a real impact on how I approach life and business.
I'm not gonna lie, waking up at 5am sounded insane to me at first. But this book makes such a good case for it and I actually tried it — my mornings (and honestly my whole day) got so much better. Even if you don't go full 5am, the morning routine ti...
The 5AM Club
This is THE book on growth mindset. It completely reframed how I look at challenges and setbacks — in business and in life. If you liked Atomic Habits, you need this one too.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
If you need a reality check on what actually matters in life, this is it. It's funny, raw, and honestly one of those books that just snaps things into perspective. Pair it with You Are a Badass for the ultimate mindset combo.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
This book will push you mentally. Goggins' story is absolutely wild and it made me realize I'm only scratching the surface of what I'm capable of. Read this when you need that extra push to keep going.
Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind - David
This book changed how I show up in every area of my life. The four agreements are simple but powerful — be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, and always do your best. A must-read for anyone on a growth ...
The Four Agreements: Guide to Freedom
Jen Sincero's energy in this book is unmatched. It's the kind of read that hypes you up and reminds you to stop playing small. If you need a confidence boost and a kick to go after what you want, start here.
You Are a Badass: Stop Doubting & Start Living
A timeless classic that honestly applies to every part of life — business, relationships, parenting, you name it. Stephen Covey's principles are ones I come back to again and again. Highly recommend.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
This one is intense but so eye-opening. Robert Greene breaks down the dynamics of power and influence in a way that makes you see the world differently. Whether you agree with every law or not, it's a fascinating read.
The 48 Laws of Power: Greene, Robert
This book completely shifted how I handle things I can't control. Mel Robbins nails it — let them do what they're going to do, and focus your energy on what YOU can change. A must-read for anyone who overthinks.
The Let Them Theory: Life-Changing Tool
The #1 book I recommend to anyone wanting to build better habits. James Clear breaks it down so simply — tiny changes, remarkable results. I keep coming back to this one constantly.
Atomic Habits: Easy Way to Build & Break Habits
Business & Money
Smart reads about money, wealth-building, and financial mindset. These books shifted how I think about business and long-term financial success.
Changed how I think about wealth, risk, and financial decisions.
The Psychology of Money: Lessons on Wealth
This book is kind of out there but it totally shifted how I think about money. It's less about budgets and investing and more about your whole mindset around abundance vs scarcity. After reading it I stopped stressing about money and started thinking...
The Success Principles of Happy Pocket Full of Money
The book that completely changed how I think about money, assets, and building wealth. If you're in real estate or want to be, this is THE book to start with. I come back to it all the time.
Rich Dad Poor Dad: What The Rich Teach Kids
The OG wealth-building classic. Essential reading for anyone serious about understanding how money, desire, and persistence work together. Napoleon Hill interviewed the most successful people of his time and distilled it all into this book.
Think and Grow Rich: Landmark Bestseller Revised
The most practical business book I've read in years. Hormozi breaks down how to build an offer so good people feel silly saying no — I rethought how we position our stays after this one. Quick, dense, and highly actionable.
$100M Offers: Make Offers So Good People...
Hospitality & Leadership
Must-reads for anyone in the hospitality or STR space. These books inspire bold leadership and next-level guest experiences.
If you're in the hospitality or STR space this book is an absolute game changer. It completely redefined how I think about guest experiences at our rentals. The stories in here will make you want to go above and beyond for every single guest. I liter...
Unreasonable Hospitality: Power of Giving More
This book helped me figure out the whole purpose behind Sunshine Escapes. Simon Sinek really nails the idea that people don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it. Once I got clear on our “why” everything in our business started clicking. Super in...
Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire
Brene Brown is just the best. This book taught me that being vulnerable isn't a weakness — it's actually what makes you a better leader. I read this when we were growing our team and it changed how I show up for the people around me. Whether you mana...
Dare to Lead: Brave Work, Tough Talks
If you're in the STR space, you NEED to read this. It's the behind-the-scenes story of how Airbnb became what it is today. So many lessons about hospitality, disruption, and building something bigger than yourself.
The Airbnb Story: How Three Guys Disrupted Industry
Disney literally wrote the book on guest experience and this is it. So many takeaways I've applied to our vacation rentals. If you want your guests to feel like VIPs, start here.
Be Our Guest: Perfecting the Art of Customer
This one rewired how we talk about Sunshine Escapes. Miller's framework makes your customer the hero and your brand the guide — our listings and emails got so much clearer. Essential if you market anything.
Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message
Inspiration & Fiction
Beautiful, inspiring reads that spark creativity and remind you to dream big. These are the books I come back to whenever I need a reset.
I've read this book probably 4 or 5 times and it hits different every single time. It's such a beautiful story about chasing your dreams and trusting the journey. I always pick it up when I need a reminder to keep going. It's short too so you can fin...
The Alchemist: A Modern Classic Graphic Novel
If you've ever felt stuck creatively or scared to try something new, read this immediately. Elizabeth Gilbert just gets it. She talks about creativity in a way that makes you feel like you have permission to just go for it without being perfect. I re...
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
This book hit me like a ton of bricks. Glennon Doyle's writing is bold, honest, and empowering. It's about trusting yourself, breaking free from expectations, and living on your own terms. Every woman needs to read this.
Untamed: Reese's Book Club - Glennon Doyle Melton