The Competitive Buddha: How to Up Your Game in Sports, Leadership and Life

Sports psychologist Lynch (Thinking Body, Dancing Mind) uses Buddhist wisdom and inspirational anecdotes in this beneficial guide to improving one’s competitive ability. For Lynch, competition is a “natural state of collaboration, connection, compassion and cooperation,” and athletes who follow Buddhist teachings can detach from the ego and the need for praise to achieve calmness and clarity, live in the now by observing what is happening around them, and offer humility and praise for defeated opponents. Star athletes including Kobe Bryant, Derek Jeter, and Chris Wondolowski used meditation and relaxation techniques to focus on their game, Lynch writes, while coaches can take on the role of “servant leader,” as seen by Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s method of empowering his players to reach their full potential. Though the material can be repetitive, Lynch digs deep into the athlete’s mindset and provides numerous examples of Buddhist wisdom in action. Athletes and coaches alike will find plenty of takeaways here. [em](July) [/em]