The OODA Looper

If you're interested in self-development and the mechanics of how to learn or how to teach, have a look at The Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy Gallwey, a compact read at 122 pages.

The author uses tennis as an example, but the principles that he teaches can be used in nearly any domain. Because the learner is asked to abstract himself as Self 1 and Self 2, we develop a dialogue between the two selves: Self 1, who wants to teach but only gets in the way of Self 2, and Self 2, who is a natural learner. Gallwey also comments on his own thought processes as recounts anecdotes about his lessons, and this provides the perspective required to learn how to teach others. But teaching oneself it turns out is not so different from teaching others.

This is the most important self-development book I've read, and this is not the last time I will be reading it. Written in the 1970s, The Inner Game of Tennis is a renowned classic that reportedly sparked the business/executive coaching industry. While that industry has devolved into myriad gurus, this book remains fresh for its pragmatism and its avoidance of dogma.