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A review by studiomikarts
The Mindful Athlete: Secrets to Pure Performance by George Mumford
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
I enjoyed and was so motivated by this book until I reached the last chapter. The overused and untrue line, "There are no atheists in foxholes," completely turned me off. I am perfectly content to accept that the principles in this book are based on Buddhism and therefore have a religious origin and flavor. I am not content to be told that my lack of supernatural belief is a delusion.
Until that final chapter, I found many passages worth highlighting and despite my unhappiness with the book in the end, I still credit it (along with guided mindfulness runs I did through Nike Run Club around the same time) with giving me the push I needed to rise out of the weeks-long depression I was in. I've been living every day much more mindful; the first thought in my head when I wake up is "mindful, mindful," and I find myself naturally able to focus more and stay motivated throughout the day. Interestingly, although this book is focused on sport, I found myself naturally applying its principles to my career, as well.
It's very disappointing that the book ruined itself with a single close-minded notion, but it is what it is. I still benefited from reading it, so it wasn't a waste of time, even if my memory of the book was soured!
Until that final chapter, I found many passages worth highlighting and despite my unhappiness with the book in the end, I still credit it (along with guided mindfulness runs I did through Nike Run Club around the same time) with giving me the push I needed to rise out of the weeks-long depression I was in. I've been living every day much more mindful; the first thought in my head when I wake up is "mindful, mindful," and I find myself naturally able to focus more and stay motivated throughout the day. Interestingly, although this book is focused on sport, I found myself naturally applying its principles to my career, as well.
It's very disappointing that the book ruined itself with a single close-minded notion, but it is what it is. I still benefited from reading it, so it wasn't a waste of time, even if my memory of the book was soured!