The Mental Game: Winning the War Within Your Mind

by Darrin Donnelly

There is a war going on within your mind. It’s a battle between the positive and the negative. The side that wins determines the life you live.

This book will show you how to take control of your thoughts and win the inner war against negativity.

In this inspirational fable, Jack McKee is a professional golfer who has just suffered through the most humiliating meltdown of his career. After years of struggle, he is ready to quit on his dream. He has convinced himself he doesn’t have what it takes to make it on the PGA Tour.

In a desperate attempt to figure out why his career has ended up the way it has, Jack reaches out to one of the game’s greatest former players for advice. This legendary golfer teaches Jack that the problem is not in his swing, but in his mind.

As Jack learns to combat his thoughts of self-doubt and worry, his golf game improves right along with his mindset, culminating in the most important tournament of his career.

As this story plays out, you will learn...

- How to take control of your thoughts and make sure they are working for you instead of against you.

- The importance of talking to yourself instead of listening to yourself.

- How to develop a morning and evening mental routine that will keep you in a positive state of mind.

- The technique used by many of the world’s most successful people to make gratitude a part of their daily lives.

- The fastest way to fight off worry and negative thoughts.

- How to protect your mind from the negative, anxiety-producing, and failure-oriented messages that surround us daily.

- The importance of your self-image and how to program it for your benefit.

- The biggest, yet often-misunderstood, key to performing at your best when the pressure turns up.

- How to find peace and confidence no matter what is going on around you.

- And much more...

This book is about the mental game we all must play on a daily basis — regardless of our chosen profession. It will show you how to win the inner war that takes place within your mind.

Once you start winning the war in your mind, you will start winning in the game of life.

Genres: Self Help, Psychology

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 12, 2023

Reviews

[Matt Swietlik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read, but a great overall message about the power of a positive mindset and keeping things in perspective.

[Brian Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donnelly has a gift for weaving that wisdom into a great sports story—which is why I’m such a big fan and highly recommend the books for you and your sports-loving friends and family and colleagues.

“To be clear, this is not a book about golf. It is set in the world of golf, the main character is a professional golfer, and the story plays out during a season on the PGA Tour. But the book is not about golf.

This book is about the mental game we all must play on a daily basis—regardless of our chosen profession. It’s about the inner war that takes place within our minds and how to win that war. …

There’s a war going on within your mind. It’s a battle between the positive and the negative.

There’s a voice that tells you why you can achieve something and a voice that tells you why you can’t. A voice that tells you to be grateful, happy, and optimistic; and a voice that tells you to be worried, stressed, and cynical. A voice that builds up your self-image and a voice that tears it down. A voice that tells you to keep going and a voice that tells you to quit.

The voice you feed the most will determine the direction of your life. You can’t passively allow this inner war to play out however it wishes. You must take an active role in determining which side wins.

This book will show you how to take charge of the war within your mind and make sure the positive side is winning. Once you start winning the war in your mind, you will start winning the game of life.”

-Darrin Donnelly from The Mental Game

This is the seventh book in Darrin Donnelly’s Sports for the Soul series.

I’ve read all of them so far. I basically read the first six books in a single week. They are all AWESOME.

In addition to brilliantly integrating ancient wisdom, modern science and practical tools in a grounded yet inspiring way, Donnelly has a gift for weaving that wisdom into a great sports story—which is why I’m such a big fan and highly recommend the books for you and your sports-loving friends and family and colleagues.

Here’s the quick recap of the prior books in the series:
- Think Like a Warrior features a struggling college football coach who magically meets five legendary coaches who each give him ONE powerful idea.
- Old School Grit features an NCAA basketball coach at the end of his career writing letters to his grandchildren on how to live a great life.
- Relentless Optimism features a minor league baseball player who meets a brilliant manager who helps him break through to fulfill his dreams.
- Victory Favors the Fearless features a boxer who goes from down and out to heavyweight champion after he meets the perfect mentor who teaches him how to conquer the seven fears that hold us back.
- Life to the Fullest features a high school coach who questions the decisions he made in life and gets wisdom from his dad on the power of following your heart and trusting your unique path.
- The Turnaround features a fourth-string quarterback on the worst college football team in the conference whose life changes the day he meets his new head coach who turns the program around by helping him and his teammates forge unstoppable confidence.

