Coach T’s Curated Picks
Over the years, I’ve read (and re-read) countless books on mindset, performance, and personal growth. But these five stand out—not just for their wisdom, but for how often I return to them in my coaching practice.
Each one aligns with the core pillars of my Master Your Mindset method:
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Confidence (your self-image),
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Clarity (your thoughts and beliefs), and
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Connection (your relationships—with others and yourself).
These are the books I’ve highlighted, dog-eared, and referenced again and again. Whether you’re new to mindset work or well on your way on your transformational journey, these reads all make powerful companions to “the work”.
Scroll down for the top 5 books I recommend to every client who’s ready to stop playing small—and start showing up fully for themselves!
Psycho-Cybernetics by Dr. Maxwell Maltz
This is hands-down my top recommendation when it comes to books on mindset. Psycho-Cybernetics is a timeless classic written by Dr. Maxwell Maltz, a plastic surgeon who discovered something profound: how we see ourselves internally can be far more life-changing than any external transformation.
The central idea? We can never outperform our self-image. And that self-image is inseparable from mindset.
This is hands-down my top recommendation when it comes to books on mindset.
Psycho-Cybernetics is a timeless classic written by Dr. Maxwell Maltz, a plastic surgeon who discovered something profound: how we see ourselves internally can be far more life-changing than any external transformation.
The central idea? We can never outperform our self-image. And that self-image is inseparable from mindset.
The Inside Track by Peter Sage
Coming in as a strong second on my list is The Inside Track by Peter Sage. Whether or not you follow Peter (spoiler alert - I do!), this book is a powerful deep dive into mindset mastery under extreme conditions.
Written during his time in prison, Sage’s reflections turn confinement into a compelling backdrop for transformation. Few environments can test your personal development “teachings” more than one where your mindset becomes your most vital asset, and you’re forced to WALK THE TALK —sometimes even having your mindset become a matter of life or death.
I’ve read this book cover to cover, (and like Psycho-Cybernetics, it’s full of highlighted passages and dog-eared pages that I regularly draw upon, in my coaching practice. Think of this as one of those books you don’t have to read because I’ve already done the deep dive for you—but if you do decide to, you’re in for some MAJOR game-changing mindset mastery shifts.
Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza
If this list were based purely on my admiration for the author, Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself would take the top spot. Dr. Joe Dispenza’s work is nothing short of groundbreaking. As a chiropractor with a deep dive into neuroscience and quantum theory, he doesn’t just teach mindset—he backs it with science.
Fair warning: his writing can be dense at times. You might find yourself googling a few terms (I definitely did!). But the reward is worth it. What I love about this book is how it bridges the gap between the "woo-woo" world and hard science—giving real, measurable insight into just how powerful our thoughts truly are.
It’s a phenomenal resource if you're someone who needs the why behind the what. And while I’ve read it so you don’t have to, I highly recommend it if you’re ready to take your understanding of mindset to the next level—with proof in hand.
The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
So far, we’ve talked about two of my signature C’s - Confidence (Psycho-Cybernetics) and Clarity (Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself)—but what about Connection?
For that, my go-to recommendation is The 5 Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman. This book completely shifts the way we understand relationships—how we express love, how we receive it, and why those two things aren’t always in sync.
This book isn’t just about romantic love—it applies to parenting, friendships, and even professional dynamics. I often think about how vastly different some of my own family experiences may have been, had I read this book earlier in life. It’s one of those timeless resources that helps you decode not just yourself, but others as well.
The beauty of Chapman’s work is its simplicity and practicality. And if you're looking for something more tailored & personal, he's also written versions specifically for men, couples, teens, and children.
If building meaningful, lasting, and emotionally intelligent relationships is important to you (and let’s be honest—it should be), then this book is a must-read
The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman
Rounding out my Top 5 is a powerful and inspiring read: The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman. The title alone pulled me in (I mean, who doesn’t love the idea of having an inner superhero?). And as it turns out—we all have one.
This book explores a fascinating concept: that we each have an inner version of ourselves that’s capable, confident, and courageous—just waiting to be unleashed. It’s not about pretending to be someone else; it’s about tapping into the best parts of who you already are, and giving them permission to lead.
Though I usually prefer the feel of a physical book, I’m glad I grabbed this one digitally. My iPad copy is lit up with highlighted passages I reference often—and I can already tell it’s going to be a staple in my coaching toolkit.
Bonus? Todd Herman is from Alberta, so many of his stories and examples felt extra relatable to me. This book ties in beautifully with mindset work, especially if you’re exploring identity, personal performance, or parts work. It’s an empowering and engaging read—and one I wholeheartedly recommend.
Gorilla Thumps & Bear Hugs by Alex Ortner
I had to include this one as a bonus because if I had a dollar for every time someone said, “Why didn’t we learn this in school?”—well, let’s just say I’d have funded a library by now.
Gorilla Thumps & Bear Hugs is technically a children’s book—but don’t let that fool you. It’s a gentle and engaging introduction to emotional regulation, mindfulness, and calming the nervous system—things that most adults are still learning to master. That’s what makes this book so special.
Reading it aloud to your kids or grandkids becomes a two-way gift: they learn foundational self-soothing strategies through tapping (EFT – a foundational piece of my coaching), and you get to experience some powerful self-awareness right alongside them. It becomes bedtime reading that settles more than just the little ones’ minds—it subtly rewires yours too.
This book beautifully aligns with the Whole Mind Mastery approach I teach. Whether you're guiding a child or reconnecting with your own inner child, this book is a quiet powerhouse—and a must-have for anyone who wants to nurture confidence, clarity, and connection at any age.
And I simply must also mention too with this book, that it’s also beautifully illustrated by Erin Mariano to make it a book that’s very appealing to kids!
