Next Play: How to Focus on What Matters Most and Improve Performance, Productivity, and Fulfillment

by Alan Stein Jr.

What’s your Next Play? An elite performance coach reveals the life-changing two-word philosophy for simplifying success. Drawing from lessons learned alongside NBA greats (Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant) and top brands (Pepsi, Charles Schwab, American Express, Spotify, Starbucks), Alan Stein Jr. lays out 34 simple strategies and 35 practical exercises to help you focus on what matters most, improve performance and productivity, and live a more fulfilled life.

232 pages, Hardcover

First published November 4, 2025

Reviews

[Michael Doane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Next Play distills elite performance into a deceptively simple philosophy with wide-ranging impact. Drawing on years of experience coaching NBA superstars and advising major global brands, Alan Stein Jr. delivers a practical, grounded framework for staying focused, resilient, and effective in an increasingly distracted world.

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on presence and execution rather than outcome obsession. By returning repeatedly to the question “What’s my next play?”, Stein reframes pressure, failure, and success into manageable, actionable moments. The result is a mindset that encourages consistent excellence without burnout one that applies equally to athletes, executives, creatives, and anyone striving for sustained performance.

The book balances insight with application. The 34 strategies and 35 exercises are concise, accessible, and immediately usable, reinforcing the idea that improvement doesn’t require complexity only clarity and commitment. Stein’s real-world examples from professional sports and business add credibility while keeping the tone motivating rather than preachy.

Next Play is a reminder that fulfillment and productivity are not competing goals. When attention is placed on what matters most right now performance improves naturally. This is a book that rewards rereading and reflection, offering readers a practical philosophy they can carry into every arena of life.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Next Play is a powerhouse of clarity, focus, and transformative performance insight. Alan Stein Jr. distills years of coaching top NBA legends and global brands into a remarkably actionable guide that makes elite performance feel attainable for anyone. Every principle is sharp, practical, and rooted in real-world discipline, offering readers a shortcut to sustained productivity, stronger habits, and a more meaningful life.

What makes this book stand out is its simplicity and impact. Stein doesn’t overwhelm, he equips. With 34 high-leverage strategies and 35 exercises, Next Play becomes less of a book and more of a personal operating system. Whether you’re a leader, athlete, entrepreneur, or anyone striving to perform at a higher level, this book delivers clarity, purpose, and momentum on every page.

[Jonathan Mariani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was a quick and easy listen and it was short enough that it just felt like a podcast. I subscribe to the so what next play mentality fo begin with, but this helps give some insights on how you can better do that, or get others to buy into that, or integrate into your daily life. Well done.

[Greg Waddell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm know I'm biased, but Alan's message(s) always resonate with me.