Ultra athletics - and any pursuit requiring discipline, persistence and drive - is just as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Let me repeat that: it is a mental challenge. To keep myself in a strong headspace during training - and the actual performance - I have found reading to be a necessity. Not only does it help me build a collection of powerful phrases to ramble in my mind, but it inspires many of the habits that lead to my success. If you're seeking inspiration to become the best version of yourself, I would recommend the following 5 books:
1. Atomic Habits: James Clear
If you like clear and concise advice with immediate action plans, James Clear will give you just that. Especially beneficial if routines and habits intimidate you. Chances are you'll finish the book with such a positive relationship with routines and habits that you'll start building plenty of your own!
2. Can't Hurt Me: David Goggins
You wouldn't expect such captivating storytelling from such a rigid, intense individual, but Goggins seems to be beast in whatever he does. His book is no exception. His stories are raw, real and powerful. If you don't typically find Goggins inspiring, I would encourage you to read this.
3.The Alchemist: Paulo Coelho
I don't know how to explain this one. It's not your typical 'self-help' book, and yet no other literary piece has brought more clarity into my life purpose than this story. It oozes with rich symbolism, analogies and memorable comparisons.
4. Discover Your Destiny: Robin Sharma
This book is my personal bible. It's what started my journey of waking up at 4AM when I was 17. It's my go-to pick-me-up and without fail has inspired action, discipline and refined motivation. Robin Sharma writes very straight-forward, yet on a canvas of a fictional story. It makes for an entertaining read.
5. You Are A Badass: Jen Sincero
First, reading a book by Jen is no different than having a conversation with a best friend; she writes so akin to natural dialogue you can almost hear her voice. If you need to grasp something relatable and powerful, any of Sincereo's books are bound to have a positive effect.
[BONUS] The Run; A Barefoot Journey To Change: Sav
It's true. I condensed the hardest 8 days of my life running barefoot into a single book. I don't hold anything back; touching on traumatic events, the horrors of poverty and the crunching of my bones as they broke across the finish line.
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