As the year draws to a close, it’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and planning for the future.
For me, books have always been more than just a source of knowledge: they are companions on the journey of growth. They open doors to new ideas, challenge the way we think and inspire us to push beyond our limits. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a lifelong learner or someone in search of a fresh perspective, the right book can make all the difference.
This holiday season, I’ve put together a list of 5 books (+1 bonus) that have influenced me deeply, both as an entrepreneur and as a person.
These titles cover resilience, mindset, personal growth, and success. Perfect for anyone who wants to start 2025 with inspiration and purpose!
Let’s dive into this hand-picked selection. 📚✨
📖 1. “The Millionaire Fastlane” – MJ De Marco
MJ DeMarco flips traditional ideas of wealth-building on their head. In The Millionaire Fastlane, he challenges the common belief that you must work tirelessly for 40 years to achieve financial freedom. Instead, DeMarco offers a bold, actionable framework for creating a scalable, sustainable business that generates results faster.
What makes this book powerful is its mix of practicality and motivation. DeMarco doesn’t sell shortcuts—he shares strategies to leverage time, talent, and effort to build a life of freedom. If you’re tired of the “slow lane” and want to change your financial mindset and trajectory, this book will be your roadmap.
📖 2. “Serve to Win” – Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic is one of the most accomplished athletes in history, but his journey hasn’t been without struggles. In Serve to Win, Djokovic shares how he transformed his life and career, not just through physical training but by mastering his mindset, diet and approach to success.
What makes this book stand out is its combination of personal story and actionable lessons. Djokovic reveals how mental discipline, overcoming doubts, and learning to manage his energy allowed him to become the champion he is today. For entrepreneurs, athletes, or anyone pursuing excellence, this book is a guide to building the focus and resilience needed to achieve greatness in any field. It shows that success it’s about showing up, learning and growing every single day.
📖 3. “Thinking, Fast and Slow” – Daniel Kahneman
In this groundbreaking book, Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel Prize-winning psychologist, explores the two systems that shape our thinking: the fast, intuitive mind and the slower, logical mind. Kahneman takes us on a journey into the workings of human decision-making, helping us understand why we think the way we do and how to improve it.
For anyone involved in business, leadership, or even personal development, this book is invaluable. It teaches us how to identify cognitive biases, make better decisions, and navigate life’s complexities with greater awareness. While it’s deeply rooted in psychology, Kahneman’s storytelling and real-world examples make it accessible to everyone. This is a must-read for those who want to sharpen their thinking, improve their judgment, and gain clarity in an often chaotic world.
📖 4. “The Minimalist Entrepreneur” – Sahil Lavingia
Sahil Lavingia, the founder of Gumroad, presents a refreshing take on entrepreneurship in The Minimalist Entrepreneur. The book challenges the conventional notion that building a business requires massive resources, teams, or chaos. Instead, Lavingia advocates for starting small, focusing on essentials, and building a business that reflects your values and lifestyle.
What makes this book so compelling is its practicality and relatability. Lavingia shares his own experiences—both wins and failures—to guide aspiring entrepreneurs toward creating sustainable, purpose-driven businesses. For those looking to start something of their own or scale without burnout, this book offers a roadmap to clarity, focus, and balance. It’s a reminder that sometimes, less really is more when it comes to building a successful venture.
📖 5. “Rich Dad Poor Dad” – Robert Kiyosaki
Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad Poor Dad remains one of the most influential personal finance books of all time. Kiyosaki shares the financial lessons he learned from his two “dads”: one who believed in traditional approaches to earning and saving money, and the other who embraced financial education, investments, and entrepreneurship.
This book challenges many of the common beliefs we’re taught about money and success. It highlights the importance of building assets, understanding cash flow, and developing a mindset that sees opportunities where others see limitations. For anyone looking to shift their relationship with money and build a life of financial freedom, Rich Dad Poor Dad is a transformative read that continues to resonate decades after its release.
✨ Bonus: “Sports Trading: A Champion’s Mindset for Success” – Davide Renna
This is more than just a book for sports traders: it’s the culmination of my personal journey from passion to profession. Sports Trading: A Champion’s Mindset for Success is where I share the principles, mindset, and strategies that have shaped my success, both as a sports trader and as an entrepreneur.
In this book, I talk about the importance of discipline, emotional control, and continuous growth—values that apply far beyond the world of trading. It’s a guide for anyone who wants to take their passion seriously, transform challenges into opportunities, and build a career rooted in mindset and resilience. Whether you’re an aspiring trader, entrepreneur, or someone seeking inspiration, this book is for you.
Books are gifts that inspire us to grow, reflect, and dream bigger. This Christmas, give the people you care about a chance to start the new year with fresh perspectives and renewed energy. And if you’re gifting yourself (because you deserve it too), these books will make excellent companions on your journey into 2025.
Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and an inspiring new year filled with growth, success, and limitless possibilities. 🌟📚✨
