RECOMMENDED READING
for mental muscle

Below lists the books I read during my pre-comp prep (or since January 1, 2003).  As you can see, I am a huge non-fiction, motivational, self-help junkie book lover.  I created this list so others may also experience the enormous mental boost I have from learning how to master my mindset.  I am 110% confident I would NOT have achieved and surpassed my goal (10% bodyfat on stage) without the resources and guidance found in these books.  I have all of these books in my personal library- this is NOT just a list I created... I really believe in the books I have recommended below...

As I review the list, I noticed many of the books appear to concentrate on achieving financial success.  While that is one of my goals (and probably one of yours), these books equally apply to achieving anything you truly, passionately seek to achieve or acquire.  I stumbled upon most of these titles and authors when seeking resources on my obsession with NLP (neuro-linguistic programming), the subconscious, autosuggestion in relation to success and goal-achievement.  I am absolutely fascinated with the power of the mind to manifest goals, transform your body and your life, etc.  My obsession is still growing- particularly now that I utilized NLP to achieve several major goals.  As I progress, I am constantly up-ing the stakes- asking for and shooting for- MUCH loftier visions.   I started small and extremely skeptical, but I KNOW it is for real... now I want to see how far I can take it.

In actuality, these books are more about believing in yourself and your goal, asking for what you want, having absolute faith, conquering fear and self-doubt and ENDING your self-sabotage on all levels.  Simply believing YOU CAN DO IT!

I am massively interested in studying people who have been very successful.  I LOVE to read about successful people and how they did it, what personality traits each had in common, etc. I extracted priceless information from some of my favorite authors and businesspeople on how to create a successful business, what they do to stay on top, what do they read or study to continue to grow and better themselves and their companies.  Often while reading one book, I would discover 2-3 additional books I must get my hands on, as the author would reference his motivational interests.  I now keep a 'to read' list.  I will post more books (those I have read prior to the past 6 months) which were of significance to the beginnings of my interest in NLP.  One big one is Anthony Robbins' Awaken The Giant Within.  Robbins is one of the first to mainstream and introduce NLP to the masses.  His books are excellent!

I offer this info that when you are ready to try it, you will have a great starting point.  I REALLY encourage you to at least give it a whirl- it can't hurt.  Read some of these books and see what happens in your world.  I KNOW you will be AMAZED!

For each book, I have copied a little promo info.  My personal comments are in red.  For more info on each book... check out Amazon's reader recommendations...

 