This book features a professional golfer who is struggling to make it on the PGA Tour. He has the opportunity to spend time with one of the greatest golfers of the era who gives him some life-changing wisdom.

It’s FANTASTIC. Super inspiring, quick-reading. Pure gold.

The book is packed with Big Ideas. Some of my favorites include:

1. Your Self-Image - How’s Your Setpoint?
2. Don’t Listen to Yourself - TALK to Yourself.
3. Choose to Be Grateful - NOW.
4. Effort & Attitude - Control the Controllables.
5. What’s the Opportunity? - Our Response to Challenges.

P.S. I’ve added The Mental Game by Darrin Donnelly to my collection of Philosopher’s Notes--distilling the Big Ideas into 6-page PDF and 20-minute MP3s on 600+ of the BEST self-development books ever. You can get access to all of those plus a TON more over at https://heroic.us.

[Hannah Bufkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, a really solid self-help type book. Some of the ideas were a bit plain and simple, but they are very helpful for anything you’re going through regarding sports. It’s always great to have a self-help book that surround sports but this was a very easy read even if you aren’t really into golf. I look forward to reading the rest of Darrin Donnelly’s books as this is something I personally like and enjoy to read. I plan to use this as one of my books for mental training and I believe that any person or athlete could do the same.

[Jay Nesbit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down even though I pretty much predicted the outcome from the beginning. But I suppose it could have ended differently, if the author had chosen to do that. But it wouldn't have made his point that changing the way you think will change who you become. Your thoughts create feelings that create behavior. Both negative and positive. If you are looking for an inspirational, feel-good book, I recommend The Mental Game by Darris Donnelly.

[Jimmy Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a powerful resource and one that you can go back and reread over and over again. Although the book is centralized around a story that has to do with golf, it is about a lot more than that and how you can take hold of your own self image and your negative thoughts.What an outstanding read. I read it in one sitting, and I would recommend it to anyone that has battles in their mind, whether it be as an athlete or as a professional this book can apply to any field.

[chris amos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Donnelly did what Donnelly does, teach life lessons through the vehicle of sport. Like his previous books, The Mental Game is a grandslam! I would highly recommend to anyone that finds themselves as their own worst and most demanding critic... which is pretty much everyone at some season in life.

[Richie C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was a true story at first. About half way through I reread the summary and realized it was a "fable" and i lost interest a little bit. However it has some great central ideas that are very practical. Despite the way most sports analogies are oversimplified compared to real life, I find myself thinking about the applications of this book long after reading it.

[Todd Stefanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've thoroughly enjoyed every book in the Sports for the Soul series by Darrin Donnelly. Kind of fitting that I finished this book on the day of the first game of the 2024 High School season here in Wisconsin. I will be sharing some of the amazing things I've read in this book to my players before today's game.

[Theresa Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook after seeing it recommended on a golf subreddit. My mental game is trash, so figured this wouldn’t hurt. It was a really cute novel filled with messages around positive thinking, changing your self view, and letting go of the uncontrollable items. Not groundbreaking stuff - but told within a fun golf story that was easy to listen to.

[Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book 5 stars because it was well-written, and it got into depth about others perspectives. I loved how he explained his struggles in life and how he talked to a mentor to help overcome those struggles. Not only that, but I would recommend this to others if you have a mad mindset on a golf course and want to fix it, or to all golf lovers.

[Lisa Steiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book and I found it helpful relating the content back to my game of poker. I have been having issues lately with feeling down on my game and feeling like a failure, and of course that ruins my game further. I recommend this book to those looking to get a more positive mindset in your journey, whatever that may be.

