Growth is an Inside Job
"Yesterday I clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself." -Rumi
One of my father’s favorite sayings was, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, either way you’re right.” This has always been a foundational theme for me. I find myself consistently in search of ways to learn, grow and help others. If you listen to my RaisingAthletes podcast, you’ve inevitably heard me speak about the books and podcasts that inform my work, uplift my parenting and coaching and inspire me to do better and give more of myself on a daily basis.
I love sharing what I’m reading and I’d love to hear any suggestions you have. And, since who doesn’t love a good list😊, here are some of my favorites of 2024!
I go in phases, where I’ll plow through a couple books back-to-back and then may hit a lull and not read for a month or two. But typically have two to three books going at any one time (when I’m not in “creation mode” myself). I LOVE holding books (sorry, Kindle). But I also love listening to books. I hike most days and almost always have a podcast or book cued up which gets my pup and I through a quick hour+ hike.
I throw on my weighted vest (if you’re over 40 join me in this to get/keep healthy bones) and love getting sweaty while listening to inspiring people who will 10x’s my momentum and push me through my work for the day.
Whether it’s prepping for a call with a client, interviewing a guest on my podcast or reaching out to someone I don’t yet know from my “DREAM100” list to try and “play bigger” and get myself out there on a new and different stage. It’s all about making the most of the day you are given. Every day we get to decide if we’re going to phone it in, or “go for it!”
Here are a few of my “daily non-negotiables”
Get to bed early (9pm-10pm) and get at least 7hrs of 😴
Wake up early (typically 5am)⏰
Be the Barista for Evan and me ☕️
Meditate in my fav chair for 30-40min - Poppy curled up on my lab (optional☺️)
Journal about my day (as if it’s already happened) 📝
Head to the gym to get sweaty🏋️
Home to hike with the Poppers (and fire up my brain for what I want to accomplish this day)🐕
Shower and then hit the goals I wrote at 5:30am for the day🤙
What do you want to become in 2025?
If you want to live fuller, love deeper, play more full on and recover quicker, these books are a great place to start for all parents, coaches and athletes.
Here are some of my favorites (in no particular order😉).
Raising Empowered Athletes - Kirsten Jones (ok, shameless plug)
The Confident Mind - Dr. Nate Zinsser (re-read this one in 2024… worth it)
The Captain Class - Sam Walker (for building and growing leaders)
Revenge of the Tipping Point - Malcolm Gladwell (so many relevant stories for parents- particularly the one about Poplar Grove)
Mind Gym - Gary Mack (for athletes and parents)
The Gift of Failure - Jessica Lahey (parents, we need to let go)
….and check her out on #RA podcast
The Anxious Generation- Jonathan Haidt (put the device down)
Sexism and Sensibility- Jo Ann Finkelstein (listen to her on the RA Podcast) one of my girlfriends called this the best book she’s read… “It explained my childhood".” I loved having her on my podcast, check it out
The Wealth Money Can’t Buy- Robin Sharma (a friend recommended this one to me. I gobbled it up in one flight. It’s very thought provoking about what we value and how to live a well intentioned life)
The Art of Learning- Josh Waitzkin (Short term losses for long term gains… and many other life lessons that apply to much more than sport)
Hooray!!! My book turned 1 this year! It’s been a wonderful 16-month run (and we’re just getting started). Thank you for supporting my work. I’m truly grateful for each and every one of you. I love helping others get what they want in life.
I’d be so grateful if you’d gift it to the favorite parent, coach or athlete in your life.
Evan and I are off to explore a part of the world we’ve never been before for the next two weeks… will share all about our adventures in 2025.
From the squad here at Team KJ, we wish you and yours a very Happy & Healthy Holiday season!
xx Kirsten, Tanya and Matt
IG/LI: @kirstenjonesoach
X: @kirstenjonesinc
If you would like to never miss a new #RaisingAthletes podcast, follow me here:
#RaisingAthletes • A podcast on Spotify for Podcasters
If you would like to set up an appointment, please do so here: