In the past two years I have read or listened to 67 books on the subjects of performance, coaching, leadership and parenting. While all of these books have been valuable and many have been life-changing, one stands at the top of my list when it comes to athletic performance. It’s the only one that I’ve chosen to go through a second time in the course of these two years.

The Champion’s Mind: How Great Athletes Think, Train, and Thrive by Jim Afremow is the best overall book on performance that I’ve found.

I believe this is the top book for athletes to gain tools that help them to be the best possible version of themselves (my mission statement). It is full of quick, practical practices that athletes can begin using today and see the immediate benefits. I love the audio version of this book and listen to it when I drive. The pieces of advice are so quick and tangible that a drive to the grocery store can make you a better competitor than you were when you left home!

This is not a book that spends a great deal of time “unpacking” thoughts like some of favorites by Anders Ericsson, Malcolm Gladwell, Angela Duckworth or Carol Dweck. Instead it gets straight to the point and moves on to the next point and the next point, with literally 100s of nuggets that can make you a better athlete and competitor. A book like Anders Ericsson’s “Peak” takes a much deeper look at what it takes to be a champion, but “The Champion’s Mind” is second to none when it comes to advice on how to be your best.

If you are looking for a book to help you compete at a higher level, this is where I’d recommend you start!

A few of my other favorite books on the subject:
“Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise” By Anders Ericsson
“The Obstacle is the way” By Ryan Holiday
“Peak Performance” By Brad Stulberg & Steve Magness
“Playing with Confidence: For athletes to read For coaches to teach” By Bruce Brown
“Relentless” By Tim S. Grover
“The Inner Game of Tennis” By W. Timothy Gallwey

The Champion’s Mind: How Great Athletes Think, Train, and Thrive by Jim Afremow – Description from website
Even among the most elite performers, certain athletes stand out as a cut above the rest, able to outperform in clutch, game-deciding moments. These athletes prove that raw athletic ability doesn’t necessarily translate to a superior on-field experience its the mental game that matters most.

Sports participation-from the recreational to the collegiate Division I level-is at an all-time high. While the caliber of their games may differ, athletes at every level have one thing in common: the desire to excel. In The Champion’s Mind, sports psychologist Jim Afremow, PhD, offers the same advice he uses with Olympians, Heisman Trophy winners, and professional athletes, including:

– How to get in a “zone,” thrive on a team, and stay humble
– How to progress within a sport and sustain long-term excellence
– Customizable pre-performance routines to hit full power when the gun goes off or the puck is dropped

With hundreds of useful tips, breakthrough science, and cutting-edge workouts from the world’s top trainers, The Champion’s Mind will help you shape your body to ensure a longer, healthier, happier lifetime.