Above the Shoulders: Unlock the Mind That Makes the Impossible Inevitable

by Jason Nacey, Joe De Senna (Foreword)

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

262 pages, Paperback

Published May 20, 2025

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Incredibly fast to digest and yet not superficial at all. Very helpful, and very practical. Probably could have finished it in half the time, especially if I'm employed the tactics in the book. One of those books where I say, "I wish I read this when I was 20," and I felt a little better knowing it was only published within the last 6 months. I'm glad I pushed through to finish it when I did, as there were some great chapters pertaining to some things I'm currently wrestling with. Highly recommend.

[Jeni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Potential to spark a fire under your a**. Practical, powerful, and convicting, this read hits hard for anyone primed to shatter mediocracy. As athletes, we’re coached to keep the mind strong. If it’s about mental game, I’ve read it. Hundreds of books and years as an elite athlete and I’d place this at the top of my strategy reads. Dynamic in reach, direct in approach, personal in nature, and clear in concept—…” the world’s greatest minds and toughest souls know; those walls aren’t stone. They’re smoke.” Read it.

[Alberto Tupputi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is 90% above the shoulders: the mind is the key to success. Above the Shoulders by Jason Nacey is a probable candidate for my top 10 books of this year. This book is about sharpening the mind to the point where success becomes inevitable.

Drawing on Spartan World Championships, Ironman finishes, and the stories of elite athletes, the author reveals the 90% principle and offers some incredible, battle-tested tools to make your mind unstoppable.

🤔 My thoughts on this book

Needless to say, I genuinely loved this book. I admire his mentality and aspire to challenge myself in the same way as the author. But let's get more specific about why I found this book immensely valuable:

1. It's so freaking inspiring and well-written;
2. It is also backed by science and explains the neuroscience of what happens to the brain when you choose discomfort and embrace challenges.
3. Most books about mental resilience offer the theory, but this book details everything. There are many frameworks and tools that you can apply in your life.

Why should you read it?

Whether you are an athlete, or entrepreneur, or an individual who likes to push themselves hard, I 100% would suggest this book. I wish it had been written five years ago!

[Arun · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 A Brutally Honest Book About Mental Strength - That Actually Works.

Above the Shoulders is the kind of book that doesn’t just motivate you for a day — it genuinely shifts the way you think about your own mind. What stood out to me the most is Jason Nacey’s way of explaining every concept : he doesn’t start with advice. He starts with a story from his own life, the struggle behind it, the lesson it taught him, and only then shows you how to apply it. That structure makes the book feel real and grounded, not preachy.

One thing I personally found extremely helpful was his way of tackling uncertainty and overthinking. He doesn’t give cliché solutions. He gives practical mental tools.

One tip that stayed with me: instead of worrying about what could go wrong, find three ways the situation could turn into an opportunity.
It’s simple, but it changes the direction of your mind instantly.

His 90-day framework date and the No BS Growth System were also strong points — they’re straightforward, effective, and designed for real progress, not temporary hype.

For me, this book is resourceful in the truest sense. It’s something I know I’ll return to whenever I feel stuck or mentally overwhelmed.

[George Mendes · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Above the Shoulders was selected as one of our reads in
NotYourAverage Bookclub, I didn’t expect it to challenge nearly every belief I had about mindset. Jason Nacey doesn’t just tell you to “think positive” or “believe in yourself” he breaks down how your mind works, how fear takes root, how habits form, and how identity is built.

This book forced me to confront the version of myself I’ve been settling for.
It taught me that success isn’t about huge leaps it’s about tiny, consistent decisions that shape who you become.

