Acknowledgments x

Introduction xii

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 The Myth 51

14 The Game-Day Principle 53

15 Ten Percent Better 57

16 The Microscope 61

17 Mental Zoom-Focus 67

18 Patience 69

19 Mental Toughness 71

20 Twenty Ways 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 the Moment 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

The Energy Bus Training Program 157

Other Books by Jon Gordon 159

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

“Training Camp was a game changer for my team and for me personally. Ever since we read it and started applying the principles in 2011 we’ve won at least 10 games each season. Anybody who is serious about being their BEST should read it. Jon Gordon has given us the blueprint to be the BEST. The first step is to read this book.”
—Dabo Swinney, Head Coach, Clemson Football

“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

“Jon Gordon’s book Training Camp inspired me to push through obstacles, sacrifice things for the better and cherish relationships. Also taught me to value each day and opportunity.”
—Damian Lillard, NBA Rookie of the Year

“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 of The Last Lecture

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.