Mental Lab - Read for the Win

Well, I’m starting off the very first day of the year by giving you an idea that, if you implement it in 2025, will definitely help boost your chess progress. And that idea is... reading! But not just chess books, that would be too easy. I’m talking about self-development and mindset-related books that, although “off-board,” will undoubtedly help you improve your chess!

You probably know someone who spends countless hours playing chess yet struggles to improve. If this sounds familiar, don’t get discouraged, it’s not an uncommon issue, even among grandmasters. On the board, everything may seem flawless, yet progress seems stagnant. In my opinion, in most cases, the root cause lies “off-board,” and we can break it down into various factors such as personal life and mindset. Not to mention, if someone only focuses on chess, their perspective becomes so narrow that it actually works against their goals. I’m not suggesting I’ll fix your personal life, but if you let me, I can certainly help with the mindset aspect through today’s post.

If your New Year’s resolutions list isn’t complete yet, I highly recommend adding “read more” to it. In 2024, I managed to read 19 non-chess books, and in 2025, I plan to read even more. From now on, at the end of every month, I’ll be sharing a book recommendation in Mental Lab: one that is sure to benefit you at the chessboard as well. I thought about recommending multiple books in each post, but I’ve decided to stick with just one, to make sure you actually read it! However, be sure to read it! Let’s kick off this year’s book recommendations with one of my favorites!

David Goggins - Can't Hurt Me

David Goggins’ Can't Hurt Me is a masterclass in mental toughness and breaking through limits. For chess players, it’s a goldmine of lessons on resilience, focus, and performing under pressure: skills essential at the board. Goggins’ journey shows how discipline and the ability to embrace discomfort lead to growth, both in chess and life. The book teaches you to silence excuses, recover from setbacks, and develop a mindset that refuses to quit. In chess, where a single mistake can decide the game, these mental tools are invaluable. By applying his principles, you’ll strengthen not only your game, but also your ability to overcome challenges in any area. Can't Hurt Me is a must-read for anyone ready to push past their limits and turn obstacles into opportunities.

I’ll be back soon with a new book recommendation, but in the meantime, feel free to share any feedback, if you’ve managed to read this! Stay Hard!