In my career journey, there are a handful of career books that did more than just provide a quick read. These books opened doors to new ideas, completely shifted my mindset, and helped me navigate toward my six-figure career with confidence. If you’re looking to advance, get clarity on your career goals, or make that strategic career change you’ve been dreaming about, these books are ones I highly recommend adding to your reading list ASAP. 

Here are six career game-changers that you don’t want to miss.

1. We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers

Let’s start with a book that does what few others dare to do and that’s challenge us to demand more. We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers is essential reading for every ambitious woman. This book gave me the permission I needed to boldly ask for more in life, business, and my career. Rodgers encourages readers to think beyond the limits and push through social conditioning that says women, especially women of color, should settle for less.

I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve listened to this on Audible. And every single time, I walk away with a fresh perspective on my goals. This is more than a book for me; it’s a mindset reset. Whether you’re hesitant about asking for a raise, making a career change, or starting down a new path in life, We Should All Be Millionaires will have you reaching for what’s yours with newfound confidence.

Click here to read or listen! :)

2. Atomic Habits by James Clear

Let me tell you, Atomic Habits by James Clear is one of those books that gets right into the nitty-gritty of what drives success. If you’re struggling to make progress, this book’s focus on small, daily habits can help you see how minor adjustments lead to major outcomes.

The beauty of Atomic Habits is that it’s about practical, actionable steps. If you’re working toward a high-paying role, building these habits helps you stay consistent and achieve career goals that once seemed out of reach. And let me tell you, this book isn’t just a one-time read. Every time I revisit it, I pick up something new and get re-inspired to keep my habits sharp.

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3. The 12-Week Year by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington

As a planner enthusiast (my first investment was a Stephen Covey leather binder back in the day), The 12-Week Year by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington took my goal-setting to a whole new level. If traditional annual goal-setting stresses you out or just feels ineffective, this book is the answer. It breaks down goal-setting into 12-week cycles, so you can focus on achieving real results without the anxiety of long, drawn-out timelines. And any opportunity to reduce anxiety is a win for me!

This approach has been incredibly impactful for my career, allowing me to set clear, focused goals and hit them without overwhelm. And if you’re someone who feels lost with setting career goals, this book is your guide to doing it with intention. It’s like having a personal planning coach in book form.

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4. The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest

This book has become a must-read for my coaching clients for one simple reason: it shifts your focus from what’s happening around you to what you can control. In The Mountain is You, Brianna Wiest addresses how we’re often our own biggest roadblock, whether it’s through self-doubt, fear of change, or simply not believing in ourselves.

I’ve read and listened to this book multiple times, and it’s the kind that sparks a new level of focus every single time. It’s a reminder to take ownership of your journey and to stop letting external factors dictate your path. For anyone who’s felt like their career is out of their control, this book will help you regain that power.

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5. Becoming by Michelle Obama

I remember reading Becoming shortly after starting grad school as a single mom of two amazing girls, and it was nothing short of life-changing. Michelle Obama’s journey, including her highs, lows, challenges, and triumphs, resonated deeply with me. She offers a level of honesty that’s rare in a memoir, and her story reminds us that our paths may be winding, but they’re full of possibility.

What makes Becoming a must-read is the way Mrs. Obama discusses balancing ambition with personal growth. If you’re navigating the demands of career, family, and self-discovery, this book offers a real-life example of what’s possible.

Click here to read or listen! :)

6. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Now, we can’t have a conversation about career success without Think and Grow Rich. I read this around the same time I discovered The Secret, and both changed my life entirely. Napoleon Hill’s teachings on mindset, desire, and perseverance are as powerful today as they were when the book was first published. Hill dives into how our beliefs shape our success and why focus and persistence are essential to reaching our goals.

This is another book I revisit regularly, and every time, it lights a new fire within me to pursue my goals with a clear vision. If you need a mindset reset, this is the book to pick up.

Click here to read or listen! :)

Bonus: The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

While not strictly a career book, The Secret profoundly impacted how I approach everything from personal goals to career ambitions. It introduced me to the concept of the Law of Attraction and the idea that we have more control over our paths than we might think. For anyone looking to heighten their focus and stay motivated on the road to a higher-paying job, The Secret is an excellent companion to Think and Grow Rich.

Click here to read or listen. :)

I’ll leave you with this…

These six career books—and one bonus—are more than just reading material. They’re tools for personal growth, empowerment, and career advancement. Please note, however, that knowledge is only power when you apply it. Take your time and read these books for understanding and application in your life. 

If you’re ready to put these lessons into action and move your career forward, consider joining my Six-Figure Mindset Membership. It’s designed for ambitious women like you who are ready to get unstuck and align their careers with their goals.

In the membership, you’ll gain access to exclusive resources, career coaching, and a community of like-minded professionals on the same path to career success. You don’t have to go at it alone; with the right support, you can achieve the career growth you’re capable of.

Let’s make 2025 the year you move forward with clarity, confidence, and a strategic game plan.