Life Lessons Thru The Lens of

About the Author

Mark J. Friedlander is a passionate author, athlete, and lifelong student of personal growth. With a deep love for sports and an unwavering belief in the power of mindset, he created the Life Lessons Through the Lens series to help readers apply the principles of discipline, perseverance, and leadership found in sports to everyday life.

A former baseball player and all-around athlete, Mark understands firsthand how the lessons learned on the field, court, and even at the poker table translate into success beyond the game. His writing explores how mental toughness, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous self-improvement can shape both personal and professional journeys.

In addition to writing, Mark is an active community member, engaging in charitable initiatives and networking with leaders to inspire others to become the best version of themselves. He also hosts the Rise With the Wise podcast, where he expands on the themes in his books, sharing insights and stories that have resonated with readers worldwide.

Through his work, Mark hopes to encourage people from all walks of life to embrace the mindset of a champion—because success, in sports and in life, starts with believing in yourself.

Qn 1: Can you tell us more about your book series, Life Lessons Thru The Lens, What is it about?

The Life Lessons Through the Lens series is more than just a collection of books with Sports titles—it’s a unique perspective on personal growth, mindset, and resilience, all framed through the world of sports, but really little about the sport itself. Each book does focus on a different sport—baseball, basketball, football, hockey, golf, tennis, and soccer to name a few—using the experiences of athletes, the strategies of the game, and the challenges of competition as powerful metaphors for life.

This series is about self-improvement, leadership, and mental toughness—qualities that define both great athletes and successful individuals. I explore how the principles of discipline, adaptability, teamwork, and perseverance on the field or court directly translate into everyday challenges in business, relationships, and personal growth.

Ultimately, my goal is to inspire readers to look beyond the game and see how sports teach us invaluable lessons about ourselves and the way we navigate life. Whether you’re an athlete, a fan, or someone looking for motivation, there’s something in this series for you.

Qn 2: Who do you think would be interested in this book series, Life Lessons Thru The Lens is it directed at any particular market?

The Life Lessons Through the Lens series is truly for all walks of life. While sports serve as the foundation, the messages within these books extend far beyond the game. Anyone seeking personal growth, motivation, and a fresh perspective on overcoming life’s challenges will find value in this series.

As a charitable person, I see this series as an incredible gift—one that can mentor and inspire our youth. It’s perfect for young athletes, sports camps, teams, and youth charities looking to instill valuable life skills through the lessons learned on the field, court, or ice.

Beyond youth mentorship, my mission is to support charities focused on mental health and wellness. A positive outlook, combined with the mindset of becoming a better version of oneself, can be life-changing for individuals battling challenges such as drug addiction, domestic abuse, or medical or physical hardships. This book serves as a blueprint for resilience, mental strength, and personal reinvention—qualities that can transform lives.

Finally, whether in business, relationships, or personal growth, we should all be striving to better ourselves daily. The principles in this series apply to leaders, professionals, and anyone looking to elevate their mindset and approach to life. My goal is for these books to inspire lasting change and help readers unlock their full potential.

Qn 3: Out of all the books in the world, and all the authors, which are your favourite and why?

One of my all-time favorite books is Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. The most powerful takeaway for me is the poem included in the book, which perfectly captures the importance of mindset, belief, and perseverance:

If you think you are beaten, you are,
If you think you dare not, you don’t,
If you’d like to win but think you can’t,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.
For out in the world we find, it’s not about the stronger or faster man, its the man who thinks he can!
This poem has been a guiding force throughout my life, reinforcing the idea that our thoughts dictate our reality. If we approach challenges believing we will fail, we’ve already lost. But when we truly believe in ourselves, we unlock our full potential.

This philosophy is at the heart of my Life Lessons Through the Lens series. Just like in sports and in life, mental discipline and unwavering self-belief are the foundation for success. Think and Grow Rich inspired me to push beyond limitations, and through my writing, I hope to inspire others to do the same—to believe in themselves and become the best version of who they can be.

Qn 4: What guidance would you offer to someone new, or trying to enhance their writing?

For anyone new to writing or looking to enhance their craft, my biggest piece of advice is to write with purpose and authenticity. Your words should come from a place of passion—whether you’re telling a story, sharing insights, or inspiring others. When you write from the heart, your message resonates.

Secondly, embrace discipline. Writing isn’t just about inspiration; it’s about consistency. Set a routine, even if it’s just a few sentences a day, and commit to the process. Improvement comes with repetition, just like training for a sport.

Another key factor is reading widely. Study different styles, explore new ideas, and analyze how great authors structure their work. For me, Think and Grow Rich was a book that shaped my mindset. Learning from others helps refine your own voice.

Most importantly, don’t fear imperfection. Your first draft won’t be perfect—and it’s not supposed to be. Write, rewrite, and let the process shape you as much as you shape the words. Growth happens when you’re willing to revise, receive feedback, and keep pushing forward.

At the end of the day, writing is like life itself—it’s a journey of self-improvement. Stay patient, stay passionate, and never stop believing in your ability to share something meaningful with the world.

Qn 5: Where can our readers find out more about you, do you have a website, or a way to be contacted?

Readers can find me at www.markjfriedlander.com, where they can explore my Life Lessons Through the Lens series and enjoy free audio samples of each book. This site provides insight into how the lessons from sports translate into personal and professional growth.

Additionally, my podcast, Rise With The Wise, is available on Spotify and iTunes, with its dedicated webpage at www.risewiththewise.com. The podcast expands on the themes in my books, sharing real-life applications, deeper discussions, and examples that have resonated with many of our readers.

I invite readers to explore, listen, and engage—whether through my books, podcast, or ongoing discussions about personal growth, mindset, and achieving excellence in all aspects of life.

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