Training Camp: What the Best Do Better Than Everyone Else by Jon Gordon

Training Camp: What the Best Do Better Than Everyone Else Reviews

• 
  Tina Klinesmith

  If you have ever read anything written by Jon Gordon, you know that he often writes in fables. Training Camp is no exception and the first book that I am recommending to my children. Both of my boys are football players and this book is a great playbook for life.
  
  A personal development book disguised as a fiction tale of Martin Jones, a young football player attempting to be drafted by an NFL team in training camp. When what could be disaster strikes and an injury sidelines him, he’s stressed, scared and unsure of what to do next. When the team trainer and a coach taken him under their wing and begin to train his mind first, he learns that to be the “Best”, he has a lot more to learn off the field. What he learns from Coach Ken are the eleven lessons that he passes on to players so that they can be successful on and off the field, forever.
  
  I have read several personal development books over the years and there is always something new to take in. This one is no different. Most of the “lessons” that Martin learns are things I have heard and learned from other book, some of it quotes from the very books I’ve read (like one from Rick Warren in The Purpose Driven Life) but because it’s in a fable, it’s a lesson that you see applied and is, as a result, easy to apply to your own life and remember.
  
  Lessons like “The Best know what they truly want” or “The Best make everyone around them better.” The one thing that Training Camp had that most personal development books don’t was a very poignant, was it’s attention to a “greater power than themselves.” There is a very obvious and appreciated spiritual aspect to Training Camp that is often ignored or blatantly avoided in best-selling personal development books. It was nice to see one embrace religion in an open, unobtrusive way.
  
  The one thing worth noting is that the language and style of the book is very basic (and not always grammatically correct). It’s written at a middle school grade level (in my opinion) which makes it a very quick and easy read. I easy breezed through most of it while waiting to be called for jury duty in only a couple of hours. But, because of this, I feel its something that pre-teens and teens, boys specifically, would be willing to read. Too many personal development books are dry and boring so the lessons our children need to learn early are tossed aside. This book makes it easy for kids to learn the lessons and be entertained. I would definitely recommend this book for pre-teens, teens (boys especially since they are the least likely to read) and adults. For the price, you can’t beat it.
• 
  Andrea

  One of the best books I've ever read! Not just for athletes, but for anyone pursuing greatness and searching for purpose in their everyday life. It is so motivational, and I hope the message gets through to other members of my team who are also reading the book. The author is so positive and inspirational. It is a quick and easy read, but the message is long-lasting and life-changing. Some great quotes can be taken away from this book. Definitely read it if you're interested in self-improvement.
• 
  Mistie

  This was a great little motivational book. It was a quick read that grabbed my interest using my favorite sport.....FOOTBALL!!!!!
• 
  Matthew Bynum

  This was a religious book disguised as a business book.
• 
  Jessica

  I am never disappointed by a Jon Gordon book. This is a must read!
• 
  Julie

  Luckily, the main points were emboldened, so I did not have to read closely to find them. This is more of the same that I've read in other business/management/leadership books, but with an additional sports metaphor that did not appeal to me at all.
  
  One interesting piece from chapter 32: "The best tap into a power greater than themselves" and "In fact, if you asked the people throughout history who changed the world, they would all tell you that they tapped into the greatest and ultimate power." So, I agree, but the sassy part of me still wants to ask him, "oh yeah, did you talk to them all and find out that's what they would say?" and I also don't think it's nice to spring God onto people who think they might just be reading a regular old self-improvement book.
• 
  Robert Chapman

  I didn't really get anything new from this book. What it does have going for it is that it's a relatively quick read and if you have not read a lot on the topic then there are some good takeaways to be had. Although I am not a football fan, the football setting did work well to convey the message.
  
  The reason I gave it such a low rating is that towards the end of the book it turned into a hard sell on religion and how God is the answer. I'm open to any point of view, but this was very much unexpected and it was over the top.
• 
  Michelle Hoelscher

  Inspiring story about being one's best. It's a very straightforward, easy read. The ideas in this book are not new or secret. However it lays out steps to take to improve and become better than one was before.
• 
  Casey Richbourg

  Jon Gordon is one of my all time favorite authors because his writing is inspiration, relatable, and overall a bundle of emotions. I really enjoyed "Training Camp: What the Best Do Better Than Everyone Else" because the main character, Martin, was such a relatable figure that could be compared to any aspect/person in your life. To be quite honest, I would have never picked any of these Jon Gordon books up if it weren't for my dad. My dad always has some sort of motivational, money-making, self-help book up to his noise, and wishes I would do the same.
  
  Finally, after weeks of telling him I was "too busy with homework," I dove into on of Gordon's books to see what my family's rage was all about. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I love his style of writing. As an athlete, I could relate to almost every word, quote, or phrase that was spilled throughout the pages.
  
  Another element that I enjoyed about this book was that it was a "quick-read", which by no means is a bad thing. I am not saying that I wanted the book to end actually I wanted the opposite, but I appreciated the fact that Gordon keep his writing sharp and condensed. Even though this book feel right below 200 pages in length, it packed a very powerful punch. In fact, my phone screensaver is now the "11 Traits of the Best of the Best" which is heavily referred to throughout the story. Whenever I turn on my phone, I am reminded of the hard-work it takes to become the best, and I always ask myself if I'm up for the challenge (answer is always YES!).
  
