I Read 3 Business Books That Changed How I Work

Real takeaways from Martell, Kagan, and Wilkinson — one helped me launch this newsletter.

Author

Jeff Rehmar
May 08, 2025

The World Unfolding

By Jeff Rehmar | Weekly since October 2024

I've read a lot of business books over the years. Most are forgettable.
But in the past year, I came across three that stuck with me.

(These are not affilate links, I don’t make any money from you clicking them)

Each one had a different impact. One helped me take control of my calendar. One gave me the confidence to start this newsletter. One reminded me that more money doesn't always mean more happiness.

Here’s what I took away.

This book is about reclaiming your time — and your energy — by being more intentional about what’s on your calendar.

Martell’s “Time & Energy Audit” has become part of my regular routine. It’s simple: review your week, highlight the tasks that drain you, and either delete, delegate, or redesign them.

What I appreciated most: Martell isn’t preaching from theory. He’s built and sold companies, lived through burnout, and come out the other side. This is a practical book for people who feel spread too thin.

🎥 Dan Martell on how to buy back your time (7 min)
A fast, visual walkthrough of his system with real-life examples.

This one hit me right when I needed it. Kagan’s whole point is: stop waiting, start something.

That’s exactly what I did. After finishing the book, I launched The World Unfolding.

The book walks you through a 48-hour launch plan — from idea to sale. But it’s not just about building a business. It’s about momentum, and how small wins lead to bigger ones.

🎥 Noah Kagan: How to start a business in 48 hours
A step-by-step breakdown with live examples and real products.

If the first two books are about action, this one is about reflection. Wilkinson built a $100M+ empire — acquiring companies, building brands, even buying a jet.

And yet, the book is basically one big admission: all of it didn’t make him feel any more secure or content.

It’s not a traditional business book. More like a founder’s journal — honest, raw, and surprisingly relatable. It made me stop and ask: what am I actually optimizing for?

🎥 Andrew Wilkinson: The Glory & Perils of Becoming A Billionaire
He tells the full story — how success led to anxiety, not peace.

What They All Have in Common

They’re written by people who’ve built real things — and been honest about the costs.
None of them promise overnight success. But they do help you move more intentionally — whether that’s with your time, your work, or your goals.

If you're in a building phase, start with Million Dollar Weekend.
If you're stretched too thin, try Buy Back Your Time.
If you're questioning the big picture, read Never Enough.

Worth Sharing?

If this edition made you think, I’d be grateful if you shared it with a friend.
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👉 https://theworldunfolding.beehiiv.com

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Coming Next Week:

Some bold ideas on travel — where most people get it wrong.

Thanks for reading,
Jeff