The Power Of Books

I believe books are more than solely words on a page or roads for authors to make money.

Each published book has a distinct story to tell and valuable lessons to impart no matter how boring the book might be we can learn something from each.

Publishers understand the importance of a compelling narrative, a clear goal, a meaningful connection with readers, a distinct style, and a consistent theme throughout the book before putting it out into the world. Why am I talking about publishers and books? Well, in this week’s blog post, I am sharing how you can find the book best suited for you and some great reads for us athletes.

The Power

Books aren’t just for reading for fun or remembering facts. Some can be used as brain workouts! Nowadays, we don’t get many chances to think or see things from other points of view. Whereas, when we read, we can dive into new worlds and think about things differently. It’s like exercising our brain muscles and being entertained simultaneously.

But first – read the following prompt and either write down your answers on a piece of paper or your phone. Take a minute to think about what comes to your mind and how you’d like to formulate your answers. You don’t need to be a skilled writer, this is about working on expressing yourself to easier be understood in life and perhaps even on the court/field.

How do you explain the favorite sound of every basketball player, swish, when the ball goes through the net to a deaf person? How would you describe the taste of victory to someone who’s never won?

Let me share how I would answer the first question, explaining the sound of “swish.” It’s like tasting the smooth richness of Nutella spread over your favorite crepe or ice cream, or feeling the shivers down your spine when someone you like touches you, or the moment you read your job or college application and discover the position or spot yours.

As for describing the taste of victory, it’s like the breathtaking view you see after reaching the mountain summit following hours of hiking and overcoming obstacles, or the soothing sound of waves outside your window gently awakening you alongside sunbeams, signaling the realization of booking that dream vacation after years of work. Or, like biting into a juicy, sweet fruit picked fresh from the garden, witnessing its transformation from a meek dry stick to a flourishing bushy plant, and feeling a swell of pride and fulfillment as you finally taste the fruit of your work.

Now that we’ve explored our sensories and made our brain work a little extra, let’s dig into the world of books. I’ll be sharing a range of reads with you, from entertaining biographies to insightful self-help books where we can explore and grow.

#1 Leading With the Heart

#1 Lead With Your Heart

Whether you’re a die-hard basketball enthusiast or someone who’s never dribbled a ball in your life, this book has a high chance of inspiring you. Its captivating story and powerful message will leave you feeling motivated to pursue your passions and follow your dreams. So, no matter what it is, you’ll learn to lead with your heart both professionally and privately.

#2 Daring greatly

#2 Dare To Be You

Happiness often awaits those who dare to step outside their comfort zones and embrace vulnerability. Brene Brown’s book beautifully paints this on a colorful canvas, urging you to confront our fears and pridefully be you. We learn that true fulfillment comes from embracing our imperfections and daring to live wholeheartedly. Brene’s wisdom empowers us to cultivate resilience, authenticity, and happiness.

This is the book for you who can’t feel, can’t remember when you cried last time, you’re hard like a rock, sometimes misunderstood, strong for everyone else but so broken behind closed doors, and perhaps you might even have a hard time explaining your feelings, this book could be helpful for you too. Even if you don’t fall into any of the categories above, this book is for everyone to learn something about themselves if you’re asking me. Dare to be vulnerable and embrace the transformative power of daring greatly.

#3 wolfpack

#3 Release the wolf within you

We are reminded of the importance of daring greatly in pursuit of our dreams and passions. Through Abby’s very short but captivating book, we’re encouraged to embrace our inner strength, resilience, and authenticity. This book serves as a powerful reminder that true happiness and fulfillment come when we dare to be bold, break free from societal expectations, and pursue our true passions with unwavering determination. Learn to strive to live your life to the fullest and become the wolf you were always meant to be.

#4 The power of regret

#4 How To regret Less

We’re taught how embracing regret can lead to profound personal growth and transformation. Through Daniel’s book you’re encouraged to confront your past mistakes and use them as catalysts for positive change. This book reminds you that regret, when approached with courage and self-reflection, can serve as a valuable teacher, guiding you toward a more authentic and fulfilling life. Learn how to apply these lessons personally and professionally to handle life’s challenges.

#5 Success habits

#5 Build you own success without any money

The power of cultivating positive habits in our lives is beyond many people’s comprehension. Through Hill’s insightful teachings, you discover that success is not merely a result of luck or circumstance, but rather a product of consistent, intentional actions. This book is as a roadmap for achieving your goals and realizing your fullest potential, as you learn to adopt the habits and mindset of successful individuals. Napoleon Hill’s wisdom inspires us all to apply these principles in our personal and professional lives.

Another 10 Top Reads To Keep An Eye On

Here are another 10 books that I highly recommend if you’re looking to grow personally and professionally. These books offer valuable lessons and practical strategies to help you thrive in all areas of life. From cultivating resilience and leadership skills to mastering the art of communication and building fulfilling relationships, each book on this list is a valuable resource on your journey to becoming the best version of yourself. So, order them NOW, then grab a cup of coffee/tea or water (stay hydrated my friends), or maybe sit on the beach, in the park, or just read a bit before bedtime and feel your life change for the better.

1. Mind Gym: An Athlete’s Guide to Inner Excellence by Gary Mack and David Casstevens
2. Peak Performance: Elevate Your Game, Avoid Burnout, and Thrive with the New Science of Success by Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness
3. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
4. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
5. Grit by Angela Duckworth
6. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
7. Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins
8. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
9. The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work and Team with Positive Energy by Jon Gordon
10. The Wim Hof Method: Activate You Full Human Potential by Wim Hof

Until next week, if you don’t like to read, try audiobooks or contact me here and I’d gladly have a chat about the books you’re interested in for more information.

Let’s have a chat