Are you frustrated that your business isn’t earning the money you thought it would by now? Or simply isn’t where you envisioned it should be?

You might have had your own business for a few years now, but for some reason you are now feeling trapped, frustrated and unsure of how to grow.

Wondering where the enthusiasm and drive you had back at the start has gone? Even more important, how do you get it back?

You’re stuck in a rut and you’ve lost your mojo!

Do you feel like this? Don’t worry, most of us have been there and this blog is for you. It’s ok, don’t be ashamed. Don’t feel like a fraud or a failure, this can happen to any of us.

Ok, pep talk aside, how do you bust out of this rut?

One suggestion we have for ya is to read more books, or listen to audio books. We believe people should always be learning new things, regardless of what they do for a living.

Reading books is a great way to: challenge your mindset, learn new skills, and gain new tools you can use to really get ahead. And perhaps even help you get out of a rut!

On the other hand, if you listen to the same people, with the same ideas all of the time, you can stagnate. The same is true if all you hear and see is constant negativity. This can bring you down and prevent you from getting to where you want to be.

You get out what you put in. Garbage in, garbage out. Be mindful of what you chose to absorb in all aspects of your life. Click To Tweet

Here are three of our favourite books for new and growing business owners. Mandatory disclaimer: we wouldn’t recommend anything to you that we don’t 100% believe in ourselves, this is a 100% bulls**t-free zone!

1. The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber

This business book was first published in 1977 and is still thought of by many as the small business Bible.

The full title is “Why Most Small Businesses Fail and What to Do About It” – and this book definitely delivers on this promise, and then some!

The E-Myth Revisited explores the three main different “hats” you need to wear as a business owner: Technical, Managerial and Entrepreneurial (although, as you probably know, you often wear more than just three!).

• The Technician: you have to be good at the job itself – e.g. if you’re a hairdresser, you’re technically good at cutting hair.
• The Manager: likes order so starts to create processes and procedures – they systemise the operation.
• The Entrepreneur: has a keen eye on the industry – what are our competitors doing? Where is the industry going?

Gerber argues that you need to be a combination of all three – with a particular emphasis on the Entrepreneurial component.

Most business owners ignore the Entrepreneurial part and, in his opinion, that’s why their businesses fail. Neglecting this area can also the reason why you get stuck in a rut in the first place!

Instead of you, the business owner, cutting hair all day, you are actively working on growing your business. This is the really fun part where you truly get to express yourself and you can use the full creative power of your brain!

Michael E. Gerber first coined the phrase: “You need to work ON your business and not IN it”.

In other words, the business owner should create a system which runs the business without the need for them to work IN it!

Dream big, work out a plan, and smash it!

The books explores this concept further and then explores practically how to do this. I’m not gonna lie, it is a bit waffly at times! Some of the content feels padded out (he does have a book to sell after all!). However, if you can get past that, then it is very useful and insightful.

Buy the E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber on Amazon here now*: (((Amazon affiliate link)))

2. The Chimp Paradox by Professor Steve Peters

This is much broader than being a business book.

It’s a book for athletes, artists or actually anyone who struggles with their emotions – particularly self-doubt.

By that I mean, you let your emotions get the better of you, and you react to situations emotionally, rather than rationally.

The book is backed up by Prof. Peters’s research in psychology. It talks about the two main parts of our brain and how they co-exist – or in many instances, don’t!

1. The Human part of our brain: is rational and logical.

2. The Chimp part of our brain: is more emotional and relies on instinct.

You have a little voice in your head (the wee Chimp idiot – my words, not his!) that tells you that you can’t do something or you’re not good enough, professionally or personally.

The book gives practical tips on how to avoid this, and a system for ensuring that your Human brain is more present. It will also help you reclaim your mojo from the wee Chimp that may be ruining your life!

Some have said it’s a bit too simplistic and basic, and it many ways, it is. However, this book definitely has some really practical insights which can help you take control of your thoughts.

Buy the Chimp Paradox by Prof. Steven Peters on Amazon here now*: (((Amazon affiliate link)))

3. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck – Mark Manson

This book is also not a business book per se (whoever Percy is!).

Much like the previous book, it explores your attitude, mental health and outlook.

The author uses painful examples from his own life, and his writing is steeped in personal stories and experiences. He’s also hysterical and his style really appeals to my sense of humour!

Like the E-Myth, the full book title gives you an idea of what it covers: “A Counterintuitive Approach to Living A Good Life”.

At first glance, the title of the book may suggest that Mark just doesn’t care about anything. However, that’s the complete opposite of what I feel his main message is.

Ultimately, it is up to each of us to choose the things we care (give a f*ck!) about! And equally those that we don't. Click To Tweet

He definitely embodies the Unpreneur spirit ‘cause he cuts through the bulls**t spouted by many other self-help authors, who preach positivity and have fluffy ideas, with little in the way of how to actually implement them in your life.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck is raw, direct and doesn’t sugarcoat things.

The author encourages us to embrace our weaknesses, limitations and flaws. He argues that our constant pursuit to be “perfect” is what is actually preventing us being truly happy with who we are (whoooaaaa, deep stuff!).

You might find parts of the book a li’l bit crass, however, this book genuinely helped me through a difficult period in my personal life, so I can definitely recommend it to help you get your mojo back.

Buy The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck – Mark Manson on Amazon here now*: (((Amazon affiliate link)))

We hope these three books help you! After all, isn’t it about time you got out there and grabbed your mojo back?

Can you recommend any other books to help business owners get their mojo back? If so, please leave them in the comments section below.

While you’re still here, why not check out these other killer blogs we’ve written to help you.

• How To Grow A Business Without Money – Part I: Stop Spending And Start Asking!
• How To Grow Your Business Without Money – Part II: 3 Ways To Sell Before You Are Ready!