Recommended Reads


Aspirational & practical books for Peak Performance

Recommended Reads


Aspirational & practical books for Peak Performance

All the books listed below fall into one or more of the following categories; Psychology of performance, overcoming adversity and human achievement. I’ve genuinely read or listened to all of them, typically in audiobook format on long solo trail runs or long drives. All the titles are linked to their respective Amazon page to give you the option to acquire them in the format that suits you best. I am not an Amazon affiliate, nor are any of the links. I do not receive any income from recommending these books, I’ve done so purely to highlight them as sources of learning and inspiration.

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The Easy Day Was Yesterday by Paul Jordan

Imprisoned in a squalid Indian jail, ex-SAS soldier Paul Jordan reflects on his life of danger and ambition. From a tragic childhood, he rises through elite military ranks, facing war, genocide, and disaster. As a security adviser, he tackles criminals and conflict zones. In captivity, he discovers resilience, friendship, and dignity. The Easy Day was Yesterday is a raw, fast-paced memoir of survival and human spirit.

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The Hard Way by Mark “Billy” Billingham

Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham escaped a tough upbringing and gang life by joining the British Army at 16. He passed the brutal Parachute Regiment selection before earning a place in the elite SAS, excelling in high-risk missions. After leaving the military, he became a bodyguard for Hollywood stars, including Tom Cruise and Angelina Jolie.

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Objective Secure by Nick Lavery

Nick Lavery, an active-duty Green Beret, overcame a combat injury that led to his leg amputation, returning to Special Forces operations. Objective Secure details the battle-tested system he used to regain operational status and achieve the impossible. Through his philosophy, he equips others with the tools to reach any goal, no matter how unlikely, in a journey of resilience and determination.

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Fear by Sir Ranulph Fiennes

In Fear, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, one of the world’s greatest explorers, explores the nature of fear through his own extreme experiences. From Everest to war zones, he examines how fear shapes events and how he has overcome it. Blending history, research, and personal stories, Fiennes offers a gripping look at one of humanity’s most powerful emotions.

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Drive by Dan Pink

In Drive, Daniel H. Pink challenges traditional ideas about motivation, arguing that true satisfaction comes from autonomy, mastery, and purpose. He explores how these elements drive high performance in work, school, and home environments. Through examples from innovative companies and insights from scientists, Pink presents a new approach to motivation that focuses on intrinsic human needs.

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Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syed

In Black Box Thinking, Matthew Syed argues that a positive attitude toward failure is key to success. Drawing on examples like Mercedes F1, Google, and James Dyson, Syed shows how "Black Box Thinkers" use mistakes to learn and improve. Instead of avoiding errors, they analyze them for future success. Syed reveals techniques for learning from failure, applicable across all fields, from sport to business.

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The Chimp Paradox by Steve Peters

The Chimp Paradox is a powerful mind management model by Prof Steve Peters that helps you understand and manage your emotions and thoughts for a happier, more successful life. It explains how your mind works and offers practical exercises to reduce anxiety, boost confidence, and manage your emotions, improving your daily life and personal growth.

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Cold by Sir Ranulph Fiennes

In Cold, Sir Ranulph Fiennes shares his life’s work exploring the world’s coldest and most dangerous regions. From enduring extreme frostbite to leading groundbreaking expeditions, Fiennes reflects on the perilous conditions of the Arctic, Antarctic, and highest mountains. Blending history and personal experiences, the book celebrates the challenges of exploring the planet’s most inhospitable places.

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The Secret Race by Tyler Hamilton

In The Secret Race, Tyler Hamilton, former teammate of Lance Armstrong, confesses his doping and lies in professional cycling. Over 18 months, Hamilton shares the dark truth of the sport, revealing the intense drive and flaws of its athletes. His honest account exposes the secret world of competitive cycling, where doping was often seen as the only option to compete at the highest level.

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Bounce by Matthew Syed

In Bounce, Matthew Syed explores the truth behind our competitive nature, examining why we win, why we lose, and how we approach life’s challenges. Using examples from sports, psychology, genetics, and culture, Syed delves into myths about talent, meritocracy, and performance. Backed by scientific research, he reveals how competition shapes our abilities, behavior, and success in various fields.

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Scott by Sir Ranulph Fiennes

In this biography, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, described by Guinness World Records as the world’s greatest living explorer, tells the story of Captain Scott. Drawing from his own experiences of extreme hardship and physical pain, Fiennes offers a unique and empathetic perspective on Scott's life and legacy, examining both his remarkable achievements and how they’ve been interpreted since his death.

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Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know by Sir Ranulph Fiennes

In his autobiography, Sir Ranulph Fiennes recounts his extraordinary life as an explorer, athlete, and soldier. He became the first to reach both poles on land, discovered the lost city of Ubar, and faced near-death experiences, including losing fingers on an expedition to the South Pole. Fiennes also attempted to climb the Eiger's north face and reflects on a life lived pushing human limits.

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Where Good Ideas Come From by Steve Johnson

In Where Good Ideas Come From, Steven Johnson explores the origins of groundbreaking innovation. Using insights from fields like neurobiology and popular culture, he delves into how great ideas emerge and what sparks brilliance. Drawing on examples from history, science, and society, Johnson provides an exciting and encouraging look at the creative process that drives progress in all areas of life.

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My Heroes by Sir Ranulph Fiennes

In My Heroes, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the world’s greatest living explorer, shares the stories of the people who inspired him, from explorers to freedom fighters. Through personal anecdotes, he reveals how these extraordinary individuals, including a polar survivor, a beaten policeman, and a special forces soldier, shaped his own life and career, offering powerful lessons on resilience and humanity.

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“The only good is Knowledge, the only evil is ignorance”

Herodotus - Greek Historian & Geographer 484- 425 BC

Stay ahead of the curve


“The world we created is a product of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking. No problem can be solved with the same level of consciousness that created it.”

Albert Einstein - Theoretical Physicist & Nobel Laureate

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“The only good is Knowledge, the only evil is ignorance”

Herodotus - Greek Historian & Geographer 484- 425 BC

Stay ahead of the curve


“The world we created is a product of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking. No problem can be solved with the same level of consciousness that created it.”

Albert Einstein - Theoretical Physicist & Nobel Laureate