Mind Gym Book Summary - Mind Gym Book explained in key points
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Mind Gym summary

Gary Mack David Casstevens

An Athlete’s Guide to Inner Excellence

4.3 (174 ratings)
12 mins

Brief summary

Mind Gym by Gary Mack and David Casstevens is a motivational guide that teaches readers how to improve their mental strength and overcome obstacles in sports and life. It provides practical tips and exercises to help readers achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

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    Mind Gym
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    Top physical performance is impossible without a well-trained mind.

    We all know that good old Nike slogan: Just do it. You might also know that, for all it’s simplicity, this piece of advice is often hard to follow. Why? Negative thinking stops us from taking action.

    It’s funny how our thoughts seem to impact us precisely the way we don’t want them to. If, while playing golf, you tell yourself not to hit the water, you’re likely to hit it anyway. Why? Your thoughts were so focused on the water that your body began aiming for it, too. Avoid outcomes like this by keeping it simple and focusing on what you want, not all the things you’re afraid might happen.

    Of course, the power of thought alone can’t carry us toward success. It’s the combination of physical and mental training that allows us to perform to our full potential. One study of three groups of basketball players demonstrated just this.

    The first group took free throws for one hour, the second sat and visualized their free throws for an hour, and the third did both for 30 minutes each. When it came to the free throws afterwards, the third group outperformed the others by far.

    While most of us know more or less how to train our bodies, few really know what to do when it comes to training our brains. Like our bodies, our minds have their own strengths and weaknesses. Pinpointing these will give us both confidence in our abilities and a clear idea of where we need improvement.

    Get started on your brain training journey with some inspiration from the Japanese concept of kaizen. This refers to constant daily learning simply for the sake of improving yourself one step at a time without stressing too much about the final outcome. If you think like this, you’ll have an open mind ready to take in anything that can make you a stronger, better person.

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    What is Mind Gym about?

    Mind Gym (2001) sheds light on the important role our minds play in physical performance and athletic excellence. These blinks draw on the Mack’s work with professional athletes to provide you with the tools you need to acquire a top-performing state of mind.

    Mind Gym Review

    Mind Gym (2002) explores the mental strategies that athletes use to achieve peak performance and how these strategies can be applied to everyday life. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It offers practical techniques for overcoming mental obstacles and improving focus, allowing readers to unlock their full potential.
    • The book combines sports psychology principles with real-world examples, making it relatable and applicable to various areas of life.
    • With its compelling anecdotes and insights from top athletes, the book takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and motivation.

    Best quote from Mind Gym

    The mind is like a parachute – it only works when its open.

    —Gary Mack & David Casstevens
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    Who should read Mind Gym?

    • Competitive athletes
    • Individuals seeking greater focus and motivation as they work toward goals
    • People learning a new sport or skill

    About the Author

    Gary Mack is a sports psychology consultant who has worked with many professional athletes. David Casstevens is a writer for the Fort Worth Star Telegram and a bestselling author. Mind Gym is their first bestselling book together.

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    Mind Gym FAQs 

    What is the main message of Mind Gym?

    The main message of Mind Gym is the power of mental conditioning in achieving peak performance.

    How long does it take to read Mind Gym?

    The reading time for Mind Gym varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Mind Gym a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Mind Gym is worth reading for anyone interested in unlocking their mental potential. It provides valuable insights and techniques for improving performance.

    Who is the author of Mind Gym?

    The authors of Mind Gym are Gary Mack and David Casstevens.

    What to read after Mind Gym?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Mind Gym, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink
    • Chasing Excellence by Ben Bergeron
    • The Mindful Athlete by George Mumford
    • Picture Your Prosperity by Ellen Rogin and Lisa Kueng
    • The 4-Hour Body by Tim Ferriss
    • Work Clean by Dan Charnas
    • Think Small by Owain Service and Rory Gallagher
    • Four Ways of Thinking by David Sumpter
    • Get Smart! by Brian Tracy
    • Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson