Complete Bibliography & Further Reading
The science behind extraordinary achievement
UBASuperAchiever2 is built on Philip Baker's influential work identifying 15 key attributes that distinguish super achievers across all fields of human endeavor. This page provides a comprehensive bibliography of the foundational texts, supporting research, and complementary works that inform the product's 15 themes and 38 modules. Each source is available through Amazon with direct purchase links.
The foundational research upon which UBASuperAchiever2's 15 success attributes are built:
2004 • Deeper Calling Media / Monarch Books
The seminal work that forms the backbone of UBASuperAchiever2. Baker, an internationally recognized motivational speaker and author with over 110,000 books in print, distills decades of research and real-world observation into 15 essential attributes shared by high achievers across all fields. This book is the first in Baker's acclaimed "Achievers' Quartet" series and provides the complete framework for sustainable, character-driven achievement.
Essential texts from researchers and thought leaders on what drives exceptional performance:
2016 • Scribner
Duckworth's groundbreaking research reveals that the secret to outstanding achievement isn't talent, but a combination of passion and persistence she calls "grit." Her studies at West Point, the National Spelling Bee, and in classrooms show that grit predicts success better than IQ or talent alone.
2006 • Ballantine Books
Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck's research on fixed vs. growth mindsets revolutionized our understanding of achievement. She demonstrates that how we think about our abilities dramatically affects what we can accomplish—and that mindsets can be changed.
2016 • Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Ericsson's 30 years of research on expert performance reveals what truly distinguishes the best from the rest: deliberate practice. This book debunks the myth of innate talent and shows how anyone can develop exceptional abilities through the right kind of focused training.
2009 • Riverhead Books
Pink draws on four decades of scientific research to reveal the three elements of true motivation: autonomy, mastery, and purpose. He shows why the traditional carrot-and-stick approach doesn't work for complex, creative tasks and what does.
Works exploring the character traits and ethical foundations of high achievers:
1989 • Free Press
Covey's landmark work on principle-centered living has sold over 40 million copies worldwide. The 7 Habits provide a framework for personal and interpersonal effectiveness based on timeless principles of character rather than personality-based quick fixes.
2001 • HarperBusiness
Collins' five-year research project analyzed what separates good companies from truly great ones. His findings—including Level 5 Leadership, the Hedgehog Concept, and the Flywheel Effect—reveal the disciplined pursuit of excellence that characterizes sustainable success.
2015 • Random House
Brooks distinguishes between "résumé virtues" (skills for external success) and "eulogy virtues" (character for a meaningful life). Through profiles of historical figures, he explores how deep character is built through struggle, sacrifice, and moral commitment.
Timeless works that have shaped our understanding of achievement and success:
1937 • TarcherPerigee
Based on Hill's 20-year study of over 500 successful individuals including Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, and Thomas Edison, this classic identifies 13 principles of achievement. One of the best-selling self-help books of all time with over 100 million copies sold.
2008 • Little, Brown and Company
Gladwell examines the factors that contribute to extraordinary success, from the "10,000-Hour Rule" to cultural legacies and hidden advantages. He reveals that success is not just about individual merit but also about opportunity, timing, and context.
2018 • Avery
Clear presents a proven framework for improving every day through the compound effect of small habits. He reveals practical strategies for forming good habits, breaking bad ones, and mastering the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.
Peer-reviewed research underlying the achievement principles in UBASuperAchiever2:
Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087-1101.
The foundational paper introducing "grit" as a predictor of success across diverse domains, from West Point cadets to National Spelling Bee finalists. Shows that grit predicts achievement above and beyond talent.
Ericsson, K. A., Krampe, R. T., & Tesch-Römer, C. (1993). Psychological Review, 100(3), 363-406.
The landmark study establishing that expert performance results from extended deliberate practice, not innate talent—supporting Baker's themes of Constant Learning and Discipline.
Blackwell, L. S., Trzesniewski, K. H., & Dweck, C. S. (2007). Child Development, 78(1), 246-263.
Research demonstrating that students who believe intelligence can be developed (growth mindset) outperform those who believe it's fixed—foundational for Baker's Self Growth theme.
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78.
Foundational research on intrinsic motivation showing that autonomy, competence, and relatedness drive sustained engagement—supporting Baker's Goal and Passion and People Believers themes.
Carver, C. S., Scheier, M. F., & Segerstrom, S. C. (2010). Clinical Psychology Review, 30(7), 879-889.
Comprehensive review of research on optimism showing its positive effects on health, persistence, and achievement outcomes—foundational for Baker's Optimism theme.
Exline, J. J., & Hill, P. C. (2012). The Journal of Positive Psychology, 7(3), 208-218.
Research showing that humble individuals demonstrate greater prosocial behavior, supporting the connection between Baker's Humility and People Believers themes.
Google Scholar is a free academic search engine that indexes peer-reviewed papers, theses, books, and conference proceedings from universities and research institutions worldwide.
Unlike regular Google, Scholar focuses exclusively on academic and scholarly sources—the original research that books like those above are based on.
Use Google Scholar when you want to:
Note: Some papers require institutional access or purchase, but many are freely available as PDFs.
Transform achievement research into daily inspiration with UBASuperAchiever2's 38 modules and 3,800+ curated quotes.