Milledgeville, GA (WGXA)– Baldwin County head basketball coach Ben Smith is known for motivating his players on the court, but now he’s inspiring people far beyond the gym with his new book, Monday Morning Mindset.

Smith, a former collegiate and professional athlete, said the idea for the book came from a simple thought — how our attitudes shape our days. “Mondays — they’re tough for everyone,” Smith said. “It’s really just our mindset. Monday isn’t any different from any other day.”

Drawing from his athletic career and personal experiences, Smith uses Monday Morning Mindset to share lessons about discipline, motivation, and perseverance. “Over time, I realized all of us go through the same things,” he said. “Sometimes we need motivation, sometimes we need reassurance, and sometimes we need discipline.”

Smith wrote the book in just 34 days, releasing it on his birthday, September 12. Since then, more than 200 copies have been sold, and he recently held a book signing in Dublin. Smith said the project became both a creative outlet and a way to connect with others. “It was really about getting it out — putting pen to paper, reading it, and moving on,” he said.

His players have already taken his message to heart. Baldwin basketball player Quatah Gibson said the book taught him the importance of self-belief: “It doesn’t matter who’s around you. Just know what you can do and what you’re capable of — and keep looking up.”

While Smith is grateful for the community’s support, he says none of it would be possible without his wife. “She’s my number one supporter — in everything,” he said. “I’m gone a lot — I left this morning at 4:45 to get the guys on the track — so her being a great mother and giving me the space and time I need means everything.”