[Timothy p. Tighe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been very close to realizing his advice was true before I read this book.

As I stated above I was very close to this message before I read this book. The way Darrin crafted the story did a great job of driving the points home.

[Harold Christensen III · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read everyone one of Darrin's novels and the are great. The information is presented in such a wonderful journey (Fable). That after the book is finished I felt like I had lived another's life for a short while. And I learned skills to help make my life better. Great Book!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the entire series! Read it in one day and enjoy the reminders about the importance of training your mind and believing you can achieve what you expect out of life with the right effort and positive attitude!

[Barbara]

A quick and satisfying read. Nothing startlingly new here, but Donnelly clearly articulates strategies for improving one’s mental outlook and thereby improving performance … in golf and in life… through the story of a PGA golfer and his coach.

[George Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read!

I have read all of these books. This one might be my favorite. Highly recommended!!!! This book can make a difference in our life.

[Patrick J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opener

This book really touched a nerve. The authors style allowed me to feel as if I were the procrastinator. Outstanding direction and advice.

[Jason Ybarra · Rating 5 out of 5]

-Great READ!

The story line is right on target for me. The read was easy and enjoyable. I found it hard to put down. The message was right on target. Great work!

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good stuff, glad I read it, going to check out some of his other books.

[RJ Maclang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mental book

Very positive with doable mental mindset. Whether you're a pro, low or high handicapper this is very helpful. Highly recommended easy to read.

[Kasey Moeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun/Exciting/Helpful book

Fantastic book on mental toughness for athletes. This book kept me on my toes. Great book to learn and easy read.

[Patrick Trent · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book uses the story of a struggling with talent but struggles because of his negative mental mind set.

[Jason Yeung · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.57

[Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winning the mental game

Great story about life and golf. Inspiring and heartfelt. I couldn’t put the book down. I see a lot of tips I can use in my life.

[Dennise Marek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Essentially just says think positive thoughts and visualize success. In the context of golf.

[Adam Jacobs · Rating 2 out of 5]

Long book for a message that is just “believe in yourself”. Really lost me with the religious aspect at the end. Read like a self help book written by someone with no research into psychology.

[Colleen Estes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Golfer or non-golfer, this book will shape your perspective on life. It’s a must read.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spoiler:
This guy, Jack, is a golfer who needs help. Not with playing the game, but with thinking about how he plays the game. This guy named Eddie helps him out. It's all about mindset.

[Gordon Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read, actionable life advice to help your change your perspective.

[Kev Willoughby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the seventh book in Darrin Donnelly’s “Sports for the Soul” series, and it is his best work to date! As you can see from the cover, this is a story is set around the game of golf. Now, I’ll tell you right away that I’m not a golfer, but I still enjoyed this story immensely. Even if you’re “not into sports,” I’d still highly recommend Darrin Donnelly’s books to you. He has a knack for taking leadership and personal growth principles and forming an intriguing plot to teach the reader how to apply those truths to daily life, giving you an immediate opportunity to see some positive change in your life.

In this story, a golfer who has struggled for years to see some consistent success in his personal and professional life begins to gravitate toward giving up on his goals because of some avoidable mental mistakes he’s not even aware of in his life. The book teaches readers how to think clearly, how to develop a mentoring relationship in your life, and how to remain persistent and positive once you begin to understand how your thoughts can help you or hurt you. Because of the way that the author is able to portray these lessons, they are applicable to anyone in any profession or personal venture. Personally, I found the most value in the way the daily affirmations were modeled and taught by the mentor in the story. I implemented that in my personal life right away and it immediately paid dividends.

In each of Darrin Donnelly’s seven books in the series, I always feel like I’m getting a two-for-one special, because the fictional story is great on its own. Yet, I’m also aware that I’m learning a life lesson that will stick with me after I’ve finished the last page. These are stories that are not only entertaining, but also impactful.