The Best Business and Personal Growth Books for Business Owners in 2026

Each year, I personally set a goal to read business and personal growth books -- one per month.  I make my selections based on what my clients are working through, what I’m focusing on in my own business, and the skills I want to sharpen. 

As a business coach in San Diego, I often get asked which business and personal growth books I recommend for various stages of business growth, so I've curated a list below. This list includes some of the business and personal growth books I read or re-read in 2025 and recommend for 2026. They’re organized by topic to help you find what fits your current season so you can become the business owner you need to be to hit your goals. 

Marketing & Sales

Fanatical Prospecting | Jeb Blount

If lead flow feels inconsistent, this book reinforces the importance of daily prospecting habits and shows how to build a predictable pipeline without relying on hope or referrals alone.

Find on Amazon here.

Never Split the Difference | Chris Voss

If you struggle with pricing conversations, negotiations, or difficult discussions, this book teaches practical communication skills to stay confident and in control without being aggressive.

Find on Amazon here.

The Psychology of Selling: Increase Your Sales Faster & Easier Than You Ever Thought Possible | Brian Tracy

Ideal if sales feel inconsistent or uncomfortable, this classic helps you understand buyer behavior and build confidence in selling through mindset and simple habits.

Find on Amazon here.

The 6 Types of Working Genius: A Better Way to Understand Your Gifts, Your Frustrations, and Your Team | Patrick M. Lencioni

If your team feels misaligned or frustrated, this book helps you understand how people work best and how to delegate and collaborate more effectively.

Find on Amazon here.

Buy Back Your Time: Get Unstuck, Reclaim Your Freedom and Build Your Empire | Dan Martell

Perfect for business owners who feel trapped in the day-to-day, this book shows how to reclaim thousands of hours of your time while growing a profitable, scalable business.

Find on Amazon here.

Who Not How | Dan Martell & Dr. Benjamin Hardy

If you’re doing too much yourself, this book helps shift your thinking from how to do something to who can help you do it faster and better.

Find on Amazon here. 

The Science of Scaling | Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Best for owners ready to grow intentionally instead of reactively. This book focuses on identity-based growth, focus, and strategic decision-making.

Find on Amazon here. 

Your Next Five Moves: Master the Art of Business Strategy | Patrick Bet-David

This book sharpens strategic thinking so you can plan ahead instead of reacting under pressure.

Find on Amazon here.

Personal Growth

The 5 Second Rule  | Mel Robbins

If you’re looking for a way to break the habit of procrastination and self-doubt, beat fear and uncertainty or share your ideas with courage, you’ll appreciate this scientifically-backed method using a five-second countdown.

Find on Amazon here.

Becoming Bulletproof: Protect Yourself, Read People, Influence Situations and Live Fearlessly | Evy Poumpouras

If you’re working on building confidence, emotional control, and situational awareness, this book is especially helpful if you’re navigating stress, leadership pressure, or difficult people. 

Find on Amazon here.

The Let Them Theory  | Mel Robbins

A powerful mindset shift for anyone tired of over-controlling or people-pleasing, this book helps you refocus energy on what you can control in relationships, business and life.

Find on Amazon here.

Scarcity Brain: Fix Your Craving Mindset and Rewire Your Habits to Thrive with Enough  | Michael Easter

Perfect if you feel stuck in reactive habits or constant “not enough” thinking. This book helps rewire decision-making and build healthier patterns around work and life.

Find on Amazon here.

Want more recommendations for business and personal growth books? Check out this previous blog for some of my past favorites.

If you’d like help applying what you’re learning to your business in 2026, I offer complimentary strategy calls to help business owners gain clarity and create a focused plan for growth.  Book yours HERE.

Happy reading and growing!