Back on March 12, 2010 I read the book Mind Gym by Gary Mack. I failed to realize that I actually wrote up a review on the book then until just today when I finished reading the book for the second time and went searching for my notes.
Reading my review from back then I realized that the book gave me the same type of feeling and thoughts. Being in a new place in my life this goes to show the power of this book. It was written in 2002 and many things have changed since then, but one thing that remains the same is the power of a positive growth mindset.
Gary Mack shows through example after example the power of how he has helped athletes overcome various issues. Actually, he shows how athletes have helped themselves overcome various issues. The book is all sports based, but I cannot help but emphasize that these ideas work for everyone and should be taught not only in sports, but schools as well.
When I finished reading this book I had 67 highlighted passages. Reading my review this was the first Kindle purchase for myself and obviously did not see the benefit of highlighting back then. I would have loved to seen what I highlighted four years ago.
I would like to share a few that I really enjoyed.
Stan Musial said, “When a pitcher’s throwing a spitball, don’t worry. Don’t complain. Just hit the dry side, like I do.”
I love this quote. I was just talking with my wife how easy it is to form bonds over negativity. Anyone can complain and whine about things in life. It takes leadership and a growth mindset to separate yourself from this talk and move towards seeing how we can help make things better. That is the challenge.
Arthur Ashe said, “You are never really playing an opponent. You are playing yourself.”
Once again this applies to life in general. So often we focus on external causes and things we cannot control. If we develop a mindset to work through ourselves and finding solutions in this manner we will be better off.
“The paradox is that sometimes you have to get worse before you get better.”
The harsh reality none of us want to admit and therefore the reason many of us stay in our comfort zone and don’t work for change. It is just too hard!
This is a must read book! I recommend for anyone. The only issue I have is that some of the people he profiles are not longer considered amazing based on things that have come out recently. Bruce Jenner, Mark McGwire, Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods are a few that don’t hold the same prestige as they did a decade ago. But don’t let that get in the way of the tip and techniques he shares to empower your mind.
This book has been on my Goodreads “to read” list too long. I’ll get after it. Your point about connecting to people through negativity is spot on. I’ve been making it more of a priority to surround myself with positive people inside and outside of school. It’s a challenge!