Mar 18 2023 2 mins
The outline of my first book is complete - check out the caption below to see the outline!
I’ve gained some great insights while starting the writing process - you can find those in the summary below.
The working title is - Play with Confidence: A New Way for Athletes to Mentally Prepare
The purpose of the book is to challenge the status quo on mental preparation and question the ‘accepted’ ways of thinking about confidence. It will debunk the fluffy clichés, cookie-cutter strategies, and ‘old-school’ beliefs entrenched in the sport culture.
If you dare to be different and embrace the new ways of thinking, then you will play with confidence, enjoy the journey and achieve Consistent Elite Performance.
Let me know which chapter you are looking forward to the most:
1) Challenge the Status Quo & Dare to Be Different
2) Stop Yo-Yo Confidence
3) Build Momentum & Snowball Confidence
4) Self-Talk: Name It to Tame It
5) Create a Confident Identity - aka an Alter Ego 6) Block out the Noise - Reset Routine
7) Redefine Success & Develop Your Personal Scorecard
8) Game Day Mental Preparation Routines
9) Specific Problems & Solutions
10) Tweak & Refine for Long-Term Success
What’s funny is that writing a book about high-performance takes being a high-performer - so I’ve had to personally apply the principles in the book as I’ve undertaken this new challenge.
One main adjustment for me has been that this is not a week-long project - just like being an elite athlete - writing a book is more like a marathon than a sprint.
The balance of patience and dedication has been important to overcome the moments of struggle when I question if I will ever get it done. I’ve also had to battle my own demons about “will this book be any good?” But, trying to predict how many people will read it and find it helpful is not my job.
My intent is to have a lot of people read it and for it to have a significant impact - as such, I’ll be diligent and strategic in how I write. I will also surround myself with allies to help optimize the book and the subsequent distribution process.
Whether I sell 100 or a million copies is not the point. That is a result and my job is to focus on what I can control. If I put my heart into it and give my best effort (which I will) whatever the result will be - I can live with it. It’s just a result and form of feedback.
What matters most is doing something I believe is meaningful. And because this book is meaningful to me that is the WHY I am putting my heart into it and giving my best effort. Likewise, elite athletes need to stop worrying about results and predicting the outcomes. The paradox of it all is that athletes optimize their results when they focus on what they can control and stay connected to their intrinsic WHY - which is often some form of the love of the game that gives them meaning!
That’s all for now - again I’d love to hear what chapter you are looking forward to the most.