JP Popham

Startup

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We have all heard of The Lean Startup and Business Model Generation. In fact, the genre for entrepreneurship book recommendations seems to be incredibly confined. I am convinced that 2022 is going to be far from a normal year for entrepreneurs. With the rise of Web 3, the great covid adjustments, and AI becoming mainstream, it may be time to look outside the box a bit. Gaining a fresh perspective on the startup world often requires one to look in unlikely places for inspiration.

With this in mind, here is my list of best fiction books for entrepreneurs is 2022:

The Road by Cormac McCarthy: This book is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the main characters are forced to wander in search for food and shelter. The story highlights the importance of strength, determination, and resilience in the face of great adversity. The Road is the perfect story to put into context the entrepreneurial struggle. Even when things are looking bleak, I promise they can get so much worse. The Road helped me realize that when I have people who care about me, everything else is secondary. The destination may be unclear, but thank goodness you do not have to go it alone.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: This novel tells the story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure as extravagant as any ever found. Santiago is told by a gypsy woman that a personal treasure awaits him just beyond his home village. So begins his journey to find wealth, love, and spiritual enlightenment.

The Alchemist is an inspiring story about the power of following your dreams. It teaches us that the universe will conspire in our favor if we are brave enough to pursue our passions.

What I love most about this book is its simplicity. It helped me realize that it is easy to keep doing whatever it is I happen to be doing, but far more rewarding to take some risks and see what else life has to offer. It is also a great commentary on how although we always focus on the goal, it is often all the steps it took us to get there is the real prize.

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stien: This book tells the story of Enzo, a dog who is trying to understand the complexities of human life. As he watches and learns from his owner Denny, a race car driver, Enzo comes to realize that life is about more than just winning. The book is told from the perspective of this dog, but by the time you finish, you realize it isn’t really about the dog at all. The story is about staying focused and manifesting the future you want.

The Art of Racing in the Rain resonates with entrepreneurs because it teaches us that failure is a part of the journey. It is okay to make mistakes and experience heartache, as long as we continue learning and moving forward. Enzo’s story also highlights the importance of family and friendship in times of difficulty. When all seems lost and the odds are stacked against you, square up and keep fighting. You never know when your next punch will be the one to knock your opponent down.

This book has helped me to stay positive during challenging times and remember that no one has it all figured out.

Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard: Annie Dillard is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author who takes the reader on a journey of exploration around Tinker Creek. The book is divided into four sections: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Pilgrim at Tinker Creek teaches us to look at the world with fresh eyes. It is a master class in how to look at the world, and practice seeing beyond the surface. Dillard’s writing is lyrical and poetic, and her observations are astute.

This book has helped me to appreciate the beauty in every day, and see the world with a sense of wonder. It has also taught me that there is always more to learn, no matter how much I think I know. Each aspect of nature, life, or business takes intentionality to understand and to see in a new light.

Books can be the perfect companion for any entrepreneur, however, it can be easy to get stuck in the same old loop of like-minded authors. Breaking outside of your comfort zone can offer new perspectives and open up opportunities that were previously closed. These books have helped me personally with my entrepreneurial journey by providing both inspiration and practical insights into running my company more effectively while balancing life and friends and the real world.