5 Books That Changed the Way I Think (And Work)

Why I'm sharing book recommendations?

I believe that a good book can shift your mindset, spark ideas, and change the way you approach life and business. Whether you’re a designer, entrepreneur, or just someone trying to grow, these books have each taught me something valuable, and I hope they’ll do the same for you.

Let’s dive into five of my favorites:

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari — Robin Sharma

This book is a modern fable about success, purpose, and inner peace. It follows the journey of a high-powered lawyer who chooses a radically different life after a health scare. What I love about it is how it connects ambition with mindfulness. It’s a reminder that true success starts within.

Atomic Habits — James Clear

A game-changer for anyone trying to build better habits. James Clear explains how tiny changes compound into massive results. I found this book practical, actionable, and incredibly well-written. If you want to create structure and consistency in your life, this is a must-read.

Shoe Dog — Phil Knight

This is the autobiography of Nike’s founder, and it reads like a novel. Raw, honest, and full of ups and downs, it shows what it really takes to build something from scratch. As someone who runs a design studio, I found endless inspiration in Phil Knight’s resilience and vision.

Believe It to Achieve It — Brian Tracy

This book is all about mindset. Tracy dives into the psychology of belief, self-confidence, and success. It’s a great motivator for anyone who wants to overcome self-doubt and take control of their future.

The Art of War — Sun Tzu

Though it’s ancient, this book is timeless. While it’s technically about warfare, the strategic thinking applies to business, design, and life. I don’t read it for motivation—I read it to sharpen my thinking.

Final Thoughts

Books have a way of staying with us. These five are part of my creative and professional DNA now. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your discipline, unlock your creativity, or just get inspired—start with any of these.

And if you’re ready to take your design to the next level, Aquila Design is here to help. Reach out to us today to see how we can transform your project!