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Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life
Want More Joy and Confidence?
Discover the life guide that has developed world champions, empowered athletes to become world #1, and most importantly, transformed their hearts and minds. This step-by-step training manual from one of the world's top mental skills coaches will teach you how the mindset of some of the best performers and leaders on the planet allowed them to have freedom and confidence when so much was out of their control.
Whether you’re an athlete or entrepreneur, single mother or father of five, you’ll find exercises, techniques and tools in this book that will improve every area of your life. Your life will take on new meaning as you move beyond the pursuit of happiness to a life of purpose and fulfillment. Jim Murphy's complete program of proven mental techniques is based on the powerful principles of love, wisdom, and courage, that came from over six years of full-time research and writing (after his masters degree in Coaching Science).
“I read the first version of Inner Excellence six times. I recommend all my clients read it.” – Matt Killen, PGA Tour coach to Justin Thomas, Tiger Woods and many others
INNER EXCELLENCE WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO:
DEVELOP SELF-MASTERY—and let go of what you can’t control
OVERCOME ANXIETY—and build powerful mental habits
REMOVE MENTAL BLOCKS—and get out of your own way
TRAIN YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS MIND—and release limiting beliefs
As professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization, Jim’s sense of worth and identity revolved around his performance. He was obsessed with fame but also afraid of failure, and that fear in his heart made him struggle under the pressure to perform. When he started coaching professional and Olympic athletes, he saw the same pattern over and over again: athletes had lost their joy and passion for life as the fear of failure engulfed their lives.
This book will share with you how some of the best athletes in the world have learned Inner Excellence, how it propelled them to extraordinary performance even when they were filled with doubt and uncertainty, and how you can excel in the same way in your life. The insights and exercises within will help you achieve higher levels of performance than you ever thought possible—and bring incredible peace and confidence.
“Inner Excellence changed how I see the world, how I think, and how I play golf.” - Vaughn Taylor, three-time PGA Tour winner
Jim Murphy is a Performance Coach (mental skills) to some of the best athletes and leaders in the world. The majority of his clients achieved the best year of their career their first year working with Jim (or their best year in the previous five years)
Discover the life guide that has developed world champions, empowered athletes to become world #1, and most importantly, transformed their hearts and minds. This step-by-step training manual from one of the world's top mental skills coaches will teach you how the mindset of some of the best performers and leaders on the planet allowed them to have freedom and confidence when so much was out of their control.
Whether you’re an athlete or entrepreneur, single mother or father of five, you’ll find exercises, techniques and tools in this book that will improve every area of your life. Your life will take on new meaning as you move beyond the pursuit of happiness to a life of purpose and fulfillment. Jim Murphy's complete program of proven mental techniques is based on the powerful principles of love, wisdom, and courage, that came from over six years of full-time research and writing (after his masters degree in Coaching Science).
“I read the first version of Inner Excellence six times. I recommend all my clients read it.” – Matt Killen, PGA Tour coach to Justin Thomas, Tiger Woods and many others
INNER EXCELLENCE WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO:
DEVELOP SELF-MASTERY—and let go of what you can’t control
OVERCOME ANXIETY—and build powerful mental habits
REMOVE MENTAL BLOCKS—and get out of your own way
TRAIN YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS MIND—and release limiting beliefs
As professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization, Jim’s sense of worth and identity revolved around his performance. He was obsessed with fame but also afraid of failure, and that fear in his heart made him struggle under the pressure to perform. When he started coaching professional and Olympic athletes, he saw the same pattern over and over again: athletes had lost their joy and passion for life as the fear of failure engulfed their lives.
This book will share with you how some of the best athletes in the world have learned Inner Excellence, how it propelled them to extraordinary performance even when they were filled with doubt and uncertainty, and how you can excel in the same way in your life. The insights and exercises within will help you achieve higher levels of performance than you ever thought possible—and bring incredible peace and confidence.
“Inner Excellence changed how I see the world, how I think, and how I play golf.” - Vaughn Taylor, three-time PGA Tour winner
Jim Murphy is a Performance Coach (mental skills) to some of the best athletes and leaders in the world. The majority of his clients achieved the best year of their career their first year working with Jim (or their best year in the previous five years)
360 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
3553 people are currently reading
19384 people want to read
About the author
Jim Murphy
2 books97 followersJim Murphy is a Performance Coach (mental skills) to professional athletes and leaders around the world.
