Then, out of the blue today, while making some small talk with some athletes, I ask the question, " What's your favorite movie of all time?" Big, wide open, ambiguous question. It's hard, no doubt. But one movie, that's all you get. To my surprise, not one movie named was more than 10 years older than the person answering the question.
Firmly rooted in the classics with many aspects of life, yet appreciating contemporary work, this lack of knowledge from a younger generation is something I've witnessed universally with the athletes I work with. It is safe to say, if they are not well versed with their entertainment, they are unaware of some of the classics in other areas of life.
Which is a shame for regardless of genre. Those brave souls who stand on the edge pushing creativity and madness are like anyone who makes anything worthwhile. Each one of them shares a deep ferocious love in their heart for the work of their predecessors. Without that respect, you forget where you came from and ultimately lose touch with your own humanity.
If the lesson in movies holds true to other aspects, then this is not a definitive list of what movies to watch, but a different way to spend some time. With a book. I am not talking about a work of fiction (although thirty minutes before bed will help shut your brain off and get some restful sleep), but a book that provides an education. Personally, I break my books down into ones that will be a direct benefit (physiology, training theory, and the like) to the profession and the indirect ones (management, people skills).
These are in no particular order and I am limiting it to 3 in each category. Whether or not you agree with these that's fine. Just do me a favor and read it (all can be picked up for free at most libraries) before you knock it.
Work Books:
- Starting Strength. Mark Rippetoe's manual that teaches the how to move weight for the big lifts. If you are going to lift and want results, this is the best place to start at.
- Supertraining. Lets put it this way. You know the guy in the gym that tells you about the training "secret" from Russia, Bulgaria, or East Germany? Dr. Yuri Verkhonshansky and Dr. Mel Siff are the two guys that figured out that secret and then wrote this book. They have been cited in more strength research than anyone in history and their information is the leading cause of wet dreams among strength coaches.
- The Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding. The expansive collection by the Oak (if you don't know, that is Arnold Schwarzenegger) is more than just pictures and the fluff lifting workouts in the bodybuilding magazines. Everything is covered from nutrition, workouts, sports psychology, recovery, and weightlifting/body building history. It was my first training book, and is still a go to once a year to look at all the new ideas that Arnold talked about back in the 80's.
Personal Development Books:
- How to Win Friends and Influence People. OK, OK. Dale Carnegie (not as in the steel ultra billionaire family) published this in 1936 which makes some of the the wording and subject matter a little outdated, I'll give you that. But if you ever plan on working with people, or try an impress a girl, read this. Not only will you get more out of your interactions with other people, but you'll generally become a person people want to be around.
- The Game: Penetrating the secret society of pick up artists. When my wife (then girlfriend) found me reading this book, she went out back cut a switch of pine and beat me with it. Well, not quite, but it makes for a great story. Neil Strauss doesn't directly provide a "how to" script so you can pick up women, bit connect the dots. For all of you who are in a happy and monogamous relationship, like I am, this book still finds way for you to practice talking to strangers and be more charismatic. If you are ever going to have to make a cold sale or recruit athletes, memorize this book.
- The Four Hour Work Week. Tim Ferris is like TC Fletcher. They are guys you never heard of, but should have. Originally picked this one up because I was pissed about my job, then realized this was basically a book about hacking your life and managing time, work expectations, and to live by doing what you enjoy. My approach to work has been different ever since.
Here is a bonus cross-over book. Happy Halloween!
- Make the Big Time Where You Are At. This one is written by a legendary football coach for a small D3 school, Frosty Westering.
So there it is. Some classics, some more contemporary. All will improve your skills. Read, eat, lift, sleep, and try something new.
