A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles made headlines this week when he was spotted reading Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy on the sidelines during a game. This inspiring book, an overnight Amazon bestseller, focuses on developing a champion’s mindset through clarity, focus, and emotional mastery. To build on this momentum, here are eight more books about mindset and mastering our minds that A.J.—and anyone looking to elevate their game—might want to explore next.
1. Living Untethered by Michael A. Singer
Michael Singer, the author of the acclaimed The Untethered Soul, returns with Living Untethered, a guide to freeing ourselves from limiting thoughts and emotions. This book delves into:
- How to let go of inner resistance that holds us back from experiencing life fully.
- Techniques to stay grounded and centered, even in high-pressure situations.
- The importance of presence in building resilience and clarity.
Singer’s insights into mindfulness and detachment make this an essential read for anyone seeking to perform at their peak without being weighed down by mental chatter.
2. The Path of Least Resistance: Learning to Become the Creative Force in Your Own Life by Robert Fritz
This classic book by Robert Fritz helps readers break free from reactive cycles and create their lives intentionally. Key takeaways include:
- Understanding the creative process and how to apply it to personal growth.
- Learning to focus on desired outcomes rather than getting stuck in problem-solving loops.
- Mastering structural tension to stay motivated and aligned with goals.
For someone like A.J., who’s already focused on personal excellence, Fritz’s principles can offer practical strategies to sustain high performance over time.
3. The Expectation Effect: How Your Mindset Can Change Your World by David Robson
David Robson explores the profound impact of expectations on performance, health, and happiness. This book reveals:
- How beliefs shape outcomes, from physical endurance to cognitive abilities.
- Ways to harness positive expectations to improve focus and resilience.
- The science behind the placebo effect and its broader applications to mindset.
With insights grounded in psychology and neuroscience, this book is a fascinating read for anyone who wants to understand the power of self-belief.
4. Falling Awake: How to Practice Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Jon Kabat-Zinn, a pioneer in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), provides practical advice for integrating mindfulness into daily routines. Highlights include:
- Simple mindfulness practices that can be done anywhere, anytime.
- The art of responding rather than reacting, especially under stress.
- Cultivating inner peace and focus for enhanced performance and wellbeing.
Mindfulness is a powerful tool for athletes, helping them stay present and handle the pressures of competition.
5. Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation by Daniel J. Siegel, MD
Dr. Daniel Siegel combines neuroscience and psychology to explain how understanding our own minds can lead to profound transformation. Key concepts include:
- The role of “mindsight” in building emotional intelligence.
- Techniques for rewiring the brain through focused attention and practice.
- Using self-awareness to improve relationships, including the one with yourself.
For A.J. or anyone in high-stakes environments, Mindsight offers tools to deepen self-awareness and mental agility.
6. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
Carol Dweck’s groundbreaking work on fixed versus growth mindsets has inspired countless individuals to rethink how they approach challenges. This book covers:
- The difference between a fixed and growth mindset, and why it matters.
- How to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.
- Practical strategies for fostering resilience and lifelong learning.
Dweck’s insights are invaluable for athletes aiming to constantly improve and overcome setbacks.
7. It’s Just a Thought: Emotional Freedom Through Deliberate Thinking by Thomas M. Sterner
Thomas Sterner helps readers break free from negative thought patterns and develop greater emotional freedom. Key lessons include:
- The importance of deliberate thinking in shaping our experiences.
- How to quiet the mind and stay present.
- Strategies for shifting unhelpful thoughts into empowering ones.
This book offers actionable advice for anyone looking to strengthen their mental game. Listen to my interview with Thomas Sterner here.
8. Just a Thought: A No-Willpower Approach to Overcome Self-Doubt and Make Peace with Your Mind by Amy Johnson, PhD
Amy Johnson’s compassionate approach to overcoming self-doubt and anxiety focuses on understanding how thoughts work. Key takeaways include:
- Recognizing the transient nature of thoughts, which lose power when we don’t engage with them.
- Shifting perspective to build confidence and reduce overthinking.
- How to find peace and clarity without relying on sheer willpower.
Johnson’s relatable tone makes her strategies easy to implement for anyone, from professional athletes to everyday readers. Listen to my interview with Amy Johnson here.
Building Mental Strength and Resilience: Key Insights and Tips
Whether you’re a professional athlete like A.J. Brown or simply looking to enhance your mindset, these books offer powerful strategies. Here are some overarching principles and actionable tips drawn from their insights:
1.Embrace the Present Moment:
– Practice mindfulness daily to build focus and reduce stress.
– Use deep breathing exercises to stay centered under pressure.
2. Adopt a Growth Mindset:
– View challenges as opportunities for growth.
– Celebrate effort and progress, not just outcomes.
3. Reframe Negative Thoughts:
– Recognize that thoughts are not facts.
– Challenge limiting beliefs and replace them with empowering narratives.
4. Cultivate Emotional Intelligence:
– Develop self-awareness by journaling or reflecting on experiences.
– Strengthen relationships by understanding and managing emotions.
5. Focus on What You Can Control:
– Let go of external distractions and concentrate on your own actions.
– Set realistic goals and break them into manageable steps.
By incorporating these practices, anyone can build the mental strength and resilience needed to thrive in any arena—whether it’s the NFL or everyday life. A.J. Brown’s choice to read Inner Excellence highlights the importance of mindset in achieving greatness. With these eight books, he (and you!) can continue the journey toward mastering the mind and unlocking full potential.