Jim played professional baseball in the Chicago Cubs organization, coached with the Texas Rangers as well as in the Olympic Games. For his Masters Project in Coaching Science, he interviewed 39 MLB GM's, field managers and coaches on how to build a championship team. This became the book Dugout Wisdom: Ten Principles of Championship Teams.
Jim has coached some of the world's best golfers including world champions, FedEx Cup champions and world #1's. The majority of Jim's clients in every sport, individuals or teams, have had the best year of their careers in their first year working with Jim (or best in the previous five years).
In addition to coaching professional athletes and executives, Jim leads Inner Excellence offsite retreats at beautiful locations around the world. Jim is the president of the Inner Excellence Freedom Project whose mission is to build communities to alleviate spiritual and physical poverty around the world.
Jim's latest book Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life (Revised Edition) was released April 30, 2020.
Join his VIP email list at www.innerexcellence.com.
Jim played professional baseball in the Chicago Cubs organization, coached with the Texas Rangers as well as in the Olympic Games. For his Masters Project in Coaching Science, he interviewed 39 MLB GM's, field managers and coaches on how to build a championship team. This became the book Dugout Wisdom: Ten Principles of Championship Teams.
Jim has coached some of the world's best golfers including world champions, FedEx Cup champions and world #1's. The majority of Jim's clients in every sport, individuals or teams, have had the best year of their careers in their first year working with Jim (or best in the previous five years).
In addition to coaching professional athletes and executives, Jim leads Inner Excellence offsite retreats at beautiful locations around the world. Jim is the president of the Inner Excellence Freedom Project whose mission is to build communities to alleviate spiritual and physical poverty around the world.
Jim's latest book Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life (Revised Edition) was released April 30, 2020.
Join his VIP email list at www.innerexcellence.com.
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January 13, 2025Haven't read. Sent here by A.J. Brown
January 13, 2025
AJ Brown reading this for motivation on the bench during the middle of a nfl wild card game is all the marketing you need for this book.
January 13, 2025
It’s me, AJ Brown. This book inspires me to be my best. In fact, I will pull it out on the sideline mid game to get my mind right.
Hold up I need to get back on the field - finish this later
Hold up I need to get back on the field - finish this later
January 13, 2025
Go birds
May 18, 2025
“Life is full of moments that can steal our focus and freedom. It’s easy to let some person or event hijack your emotions. When that happens, you’ve gotten consumed by the circumstances; some words or event unrelated to your true self took away your options and got you out of your flow.”
Reading this book stole my focus and it completely knocked me out of my book review writing flow. These are the notes I jotted down while reading it:
-Life is about the journey, not the destination. We totally get it. Don’t need to waste time reading a 360 page fluff-filled book to understand that most basic of concepts.
-He doesn’t explain shit. It’s like he has pulled all the content from other self-help books and regurgitated it all back in one book. Page 181 and I still haven’t read an item that helps fully from start to finish. A thought finished would be NICE. Stop directing the reader to a future chapter.
-The title of the book (his patented way to make life perfect) is named dropped more times than it should be or at least it felt that way.
-The three core things…ugh. Help me to help myself in a way that actually works. Don’t just spout off generic positive sayings and call it good.
-The suggestions on how to move past “painful memories” was so damn infuriating. I just can’t. The little side note on “abuse or other serious trauma” sent me to the edge. This is a complicated topic. Not one to slap a quick fix band-aid on like it was nothing. DONE.
THE QUOTE TO END ALL QUOTES:
“There must be gaps in the busyness, ideally every ninety minutes throughout the day, and one full day every seven days—no work, projects, shopping, or anything on the to-do list. And one full year every seven years (I’m overdue).
WTF. This is the crap advice that pisses me off the most. Who are these people that can take a year off every seven years??? It instantly made me remember back to the first of the book where he talked about the “The Affluenza Virus”. I get the gist, but the way these things were presented was not done in a way that the average person can relate to.
“Suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character is the basis for the hope needed to see through the pain of the temporary circumstances to the glory of the future that awaits.”
I suffered through this read so that I could say with confidence that it was not a good read.
One star to a book that I would not recommend.
