336: How to Develop Mental Toughness With Sports Psychologist Dr. Jason Selk

Rich Blagrove's "Strength Training for Runners" is a comprehensive guide designed to help runners improve their performance and reduce their risk of injury through effective strength training. The book covers various aspects of strength training, including exercise selection, program design, and periodization, specifically tailored to the needs of runners. It emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation of strength and power to enhance running efficiency and prevent common running-related injuries. Blagrove's work is highly regarded in the running community for its practical approach and evidence-based recommendations. The book is suitable for runners of all levels, from beginners to elite athletes.

In 'Brain Rules,' Dr. John Medina shares his expertise on brain science, detailing 12 principles that scientists know for sure about how our brains work. The book covers topics such as the importance of exercise for cognition, the critical role of sleep in learning, the myth of multitasking, and how stress affects learning. Medina uses fascinating stories and humor to make brain science accessible and practical for teachers, parents, and business leaders. The book emphasizes how our brains are wired differently, how we are designed to never stop learning and exploring, and how to optimize our brain's performance in various aspects of life.

In 'Emotional Intelligence,' Daniel Goleman presents a compelling argument that emotional intelligence (EI) is crucial for success, happiness, and virtue. Drawing on research in psychology and neuroscience, Goleman explains how EI, which includes self-awareness, self-discipline, and empathy, shapes our destiny. The book details five key skills of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, managing emotions, motivation, recognizing emotions in others, and social skills. Goleman shows how these skills can be nurtured and strengthened throughout adulthood, benefiting our health, relationships, and work performance.

In this book, Carol S. Dweck introduces the concept of two mindsets: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset. People with a fixed mindset believe their abilities are static, while those with a growth mindset believe their abilities can be developed through effort and learning. Dweck shows how these mindsets influence success in school, work, sports, and personal relationships. She also discusses how to adopt a deeper, truer growth mindset, and how this can transform individual and organizational cultures. The book emphasizes the importance of perseverance, learning from failures, and embracing challenges as key components of the growth mindset.