Rework: Change the Way You Work Forever by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson. It really shakes up a lot of the traditional ideas about business and work, offering a fresh, no-nonsense perspective. Think of it as a guide to building a successful business without all the usual baggage.

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the key ideas they explore:

• Ignore the “real world”: Don’t let pessimism or traditional thinking hold you back. Your path is your own.

• Planning is guessing: Long-term plans are often useless. Focus on what’s important now and adapt as you go.

• Growth isn’t everything: Being small and nimble can be a huge advantage. Don’t chase growth for its own sake.

• Workaholism is inefficient: Long hours don’t equal productivity. Focus on getting things done effectively, then go home.

• Ideas are cheap, execution is everything: A great idea means nothing without the action to back it up.

• Start a business, not a startup: Focus on profitability and sustainability from day one, not just raising external money.

• You need less than you think: Start lean and frugal. Constraints can foster creativity and innovation.

• Launch now: Don’t wait for perfection. Get your core product out there and iterate based on feedback.

• Meetings are poison: They often waste time and interrupt productive work. Keep them short, focused, or eliminate them.

• Focus on what won’t change: Build your business around fundamental needs that will always be relevant.

• Say “no” more often: Protect your time and focus by declining unnecessary tasks or opportunities.

• Don’t copy competitors: Focus on what makes your business unique and better.