	YOU CAN IF YOU THINK YOU CAN! 320 pages Dramatic, heartwarming stories of how men and women -- of all ages and in all walks of life -- transformed their lives and careers by following Dr. Peale's philosophy of positive thinking. Learn to develop the vital knowledge of inner power to carry you over every obstacle. Here is a concise, clear, and precise book on the power of thought, devoid of the "new-agey" hocus-pocus that is so prevelant today.  Dr. Peale writes in a straightforward manner. I have read several of NVP's books... obviously they were written long ago so some of the references/stories are dated, but his inpiration is timeless.  This is my all-time favorite of NVP's books.  HIGHLY recommend it!
	THE MAGIC OF THINKING BIG 192 pages One of the world's foremost authorities on motivation, Schwartz shows how thinking big can bring big results. Learn how to set high goals and exceed them in a big way with this easy, step-by-step approach. * Believe You Can Succeed and You Will * Cure Yourself of the Fear of Failure * Build Confidence and Destroy Fear * Think and Dream Creatively * You Are What You Think You Are * Make Your Attitudes Your Allies * Learn How to Think Positively * Turn Defeat into Victory * Use Goals to Help You Grow * Think Like a Leader
	THINK AND GROW RICH 256 pages.  Napoleon Hill's philosophy teaches you what you were never taught. Specifically: How to Recognize, Relate, Assimilate and Apply principles whereby you can achieve any goal whatsoever.  Mr. Hill said "the most powerful instrument we have in our hand is the power of our mind." Napoleon Hill compiled this philosophy of American achievement for the benefit of all people. I strongly commend this philosophy to you for achievement and service in your chosen endeavor.  This book is priceless! If you have not read this book, you are way behind!  This is THE classic book for mindpower and goals.  I would venture to guess that ALL successful leaders have read this AT LEAST ONCE!  I am currently re-reading it for about the 3rd time!
	FEEL THE FEAR AND DO IT ANYWAY 240 pages.  Y.A. Jeffers discusses the crippling effects of fear in her personal life and explains how she formulated a course of action for conquering it. Her answers are simple, her course of action difficult only because it requires courage. She explains how fear is based on the uncertainty of change and the lack of positive self image. She avoids psychological lingo, and includes many case studies about careers and changes in personal lifeboth of which are beginning to cause anxiety in many teens. Her message is reassuring: choices are not opportunities to make mistakes, but valid paths to growth, whichever path we take. She addresses the fundamental cause of fearthe belief that ``I can't handle it!'' Feel the Fear is an important book, for while some young people are more crippled by insecurity that others, many do believe that the path to adulthood is fraught with dangers. Fear is doubtlessly a handicap with which they must learn to cope.
	PSYCHO-CYBERNETICS 288 pages With over 30 million copies sold since its original publication in 1960, Psycho-Cybernetics has been used by athletes, entrepreneurs, college students, and many others, to achieve life-changing goals--from losing weight to dramatically increasing their income--finding that success is not only possible but remarkably simple. Now updated to include present-day anecdotes and current personalities, The New Psycho-Cybernetics remains true to Dr. Maltz’s promise:“If you can remember, worry, or tie your shoe, you can succeed with Psycho-Cybernetics!” I have the original version of this book.  EXTREMELY interesting and applies directly to fitness goals as Maltz was a plastic surgeon and references body changes often.  Another top classic.
	BURN THE FAT, FEED THE MACHINE 337 pages (e-book) If you're even remotely interested in learning the truth about permanent fat loss, then you owe it to yourself to at least try Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle. 95% of the people in this world are going to keep looking for that magic pill or quick fix. But I don't think you would have read this far if you were the type of person to follow the crowd. "Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle" (BFFM) is a 337 page fat burning success manual in e-book format jam-packed cover to cover with all the fat destroying methods previously known by only a small handful of the worlds best fitness models and bodybuilders. This program contains all the information you'll ever need to help you shed body fat permanently without muscle loss and without using drugs or unnecessary supplements. Anyone that has followed my journal and writing knows how much I LOVE TOM!  One of the best in the industry- by far!  His site has great info, too... www.fitren.com.   Brains, Brawn and Beauty - nuff said... nhe
