Champion Thinking: From the host of A New Way of Being podcast

by Simon Mundie

'This book captures the magic of being in flow . . . Highly recommend' RONNIE O'SULLIVAN
'The perfect motivational read at the dawn of a new year' DAILY EXPRESS
'Entertaining and enlightening' MATTHEW SYED
'Simon has looked into something we actually all know or at least once did - the ability to live life more in the now' JASON FOX

Simon Mundie, host of The Life Lessons podcast, draws on interviews with some of the world's sporting legends to redefine how we understand – and pursue - success through 8 key lessons.

As the sports reporter for BBC Radio 1 for the best part of a decade, Simon Mundie was pitch-side at many of the most high-profile sporting events in history. It was often thrilling, but the emphasis always seemed to be on results, tactics and the score. But as the saying goes, sport is a metaphor for life – so Simon set out to explore that.

Drawing on interviews with sporting legends from Jonny Wilkinson to Kate Richardson-Walsh, Caitlyn Jenner to Goldie Sayers, along with psychologists, philosophers and world-renowned thinkers, Simon shares some of the tools and techniques that sportspeople have embraced to grow and evolve. From developing emotional intelligence to the power of true acceptance and the joy of getting in flow, he explores eight universal themes that are highlighted in sport, but that are all too easily overlooked.

What can the careers of Gaël Monfils and Andy Murray teach us about exploring our potential? What can England's Olympic gold-medal winning hockey team teach us about the power of being truly selfless? Wise and inspiring, Champion Thinking illustrates that the contentment we are all looking for isn't somewhere 'out there' – it's actually so close that we tend to overlook it.

'The intention behind this book is beautiful, and I highly recommend it' RUPERT SPIRA
'Mundie understands something most of us discover that the pursuit of sporting excellence is the best guide we have to what it means to be human' AMOL RAJAN

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

259 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2024

Reviews

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t just your usual self-help book. This is a fascinating and well-written look at how we think and behave, with very interesting accounts from various high profile people. Despite the cover, this book isn’t just for people interested in, or doing sport.

[Pupak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon Mundie's "Champion Thinking" is a masterful blend of sports anecdotes and life philosophy, making it a standout read for those interested in personal growth and emotional intelligence. As a sports reporter for BBC Radio 1, Mundie had a front-row seat to the highs and lows of sporting events, and he beautifully translates these experiences into lessons that apply to our daily lives.

The book's strength lies in its ability to connect with readers through relatable sporting stories and elevate these narratives to a more profound, philosophical level. The interviews with sports legends are engaging and insightful, offering a unique perspective on how the discipline and mindset of athletes can be applied to personal development.

One particularly resonant quote from the book, "It’s important to remember that our thoughts about other people, based on the status they have been conferred or what they have achieved, are not reflective of reality," speaks volumes about the societal pressures of success and achievement. This book challenges readers to rethink their definitions of success and find contentment in the present.

Mundie's conversational and interactive writing style makes "Champion Thinking" a pleasure to read. It's as if he's right there with you, discussing and dissecting these profound life lessons. This book is not just for sports lovers but for anyone looking to find balance and contentment in their lives while still pursuing their goals.

Overall, "Champion Thinking" is a thought-provoking and insightful read that combines the thrill of sports with the depth of life's lessons—a definite recommendation for anyone on the journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an electronic ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Michael May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stop and read!

Full of pertinent examples and a distillation of what some make difficult and abstruse...this a book about existence and how to understand everyday life. As a regular listener to the podcast, Simon's voice and personality shines through this thoroughly authentic book.

[Kirsty Hinchliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read full of sport related examples of world cup winning, Olympic-gold standard athletes and the stories behind their journey to achieving their dreams. It is an insightful book, full of life lessons and puts a lot of things into perspective. People chase an illusion of what success is, but once they achieve it, all that follows is emptiness; this is a common theme in the book. Very thought provoking.

4 Stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.