My Top 3 Books Everyone Should Read

 

Psycho-Cybernetics By Maxwell Maltz

  • Hands down the most impactful book I’ve ever read, I constantly refer back to this book to this day for advice. Psycho-Cybernetics explores the power of self-image in shaping success. Maxwell Maltz, a plastic surgeon turned self-improvement pioneer, explains how our subconscious mind operates like a success mechanism—responding to the beliefs we program into it. For athletes, this means mental conditioning is just as important as physical training. Through visualization techniques and self-affirmation, this book provides practical tools to overcome self-doubt, improve confidence, and unlock peak performance.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

  • My favorite book about finding your purpose, and having the courage to listen to your heart. The Alchemist is a powerful metaphor for the journey toward personal excellence. It follows a young shepherd as he pursues his “Personal Legend,” overcoming self-doubt, external pressures, and setbacks along the way. For athletes and performers, this book reinforces the importance of persistence, listening to one’s intuition, and embracing the process rather than just the destination. It teaches that success is not about shortcuts but about believing in yourself and staying committed to the path—even when obstacles arise.

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

  • My favorite book for clarity, I constantly listen to this book whenever I’m facing a big decision or am just feeling overwhelmed. Meditations is a collection of personal reflections by Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Grounded in Stoic philosophy, it offers invaluable lessons on discipline, controlling emotions, and maintaining focus under pressure—key principles for athletes and high performers. This book teaches the power of detaching from external outcomes, embracing adversity as an opportunity for growth, and developing an unshakable mindset that thrives in competition and life’s challenges.

Other Great Reads

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

  • A framework for personal and professional effectiveness, emphasizing self-mastery, proactive thinking, and continuous improvement—essential for athletes striving for peak performance.

Practicing The Power Of Now by Eckhart Tolle

  • Teaches mindfulness and presence, critical for athletes to stay focused in high-pressure situations and avoid being overwhelmed by past failures or future anxieties.

The Laws Of Human Nature by Robert Greene

  • Explores human behavior and motivation, equipping athletes with insights on mental discipline, self-awareness, and understanding competitors and coaches.

The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday

  • A guide to using adversity as an advantage, teaching mental resilience and reframing challenges as opportunities for growth—key in sports and life.

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

  • Highlights the power of belief, visualization, and goal-setting, principles that drive athletic success and mental conditioning.

100 Wins in 100 Days by Dr. Aziz Gazipura

  • Focuses on small, daily victories to build confidence and momentum, a crucial strategy for athletes developing mental toughness.

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

  • Encourages vulnerability and self-acceptance, helping athletes embrace setbacks and use them as stepping stones toward growth.

How To Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie

  • Develops interpersonal skills, essential for team cohesion, coach-athlete relationships, and navigating competitive environments.

Man’s Search For Meaning by Victor E. Frankl

  • Explores finding purpose through struggle, reinforcing the idea that overcoming adversity in sports and life leads to fulfillment and peak performance.

Ego Is The Enemy by Ryan Holiday

  • Warns against the pitfalls of ego, encouraging humility, discipline, and a focus on long-term improvement

Golf Is Not A Game Of Perfect by Bob Cullen and Dr. Bob Rotella

    • Teaches mental strategies to enhance consistency and confidence, proving that success in sports is as much about mindset as it is about skill.

The Art Of Happiness by Dalai Lama

    • Emphasizes inner peace and emotional balance, key for athletes to maintain motivation and enjoy the process rather than just the results.

The Art Of War by Sun Tzu

  • A strategic approach to competition, highlighting the importance of preparation, adaptability, and psychological warfare in sports.

Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

  • A testament to extreme mental resilience, showing how athletes can push past perceived limits and achieve extraordinary feats through discipline.

The Way Of Men by Jack Donovan

  • Discusses masculinity and toughness, useful for athletes in understanding group dynamics, leadership, and personal strength.

A Wrestling Life by Dan Gable

  • Chronicles the legendary wrestler’s journey, highlighting the relentless discipline and mental toughness required to achieve dominance.

The Way Of The Superior Man by David Deida

  • Explores purpose and commitment, encouraging athletes to align their training and competition with a deeper sense of personal mission