I love to read. In truth, I prefer fiction to nonfiction but my job requires me to keep up with the current happenings in the field. What you’ll find below are my suggestions for the best offerings in the broad field of performance psychology. You’ll see a lot of emphasis on positive psychology, sport/exercise, and faith-based books. I think there’s a lot of breadth in these selections and hopefully a little something for everyone.
I’d love YOUR suggestions on things to read or your thoughts on the books I’ve listed. I’ll also update the list from time to time.
Armstrong, L., & Jenkins, S. (2001). It’s not about the bike: My journey back to life. New York: The Berkley Publishing Group.
Biswas-Diener, R., & Dean, B. (2007). Positive psychology coaching: Putting the science of happiness to work for your clients. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Covey, S. R. (1989). The seven habits of highly effective people: Restoring the character ethic. New York: Simon & Schuster.
Csikszentmihaly, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. New York: Harper & Row, Publishers.
Csikszentmihaly, M. (1997). Finding flow: The psychology of engagement with everyday life. New York: BasicBooks.
Davis, M., Eshelman, E. R., McKay, M. (2008). The relaxation & stress reduction workbook, 6th Edition. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.
Dungy, T., & Whitaker, N. (2007). Quiet strength: The principles, practices, & priorities of a winning life. Carol Stream,IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Frankl, V. E. (1992). Man’s search for meaning: An introduction to logotherapy, 4th Edition. Boston, MA: Beacon Press.
Fredrickson, B. (2007). Positivity: Groundbreaking research reveals how to embrace the hidden strength of positive emotions, overcome negativity, and thrive. New York: Crown Publishers.
Halden-Brown, S. (2003). Mistakes worth making: How to turn sports errors into athletic excellence. 
Champaign,IL: Human Kinetics.
Hardy, L., Jones, G., & Gould, D. (1996). Understanding psychological preparation for sport: Theory and practice of elite performers. Chichester, West Sussex, England: Wiley.
Jackson, S., A., & Csikszentmihaly, M. (1999). Flow in sport: The keys to optimal experiences and performances. Champaign,IL: Human Kinetics.
Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, F. P. (2009). Joining together: Group theory and group skills, 10th Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
Lucado, M. (2006). Facing your giants: A David and Goliath story for everyday people. Nashville, TN: Integrity Publishers.
Lucado, M. (2004). It’s not about me: Rescue from the life we thought would make us happy. Nashville,TN: Integrity Publishers.
MacDonald, G. (2004). A resilient life: You can move ahead no matter what. Nashville,TN: Nelson Books.
Maxwell, J., C., & Dornan, J. (1997). Becoming a person of influence: How to positively impact the lives of others. Nashville,TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Murphy, S. (2005). The sport psych handbook: A complete guide to today’s best mental training techniques. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Nakamura, R. M. (1996). The power of positive coaching. Boston, MA: Jones and Bartlett.
Niven, D. (2003). The 100 simple secrets of healthy people: What scientists have learned and how you can use it. San Francisco, CA: HarperCollins.
Niven, D. (2001). The 100 simple secrets of happy people: What scientists have learned and how you can use it. San Francisco, CA: HarperCollins.
Orlick, T. (2008). In pursuit of excellence, 4th Edition.Champaign,IL: Human Kinetics.
Peck, M. S. (1978). The road less traveled: A new psychology of love, traditional values and spiritual growth. New York: Touchstone.
Porter, K. (2003). The mental athlete: Inner training for peak performance in all sports. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Rotella, B., & Cullen, B. (1995). Golf is not a game of perfect. New York: Simon & Schuster.
Seligman, M. E. P. (1990). Learned optimism: How to change your mind and your life. New York: Free Press.
Seligman, M. E. P. (2002). Authentic happiness: Using the new positive psychology to realize your potential for lasting fulfillment. New York: Free Press.
Vealey, R. S. (2005). Coaching for the inner edge. Morgantown,WV: Fitness Information Technology.
Vernacchia, R. A. (2003). Inner strength: The mental dynamics of athletic performance. Palo Alto, CA: Warde Publishers, Inc.
Vernacchia, R., McGuire, R., & Cook, D. (1996). Coaching mental excellence: It does matter whether you win or lose. Portola Valley, CA: Warde Publishers, Inc.
Warren, F. (2005). PostSecret: Extraordinary confessions from ordinary lives. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.
Warren, R. (2002). The purpose driven life. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Wooden, J., & Tobin, J. (2004). They call me coach. Chicago, IL: Contemporary Books.
Wootten, M., & Gilbert, B. (1997). A coach for all seasons: The Morgan Wootten story. Indianapolis, IN: Masters Press.
Ruizetics 