Successful people are constantly looking for ways to improve and go further in their personal and professional lives. The past few months have given us all an opportunity to work on further motivation and inspiration, but there’s always room for more inspiration.

With a more hopeful outlook for the rest of 2020, AWM shares its pick of must-read business and development books.

1.

The Rich in Public Opinion: What We Think When We Think about Wealth

By Rainer Zitelmann

What do people in the UK, Europe and the United States think about the rich? Historian and sociologist, Rainer Zitelmann, has studied attitudes towards the wealthy in developed countries. His book sounds the alarm that prejudices against the rich are real and widespread in society, as well as in the media. The book aims to examine how we think about a minority that, while undeniably powerful, can still be the subject of negative stereotypes, prejudice, and scapegoating.

2.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life

By Mark Manson

“Not everybody can be extraordinary, there are winners and losers in society, and some of it is not fair or your fault.” In this straight-talking book, Mark Manson advises us to get to know our limitations and accept them. How can we stop trying to be “positive” all the time so that we can truly become better, happier people? Manson says, “…let’s be honest, shit is f**ked and we have to live with it.” A humorous read with some practical tips on getting your priorities right.

3.

Grit. The Power of Passion and Perseverance

By Angela Duckworth

Who succeeds in life and why? Based on cutting-edge research, MacArthur Genius Award-winning psychologist Angela Duckworth shows how people achieve remarkable things not just by relying on innate natural talent, but by practising what she calls ‘grit’. Duckworth shares a ‘Grit Formula’ to help anyone to become more gritty, focusing on six key factors: hope, effort, precision, passion, ritual and prioritisation.

4.

Oversubscribed: How To Get People Lining Up To Do Business With You

By Daniel Priestley

Why do some businesses have customers begging to purchase their goods or services? Oversubscribed is a guide to transforming your business into one which customers should hopefully fight over. Successful entrepreneur Daniel Priestley shares methods that will not only grab customers’ attention, but will have them lining up to buy from you.

5.

Rebel Ideas

By Matthew Syed

A fascinating journey through the science of team performance. Rebel Ideas draws on psychology, economics, anthropology and genetics. Backed by stories of real-life events, Syed shares lessons from case-studies including the intelligence failings of the CIA before 9/11, a communication breakdown at the top of Mount Everest, and a moving tale of de-radicalization in America’s deep South, to illustrate the argument.

6.

Atomic Habits

By James Clear

In this practical, down-to-earth manual, habits expert James Clear provides a practical framework simply for creating good habits and shedding bad ones. Drawing on scientific research and real-life examples, he reveals how minuscule changes can be life changing and in turn help you achieve bigger things. The book also provides supplementary material which is very useful for planning your own habit profile and continuous improvement.

7.

The Art of a Successful Life: The Wisdom of the Ages from Confucius to Steve Jobs

By Rainer Zitelmann

Historian and sociologist Rainer Zitelmann provides insightful commentaries on over 200 aphorisms and quotations, as he condenses the inspiration and experiences of more than 2,500 years of collective wisdom. From gaining confidence, making decisions, to healthy thinking, and keeping your worries at bay, the reader can draw on the words of a range of thinkers from Henry Ford to Confucius.