There’s a quote by President Harry Truman that says “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers” and we couldn’t agree more. One of the coolest things about books is that you can learn from the writers’ experiences, research, trials and tribulations in a relatively short time span. Now you know what you know AND you know what they know.
Unfortunately in the fire service a lot of time we only see firefighters reading because they are attempting to get promoted and they have been assigned a reading list for the testing process. This is just simply the wrong way to prepare yourself, your mind, and eventually your crew. We’re huge fans of reading lists being required or at the very least suggested during promotional processes but this certainly should not be the only time we as firefighters are reading!
There are so many fantastic and relevant books that exist out there and most of them aren’t fire service related. We’ve compiled this list for you to help keep you motivated, engaged, and to grow your brain outside of an IFSTA manual… We’ve broken them down into categories revolving around scientific based mental toughness, general mental toughness, leadership and breathing. This list is ever evolving so please let us know what we should be reading too!
Some of these links are affiliate links, which means I may get a commission if you purchase. However, none of the fees of these resources have been increased to compensate me.
Grow your brain. Push your limits and pass it on to those around you!
Mind Gym: An Athlete’s Guide to Inner Excellence- Gary Mack
The Obstacle is the Way- Ryan Holiday
Ego is the Enemy- Ryan Holiday
The Art of Mental Training- DC Gonzalez
Inner Game of Tennis: The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance– Gallwey
Deep Survival- Laurence Gonzales
Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind & Defy the Odds- David Goggins
Extreme Ownership- Jocko Willink & Leif Babin
Dichotomy of Leadership-Jocko Willink & Leif Babin
Leadership Strategy & Tactics: Field Manual-Jocko Willink
Chop Wood Carry Water- Joshua Medcalf
The Heart and the Fist- Eric Greitens
Resilience: Hard Won Wisdom for Living a Better Life- Eric Greitens
Training Camp: What the Best Do Better than Everyone Else- Gordon
We hope this list helps you along the way as you continue to dedicate yourself to being a better prepared firefighter and overall human! Keep up the great work and let us know what other books we should be reading. Stay Smart.
