10 Books for Getting Rich: Picked by Dan Martell from 1800 Business Books

Dan Martell, an entrepreneur who’s had his share of struggles and triumphs, attributes much of his success to one thing: books. After hitting rock bottom, he found solace and purpose in learning how to code through a programming book, sparking a lifelong habit of investing in his knowledge. As he journeyed through over 1,800 books, Martell distilled his findings into ten essential books that he believes will make you rich. These books go beyond financial advice, focusing on mindset, personal development, and practical strategies to help you achieve long-term success.

Reading Journey-Dan Martell

A long time ago, I got myself into trouble, ended up in rehab, and somebody gave me a book. It was a book on Java programming, and I found that book life-changing. Learning how to code became my new addiction—it filled a void inside me. From that one book, I went on a journey to acquire knowledge.

My dad did something really cool: he told me that as long as I finished the book I was reading, I had an unlimited budget to buy the next one. That principle shaped my life—I now have an unlimited budget to invest in my knowledge. Today, I read every day. I think of it as programming my mind. Ten pages a day is my minimum. But I don’t just read books—I study them, because the words we read and the beliefs we form shape our future.

After reading over 1,800 books, I’ve distilled the most impactful ones into a list of 10 books that will make you rich.

1. Secrets of a Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker

Mindset Shift: Financial Blueprint and Personal Growth

“Secrets of a Millionaire Mind” was pivotal for Martell’s journey, as it not only introduced him to the concept of financial blueprints but also highlighted the importance of developing the right mindset for wealth. The book emphasizes how our subconscious beliefs about money shape our financial future. For Martell, this book was a stepping stone toward understanding the principles of personal development, investment, and financial education. Eker’s advice to “think rich to become rich” set the foundation for Martell’s further studies in wealth-building.

Key Takeaways:

• Your financial blueprint shapes your financial destiny.
• To receive wealth, you must first learn how to receive.
• Wealthy people are constantly learning and growing.

2. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Desire, Faith, and Persistence

This classic is often regarded as the go-to book for anyone interested in wealth and personal success. Martell studied this book seven times, uncovering its profound lessons on the power of desire, faith, and persistence. Hill’s emphasis on desire as the starting point of all achievement was a turning point for Martell, helping him realize the importance of setting clear, audacious goals.

Key Takeaways:

• Desire is the starting point of all achievement. You have to allow yourself to want more without feeling guilty.
• Faith in your abilities is crucial. If you don’t believe in your ability to succeed, you’ll never achieve more than you think you deserve.
• Auto-suggestion is powerful. Speaking your goals out loud helps internalize them.
• Specialized knowledge is more valuable than general knowledge. Many people major in minor things—don’t do that. Instead, become world-class at one thing.
• Persistence leads to success. Consistency in effort is key.

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

Proactive Living and Clear Goals

One of the most influential books in personal development, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People taught Martell the importance of being proactive and setting clear goals. Covey’s insights on prioritization, win-win thinking, and the power of effective communication helped Martell shift his approach to both personal and professional life.

Key Takeaways:

• Be proactive. Don’t just react to life—take control and make decisions that move you forward.
• Begin with the end in mind. Always ask yourself, “What does success look like for this task or goal?”
• Put first things first. Prioritize important tasks and stop procrastinating on what matters most.
• Think win-win. Look for solutions where everyone benefits.
• Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Listen more, talk less, and truly understand others before presenting your viewpoint.

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

Building Relationships and Influencing People

Networking and relationship-building are key to success, and How to Win Friends and Influence People is a masterclass in the art of interpersonal communication. Martell found that showing genuine interest in others and listening actively were essential strategies for building meaningful relationships that could support his business endeavors.

Key Takeaways:

• Show genuine interest in others. People don’t care what you know until they know you care.
• Remember and use people’s names. It’s the sweetest sound to someone’s ears.
• Encourage others to talk about themselves. Ask questions, listen actively, and be curious.
• Be a good listener. You already know what you know—listen to learn from others.
• Make people feel important—and do it sincerely. Give genuine compliments and acknowledge their efforts.
• These principles helped me build stronger relationships, both personally and professionally.

