5 Books Every Athlete Should Read
I am ALWAYS on the look out for lessons and ways to learn. Especially about how to evaluate my performance — physically and mentally. We live in a world where information is constantly at our fingertips. The way I see it, there’s no excuse not to learn.
You can study successful people, their habits, their lifestyle, their routines, etc. and replicate them. You can read books, even just 2 pages a day. You can listen to a podcast, while driving, walking through an airport, working out, cleaning your house.
The amount of high-quality (mostly free) information out there is unreal. You don’t need a degree or a big budget to understand mindset, recovery, nutrition, or high-level training strategies. Modern media has made elite-level knowledge more accessible than ever—you just have to be curious enough to look for it.
I decided to accumulate 5 powerful books that have completely changed my life. The way I train, recover, compete, and show up daily have evolved and developed because of these tools. So if you are wanting to dive into nonfiction and learn more about mindset, these ones are perfect. They aren’t dry or packed with confusing science, they are digestible and fun to read. And if you aren’t a huge reader, you can always try an audiobook!
Alright here we are…
1. Raise Your Game By Alan Stein Jr
This is a high-performance playbook built on real-world lessons from elite athletes, coaches, and business leaders. It blends mindset, leadership, and habit-building into practical, easy-to-apply strategies that anyone can use to improve their performance—on or off the field. It’s the kind of book that reads fast, hits hard, and leaves you with tools you’ll actually use.
This one KILLED IT. I read this in the year I spent training alone before signing my first professional contract. It was exactly what I needed and more.
Here’s what I learned (all my own thoughts—based on my takeaways from the book):
Success starts with self awareness
Consistency beats intensity
Leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about impact
You can’t reach the next level with last-level habits
2. Chop Wood Carry Water By Joshua Medcalf
This is a modern day fable that teaches timeless lessons about discipline, patience, and the value of mastering the fundamentals. It takes us through the story of a young man training to become a samurai, the book highlights how true success comes not from shortcuts or flashy moves but from consistent effort and embracing the daily grind.
This has been one of the most impactful books I have ever read. I read it when recovery from both my ACLs and it completely changed my entire mindset about the process. I can’t say enough good things about it. I have read it maybeeee 5 times now. Lol.
Here’s what I learned (all my own thoughts—based on my takeaways from the book):
True mastery requires dedication to the basics, no matter how mundane they seem.
Success is a long-term journey, not an overnight result.
Humility and focus are essential for continuous growth.
Small, consistent actions compound into meaningful progress.
3. Grit By Angela Duckworth
This one explores the powerful role of passion and perseverance in achieving long-term goals. It brings in extensive research and real life stories, and shows that talent alone is not enough. It shows what really matters is the sustained effort and resilience to keep going despite setbacks.
+this one does lean heavier on research, so in the summer of 2023 I read 2 pages a day in the morning after doing my meditation and journaling.
Here’s what I learned (all my own thoughts—based on my takeaways from the book):
Passion and perseverance matter more than raw talent in reaching high achievement.
Grit can be developed and strengthened over time through deliberate practice.
Embracing failure and setbacks is a vital part of growth.
4. The Hard Hat By Jon Gordon
The Hard Hat is a motivational story that emphasizes the importance of character, teamwork, and leadership in both life and work. Through the true story of a young man learning valuable lessons from a seasoned mentor on a construction site, the book shows how integrity, effort, and a positive attitude can lead to success and fulfillment.
I read this when I was in high school and needed to learn the value of being a selfless leader. It gave me a true foundation for what success and leadership looks like.
Here’s what I learned (all my own thoughts—based on my takeaways from the book):
Success starts with showing up and giving your best every day.
Character and integrity are more important than skills alone.
A positive attitude can transform challenges into opportunities.
True leadership is about serving and inspiring those around you.
5. The Twin Thieves By Steve Jones and Lucas Jadin.
This book was recommended in a previous blog post with Tiffany Robert’s Sahaydak, and I read it immediately. It dives into the two biggest mental obstacles that hold people back: the fear of failure and the fear of judgment. Through storytelling, leadership insights, and real examples from sports and life, the book helps readers recognize how these “thieves” operate and offers strategies to overcome them.
Here’s what I learned (all my own thoughts—based on my takeaways from the book):
Naming your fears takes away their power.
Confidence is built through preparation, trust, and action—not just outcomes.
Creating a safe and supportive environment fuels individual and team success.
You perform your best when you play free, not when you play safe.
Every day, we’re surrounded by chances to grow—books, stories, experiences, mentors, etc. Don’t be the player who scrolls past these opportunities, distracted or too busy to slow down and learn. You make time for things that are a priority to you. Making learning a priority.
If you’re serious about becoming your best, you can’t afford to ignore the tools sitting right in front of you. Don’t waste the resources—start using them. Start growing. Start now.
Talk to you guys again soon,
Talia
