How Business Books Miss the Mark: 5 Alternatives for Solopreneurs
When I was starting out on my entrepreneurship journey, I highlighted heavily from all the bestsellers promising the secret sauce to success.
But here's the thing: as a solopreneur with ADHD, I kept hitting a wall. These books were speaking a language my brain couldn't process and my business of one couldn't understand.
Sound familiar?
Here's why: Most business advice is tailored for hustle-culture success chasers and growth-at-all-costs entrepreneurs.
We're bombarded with strategies pushing us to 'crush it', 'hustle 24/7', and 'scale or die'. But when you're a solopreneur seeking balance and fulfillment (and battling your own brain), that advice can lead to burnout faster than you can say 'Gary Vee'.
š« Traditional entrepreneurship books often miss the mark for solopreneurs because:
They assume a neurotypical brain (hello, ADHD!)
They ignore the personal growth aspect of entrepreneurship
They push for rapid scaling (when you're aiming for sustainability)
They ignore the personal fulfillment aspect of solo ventures
But hold on. There's a better approach:
In my journey to build a business that aligns with my neurodiversity and leverages my strengths, I've uncovered five game-changing reads. They've helped me tackle challenges, communicate my vision, and build a sustainable solo venture.
Ready to shake up your reading list? Let's dive in!
1. "Peak Mind" by Amishi P. Jha
As a solopreneur diagnosed with ADHD, I used to think my scattered focus was my kryptonite. Turns out, it was just untrained.
Enter "Peak Mind" by Amishi P. Jha. This book was a revelation about the power of focused attention.
Core concept: You can train your attention like a muscle through mindfulness practices.
Jha's 12-minute daily mindfulness exercises have been a game-changer for my productivity and mental clarity. Who knew you could rewire your brain in less time than it takes to doom-scroll?
š Action step: Try the "Find Your Flashlight" exercise. For 2 minutes, focus on your breath. When your mind wanders (and it will), gently bring your attention back. It's like bicep curls for your ADHD brain!
This book gave me the tools to actually engage with other business advice. It was the first step in my journey to building a business that works with my brain, not against it.
2. "Hidden Potential" by Adam Grant
With my newfound focus, I was ready to tackle business advice. But then imposter syndrome and anxiety kicked in. Sound familiar?
Adam Grant's "Hidden Potential" was my lifeline. It challenged the idea that success comes from innate talent or personality.
Key takeaway: Focus on developing grit and perseverance, not chasing some mythical 'natural entrepreneur' status.
This book introduced me to the concept of "deliberate play" - making skill development enjoyable and curiosity-driven. It was a game-changer for how I approach learning in my business.
š Action step: Identify one business skill you want to improve. How can you turn it into a game or challenge that you'll enjoy tackling?
"Hidden Potential" helped me see that my struggles weren't signs of failure, but opportunities for growth. It was the confidence boost I needed to keep pushing forward.
3. "The Creative Act: A Way of Being" by Rick Rubin
With my attention improving and my confidence growing, I was ready to tap into my creativity. But wait - "I'm not an artist! Iām not a writer!" Sound familiar?
Rick Rubin's "The Creative Act" changed everything. It showed me that creativity isn't just for artists or musicians - it's a fundamental approach to life and business.
Key insight: Creativity isn't a special talent - it's a mindset we can all cultivate.
This book gave me permission to think outside the box in my business. It helped me see that my unique perspective (ADHD brain and all) was an asset, not a liability.
š Action step: Next time you face a business problem, spend 10 minutes brainstorming the wildest, most "out there" solutions you can think of. You might be surprised at the insights you uncover!
"The Creative Act" helped me believe in myself more. It showed me that creativity was a muscle I could strengthen, not a gift I had to be born with.
4. "The Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan Holiday
Armed with focus, confidence, and creativity, I was ready to tackle the big challenges. But old habits die hard, and I often found myself being my own worst enemy.
Enter Ryan Holiday's "The Obstacle is the Way". This book introduced me to stoic philosophy, and it's been a lifesaver in my business.
Core concept: Reframe challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation.
This mindset shift has been crucial in helping me get out of my own way. Instead of seeing my ADHD or anxiety as roadblocks, I started seeing them as unique lenses through which I could view problems and find innovative solutions.
š Action step: Identify your biggest current business challenge. How could you reframe it as an opportunity for growth or innovation?
"The Obstacle is the Way" taught me to stop being my own enemy and start being my biggest ally in business.
5. "Smart Brevity" by Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, and Roy Schwartz
With my mindset transformed, there was just one more hurdle: communication. As someone with ADHD, I often found my thoughts racing ahead of my words, leading to rambling emails and unfocused pitches.
"Smart Brevity" was the final piece of the puzzle. This book revolutionized how I communicate in my business.
Key principle: Brevity isn't about dumbing things down - it's about respect for your audience's time and attention.
Learning to prioritize information and craft strong openings and closings has made my communication more impactful across all areas of my business. It's helped me rein in my scattered thoughts and present them in a clear, concise manner.
š Action step: Take your last email or social media post. Can you cut it down by 30% without losing the core message?
"Smart Brevity" gave me the tools to communicate my ideas effectively, ensuring that my newfound focus, confidence, and creativity could shine through in every interaction.
The Bottom Line
The journey from scattered solopreneur to focused business owner isn't linear. It's a winding path of self-discovery, mindset shifts, and skill development.
These five books have been my guideposts along the way. They've helped me build a business that aligns with my neurodiversity, leverages my strengths, and provides both personal fulfillment and professional success.
Remember, your journey as a solopreneur is uniquely yours. Don't be afraid to look beyond hustle culture and bro-speak to find strategies that resonate with you and your brain.
Question for you: Which of these books speaks to your current struggle as a solopreneur? How do you think it might change your approach to your solo venture?
Share your thoughts in the comments - I'd love to hear your perspective!