HOW CHAMPIONS THINK

The author of a series of mindful golfing guides further explores how to think like a champion.

Having counseled such sports stars as LeBron James and PGA great Hal Sutton, sports psychologist Rotella (The Unstoppable Golfer, 2012, etc.) extends his sportscentric guidance to those seeking to enhance their everyday acumen through the power of focused positive thinking. The author believes the driving idea behind the titlist attitude—both in the sports arena and society at large—lies in an optimistic thought process, and he credits his father with instilling in him the power of positivity at a young age (“I didn’t have to learn optimism. It was given to me”). Referencing his mental empowerment work (most notably with professional golfers), Rotella spotlights interlocking methodologies in visualization and the building and reinforcement of confidence, self-respect, and exemplary self-imagery. Pages of practical tips assist those plagued by a defeatist inner voice or chronic nervousness, and the author doesn’t mince words when it comes to getting married while striving for excellence: “You must make a happy marriage and a happy family part of your definition of success rather than seeing the marriage and the family as an obligation or encumbrance.” Some sections are repetitive, while others, such as a chapter on the demands and lessons to be gleaned from competing on the PGA Tour, are resonant and demonstrate the competitive and demandingly focused mindset of the true sports professional. Rotella’s liberal use of sports anecdotes and an effective piece on a coach’s perspective (Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari) further underscore the importance of the core set of philosophies and behaviors he promotes, although his frequent and distractive allusions to faith and religion as one of the linchpins to an athlete’s or a team’s success may not appeal to more secular readers.

A solid motivational text for the sports-minded and those interested in the bridging of athletics and exceptionalism.