For 10 years, John O’Sullivan, founder of the Changing the Game Project and Way of the Champions Podcast, has published his books of the year. Here’s what he has to say for 2022:
Do Hard Things: How We Get Resilience Wrong and the Science of Real Toughness by Steve Magness. “a fantastic read on the science of resilience… If you want to learn how to develop tougher, more resilient athletes, and understand the science behind it, this book is for you.”
The Tyranny of Talent: How it Compels and Limits Achievement, and Why You Should Ignore It by Joe Baker. “a wonderful read for coaches…and parents… Baker lays out a very nuanced view of talent, and explains many of the myths around it and why we get identification wrong so often.”
Take Back the Game: How Money and Mania Have Ruined Youth Sports, and Why it Matters by Linda Flanagan. “This book provides an up to date analysis of the issues that parents and athletes face in North American youth sport, as well as recent statistics around participation, dropout, injuries, etc.”
The Culture Playbook by Dan Coyle. A follow-up to Coyle’s bestseller, The Culture Code, this is “a great book to work through with any team, as it is full of activities and ideas to promote healthy conversation, establish and define core values, and provide a safe, inclusive environment that will allow your athletes to thrive.”
A Dream Worth Fighting For by Tim Hightower. The former running back for the Washington Commanders (formerly known as the Redskins) suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during a game and spent 4 years in recovery and rehab including 5 surgeries. This is his recovery story of resilience and inspiration.
John O’Sullivan started the Changing the Game Project in 2012 after two decades as a soccer player and coach on the youth, high school, college and professional level. He is the author of two #1 bestselling books, Changing the Game: The Parents Guide to Raising Happy, High Performing Athletes, and Giving Youth Sports Back to our Kids and Every Moment Matters: How the World’s Best Coaches Inspire Their Athletes and Build Championship Teams. He also hosts the Way of Champions podcast, which can be found through the website changingthegameproject.com.
