5 Books That Rewired My Motivation as a Creator
I’ve always believed that visibility isn’t just about being seen. It’s about being known, trusted, and remembered. While I’ve had my fair share of high-profile moments, from casting reality stars at MTV to helping leaders build their digital reputations today, the real work has always started behind the scenes.
The truth is: it all starts with mindset.
Whether you’re recording a podcast in your closet, pitching your first brand deal, or launching a show no one asked you to create (yet), motivation can feel like a moving target. That’s why I keep a stack of books that serve as my go-to reset buttons. I call it my “Mindset Shelf.”
These five books completely shifted how I think about success, leadership, and creativity. Each one brings its own style of motivation, and I’ve included how I use them in real life as a creator.
by Vinnie Potestivo
Visibility Expert, CreatorHubPro.com
"These books didn’t just motivate me. They reprogrammed how I think, lead, and create. They’re the backbone of my mindset system and the reason I keep showing up with clarity and purpose.” - Vinnie Potestivo
1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
This book helped me believe in magic. Not illusions, but the kind of everyday magic that appears when you commit to your vision.
Takeaway: You already know what you want. Your job is to stop pretending you don’t.
Action Step: Journal your version of a “Personal Legend.” Identify three signs you’ve already received that prove you’re heading in the right direction.
Why It Motivates Me: It reminds me that doubt is not the end. Doubt is a sign of growth and movement.
2. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
“Set your mind on a definite goal and observe how quickly the world stands aside to let you pass.”
This book made me realize that motivation thrives with structure. It’s not something that comes and goes without reason.
Takeaway: Clarity brings motivation. Defining success helps move forward with purpose.
Action Step: Write down a crystal-clear goal. Avoid vague language. For example, say “Publish 10 episodes by August 1st with a 4.5-star rating.”
Why It Motivates Me: When my thoughts, actions, and beliefs line up, things start to move. Fast.
3. Who Not How by Dan Sullivan
“You don’t become successful by doing more. You become successful by doing less of what doesn’t matter.”
This one taught me that doing everything alone is not impressive. It slows you down.
Takeaway: The path to progress involves bringing in others who are better equipped for specific tasks.
Action Step: Make a list of three weekly tasks you can delegate. Think editing, admin work, or social posts. Then find someone who can help.
Why It Motivates Me: It gives me time to focus on what I do best. That’s where I grow.
4. Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner
“The key to learning is feedback. It is nearly impossible to learn anything without it.”
This book gave me permission to think differently. It showed me that the best ideas often come from unexpected questions.
Takeaway: Creativity starts when you question the usual way of thinking.
Action Step: Name one assumption that might be holding you back. Flip it. Imagine the opposite is true. Ask yourself what you would do next.
Why It Motivates Me: It encourages me to look at problems from new angles. Every shift opens new doors.
5. Collective Illusions by Todd Rose
“We conform to what we think others believe, even when those beliefs run counter to our own values.”
This book pushed me to show up more honestly in everything I create. No filters. No pretending.
Takeaway: Staying true to yourself is the most motivating decision you can make.
Action Step: Take a hard look at your content. Is there anything you’re doing just because you feel it’s expected?
Why It Motivates Me: It reminds me that true influence comes from alignment, not appearance.
Final Thoughts: Motivation Is a System
When creators tell me they’re feeling unmotivated, I always ask the same thing. What system are you working with? Motivation does not arrive out of thin air. It is created through structure, clarity, and consistency.
This is exactly why I read. This is exactly why I revisit the same books. Each time, I return stronger.
If you are building something or sharing your story with the world, start your own Mindset Shelf. These five books helped me. Let them help you.
TL;DR - Your Motivational Toolkit
Dream like Coelho → Trust your path
Plan like Hill → Define success clearly
Delegate like Sullivan → Focus on what matters
Question like Levitt → Stay curious
Align like Rose → Stay true to your values
Start with these steps. Stay consistent. Show up.
You don’t need all the answers to move forward. You only need a reason to keep going.
You already have one.
■ About the Author
Vinnie Potestivo is an Emmy Award-winning media brand advisor, personal brand strategist, and content coach. He is a well-trusted connector who creates, develops, produces, distributes, amplifies, and helps to monetize some of the most talked-about brands in modern pop culture.
As host of I Have A Podcast, his goal is to inspire your creative potential.
