Training Camp What the Best Do Better Than Everyone Else

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

Training Camp follows the story of Martin Jones, a five-foot-seven rookie trying to make it to the bright lights and big money of the NFL. He's spent his whole 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. Just then he happens to meet a very special coach who shares nine life-changing lessons that keep Martin's dream alive–and might even make him the best of the best . . .

Based on his work with professional sports teams, world-class sales organizations, and interviews with top professionals in a wide variety of fields, Gordon reveals the deep truths and proven strategies that get the best to the top of their game.

Training Camp shows how the very best performers–whether it be in sports or in business–all share the same nine qualities. Among other traits, the best of the best are able to maintain a big-picture vision while taking zoom-focused actions, they are mentally stronger, they inspire excellence in the people around them, and they become the model by which others measure themselves. For anyone who wants to make it to the top of their field, this is a practical life-changing story with simple wisdom about what true excellence requires–and how anyone can achieve it.

Jon Gordon (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL) is a speaker, consultant, and international bestselling author of The Energy Bus (978-0-470-10028-8) and The No Complaining Rule (978-0-470-27949-6), both from Wiley. Jon and his books have been featured on CNN, NBC's Today Show and in Forbes, O magazine, the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. Clients such as the Atlanta Falcons, PGA Tour, Northwestern Mutual, Publix Super Markets, Campbell's Soup, and JPMorgan Chase also call on Jon to bring out the best in their leaders and teams.

This fable tells the story of Martin Jones, a fictitious rookie trying to make it in the NFL, who has spent a lifetime proving to the critics that a small guy with a big heart can succeed against all odds. After sustaining an ankle sprain during a pre-season game, he thinks both his dream and the finances to take care of his mother’s health condition are lost. While helping him make a comeback, Martin receives invaluable inspirational advice from a special coach and other teachers who reveal the 9 secrets of “the best" and what they do better than everyone else to help them live to their full potential.   

Why the sports angle on this business fable? Jon has recently worked with major sports organizations like the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Atlanta Falcons, and the PGA Tour players, and has come to recognize that there are a lot of correlations between sports teams and business teams, and elite athletes and elite employees. So whether you’re a sports fan or not, the lessons in the book are universal. The 9 traits that make up “the best of the best” are people who:

1. Want it more

2. Are constantly striving to get better

3. Maintain the big picture while taking focused action

4. Are mentally strong

5. Have clarity of their vision and purpose

6. Don’t measure themselves against others

7. Tap into a greater power than themselves

8. Inspire excellence in the people around them

9. Become the model by which people around them measure themselves

Training Campis for anyone who wants themselves or their team to be at the top of their game, whether that game is played out on a field or in an office.

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.

"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

Author’s Note xii

Introduction xv

1 Kickoff 1

2 Ankle Sprain 5

3 Press Conference 7

4 Pain 9

5 The Phone Call 15

6 Treatment 19

7 Questions 23

8 On the Sideline 27

9 The Playbook 29

10 The Telescope 35

11 Continuous Improvement 43

12 The Benefits of a Coach 47

13 TheMyth 51

14 The Game-Day Principle 53

15 Ten Percent Better 57

16 TheMicroscope 61

17 Mental Zoom-Focus 67

18 Patience 69

19 Mental Toughness 71

20 TwentyWays to Get Mentally Tough 77

21 A Bad Day 81

22 Heal Strong 85

23 Feeling Better 89

24 Preparation 91

25 The Cut 93

26 Faith 97

27 The Fishing Trip 99

28 Story and Belief 105

29 Tests 107

30 Pressure 109

31 Seize theMoment 111

32 The Breaking Point 115

33 The Spotlight 125

34 Celebration 129

35 Final Cuts 131

36 Leave a Legacy 135

37 The Day 139

38 The Coin 143

39 The Final Lesson 147

40 A New Beginning 151

Appendixes 155