Reading this book stole my focus and it completely knocked me out of my book review writing flow. These are the notes I jotted down while reading it:
-Life is about the journey, not the destination. We totally get it. Don’t need to waste time reading a 360 page fluff-filled book to understand that most basic of concepts.
-He doesn’t explain shit. It’s like he has pulled all the content from other self-help books and regurgitated it all back in one book. Page 181 and I still haven’t read an item that helps fully from start to finish. A thought finished would be NICE. Stop directing the reader to a future chapter.
-The title of the book (his patented way to make life perfect) is named dropped more times than it should be or at least it felt that way.
-The three core things…ugh. Help me to help myself in a way that actually works. Don’t just spout off generic positive sayings and call it good.
-The suggestions on how to move past “painful memories” was so damn infuriating. I just can’t. The little side note on “abuse or other serious trauma” sent me to the edge. This is a complicated topic. Not one to slap a quick fix band-aid on like it was nothing. DONE.
THE QUOTE TO END ALL QUOTES:
“There must be gaps in the busyness, ideally every ninety minutes throughout the day, and one full day every seven days—no work, projects, shopping, or anything on the to-do list. And one full year every seven years (I’m overdue).
WTF. This is the crap advice that pisses me off the most. Who are these people that can take a year off every seven years??? It instantly made me remember back to the first of the book where he talked about the “The Affluenza Virus”. I get the gist, but the way these things were presented was not done in a way that the average person can relate to.
“Suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character is the basis for the hope needed to see through the pain of the temporary circumstances to the glory of the future that awaits.”
I suffered through this read so that I could say with confidence that it was not a good read.
One star to a book that I would not recommend.
June 8, 2020
Disclaimer: I had received a free pdf copy of the book from the author prior to its release with a promise to write a review.
This is a very well researched book and genuinely different to quite a few out there.
The title already hints to where journey goes - this is about INNER excellence to achieve extraordinary performance and the best POSSIBLE life.
The author defines three elements to assess the quality of life:
1. Your inner world of thoughts and feelings, beliefs and desires.
2. Your frame of reference (mindset) from which you see the world.
3. Your relationships.
The quality of performance is also based on three elements:
1. Your belief about who you are and what’s possible for you.
2. Your ability to focus and be fully engaged in the moment: heart, mind and body (note: heart and spirit will be used interchangeably).
3. Your freedom to play like a kid, curiously exploring possibilities, excited for challenges that may arise.
In a next step he outlines ten new empowering presuppositions to be developed by reading the book:
1. Every circumstance and every person you encounter is here to teach you and help you—it’s all working for your good.
2. Your life is a reflection of your beliefs.
3. Self-centeredness is the root cause of fear.
4. We all have the same deep needs and same deep desires.
5. Everyone does the best they can with what they have (in their hearts).
6. The map is not the territory.
7. You are not your mind.
8. The problem is not the problem, the problem is the way you’re thinking about it.
9. There’s no failure, only feedback.
10. The person with the most control of their inner world has the most power.
Then he goes through them pulling a lot of interesting examples, many from sports and personal experiences intertwined with an abundance of quotes. None of them feel made up or displaced name dropping or anything alike. I am aware of the negative construction of the prior phase - the point I am trying to make is that this book clearly differentiates itself from many of the "self-help" books out there in that there is no fluff, no made up marketing efforts or whatever. The book is packed with actionable advice and exercises. Here is a short extract from e.g. chapter 6:
S-L-O-W
Soft Focus
Get Centered: Reboot the System
The Reboot (Basic Reset):
Box Breathing
I Expect Nothing
Anchoring and Releasing Different States
Float Up Technique
Beyond that every chapter has a summary of key points and a section of follow-up questions and activities which helps a lot to structure and understand the content.
Few Notes:
Positive:
Key Points and Follow-Up Questions and Activities as chapter end summaries
Extremely practical exercises
Full of quotes and references to other valuable work
No tedious repetition, no fluff, no marketing
Negative:
Introduction is way too long. I'd argue there is about 50 pages of introduction until it really gets started.
In summary, it took me a while to really fall in love with the book (I actually think there is often a lot of luck involved whether you like a book or not, depending on whether the tone fits your current life situation, mood etc.). This was definitely a book that did not rely on luck, but gained its place in my bookshelf “to be re-read soon”. The abundance of practical exercises really make the difference for me compared to other books. You don't have to like and do them all, but the way they are structured and explained is extremely helpful and makes this book really worthwhile.