By the time I finished the last chapter, I felt clearer, stronger, and far more intentional than when I started.
This book is more than a read it’s an experience, a reset, and a wake-up call.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Above the Shoulders when it was featured in NotYourAverage Bookclub, and I didn’t expect it to hit me the way it did. This book didn’t just teach me about mindset,it reached into places I didn’t know needed healing. Jason Nacey writes with a raw honesty that gently dismantles your excuses while reminding you that you’re capable of far more than you think. Every chapter felt like a mirror, reflecting the version of myself I’ve been too scared to acknowledge. It helped me reconnect with my confidence, my courage, and the dreams I almost talked myself out of. I walked away from this book feeling renewed, grounded, and hopeful. It’s a must-read for anyone trying to rebuild belief in themselves.

[Ethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Above the Shoulders during one of our monthly features in
NotYourAverage Bookclub, and it quickly became much more than a book,it became a shift in how I see myself. Jason Nacey writes with a sincerity that hits you instantly. Every chapter felt like someone gently but firmly reminding me that the limits I see are often the ones I created myself.

The mental tools he shares, especially the 5-Second Launch Code and Breakthrough Threshold, helped me confront fears I didn’t even realize were holding me back. This book feels like a guide, a mentor, and a challenge all at once. I truly believe everyone should read it.

[Roube · Rating 5 out of 5]

When our NotYourAverage Bookclub highlighted Above the Shoulders, I expected another mindset book but Jason Nacey goes far beyond the typical. This is a blueprint for mental elevation. His frameworks, like the Breakthrough Threshold and the Mental Mastery Pyramid, are not just ideas; they are systems that ignite momentum in your life. Reading this book made me realize how much of my potential was sitting untouched simply because my thoughts weren’t aligned with my ambitions. Now, everything feels clearer,my goals, my routines, my mindset. This book fuels drive and discipline like nothing else. If you’re ready to level up, this is your launch pad.

[Seraphina Locke · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who loves structure, I deeply appreciated that NotYourAverage Bookclub brought forward a book that balances inspiration with practicality. Above the Shoulders is one of the most logically organized mindset manuals I’ve read. The frameworks are easy to understand but profound in application. What impressed me most is how Jason Nacey backs every principle with relatable scenarios and clear explanations of mental patterns. The 5-Second Launch Code is brilliantly simple and immediately useful. If you want a mindset book grounded in real behavioral science and actionable steps, this is the one.

[Salem · Rating 5 out of 5]

When NotYourAverage Bookclub selected Above the Shoulders, I had no idea it would become one of the most transformational books I’ve ever read. Jason Nacey doesn’t just describe mindset he deconstructs it with clarity, compassion, and power. I found myself confronting old patterns I didn’t realize were shaping my decisions. His frameworks genuinely feel like tools anyone can apply, whether you're trying to improve your focus, heal from self-doubt, or push toward a long-term goal. This book didn’t just show me where I was stuck; it showed me exactly how to climb out. A brilliant, eyeopening experience.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Above the Shoulders was selected in
NotYourAverage Bookclub, I expected a motivational read,but what I got was a precise, psychology-backed, action-driven manual for mental transformation. Jason Nacey blends neuroscience, sports psychology, and human behavior into a framework that is both accessible and profound.

His explanation of how microdecisions shape identity was eye-opening. This isn’t just a “feel good” book; it is a strategic blueprint for peak performance. Highly recommended for anyone who wants practical steps to improve their life.

[Ephraim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shoutout to NotYourAverage Bookclub for choosing a book that finally kicked my brain into gear! Above the Shoulders had me laughing, nodding, highlighting, and occasionally questioning why Jason Nacey was calling me out personally. Seriously how did this man know all the mental gymnastics I’ve been doing to avoid my goals? Between the hilarious real-life examples and the shockingly simple mindset strategies, this book feels like getting advice from a friend who loves you but refuses to let you stay average. I finished it feeling smarter, sharper, and slightly attacked in the best way.

[Tobiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Above the Shoulders was chosen by NotYourAverage Bookclub, I didn’t expect to find something so quietly profound. Jason Nacey writes like someone who has walked through storms and returned with lanterns for others. His words illuminate the silent battles we fight in our minds the doubts, the hesitation, the fear of becoming our fullest selves. Each chapter felt like a step toward clarity, as if he was guiding me through fog toward a future I’d forgotten I wanted. This book doesn’t shout motivation it breathes it. A stunning, transformative read.

