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I am asked this question often:
“Is there one book my young athlete should read?”
My answer?
Yes.
Start with Chop Wood, Carry Water: How to Fall in Love with the Process of Being Great by Joshua Medcalf.
How This Book Came Onto My Radar
I first heard about the book on Eric Cressey’s Elite Baseball Development podcast. Duke University pitching coach Dusty Blake recommended it to his incoming freshmen, saying it teaches patience for the long, winding path of a college baseball career and beyond.
As a mental performance coach working with high school nd college athletes, I decided to read it myself.
Not unexpectedly, I loved it for three specific reasons.
Three Reasons I Recommend This Book
1. It’s short and to the point.
At just 117 pages, the book delivers its message clearly and concisely.
Each 3–5 page chapter is packed with lessons that would take most books two to three times as long to explain.
“The clear and concise writing gives young athletes a better chance of getting through the book without their eyes glazing over.”
2. It’s told as a story, not a lecture.
Rather than presenting a textbook-style lesson, Chop Wood, Carry Water follows the journey of John, a young man guided by his coach, Sensei Akira.
Over ten years, John experiences setbacks and triumphs, while Akira consistently reminds him: “The road to greatness is a marathon, not a sprint.”
This coach-athlete dynamic is instantly relatable for young athletes—and their parents.
3. It teaches mental skills through context.
Instead of abstract advice, lessons like “control the controllables,” “have a growth mindset,” and “be where your feet are” are woven into John’s story.
As a mental performance coach, I often teach these concepts in a linear way—athletes nod, then move on. But this book lets them see mental skills in action, making them easier to apply.
My Favorite Lesson: Principles Instead of Feelings
Chapter 28 stood out the most. After John sustains an injury, Akira warns:
“Living by our feelings is like riding an emotional rollercoaster.”
He challenges John to define four guiding principles instead of relying on fluctuating moods.
This is coaching at its best—helping athletes become aware of their thoughts and emotions, then reshaping them through focused effort. Honestly, I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Why This Matters for Athletes (and Parents)
The title Chop Wood, Carry Water refers to the daily, often boring tasks athletes must embrace to achieve greatness.
Many of my clients struggle with this. They don’t always “feel like it.” They get frustrated when results don’t come fast enough.
“Trust the process” isn’t glamorous advice, but it’s the foundation of long-term success.
John’s story helps athletes (and their parents) appreciate the value of persistence before the payoff arrives.
Final Word
I absolutely echo Coach Blake’s recommendation. Since finishing, I’ve already shared this book with three of my clients.
If you’re a parent, coach, or athlete seeking a clear, relatable introduction to mental performance, start with Chop Wood, Carry Water.
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