Training Camp: What the Best Do Better Than Everyone Else [Hardcover]

Jon Gordon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 18, 2009 | ISBN-10: 0470462086 | ISBN-13: 978-0470462089 | Edition: 1

Training Camp is an inspirational story filled with invaluable lessons and insights on bringing out the best in yourself and your team. The story follows Martin, an un-drafted rookie trying to make it in the NFL. He’s spent his entire life proving to the critics that a small guy with a big heart can succeed against all odds. After spraining his ankle in the pre-season, Martin thinks his dream is lost when he happens to meet a very special coach who shares eleven life-changing lessons that keep his dream alive—and might even make him the best of the best. If you want to be your best—Training Camp offers an inspirational story and real-world wisdom on what it takes to reach true excellence and how you and your team (your work team, school team, church team and family team) can achieve it.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

In the spirit of his international bestseller The Energy Bus, Jon Gordon returns with another inspirational fable filled with invaluable lessons and insights on bringing out the best in yourself and your team.

Training Camp follows the story of Martin Jones, an undrafted rookie trying to make it in the NFL. He's spent his entire life proving to the critics that a small guy with a big heart can succeed against all odds. After spraining his ankle in the preseason, Martin thinks his dream is lost . . . until he meets a very special coach who shares eleven life-changing lessons that keep his dream alive—and might even make him the best of the best.

Whether you play sports or the piano, work with a computer or a scalpel, these lessons apply to you because we all must climb the mountain before reaching its peak.

Based on his work with professional sports teams, world-class organizations, and interviews with top professionals in a wide variety of fields, Gordon reveals the deep truths and proven strategies that take the very best to the top. Training Camp reveals that the best performers—in any field—all share the same qualities. Among other traits, the best of the best are able to maintain a big-picture vision while taking focused action, they are mentally strong, they seize the moment, and they inspire excellence in the people around them.

But these aren't inborn traits; they're skills and attitudes that can be learned and applied by all. If you want to be your best, Training Camp offers inspiring, real-world wisdom on what it takes to reach true excellence and how you and your team—whether at work, school, or at home—can achieve it.

From the Back Cover

A story for anyone who wants to be their best and bring out the best in others

"Training Camp by Jon Gordon is a touching story about one man who faces his fears on his path to greatness. Along the way, he learns a valuable lesson about who is really in control. Grow your faith. Read Training Camp."
—Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The One Minute Manager® and Lead Like Jesus

"I loved reading this book. Jon and I agree that one should not only strive for excellence on the field but also make greatness a life mission. I believe every coach, player, individual, organization, and team that wants to be their best should read and benefit from this book."
—Mike Smith, Head Coach, the Atlanta Falcons

"Having spent my life studying the best, I have found that great individuals need great coaches. Training Camp is not only about the student but the mentor. Jon has woven a compelling story of two individuals together, traveling life's journey, striving for excellence, and leaving a legacy in the process. I found myself cheering the main characters on from the sidelines. Thank you, Jon, for leaving a legacy with the profound lessons found in this book."
—Kimberly K. Rath, President, Talent Plus

"Training Camp is a great read for any leader, young or old—whether a coach, teacher, pastor, or CEO. Jon brings alive the key principles of the best of the best through the inspiring story of Martin Jones—a story built on the foundation of hope, hard work, and determination woven together to create excellence. Coaches, bosses, teachers, and leaders will find this book incredibly powerful and a great source of adrenaline for those they lead. It will inspire you to inspire others and to strive for excellence every day."
—Brad Lomenick, Vice President and Executive Director, Catalyst, a movement of next generation leaders

"Jon Gordon has written a poignant and powerful story that helps us find the best within ourselves and bring out the best in others. He will change lives with this book."?
—Jeffrey Zaslow, coauthor, The Last Lecture

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (May 18, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470462086
• ISBN-13: 978-0470462089
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #29,725 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jon Gordon's best-selling books and talks have inspired readers and audiences around the world. His principles have been put to the test by numerous NFL, NBA, and college coaches and teams, Fortune 500 companies, school districts, hospitals and non-profits. He is the author of The Wall Street Journal bestseller "The Energy Bus," "The No Complaining Rule," "Training Camp," "The Shark" and "The Goldfish," "Soup: A Recipe to Nourish Your Team and Culture," and his latest book "The Seed: Finding Purpose and Happiness in Life and Work."

Jon and his tips have been featured on The Today Show, CNN, Fox and Friends and in numerous magazines and newspapers. His clients include The Atlanta Falcons, Campbell Soup, Wells Fargo, State Farm, Novartis, Bayer and more.

When he's not running through airports or speaking to businesses, hospitals or school leaders, you can find him playing tennis or lacrosse with his wife and two "high energy" children.