[Benedict Stroud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Above the Shoulders with NotYourAverage Bookclub felt like being part of a journey where we were all learning to be kinder to ourselves. Jason Nacey doesn’t preach he guides. His stories show that transformation doesn’t come from perfection but from consistent, gentle effort. I loved how he reminds readers that growth is not a race but a process, and that mental strength comes from small wins stacked over time. This book restored so much compassion in me for my past, my struggles, and my efforts. It’s a comforting yet empowering read for anyone feeling overwhelmed.

[Elias Vardon · Rating 5 out of 5]

When NotYourAverage Bookclub spotlighted Above the Shoulders, I knew it would be interesting but I didn’t expect a mindset revolution. This is a book for people who are done playing small. Jason Nacey’s words are sharp, clear, and unapologetically geared toward high performance. He breaks down the psychology of winning in a way that makes success feel not only attainable but inevitable. This book doesn’t just motivate it activates. If you’re hungry for results and ready to step into a higher version of yourself, read this immediately.

[Matthias Corbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a member of NotYourAverage Bookclub, I’ve read many personal development books, but Above the Shoulders stands out because it speaks to real-life struggles. Jason Nacey doesn’t pretend we all have perfect routines or boundless energy. He talks about fear, self-doubt, mental fatigue, and procrastination in ways that feel real and relatable. But he also shows exactly how to break free from them. His methods helped me stop overthinking small tasks and start making steady progress on goals I’ve put off for years. This book made changing my mindset feel doable, even with a busy life.

[Moses · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we read Above the Shoulders in NotYourAverage Bookclub, what captivated me most was Jason Nacey’s storytelling. He weaves together moments from his life victories, failures, lessons with a vulnerability that stays with you. The stories of athletes, leaders, and everyday people overcoming mental barriers add so much depth to the teachings. It’s not just a book of principles it’s a book of human experiences. Every chapter left me inspired, grounded, and grateful. Truly a powerful, story-rich guide to reclaiming your mind.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NotYourAverage Bookclub, I found a book that doesn’t waste time. Jason Nacey gets right to the point in Above the Shoulders your mindset determines your outcome, and here’s how to fix it. No fluff, no complicated theories, just straight, actionable guidance. The clarity of his steps makes you realize how much time you’ve spent complicating your goals. The 5-Second Launch Code and the Breakthrough Threshold alone are worth the entire book. If you want simple, effective mindset tools that actually work, this one delivers exactly that.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Above the Shoulders was featured in NotYourAverage Bookclub, I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I found was a book that challenged me to rethink everything about my mindset. Jason Nacey’s guidance is practical yet deeply transformative. The techniques, like the Mental Mastery Pyramid, made me aware of mental barriers I didn’t even realize existed. After applying just a few strategies, I noticed a real shift in my focus, confidence, and resilience. This book isn’t just a read it’s an experience that sticks with you long after the last page.

[Nish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can honestly say that being introduced to Above the Shoulders through NotYourAverage Bookclub changed my perspective on daily challenges. Jason Nacey writes with an energy that makes you want to stand up and take immediate action. The combination of real-life examples and actionable tools creates a sense of unstoppable momentum. I kept pausing to highlight passages and write notes because every chapter offered something that felt immediately applicable. This is a book for anyone ready to take their mental game seriously.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I approached Above the Shoulders through NotYourAverage Bookclub with a curious mind, looking for practical frameworks, and I wasn’t disappointed. Jason Nacey provides clear, structured strategies for overcoming mental barriers. I loved how he breaks down complex ideas into simple, repeatable actions. The book is like a mental operating system: it rewires thinking patterns, clarifies priorities, and builds focus. It’s the kind of resource that you return to again and again because every read reveals new insights.

