Sometimes you want to give up on whatever you're working towards. It could be because you are frustrated and don't know what to do next.
It could also be that you're bored and looking for the next big thing. Here is what you need to know, these best books, when you want to quit list will light you on fire and help you to hang in there.
Success takes time. You spend years working below the surface with little recognition or proof that things are going to work out. The logical thing to do is to turn back and run towards safety.
The problem is that the most successful people are not reasonable. They lean into difficulty because they know that success is on the other side of it.
I created the best books for when you want to quit, based on books that have helped me to hang on to my dream throughout the years.
10 Best Books to Read When You Want to Quit
#10 - Total Recall
Book Name | Author(s) | Pages | Publish Year |
|---|---|---|---|
Total Recall | Arnold Schwarzenegger | 640 | 2012 |
Arnold managed to take his life from nothing to something. To be able to move from Austria, become a bodybuilding champion, earn his first million from real estate, make movies, and still be able to become the governor of California is impressive.
He was not able to do this because he has something special in him that we don't have. He was able to do this because he knew what he wanted before he got started. If there is any story that will story you to keep going and to use your disadvantages to your advantage, it's this one.
#9 - Power of Broke
Book Name | Author(s) | Pages | Publish Year |
|---|---|---|---|
The Power of Broke | Daymond John | 270 | 2016 |
One of the biggest excuses people make for quitting or not trying is being broke. Entrepreneur and Shark Tank investor Daymond John breaks down how other successful people used being broke to successful.
The very thing that most people use as a weakness he and many others have used to create wealth and start movements. My favorite story in this book is of Under Armor founder Kevin Plank. After reading this, you will be ready to keep pushing forward no matter where you are.
#8 - The People's Tycoon
Book Name | Author(s) | Pages | Publish Year |
|---|---|---|---|
The People's Tycoon | Steven Watts | 614 | 2005 |
Henry Ford went on to create the horseless carriage. He built the Ford Motor Company from the ground up and was known for paying his people well, while also selling a car that was affordable for everyone.
What many people don't know is that he failed many times before starting Ford. He had tried for many years to get this horseless carriage idea off the ground but continued to fail. He had everyone reason to quit and ultimately stop working. He kept pushing and managed to build a massive company.
# 7 - Love Does
Book Name | Author(s) | Pages | Publish Year |
|---|---|---|---|
Love Does | Bob Goff | 223 | 2012 |
Love Does an exciting book. There is one story in particular in this story that stands out when it comes to not quitting. It's so good that it's worth reading the whole book for it. The author tells you how he goes on to become a lawyer after not getting into law school. It's one of the best examples of persistence that I can remember.
#6 When I Stop Talking You'll Know I'm Dead
Book Name | Author(s) | Pages | Publish Year |
|---|---|---|---|
When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead | Jerry Weintraub | 291 | 2010 |
Jerry Weintraub is a massive name in Hollywood, but he is also behind the scenes, so many people don't know him. He has accomplished a lot in his life, and this book is all about how he has been able to sell his way to the top.
He tells story after story of being persistent. He was willing to call Elvis every day for an entire year for the opportunity to work with him. That is just one story of many of his over the top ability to not give up.
#5 -Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
Book Name | Author(s) | Pages | Publish Year |
|---|---|---|---|
Grit | Angela Duckworth | 350 | 2016 |
Grit does an excellent job breaking down some of the science behind success and what is required to be great at something. The author realizes that grit is a huge determining factor. Grit is a mix of passion and the ability to persevere.
Reading this book will inspire you to keep hanging on. When you realize that being great at anything means you have to survive difficult times, it makes it apparent that quitting will not solve your problems.
#4 - Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst The Rwandan Holocaust
Book Name | Author(s) | Pages | Publish Year |
|---|---|---|---|
Left to Tell | Immaculee Ilibagiza | 215 | 2006 |
Left to Tell is about the genocide that happened in Rwanda. Most of the world completely ignored what was happening. Over a million people were slaughtered because they were from a different tribe. It represents one of the most senseless killing sprees in human history.
The author tells her story of how she survived and managed to recover from the massacre. The story will bring you to the depths of sorrow but also bring you to hope that forgiveness is always out there. The way the author can move forward with her life is just astonishing.
#3 - The War of Art
Book Name | Author(s) | Pages | Publish Year |
|---|---|---|---|
The War of Art | Steven Pressfield | 165 | 2002 |
The War of Art is the shortest book to read on this list. It reads in almost a poetic way. The author does an incredible job explaining what it takes to be creative and do your best work. He introduces the idea of resistance and how it tries to stop you from completing your mission.
It just takes reading a few pages of this book each day to realize that quitting is only resistance. When you want to leave, it's often just this world is trying to throw you off your game, so you don't create your masterpiece.
#2 - The Obstacle is The Way
Book Name | Author(s) | Pages | Publish Year |
|---|---|---|---|
The Obstacle is The Way | Ryan Holiday | 201 | 2014 |
The obstacle is the Way says it all in the title. We spend way too much time wishing that obstacles were not present. They feel as if the barrier never came, success would have been ours. What this book helps you to grip is the fact that the obstacle is the path.
There is no getting around obstacles. Accomplishment comes with them built-in. If you want an easy life, you don't get to live an accomplished life, and in the long run, you will have even more obstacles to deal with. If you're not an entrepreneur in any capacity, then this book could make the argument for #1 on the best albums when you want to quit the list.
#1 -Three Feet From Gold
Book Name | Author(s) | Pages | Publish Year |
|---|---|---|---|
Three Feet From Gold | Greg Reid Sharon Lechter | 256 | 2009 |
Three Feet From Gold is a must-read for when looking for the best books for new entrepreneurs. It has one of the best collections of stories from people who had to endure a lot to succeed. Evader Holyfield, Truett Cathy, and many more entrepreneurs give their take and advice on what it takes to succeed.
As an entrepreneur, you will face many times will you want to quit. This is a book that you on to tight in those moments when you want to give up prematurely. Three Feet From Gold is an easy call for the best books for when you want to quit the list.
Summary of 10 Best Books to Read When You Want to Quit