The Inner Game of Tennis by Tim Gallwey

Tim Gallwey's The Inner Game of Tennis is a classic in the world of sports psychology, offering a unique approach to improving athletic performance. Rather than focusing solely on technical skills, Gallwey delves into the mental aspects of the game, arguing that our inner thoughts and beliefs can significantly impact our ability to play at our best.

Instead of concentrating on how to improve your technique, Timothy Gallwey starts from the understanding that 'every game is composed of two parts, an outer game and an inner game'. The former is played against opponents on the court, but the latter is a battle within ourselves as we try and overcome self-doubt and anxiety. It is often won or lost before a ball has been hit.

The book's central concept is the "inner critic," a voice inside our heads that can sabotage our efforts by creating self-doubt and anxiety. Gallwey suggests that by becoming aware of our inner critic and learning to quiet its influence, we can free ourselves to play with greater confidence, focus, and enjoyment.

While the book is specifically about tennis, its principles can be applied to a wide range of areas, particularly the world of business. How many times have you let your “inner critic” talk you out of making a decision or taking positive steps forward?