5. SPIN Selling by Neil Rackham

Sales are the foundation of success in any field. This book taught me that:

• Successful selling is about asking the right questions. Great salespeople listen more than they talk.
• Understand the customer’s situation. SPIN stands for Situation, Problem, Implication, and Need-Payoff—these are the key elements to focus on during sales conversations.
• Focus on solving problems, not just selling features. People care about how your product or service can improve their lives.
• Tailor your sales approach. Every customer is different, and a personalized approach makes all the difference.

Learning these concepts helped me master the art of persuasion and close deals effectiv

6. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

Strategy, Power, and Understanding Human Nature

Although controversial, The 48 Laws of Power is a guide to navigating the complexities of power dynamics in business and life. Martell uses this book to better understand how to protect himself from forces that may work against his success. This book helped him see the world as it truly is and prepare for the challenges that come with rising to the top.

Key Takeaways:

• Power requires strategy and planning. Success doesn’t happen by accident.
• Be subtle and indirect in your influence. Loud and brash behavior rarely leads to lasting power.
• Protect your reputation at all costs. Reputation is your most valuable asset.
• Use absence to increase respect. Sometimes, stepping back allows others to see your value.
• Master the art of timing. Knowing when to act is as important as knowing what to do.
• This book taught me to be strategic and intentional in my decisions.

7. Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins

Mastering Personal and Professional Life

Tony Robbins’ Awaken the Giant Within is one of the most influential books in the realm of personal development. Robbins teaches readers how to take control of their mental and emotional states, make powerful decisions, and set compelling goals. Martell, reading this book in his mid-20s, learned the importance of mastering energy and building high-level relationships to achieve extraordinary success.

Key Takeaways:

• Your decisions shape your destiny, not your conditions.
• Set clear, compelling goals for yourself.
• Maintain high energy to drive success.

8. Getting Things Done by David Allen

Mastering Productivity and Focus

Martell’s journey to success wasn’t just about gaining knowledge—it was also about managing his time and energy efficiently. Getting Things Done revolutionized his approach to productivity by showing him how to organize tasks, eliminate distractions, and focus on what truly matters.

Key Takeaways:

• Organize your tasks and thoughts systematically.
• Focus on one thing at a time to increase productivity.
• Use lists and tools to track your progress and stay organized.

9. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

Adapting and Innovating in Business

For entrepreneurs, The Lean Startup provides a roadmap for launching and scaling businesses efficiently. The book’s emphasis on rapid iteration, customer feedback, and the minimum viable product (MVP) became a cornerstone of Martell’s approach to startups. Ries’ concepts of the build-measure-learn feedback loop and pivoting quickly were crucial to Martell’s success in the tech industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Adapt quickly to changes and customer needs.
• Use customer feedback to validate business ideas.
• Focus on building a minimum viable product.

10. The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen

Embracing Disruption and Innovation

Martell’s journey as a software entrepreneur was deeply influenced by The Innovator’s Dilemma. This book taught him the importance of embracing emerging technologies and staying ahead of disruptive innovations that could potentially threaten established business models.

Key Takeaways:

• Companies can fail despite good management if they ignore disruptive technologies.
• Disruptive technologies often underperform at first but rapidly improve.
• Invest in emerging technologies, even if they don’t meet current customer needs.

Conclusion: The Power of Knowledge in Building Wealth

Dan Martell’s journey from rehab to successful entrepreneur was fueled by his unrelenting pursuit of knowledge. The ten books he highlights are not just about making money—they’re about developing the mindset, skills, and strategies necessary to succeed in business and life. By reading and studying these books, you can equip yourself with the tools needed to create wealth, build strong relationships, and continuously grow both personally and professionally.

So, whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your game, these ten books are your roadmap to success. Make sure to invest in your knowledge, and remember that wealth is as much about mindset as it is about strategy. Happy reading!