Screw It, Let’s Do It — Richard Branson

This book is a handy introduction to the global entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, who built the Virgin business empire and succeeded against the odds. Screw It, Let’s Do It talks about achieving your goals by really believing things can be done. The sleeve gives a good indication of what you can expect from the book when Sir Richard says: ‘People will always try to talk you out of ideas and say: “It can't be done” — but if you have faith in yourself you'll find you can achieve almost anything.’ This book is light and inspiring — and at only just over 120 pages, it’s a much quicker read than Branson’s full autobiography, ‘Losing My Virginity'.

Conversations with Myself – Nelson Mandela

Anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela is considered by many to be one of the most inspirational people of all time, having worked tirelessly – and faced prison – to help bring about his dream of ending apartheid. Although many books have been written about the life of Mandela, Conversations with Myself offers a more intimate look at the iconic South African president. Compiled from a collection of Mandela’s letters, taped conversations, prison diaries and other personal recordings, this book gives unique access into the private thoughts of this world leader throughout his remarkable life; creating a read that is not only compelling and fascinating but utterly inspiring for anybody longing to achieve their dreams and make a difference.

It’s Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life — Lance Armstrong

So many people have been inspired by the story of world-class cyclist Lance Armstrong — who was struck down by cancer only to make a full recovery and win arguably the world’s most grueling endurance race, the Tour de France. This book reveals the whole story, and describes the grit, determination, courage and passion that Armstrong needed to bounce back from his illness. In the book there are medical details about his battle with cancer, as well as a portrayal of his enthusiasm for life and refusal to surrender. The story will be an inspiration to anyone — whatever it is you’re aiming for.

Devoted: The Story of a Father’s Love for His Son – Dick Hoyt

It is easy to give up on dreams and ambitions when life becomes too hard, yet for Rick Hoyt having spastic quadriplegia was not get going to stop him from achieving his. This is the incredible story of Rick who, born severely physically disabled and confined to a wheelchair, had a dream to do the impossible and run in a charity race. Not wanting to stand in the way of his son’s dreams, Dick agreed to run the entire race pushing his son in his wheelchair. Today the father and son have run over one thousand races together and this uplifting and moving book, written by Dick, tells the story of the inspirational pair as they continue to defy adversity and strive to succeed both in sports and life itself. Their story provides an inspiration to anyone needing a nudge to put their doubts to one side, go for their goals and embrace life in the spirit of Team Hoyt’s trademark motto: “Yes, you can!”

Never Tell Me Never – Janine Shepherd

This book tells the inspirational story of Janine Shepherd, a champion cross-country skier who was told she would never walk again after being hit by a truck shortly before the Winter Olympics for which she was training. Refusing to give up or pine over her lost career, Jane not only learned to walk again but – in the meantime – learned to fly a plane and became a commercial pilot and aerobatics instructor, deciding if she couldn’t walk then she was going to fly. This story of bravery and optimism shows how, with a bit of determination, life can go on even after tragedy strikes.

This book chronicles what is considered to be the last great adventure of the 20th century as Piccard and Jones became the first and only men to complete a non-stop round-the-world balloon flight — which involved traveling a whopping 28,431 miles (45,755km) in just under 20 days! It’s a very moving, witty and inspiring account, and is full of so many twists, turns and suspense that it reads more like a fictional novel rather than a genuine account of a historic adventure. Even if you don’t have any prior knowledge of ballooning, you’ll clearly realize from reading the book how formidable their achievement was. Their account demonstrates how teamwork, courage, and a bit of luck can help you go a long way — literally!

Yes Man — Danny Wallace

It’s very easy to say ‘no’ and turn down an opportunity in life — but this book is about what happens when you decide to say ‘yes’ to everything. If you feel like your life needs a kick-start, then take your cue from Danny Wallace — who one day met a mystery man on a late-night bus who told him three words that would impact greatly on his life: ‘Say yes more.’ In the months that followed, Danny said ‘yes’ more and enjoyed many life experiences that he ordinarily wouldn’t have — which proves what potential is out there if you just happen to say yes to everything that comes your way. Do yourself a favor, and say yes to reading this book!

500 Ways to Change the World — Global Ideas Bank

This is a book of 500 inspired ideas from around the world which would cost nothing to implement but could enhance all our lives. The ideas are a mix of suggestions — some of which have been turned into reality and others that haven’t, but all of which are undoubtedly great initiatives. The ideas range from the wacky — such as a ‘Boomerang Day’ when everyone returns all the things they’ve borrowed over the course of the previous year — through to ones that could benefit charitable organizations such as donating air miles. The great thing is you can just dip into the book and read an inspirational idea as and when you like.

Long Way Round — Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman

Actor and motorcycle fanatic Ewan McGregor indulged a dream and decided to take off with fellow actor Charley Boorman to try and ride all the way around the world. On a whim after poring over a map, McGregor noticed it was possible to complete the whole journey by road (with the exception of just one short hop across the Bering Strait from Russia to Alaska). Riding 20,000 miles across increasingly tough terrain, the two passed through Europe, the Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Russia, before traveling across the Pacific to Alaska and riding down through Canada and America. Long Way Round is the result of their adventures, and is a fascinating, frank and highly entertaining travel book about two friends riding around the world together and realizing their dream against the odds.

Switch: How To Change Things When Change Is Hard – Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Many people hate change – some would even say that they fear it – yet Chip and Dan Heath propose the idea in this book that it is not change that is the problem, but how we deal with it. The authors suggest that the way to make change easy is to create a balance between our rational and irrational minds. Through the use of real life examples and honest, empathetic advice, the authors share their strategies for how to cope with and invoke change in all areas of life, from weight loss to business strategies. This is the perfect inspirational book for those stuck in a rut.