How Champions Think: In Sports and in Life

Rotella, former director of sports psychology at the University of Virginia, offers an intriguing and persuasive exploration of the proposition that a champion’s thoughts are different from those of most people. He believes that the ideas people choose to have about themselves largely determine their quality of life. Citing examples from various sports—basketball star LeBron James, pro golfer Pat Bradley, NASCAR’s Richard Petty—Rotella reveals the attitudes and habits that he claims will lead to an exceptional career in any field. The goal is to cultivate the “essential qualities” of optimism, confidence, respecting one’s own talents, commitment, and perseverance. These qualities, he states, help people to commit, persist, and overcome setbacks. He also examines the importance of self-evaluation, patience, and surrounding yourself with the right people. Though Rotella’s primary concern here is with the very successful, “ordinary” people should also find useful tips here for smoothly handling life’s challenges and opportunities. Agent: Raphael Sagalyn, ICM. (May)