At the heart of who I am, I consider myself a student first and a teacher second. I believe that the key to success is to be a lifelong learner—to always be learning and growing. During my Training Camp of life I have had many teachers along the way who have influenced me and this book. I'd like to acknowledge the following people for positively impacting this book:

Mike Smith, the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, told me the concept of "ability and sustainability." The idea of the coin was also inspired by him. I also decided to have Coach Ken visit the training room after I read an article stating that Coach Smith often visited players in the training room to see how they were doing.

This book would not have been the same without the invaluable advice of Tony Boselli, a former College All American and Pro Bowl lineman for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tony shared his thoughts with me on what it meant to be the best from the perspective of an athlete and a man of faith. Tony influenced the ideas of "being uncomfortable as a part of growth," "embracing fear," and the idea that "during training camp everyone turns to something, and you have to turn to the right things."

John Wooden, the legendary UCLA basketball coach, has inspired me greatly in my writing and speaking, especially in the concepts of "focusing on the process" and "continuous improvement." Steve Jamison, the coauthor of The Essential Wooden, inspired the concept of the telescope and the microscope as a part of self-improvement.

John Ortberg, a pastor and author of many books, including God Is Closer Than You Think, inspired the conductor and the resistor analogy. The quote "It's not about you" was inspired by Rick Warren, author of The Purpose-Driven Life.

Jeffrey Fox shared the concept of the difference between a baseball batter with a 250 and 350 batting average in his book, The Secret to Great Rainmakers.

Chuck Knoll, the legendary coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, said "Champions do ordinary things better than everyone else."

Os Hillman, who leads Marketplace ministries and writes the TGIF newsletter, inspired the idea of the mountaintop experience.

Tom McManus a former NFL player and sports talk show host helped me understand the timeline of Training Camp and the process by which people either make or get cut from the team.

Alvin Pearman, an NFL running back, shared with me the quote, "You know you're with the right woman when she gives you strength."

The story about the golfer going head to head with Tiger Woods was shared with me by Scott Tway.

While on a plane I met Shawn Orr, who told me about a heart condition her mother had, and she helped me clarify Martin's mother's health problem.

Cardiologist Jack Pirris provided me with excellent advice regarding Martin's mother's heart condition.

The Jeff Gordon quote came from an interview I did with him in 2007.

Martin wearing eye black with "Phil 4:13" written in it was inspired by Tim Tebow.

Martin wearing #11 on his jersey is for a reason; 11 is a special number to me.

I hope you will join me in being a lifelong learner.

—Jon