Complete Bibliography & Further Reading
The science behind peak performance and flow states
UBInTheZone2 is built on decades of rigorous research in sports psychology, peak performance science, and flow state research. This page provides a comprehensive bibliography of the academic works, books, and research papers that inform the product's 13 evidence-based mental skills and 49 modules. Each source is available through Amazon with direct purchase links.
The foundational research upon which UBInTheZone2's 13 mental skills are built:
2007 • Zebra Press
The definitive South African study of elite athlete mental development. Cooper and Goodenough interviewed champion athletes across multiple sports to identify the 13 mental skills that distinguish elite performers from the merely talented. Their Elite Athlete Development Model provides a practical framework for developing championship-level mental performance.
Essential texts from the founders and leaders of flow state and peak performance research:
1990 • Harper Perennial
The groundbreaking work that introduced the concept of "flow"—the state of complete absorption where time seems to stop and performance becomes effortless. Csikszentmihalyi's research demonstrates that flow is the secret to happiness, creativity, and peak performance.
1997 • Basic Books
Csikszentmihalyi's follow-up work extends flow principles beyond elite performance to everyday life. Learn how to structure daily activities to maximize engagement, meaning, and satisfaction—essential for applying peak performance principles in all life domains.
2014 • New Harvest
Kotler explores how action and adventure athletes hack the flow state to achieve seemingly impossible feats. Combining cutting-edge neuroscience with riveting stories, this book reveals the biological triggers that unlock superhuman performance.
2017 • Dey Street Books
Explores how organizations from Google to the Navy SEALs are systematically engineering peak performance states. A fascinating look at the cutting edge of human optimization.
Foundational texts in applied sports psychology and mental skills training:
2014 • Rodale Books
Sports psychologist Jim Afremow draws on his experience working with Olympic athletes and professional sports teams to reveal the mental strategies that separate champions from also-rans. Packed with practical exercises for building confidence, focus, and resilience.
2016 • Human Kinetics (5th Edition)
The classic text on mental training, now in its fifth edition. Orlick's work has influenced generations of athletes, coaches, and performers. Covers focus, commitment, mental imagery, and performance excellence in accessible, practical terms.
1974 • Random House (Revised Edition 1997)
The book that launched the mental game revolution. Gallwey's distinction between Self 1 (the analytical mind) and Self 2 (the unconscious performer) transformed how athletes, musicians, and business people think about performance. Still relevant 50 years later.
2001 • McGraw-Hill
Sports psychologist Gary Mack distills decades of experience into 40 short chapters on mental performance. Used by elite athletes across baseball, football, golf, and more. Practical, accessible, and immediately applicable.
Research-based books that translate peak performance science into daily practice:
2012 • Atria Books
A revolutionary approach that challenges conventional sports psychology. Kramer argues that trying to control your mental state actually interferes with performance. True excellence comes from understanding how the mind works, not from techniques to manipulate it.
2010 • Free Press
Cognitive scientist Sian Beilock explores why we fail under pressure and what we can do about it. Based on cutting-edge research, this book explains the neuroscience of choking and provides evidence-based strategies to perform your best when it matters most.
2008 • McGraw-Hill
Former Director of Sport Psychology for the St. Louis Cardinals, Selk provides a systematic, time-efficient approach to mental training. His 10-minute daily routine has helped professional athletes and business executives achieve consistent peak performance.
2009 • Bantam
Coyle investigates talent hotbeds around the world to discover the secret to developing world-class skill. His findings about "deep practice" and myelin growth revolutionized understanding of skill acquisition.
Research on bouncing back from setbacks and building psychological strength:
2016 • Scribner
MacArthur "Genius Grant" winner Angela Duckworth shows why passion and perseverance matter more than talent. Her research demonstrates that grit—not IQ, not talent—is the best predictor of success in domains ranging from West Point to the National Spelling Bee.
2006 • Random House
Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck's research on fixed vs. growth mindsets transformed education and performance psychology. A growth mindset—the belief that abilities can be developed—is foundational to sustained excellence.
Peer-reviewed research underlying UBInTheZone2's evidence-based approach:
Jackson, S. A., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1999). Human Kinetics.
The definitive academic text on flow in athletic contexts. Provides the research foundation for understanding how athletes enter and maintain optimal performance states.
MacNamara, Á., Button, A., & Collins, D. (2010). The Sport Psychologist, 24(1), 74-96.
Research identifying the psychological characteristics that differentiate athletes who achieve their potential from those who don't. Directly relevant to Mental Skill 12 (Active Identity Shaper).
Bandura, A. (1977). Psychological Review, 84(2), 191-215.
Bandura's foundational paper on self-efficacy—the belief in one's capability to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific outcomes. Essential for understanding Mental Skill 4 (Self-Confidence vs Self-Esteem).
Ericsson, K. A., Krampe, R. T., & Tesch-Römer, C. (1993). Psychological Review, 100(3), 363-406.
The landmark paper introducing the concept of deliberate practice. Shows that expert performance results from sustained, purposeful practice rather than innate talent. Foundational for Mental Skill 9 (Meaningful Practice).
Gucciardi, D. F., Gordon, S., & Dimmock, J. A. (2008). Journal of Sports Sciences, 26(12), 1277-1285.
Research identifying the components of mental toughness and how they develop. Supports Mental Skills 5 (Resilience) and 7 (UnInsultability).
Wulf, G. (2013). International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 6(1), 77-104.
Comprehensive review of research showing that external focus of attention enhances motor learning and performance. Supports Mental Skill 11 (Simplify Complexity).
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 evidence-based peak performance research into daily inspiration with UBInTheZone2's 49 modules and 4,900+ curated quotes.