	NATURAL HORMONAL ENHANCEMENT 343 pages Power-packed with 343 pages explaining how to eat, train, and live for EXPLOSIVE muscle growth and razor-sharp definition! Fully indexed, and filled with charts, graphs, and diagrams. Natural Hormonal Enhancement is pinpoint cited to more than 1700 scientific studies, making it the most well-researched and well-documented bodybuilding book ever written. Although it is based on ultra-cutting-edge scientific research, the material is presented in plain, simple English that anyone can understand and follow. Rob Faigin's site is here:  http://www.extique.com/ This is by far THE best book written on anything fitness related.  Best $30 you can spend on a fitness book.  I am biased on his type of diet/training.  I love it and follow it whole-heartedly.   Rob is hilarious and his humor is speckled throughout the book.  If you buy one fitness book, this should be it!
	THE CYCLICAL KETOGENIC DIET 323 pages The first book to objectively examine the ketogenic diet. This book serves as a reference for the dieter who has questions regarding the physiology, adaptations, and effects of a ketogenic diet. The contents are fully referenced for health professionals such as dietitians, physicians, personal trainers and nutritionists. It looks objectively at the physiology behind such diets, including potential negative effects, and gives specific recommendations on how to optimize such a diet assuming an individual has chosen to do one. Two modified ketogenic diets (which involve the insertion of carbohydrates to sustain exercise performance) are also discussed in detail, along with specific guidelines. Exercise is discussed in great detail, including background physiology, the effects of exercise on fat loss, exercise guidelines and sample workouts. A great deal of basic physiology information, dealing with both nutrition and exercise topics, is included so that readers without a technical background will be able to understand the topics discussed. Tom Venuto, Rob Faigin, and Lyle McDonald are brilliant.  Combine all three and you have all the fitness info, humor and inspiration you need.  I LOVE Lyle's writing and research.  This is a great book.  I also recommend google-ing Lyle McDonald as his research can be found all over the net.  I think he is HILARIOUS!!!  I am a sucker for brains....   LOVE IT!!!
	SLICED 308 pages This book basically sucks, except for the first chapter, Psychology of Peak Conditioning, which delves into the head games and sacrifice involved in bodybuilding competition.   IMHO, the $11.00 I spent on this book was worth it for just the first chapter.  Could have saved a lot of paper had they stopped at page 20.
	LIFE STRATEGIES 320 pages Some people spend their lives reacting to what life hands them, while others craft life to fit their goals. Author Phillip C. McGraw, who is a psychologist but describes himself as a strategist, is determined to make sure that his readers are the creators of their lives, not created by their lives. By accepting that you are personally accountable for every element of your life, McGraw says, you can erase the negative "epidemic behaviors" (found in all of American society: denial, false assumptions, inertia, deceptive masking) in your life and reach your goals. Written in a tough-love, sometimes cantankerous tone, this self-help book is not for those looking to explore their inner child or visualize away negative energy. No, this is pull-yourself-up-by-the- bootstraps advice. #1: You either get it, or you don't. Become one of those who gets it. #2: You create your own experience. Acknowledge and accept accountability for your life. #3: People do what works. Identify the payoffs that drive your behavior and that of others. #4: You cannot change what you do not acknowledge. Get real with yourself about your life and everybody in it. #5: Life rewards action. Make careful decisions and then pull the trigger. #6: There is no reality; only perception. Identify the filters through which you view the world. #7: Life is managed; it is not cured. Learn to take charge of your life. #8: We teach people how to treat us. Own, rather than complain about how people treat you. #9: There is power in forgiveness. Open your eyes to what anger and resentment are doing to you. #10: You have to name it before you can claim it. Get clear about what you want and take your turn Ok... I admit to a massive crush on Dr. Phil.  I absolutely love him.  I think he is so attractive and just plain yummy.   If you have read my journals, you know of this sick crush.  This book is excellent.  I have read soooooo many self-help books, but this one covers all the bases.  Read and apply this information and you will never need another self-help book again.  LOVE it!
	THE GREATEST SALESMAN IN THE WORLD 128 pages.  The cumulation of the book is ten powerful Scrolls. The first Scroll is: 1. Today I begin a new life. 2. I will greet this day with love in my heart. 3. I will persist until I succeed. 4. I am nature's greatest miracle. 5. I will live this day as if it is my last. 6. Today I will be master of my emotions. 7. I will laugh at the world. 8. Today I will multiply my value a hundredfold. 9. I will act now. My dreams are worthless, my plans are dust, my goals are impossible. All are of no value unless they are followed by action. I WILL ACT NOW. 10. Read this book and find out #10 for yourself I own the Trilogy of Og Mandio's three 'Greatest' books (see the following 2 books).  HIGHLY recommend them.  I had heard of them years ago, but DETEST everything sales (bad experiences with sleazy salesmen).  I put off reading these books based on the Salesman title.  Stumbled upon the Trilogy in a thrift store.  Was priced so cheap I could not pass it up.   I was dumbfounded at how great this book was.  I seriously wish the title was something very very different.  This is NOT about sales necessarily, but about persistence, goals, living life to the fullest, and squeezing every ounce of life out of life!  My mom (retired) even grabbed this book and finished it within a week.   Great storytelling!  Easy read!
