“The hardest mountains are often the ones we face every day.”
That’s the central message behind Spencer West‘s new book, Breaking Free: Stop Following Expectations and Start Following Yourself.
While many know West for summiting Mount Kilimanjaro using his hands and wheelchair, the renowned disability advocate says the most difficult obstacles in his life weren’t physical—they were the internal battles with self-doubt, fear, and the expectations placed on him by others.
West explores those challenges in Breaking Free, a candid blend of memoir and practical self-discovery guide that encourages readers to pursue a life defined by authenticity rather than approval.
Born with sacral agenesis, a rare genetic condition that led to the amputation of both legs from the pelvis down when he was five years old, West grew up navigating a world that often underestimated what was possible for someone with a disability. Rather than accepting those limitations, he built a life centered on resilience, purpose, and redefining expectations.
Today, West is one of the world’s most recognizable disability advocates, reaching millions through his speaking engagements and social media platforms. He has appeared in major media outlets including BBC News, Forbes, ABC News, CBS This Morning, and 60 Minutes, using his platform to challenge assumptions about disability, belonging, and identity.
In Breaking Free, West shares personal stories about overcoming adversity while offering practical tools readers can apply to their own lives. The book tackles universal struggles—including anxiety, self-doubt, and societal pressure—and invites readers to examine the beliefs and expectations that may be holding them back.
Unlike a traditional memoir, each chapter includes reflection questions and actionable exercises designed to help readers identify self-imposed barriers, reconnect with their values, and make choices aligned with who they truly want to become.
The book also explores how expectations can shape the lives of disabled and LGBTQ+ individuals, drawing from West’s own experiences while offering insights that resonate far beyond those communities.
Known for combining humor, vulnerability, and honesty, West encourages readers to stop seeking external approval and start building lives rooted in authenticity.
Breaking Free: Stop Following Expectations and Start Following Yourself is available now in hardcover, e-book, and audiobook formats.