Top 10 Books That Can Make You Rich 10 Life-Changing Books That Will Make You RICH: Lessons from 1,800 Reads

“Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” — Harry S. Truman

What if you didn’t have to read 1,800 business books to gain millionaire-level insights? What if someone already did it—and gave you the best 10?

That’s exactly what Dan Martell, a serial entrepreneur and investor, did. After reading over 1,800 books in his pursuit of financial mastery, he distilled the 10 most impactful books that shaped his wealth mindset, business strategies, and success systems.

In this article, we’ll explore these 10 books, extract their most powerful lessons, and show you how to apply them practically—whether you're a startup founder, a blogger, or a digital entrepreneur in Kenya or anywhere else.

 1. Secrets of the Millionaire Mind – by T. Harv Eker

Core Message: Your income can only grow to the extent that you do.

Most people think wealth is created through luck, hard work, or business. But Eker reveals that your money mindset—your "financial thermostat"—is the real driver.

Key Takeaways:

• Rich people believe “I create my life.” Poor people believe “Life happens to me.”

• Money is a result, not the root. It reflects your habits and identity.

• Reset your subconscious programming through affirmations, actions, and awareness.

Action Tip:

Write and repeat daily: “I have a millionaire mind. I manage money wisely. I attract abundance.”

 2. Think and Grow Rich – by Napoleon Hill

Core Message: What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.

This timeless classic is not about money, but about the mindset of success—clarity, faith, burning desire, and persistence.

Key Takeaways:

• Wealth starts with a clear, definite purpose.

• Faith and desire fuel action.

• Auto-suggestion and visualization reprogram your subconscious for success.

Action Tip:

Create a “Definite Chief Aim” statement and repeat it twice daily with emotion and belief.

 3. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – by Stephen R. Covey

Core Message: Private victories precede public success.

Covey’s 7 Habits are the ultimate operating system for life and leadership. They help you develop discipline, trust, emotional intelligence, and a win-win mindset.

The 7 Habits:

1. Be Proactive – You are responsible.

2. Begin with the End in Mind – Live intentionally.

3. Put First Things First – Prioritize priorities.

4. Think Win-Win – Abundance over scarcity.

5. Seek First to Understand – Empathy before persuasion.

6. Synergize – Collaboration over compromise.

7. Sharpen the Saw – Constant self-renewal.

Action Tip:

Each week, review one habit and apply it in your business, family, or team.

 4. How to Win Friends and Influence People – by Dale Carnegie

Core Message: Influence is built on empathy, listening, and sincerity.

You can have the best business idea, product, or service—but without people skills, you’ll hit a wall. Carnegie’s book remains a powerful guide to building trust and influence.

Key Lessons:

• Remember people’s names—it matters deeply to them.

• Show genuine interest in others.

• Be quick to admit mistakes.

• Avoid criticism. Praise sincerely and often.

Action Tip:

Every week, reach out to 2 people in your network and express genuine appreciation or encouragement.

 5. SPIN Selling – by Neil Rackham

Core Message: Don’t sell products. Uncover problems, solve them, and deliver value.

This book revolutionized sales by introducing the SPIN model: Situation, Problem, Implication, and Need-Payoff. It's essential for high-ticket sales and consulting.

SPIN Framework:

• S: Understand their current Situation.

• P: Discover their Problems and frustrations.

• I: Explore the Implications of not solving it.

• N: Show how your solution satisfies their Needs.

Action Tip:

Use the SPIN questions in your next pitch, client call, or consultation to uncover deeper needs.

 6. The 48 Laws of Power – by Robert Greene

Core Message: Power is subtle, strategic, and everywhere.

Whether you agree or not, Greene reveals how power games are played in business, politics, and relationships. Knowing these laws protects you from manipulation—and helps you lead strategically.

Sample Laws:

• Never outshine the master.

• Conceal your intentions.

• Say less than necessary.

• Court attention at all costs.

• Crush your enemy totally.

Action Tip:

Read one law a week. Reflect on where you see it in real life, and how to use or defend against it.

 7. Awaken the Giant Within – by Tony Robbins

Core Message: You already have the power to transform your life—if you master your emotions, focus, and decisions.

Robbins teaches that lasting change starts with decisions, not conditions. This book helps you take control of the three forces that shape your life: your focus, meaning, and actions.

Key Tools:

• Change your state: motion controls emotion.

• Change your story: beliefs create limits.

• Change your strategy: find a model that works.

Action Tip:

Use the “10-Day Mental Diet”—no complaining, blaming, or focusing on problems.

 8. Getting Things Done (GTD) – by David Allen

Core Message: Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them.

This is the ultimate productivity system for modern professionals. It helps you clear mental clutter and focus on action.

GTD Workflow:

1. Capture everything in one trusted system.

2. Clarify what each item means and requires.

3. Organize it into contexts or projects.

4. Review weekly to stay on track.

5. Engage with confidence.

Action Tip:

Start a “brain dump” notebook or app. Clear your mind by writing down every task, thought, or idea.

 9. The Lean Startup – by Eric Ries

Core Message: Don’t build products. Build experiments. Learn fast. Adapt faster.

Ideal for entrepreneurs and digital creators, this book teaches how to test ideas, learn from users, and grow without waste.

Key Concepts:

• MVP: Build a simple version to test.

• Pivot: Change direction if feedback shows it’s needed.

• Validated Learning: Focus on data, not ego.

Action Tip:

Before launching your next product, validate demand with a simple test—landing page, survey, or pre-sell.

 10. The Innovator’s Dilemma – by Clayton Christensen

Core Message: Great companies fail by focusing only on what works today.

Christensen explains how disruptive innovation blindsides market leaders. It’s a warning to always listen to emerging trends—not just your current customers.

Lessons for Entrepreneurs:

• Innovate even if it cannibalizes your current offering.

• Watch for “underserved” markets—they’re tomorrow’s disruptors.

• Disruption is not just tech—it’s mindset.

Action Tip:

Evaluate your business: are you too focused on “what’s working,” or are you preparing for the next wave?

 Final Thoughts: How to Apply These Lessons to Your Life and Business

Reading these 10 books won't make you rich on their own—but applying their insights with discipline and consistency will.

Here’s how to start:

1. Pick one book per month and focus only on that.

2. Apply one key action from each book to your business or daily routine.

3. Track results. Adjust. Improve.

4. Teach others what you learn—it reinforces mastery.

 A Sample Monthly Reading & Application Plan