	THE GREATEST SECRET IN THE WORLD 176 pages This book teaches readers how to put into action the 10 ancient scrolls for success from "The Greatest Salesman in the World".    Readers can chart their daily progress as they move through the book. This is a step-by-step action journal for implementing the success scrolls.  Repetition is key here... daily repetition to change your thinking.
	THE GREATEST MIRACLE IN THE WORLD 128 pages 4-million-copy bestseller offers priceless wisdom to those searching for a higher meaning in life. Og Mandino achieved the pinacle of his field, selling more inspirational books than any other writer in his time. Had he stopped with "The Greatest Salesman in the World," we would have all been short changed. His writing of the "Greatest Miracle in the World" surpassed all his other works in how it inspires people. This is probably better than the Salesman book, but I recommend reading Salesman first.  This story was magnetic.   I could NOT put this book down... I don't even know why.  SOOOOO moving.
	THE ALADDIN FACTOR 277 pages The #1 New York Times bestselling authors of Chicken Soup for the Soul introduce readers to the Aladdin Factor--the magical wellspring of confidence and desire that turns dreams into reality--and teach them how to put it into effect in their own lives. This is one of the most recent books I read.  Finished the entire book on a long day of traveling.   EXCELLENT.  Very different from most other books I have read.  It is filled with tidbits of advice, so it reads quickly.  Main focus is ASKING the world for what you want.  Starts out discussing how so many of us were conditioned from birth not to ask for what we wanted/deserved for so many reasons.  Great book for achieving your goals.  Lots of NLP stuff here- but not identified as NLP... just gives the techniques.
	MAXIMUM ACHIEVEMENT 352 pages Brian Tracy is one of the world's leading authorities on success and personal achievement, addressing more than 100,000 men and women each year in public and private seminars. In Maximum Achievement, he gives you a powerful, proven system -- based on twenty-five years of research and practice -- that you can apply immediately to get better results in every area of your life. I have read this book more than once.   Actually it is falling apart because I have read it so many times.  Great easy to read book.  Spent many many cardio sessions with this book.  Left the gym so pumped to take on the world.
	THE INSTANT MILLIONAIRE 131 pages This delightful allegory by self-made millionaire Mark Fisher imparts the principles of wealth as Fisher learned them. A dissatisfied young man meets an old millionaire who reveals to him the secrets of acquiring not just material abundance, but also true wealth. Extremely quick read, but really makes you think.  Points out that so often we don't ask for what we are worth and undercut ourselves by not believing we can actually achieve SO MUCH more.  Told in a story, but makes profound illustrations.  My mom (retired) also read this book in one evening.  Hard to put down!
	CONVERSATIONS WITH MILLIONAIRES 238 pages One of the 2 authors, Mike Litman, has a radio show he broadcasts out of Long Island, N.Y., where he interviews all the greatest motivational, success speakers of our time!  What Mike Litman and his awesome co-author, Jason Oman have done is to put these interviews in book-like form that allow us, the reader, to get inside these greats' heads (such as the likes of: Jim Rohn, Mark Victor Hansen, Jack Canfield, Robert Allen, Sharon Lechter-co-author of "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" book series,just to mention a few), to get a first hand look at their philosophies and "How To's" of achieving the things we want out of life and the preparations necessary to accomplish their dreams and goals!
	THE FOUR AGREEMENTS 138 pages According to Don Miguel Ruiz, a master of Toltec wisdom, four simple agreements (be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions and always do your best) will transform your life. He describes very clearly what each of these agreements means and why they are important. Doing your best for instance will change from moment to moment and the agreement is far from an exhortation to be perfect all the time. Oprah raved about this book a couple years back.  She purchased 300 copies and gave them to everyone she knew for Christmas.  I happened to find this book at a thrift store and remembered how much she loved it.  Thought what the heck and bought it.  Cannot recommend it enough.   Have given it as a gift more than once!

I need to add about 50 books here.  I have not updated this list since 2003.  These are still my all-time favorites.  PLEASE PLEASE READ SOME OF THEM... you won't be disappointed!

 

 

 

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