The Analyst’s Bookshelf: Creating a Winning Mindset

By Duncan Ritchie

01-December-2022 on Tips

10 minute read

In the second part of our series The Analyst’s Bookshelf, we present you with 10 more books recommended to us by sports performance analysts.

 

As with the previous entry in this series, these books are not necessarily about analysis...nor sport for that matter. But these 10 books are bursting with knowledge on how to create a winning mindset. Filled with tips from successful coaches, business leaders and academics, these books could improve your performance and change your life.

 

So, let’s get started…

 

Five Steps to a Winning Mindset

by Damian Hughes

 

5 steps to a winning mindset

 

Professor Damian Hughes draws on his experience of working with and observing some of the best modern-day coaches and proposits five simple steps for creating a winning mindset in both your personal and professional life.

 

From the bench to the boardroom, following Hughes’ advice can lead to success.

 

 

Practice Perfect

by Doug Lemov

 

practice perfect

 

“Practice makes perfect”, or so the old axiom goes. In this book, Doug Lemov takes this belief to the limit with “42 rules for getting better at getting better”.

 

Packed with powerful insights into learning, the rules laid out by Lemov could apply as equally to the sports field as they could to relationships. It’s not winning that makes us better, it’s all the practice that comes before the victory.

 

 

The Power of Habit

by Charles Duhigg

 

The power of habit

 

Good habits are as important to success as bad habits are detrimental. That’s the thinking behind this great book by Charles Duhigg.

 

Looking at real-world examples, such as multi-Olympic medalist Michael Phelps, Martin Luther King Jr. and the boardroom of Starbucks, Duhigg explores how changing bad habits and perpetuating good habits can lead to success.

 

 

The Organised Mind

by Daniel Levitin

 

the organised mind

 

Information overload is a real problem in the modern world where we’re bombarded with constant information and points of view. It negatively affects our decision making and creativity and can lead to us being bogged down with modern life.

 

Levitin offers us respite by showing us how to successfully manage the overload and giving us the tools to take back control of our lives. Take control of information, don’t let it control you.

 

 

The Captain Class

by Sam Walker

 

The Captain Class

 

What are the key qualities which make a leader? Drawing on years of research and looking at successful teams such as Barcelona, Brazil and the All-Blacks, Walker sets out 7 ingredients that make up inspirational captains.

 

This is not just a book about sport, but a guide on how successful teams are created through exceptional leadership.

 

 

No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention

by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer

 

no rules rules

 

Every business can learn something from the Netflix model, according to this fascinating book by Reed Hastings, chairman and CEO of the company which revolutionised the global entertainment industry.

 

Great insights in leadership ideas which have increased productivity, creativity and innovation and can be applied to any facet of life, including sports analysis!

 

 

Prepared: Unlocking Performance with Lessons from Elite Sport

by Paul Gamble

 

prepared

 

The quest for exceptional human performance is generally associated with elite sports men and women. But high performance is important in all walks of life.

 

In this book, Paul Gamble holds a lens up to the sporting world and gives us a series of lessons that can be applied to any domain. Whilst still highly relevant to sport, leadership, teamwork and professionalism are universal concepts that are of interest to everyone.

 

 

You Win in the Locker Room First

by Jon Gordon and Mike Smith

 

you win in the locker room first

 

Mike Smith was voted Coach of the Year by his NFL peers in the 2008, 2010 and 2012 seasons after turning around the fortunes of the Atlanta Falcons. In this book, and alongside professional sports consultant Jon Gordon, Smith outlines a step-by-step strategy for inspiring a winning mindset.

 

From creating a great culture to improving teamwork, these are words to live by and, as with all the books on this list, the insights Smith provides can be applied to leadership roles outside of sport.

 

 

The Brain: The Story of You

by David Eagleman

 

the brain

 

To understand how to create a winning mindset, you first need to understand your mind.

 

In this book, neuroscientist David Eagleman takes you on a journey through the darkest recesses of your skull cavity and asks questions such as “What is reality?”, “How do you make decisions?” and “Who are ‘you’?”.

 

A fantastic book with amazing insights about your mind.

 

 

The Score Takes Care of Itself

by Bill Walsh and Steve Jamison

 

the score takes care of itself

 

Bill Walsh has a legitimate claim to the title “Greatest Coach in the History of the NFL”. Leading the San Francisco 49ers from the edge of obscurity to one of the most legendary teams in the history of the game, Walsh changed the course of American Football.

 

Before his death, Walsh gave a series of interviews to Steve Jamison in which he revealed some of the secrets of his success. Filled with insights about successful leadership, this book is as relevant to an NFL coach as it is to a small business owner. A fascinating read from a legend in his field. 

 

 

YOUR Recommendations

 

So, those are our recommendations, but we’d love to hear from you. 

 

What inspirational books have you read recently? How have the insights helped you in your own field? 

 

Contact us through our website or through any of our social media channels and we’ll feature your picks on a future list.

 

Thanks for reading!

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