  All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a little pump-up in life. After finishing the last page, I was more motivated in life than ever before, and I hope more people will feel the same way. Although Jon Gordon's writing is more geared towards athletes, I think anyone can somewhat relate to his lessons. If you're interested in this book... Give it a try, I promise you won't regret it!
• 
  Jonathan Titzel

  Training Camp is a well written, interesting story, which makes it a quick read. Gordon does an excellent job developing the characters in a way that makes the reader cheer for Martin Jones and care for Coach Ken. The life lessons and 11 traits are universally sound for everyone’s life regardless if they’re in sports, business, or just want to improve. The lessons that resonated the most with me are continuous improvement and how the best are always striving to get better. I also appreciated the keys to proper focus: top 3 priorities for each day, stop scattering energy and wasting time on trivial things, and tuning out distractions. My favorite lesson from the book came from chapter 28 where it asks what type of move your life is: drama playing a victim, an inspirational tale as a hero, or another story.
• 
  Brenda Yoho

  Jon Gordon never disappoints in delivering a powerful guiding message to capture the attention of his readers. I believe in one of his podcasts; he was asked what book was his favorite he wrote. He answered with, Training Camp. After reading, I understand why.
  The story takes you through the life of Martin as he goes through the struggles in his life journey and the support systems he has in place to encourage him to continue in his quest. He is providing a glimpse into how to find solutions, changing your mindset, becoming the standard, finding your faith, and focusing on what it takes to live the best life.
  This is a book I would recommend for a book study with teens. The reading level is appropriate, and the concept is real life for them. I agree with Jon; this is my favorite too!
• 
  Scott Phillips

  Coach Ken’s playbook is really solid. Would definitely want my teams to read this in some form. Perhaps the most helpful aspect of the book for me is how it speaks against the myth that a lot of teenagers/young adults believe today—being successful and being the best mainly requires a desire yet only willing to put in little work to receive the highest reward—they want instant gratification. Dabo Swinney says it as “they don’t put championship rings on smooth hands.” Everyone wants the ring few are willing to do what it takes. However, Jon explains beautifully well how much action and physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual investment, growth, and discipline is required.
• 
  Shelby Gee

  This book was highly recommended and seemed promising, I’m thankful it was only 3 hours because it was a complete waste of my time.
  The story telling narrative was pleasant and gave a good foundation. The plot meandered as Martin progresses through the “lessons”. The lessons themselves are good but it doesn’t show how Martin implements them - he was just accepts and immediately changes? The book then takes a Christian turn and a good chunk is spent on having faith in God and giving up fear. Also throw in a few references to eastern medicine but leave them half baked. Overall, a weird hodgepodge of concepts and no advice on implementing them.
• 
  Meg S.

  The book was really motivational. It was about a rookie football player who goes to the training camp for the big leagues. He meets a coach that helps him prepare for training camp along with his injury he faces. The protagonist takes these tips to do better than everyone else, and it rewards him in the end. I overall really liked the sports aspect and the motivational lot that keeps the reader intrigued with the book. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes sports, leadership, and motivational ideas in books!
  
• 
  Andrew

  Jon Gordon is definitely hit or miss. I hope I still have some hits left...because, unfortunately, this book misses the mark. Like his book, The Seed, this book is corny and filled with cliches and platitudes.
  
  Work hard, be positive, focus on what’s important, overcome your fears, be a better person, and lead others. There, now you don’t have to read the book. Just imagine those principles within a corny story.
  
  Spoiler: here are some of the great lines from this book....”The best are mentally strong” and “Seize the moment.”
• 
  John McPhee

  Coach Ken rocks ...
  
  Here’s the scoop ...
  Eleven Traits of the Best of the Best
  1. The Best know what they truly want. 2. The Best want it more. 3. The Best are always striving to get better. 4. The Best do ordinary things better than everyone else. 5. The Best zoom-focus. 6. The Best are mentally stronger. 7. The Best overcome their fear. 8. The Best seize the moment. 9. The Best tap into a greater power than themselves. 10. The Best leave a legacy. 11. The Best make everyone around them better.
• 
  Shelly

  Once you start, you just can't put it down until you finished. Jon reminds us of the higher power that helps us succeed as he uses the fable of Martin and Coach Ken to explain the 11 Traits Of The Best Of The Best.
  
  He will cover:
  The Best know what they truly want.
  The Best want it more.
  The Best are always trying to get better.
  
  and eight more fascinating tips. I will be using these tips to help gain better perspective on my life.
  
• 
  Christie You

  Nothing will ever goes wrong with Jon Gordon’s book. I’ve read mostly all his books, each book brought out lots of life changing lesson and notes to take on.
  
  I was reading this book during the period that I am having lots of fear and struggles at work as a leader. This is like a moment changing guidance!
  
  Don’t not be fear, listen to god. Let go yourself, let go of the pride.
• 
  Kristin Larson barlow

  This is the second book from this author I have read and I have enjoyed them both. He uses the experience of an athlete to tell a story about personal excellence and overcoming setbacks. The story and lessons apply beyond sports and into everyday life. All my kids will be reading this.
• 
  Misty

  Very powerful book! Helps you to be the best version of yourself and inspires you on how to push through obstacles on the way to greatness. Gordon does a great job of motivating you to leave a legacy, so others around you become great also!
• 
  Rebeca Russell

  Inspiring and encouraging
  
  Wow. This book is truly inspiring and encouraging to anyone. You can apply the principles to any profession or just daily living. I love that the story is real life. Truly motivates one to get their priorities straight.