Books

Books about human potential.

Practical philosophy for real lives: values, resilience and the strange, wonderful machinery of the human mind. Plus one for the groms.

Start With Values cover
Latest

Start With Values

How to Build a Life with Meaning and Purpose

Hatherleigh Press · distributed by Penguin Random House

A clear, practical guide to defining what truly matters and living it. Years of research distilled into simple tools and thought-experiments that reveal how values shape your choices, relationships and sense of purpose.

Praise for Start With Values

What readers in high places say.

Start with Values provides a compass that can help you navigate the complexities of modern life. It will help you find your north star, your purpose, as well as yourself. If leading a worthy life matters to you, and I suspect it does, I recommend you start with this book.
Tal Ben-Shahar, PhDNew York Times bestselling author of Happier; teacher of two of the largest classes in Harvard's history
Defining our values is an essential step to fulfilment — yet few of us take the time to do so. Bradley Hook is the ideal guide to set us on this journey. Your future self will thank you for reading this book.
David RobsonAuthor of The Expectation Effect and The Laws of Connection
This important and comprehensive body of work has the power of 50 great books, all infused into one concentrated, super-charged, must-read book.
Ian HutchinsonFounder, Life by Design · Australian Educator of the Year
Simply, and clearly, he guides you through a process to define and focus on those values that really matter to you — and shows you how to link your chosen values into practical, achievable actions. Start with Values is a keeper.
Dr Sven HansenFounder, Resilience Institute
Practical tools to discover and define your core values, turn your values into habits and practice, and build a more meaningful life — all backed by research and science.
Dr Terri OrbuchDistinguished Professor & author
Bradley Hook has written the definitive guide on values — the what, how and why — in a friendly and engaging manner. A must-read for any leader looking to bring greater clarity and meaning to their life.
Rachel HamlinExecutive Coach & Mindset Expert
An engaging, thought-provoking read that guides the reader in turning their insights into action.
Lloyd FickettFounder of The Collaborative Way®
This book is a classic treasure. The process for determining your values is both fun, profound and awe-inspiring!
Alice InoueAuthor & founder of Happiness U
Resilience Mastery cover

Resilience Mastery

2020

Insights from a survey of more than 20,000 people, revealing 11 factors that drive sustainable performance: focus, purpose, optimism, bounce, sleep, vitality, presence and more. A practical upgrade for ancient nervous-system hardware in a hyper-stimulating world.

Surfing Life Waves cover

Surfing Life Waves

2016

Opportunities arrive like waves: some you paddle for, some you ride all the way in, and some you wisely let pass. Drawing on the mindset of surfers, this book is about meeting life's energy with clarity, courage and play.

Lilly Loves Surfing cover

Lilly Loves Surfing

Picture book

Wave of the Day

Meet Lilly, a brave, curious grom who can't wait to catch the wave of the day. A joy-filled picture book about courage, kindness and the pure thrill of standing up on a board.

FLAME: Sustainable High Performance cover

FLAME: Sustainable High Performance

Forthcoming
Coming soon

A guide to igniting clarity, regulating your inner fire, and living with purpose in an age of overwhelm. Neuroscience, psychology and timeless wisdom: how to burn bright without burning out.

In the works

Eve and the Tree

Something different is growing. A story about knowledge, temptation and what we choose to believe. More soon.

Start with the values book.

The research behind Start With Values lives at the Values Institute, along with the free assessment.