The Best Books on Mental Performance

There are so many books out there now about mental performance. My personal favourites are the ones that promote long-term, sustainable growth and not quick fixes or life hacks.

Here are my top 12 books on mental performance, and there is a real mix of modern psychology and ancient wisdom here, echoing our inside-out approach. They will help you strengthen your core, sharpen your mindset, embrace the process, and stay present under pressure.

1. The First Rule of Mastery by Dr. Michael Gervais

This book introduces the concept of FOPO (fear of other people’s opinions), which Dr Mike believes is one of the main constrictors of human potential. The book dives into the psychology of elite performers, focusing on how mastery stems from having a clear purpose, self-awareness and commitment to the present. Dr. Gervais, a renowned high-performance psychologist, offers practical insights into peak performance that comes from the inside-out.

Why it matters: It’s a guide to aligning your internal mindset with external goals—a cornerstone of the Insio approach.

2. The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday

Inspired by Stoic philosophy, Holiday reframes challenges as opportunities for growth. This book explores how embracing difficulties strengthens mental performance and leads to greater success. The title comes from the Marcus Aurelius quote "The impediment to action advances action, what stand in the way becomes the way."

Why it matters: Obstacles aren’t roadblocks—they’re stepping stones and Holiday teaches us how to see obstacles as opportunities for growth.

3. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

In my opinion, one of the best and most important books ever written. What is most fascinating is that it was never written to be read by anyone other than Marcus Aurelius himself, and it’s a window into the mind of the most powerful man on the planet at that time. A timeless classic from one of history’s most famous Stoics, Meditations is a masterclass in inner strength where Marcus Aurelius reflects on humility, self-control, resilience and the power of presence.

Why it matters: It’s a foundational text for anyone looking to stay grounded in the chaos of competition or daily life.

4. The Practice of Groundedness by Brad Stulberg

I read this one earlier this year and found it a really refreshing approach to high performance. Stulberg offers a modern, science-based approach to building sustainable performance through balance and mindfulness. He argues that true success comes from slowing down, not speeding up.

Why it matters: This book bridges ancient wisdom and modern psychology, helping you build a foundation of calm, purpose-driven excellence.

5. Belonging by Owen Eastwood

Eastwood, a performance coach who’s worked with teams like the England football squad, explores the primal need for belonging. He shares how cultivating connection fosters trust, motivation, and cohesion.

Why it matters: High performance isn’t an individual journey—it thrives in environments of connection and shared purpose.

6. How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald Robertson

Robertson blends modern psychology with Stoic philosophy, using the life of Marcus Aurelius as a lens. This book offers practical advice for managing emotions, building resilience, and staying calm under pressure, all while grounding its lessons in historical context and relatable modern examples.

Why it matters: Robertson shows how ancient wisdom can help you cultivate mental clarity, emotional strength, and a sense of purpose in today’s world. His actionable tips on reframing challenges and practicing mindfulness are invaluable for performers of all kinds.

7. Atomic Habits by James Clear

Small habits lead to big changes. Clear’s book explains how to build lasting habits and break unproductive ones, offering actionable strategies to create systems for consistent improvement.

Why it matters: Success isn’t about motivation—it’s about systems. This book will help you build the daily routines that underpin elite performance.

8. The Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy Gallwey

Gallwey explores how self-doubt and overthinking hold us back, showing how to trust your instincts and focus on the moment. Though tennis is the backdrop, the lessons apply to any field.

Why it matters: It’s a masterclass in staying present and quieting the inner critic—a key to peak performance.

9. Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker

Walker delves into the science of sleep, highlighting how rest affects every aspect of our performance, from decision-making to recovery. Sleep isn’t just a luxury; it’s a critical tool for success.

Why it matters: High performance starts with recovery. This book makes the case for prioritising rest as part of your mental toolkit.

10. The Pressure Principle by Dr. Dave Alred

Alred, a performance coach to elite athletes like Jonny Wilkinson, outlines strategies to thrive under pressure. His advice combines psychological principles with actionable exercises for performing when it matters most. The chapter on self-talk and affirmations is excellent, and his process is one I use with my clients.

Why it matters: Pressure doesn’t have to derail you. Alred shows how to channel it into focus and performance.

11. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

Frankl’s powerful memoir shares how finding purpose helps us endure the toughest challenges. It’s both an exploration of resilience and a guide to building a meaningful life.

Why it matters: Performance is about more than success—it’s about purpose. Frankl’s work is a reminder that meaning is the ultimate driver of motivation.

12. Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana

This straightforward guide demystifies mindfulness and meditation. Gunaratana explains how mindfulness helps you focus, reduce stress, and live fully in the present.

Why it matters: Being present isn’t just a mental skill—it’s the foundation of focus, clarity, and calm under pressure.

Start Your Inside-Out Journey

Each of these books offers profound insights, but they all share a common thread: performance begins from within. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or simply someone striving for personal growth, the knowledge in these pages can transform your mindset and approach to challenges.

At Insio, we champion sustainable success over shortcuts. These books align perfectly with our belief that true growth comes from working on yourself from the inside out.

“Finding your best is a journey. These books will help you take the next step.”