For even more inspiration, we have added 5 more inspirational books that should be read by all in the start of 2013. Classics that have stood the test of time, these are books based on principles that continue to apply to this day and that are still at the top of the bestseller lists.

Update

First Top 5 Motivational Books to Read in the Start of 2013 and where to get them on a budget:
1. Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People:

$9.50 at Chapters Indigo and $0.64 + $6.49 shipping at Amazon.ca.
2. Amanda Lang’s The Power of Why:
$19.79 at Chapters Indigo and $18.80 (free shipping for orders $25+) at Amazon.ca.
3. Gail Vaz-Oxlade’s Debt-Free Forever:
$16.71 at Chapters Indigo and $15.87 at Amazon.ca.
4. Levitt and Dubner’s Freakonomics:
$15.19 at Chapters Indigo and $14.43 (free shipping on orders $25+) at Amazon.ca.
5. Fisher and Ury’s Getting to Yes:
$14.06 at Chapters Indigo and $13.36 at Amazon.ca.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Named the #1 Most Influential Book of the 20th Century, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change covers the following 7 habits:

Be Proactive
Being with the End in Mind
Put First Things First
Think Win/Win
Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
Synergize
Sharpen the Saw

In fact, President Bill Clinton liked the book so much that an invitation was extended for Covey to show him how to apply the principles to his presidential campaign. Take a look at Forbes’ compilation of the book’s 10 Quotes That Can Change Your Life.

Though a slightly less known book, Covey also published an 8th Habit in 2004, which is to “Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs”.

The Art of Happiness

Based on a series of conversations between Howard C. Cutler, this book also includes his own personal insights. Indeed, despite having faced countless difficult situations in his life, the Dalai Lama always radiates a positive energy to those he meets. Perhaps we could all learn something from his approach that happiness is the product of our mind, rather than the situation we find ourselves in – meaning that no matter the situation, one can find happiness no matter what. Regarding the topic of happiness, the Dalai Lama has been quoted saying:

“I believe that the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness. That is clear, whether one believes in religion or not, whether one believes in this religion or that religion, we all are seeking something better in life. So, I think, the very motion of our life is towards happiness…”

As such, this book is based on as series of conversations between Howard C. Cutler and also includes his own person insights.
Did you know that the Dalai Lama has also famously said that he would have most likely studied to become an engineer if he hadn’t been a monk as he has shown interest in machines since a young age. Find out more interesting facts about Dalai Lama with US New’s article: Ten Things You Didn’t Know About the Dalai Lama.

The 4 Hour Workweek

Timothy Ferriss’ book is a must-read for anyone looking to have more time to spend with friends, family and on hobbies by working less. Having written it at the age of 29, he has since received a surprising number of awards, among which he was named Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Business People of 2007”.

Though initially rejected by 25 publishers, the book is based on Ferriss’ ‘lifestyle design’ which advocates that mini-retirements are more efficient over working 9 to 5 jobs, only to retire at 60. Since then, he

Did you know that Timoty Ferriss has set a world record in tango on the show Live with Regis and Kelly? Not only that, but he also speaks 6 languages and is a kickboxing champion. Read LifeHack’s interview with Ferriss to find out more about him and the book.

Think and Grow Rich

Though the title implies that it is a book about becoming rich, its teachings can actually be applied to all facets of life. Inspired by Andrew Carnegie’s principles for success (an author whose first book was mentioned in the first part of this list) and considered a forward thinker of his time, Napoleon Hill set out to write a book to illustrate how one’s goals can be achieved.

While the initial book was written close to a century ago (in 1937 to be precise), it continues to be one of the best-selling books of all time. In fact, Napoleon Hill was even President Roosevelt’s advisor for three consecutive years, from 1933 to 1936.

Be sure to visit Google Books for an overview of Hill’s Think and Grow Rich.

Who Moved My Cheese?

A quick an easy read, this book is sure to make you think about your life through the story of 2 mice and 2 little people navigating through the maze of life. Using cheese as a metaphor for what you want in life, Spencer Johnson illustrates that it’s possible to attain our dream life, especially while adjusting to change and breaks in routine.

This book has been widely distributed by large companies in times of re-structuring and cost-cutting measure to make employees see the larger picture. Nevertheless, the story has a wider meaning and is worth the short read.

Which book(s) will you be getting inspiration from? Share your thoughts on them if you have already read them!