[Genesis · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things that made reading Above the Shoulders so impactful in NotYourAverage Bookclub was Jason Nacey’s storytelling. The book isn’t just a collection of mental strategies it’s filled with vivid stories of athletes, professionals, and ordinary people overcoming their limits. Each story reinforced the principles he teaches, making them memorable and relatable. By the end, I felt inspired, energized, and equipped with the mindset tools I need to push past self-doubt. It’s a book that sticks with you long after you finish it.

[Moses · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a longtime member of NotYourAverage Bookclub, I’ve read my fair share of motivational books, but Above the Shoulders restored a sense of hope I didn’t even realize I was missing. Jason Nacey writes with a warmth that makes you feel seen, understood, and supported. His approach to selfbelief isn’t forceful it’s nurturing. The small steps he outlines helped me reconnect with goals I had tucked away for years. The entire book feels like a gentle but firm hand on your back, guiding you toward a better, healthier version of yourself. Truly unforgettable.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Choosing this book in NotYourAverage Bookclub was one of our smartest decisions. Above the Shoulders is a high-performance roadmap disguised as a personal development book. Jason Nacey writes with the intensity of a coach who wants to see you win. His strategies are sharp and specific, and they address the mental habits that quietly sabotage progress. The mindset shifts I experienced were immediate especially after applying the Breakthrough Threshold method. If you’re trying to break into a season of serious growth, this is the book that gets you there.

[Kez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Above the Shoulders alongside NotYourAverage Bookclub felt comforting in the best way possible. Jason Nacey has a gift for acknowledging struggle without making you feel defeated. He blends compassion with strategy, which makes the book feel both healing and practical. I loved how he talked about resilience not as something magical but as something we build through consistent effort. This book reminded me that improvement is always possible, even during difficult seasons. I closed the book feeling lighter, clearer, and more capable.

[Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I get excited when NotYourAverage Bookclub picks a book that surprises me, and Above the Shoulders absolutely exceeded every expectation. This book is uplifting in a way that makes you want to get up and start doing everything you’ve postponed. The energy Jason Nacey brings to each chapter is contagious. His examples feel real, his tone feels genuine, and his methods make change feel exciting instead of intimidating. It’s the kind of book that makes you sit taller, think bigger, and say “yes” to things you once doubted you could do.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated how NotYourAverage Bookclub opened the door to a book like this. Above the Shoulders is candid in a refreshing way. Jason Nacey talks about the mental struggles we all go through insecurities, procrastination, hesitation but he does so without judgment. Instead, he explains the root causes and then gives you tools to break free from those habits. It’s rare to find a mindset book that feels both honest and uplifting, but this one nails it. It gave me language for things I’ve felt for years and strategies I never had before.

[Laurence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Above the Shoulders as part of NotYourAverage Bookclub, and I found myself applying the lessons not just to personal goals but to my professional life as well. Jason Nacey has a way of teaching mental discipline that translates beautifully into leadership, communication, productivity, and team dynamics. I noticed improvements in how I handled stress, delivered decisions, and navigated difficult conversations. This book enhances your mindset in a way that carries over into every area of your life. It’s a long-term investment in your growth.

[Sunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved most about reading Above the Shoulders with NotYourAverage Bookclub was how reflective it made me. This isn’t a book you skim it’s a book that encourages you to pause, examine your thoughts, and explore why you respond to life the way you do. Jason Nacey’s insights into mental patterns, self-sabotage, and emotional triggers are deeply thought-provoking. He explains psychology in a simple way while still making you think. I left every chapter with new self-awareness. It’s a beautifully written, mentally stimulating guide.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the reasons Above the Shoulders became such a hit in NotYourAverage Bookclub is its storytelling. Jason Nacey fills the pages with emotional, humorous, and gripping stories that illustrate his principles so well that you never forget them. His examples of athletes, mentors, personal failures, and pivotal wins bring the lessons to life. You feel like you’re part of his journey. It’s one of the most engaging mindset books I’ve read because it doesn’t just teach it entertains, connects, and inspires.