This is a very well researched book and genuinely different to quite a few out there.
The title already hints to where journey goes - this is about INNER excellence to achieve extraordinary performance and the best POSSIBLE life.
The author defines three elements to assess the quality of life:
1. Your inner world of thoughts and feelings, beliefs and desires.
2. Your frame of reference (mindset) from which you see the world.
3. Your relationships.
The quality of performance is also based on three elements:
1. Your belief about who you are and what’s possible for you.
2. Your ability to focus and be fully engaged in the moment: heart, mind and body (note: heart and spirit will be used interchangeably).
3. Your freedom to play like a kid, curiously exploring possibilities, excited for challenges that may arise.
In a next step he outlines ten new empowering presuppositions to be developed by reading the book:
1. Every circumstance and every person you encounter is here to teach you and help you—it’s all working for your good.
2. Your life is a reflection of your beliefs.
3. Self-centeredness is the root cause of fear.
4. We all have the same deep needs and same deep desires.
5. Everyone does the best they can with what they have (in their hearts).
6. The map is not the territory.
7. You are not your mind.
8. The problem is not the problem, the problem is the way you’re thinking about it.
9. There’s no failure, only feedback.
10. The person with the most control of their inner world has the most power.
Then he goes through them pulling a lot of interesting examples, many from sports and personal experiences intertwined with an abundance of quotes. None of them feel made up or displaced name dropping or anything alike. I am aware of the negative construction of the prior phase - the point I am trying to make is that this book clearly differentiates itself from many of the "self-help" books out there in that there is no fluff, no made up marketing efforts or whatever. The book is packed with actionable advice and exercises. Here is a short extract from e.g. chapter 6:
S-L-O-W
Soft Focus
Get Centered: Reboot the System
The Reboot (Basic Reset):
Box Breathing
I Expect Nothing
Anchoring and Releasing Different States
Float Up Technique
Beyond that every chapter has a summary of key points and a section of follow-up questions and activities which helps a lot to structure and understand the content.
Few Notes:
Positive:
Key Points and Follow-Up Questions and Activities as chapter end summaries
Extremely practical exercises
Full of quotes and references to other valuable work
No tedious repetition, no fluff, no marketing
Negative:
Introduction is way too long. I'd argue there is about 50 pages of introduction until it really gets started.
In summary, it took me a while to really fall in love with the book (I actually think there is often a lot of luck involved whether you like a book or not, depending on whether the tone fits your current life situation, mood etc.). This was definitely a book that did not rely on luck, but gained its place in my bookshelf “to be re-read soon”. The abundance of practical exercises really make the difference for me compared to other books. You don't have to like and do them all, but the way they are structured and explained is extremely helpful and makes this book really worthwhile.
August 9, 2021
There were definitely some excellent takeaways, most notably how the author frames competition. The book was cheesy at times, however, and I found it difficult to connect with the author’s writing style.
June 17, 2025
I know right away when I'll be reading a book more than once. And this is one I'll definitely be referring to. The wisdom in this book has to be digested, applied, and ruminated on. So far it is one of the best self-help / motivational books I have read. I understand why A.J. Brown had it with him on the sideline.
February 23, 2025
Easy read. I really wanted to get into Inner Excellence, but it just didn’t capture my interest. The book has some good tidbits about mindset and mental toughness, but I found it to be more repetitive than engaging. The concepts are solid, but the writing didn’t pull me in, and at times, it felt more like a collection of motivational phrases than a deep, structured guide. If you’re new to performance psychology, you might find value here, but for me, it just didn’t hold my attention enough to make a lasting impact.
April 30, 2025
Reluctantly, I joined a book club. I have always been hesitant because I don't want to have to read something about which I am not excited. My reading time is limited and there are so many books I am excited to read. I agreed anyway. Low and behold, the first book for our new book club was a self-help book with a terrible title. I read it anyway. To my surprise, I enjoyed it. Murphy's book has a reputation for being geared towards athletes and competition, but it is applicable to daily and professional life. It is a good book to reference and revisit regularly.
I find myself thinking about busyness (or hurriedness), monkey mind, and anchoring. 'Inner Excellence' cuts a wide swath, though, and anyone who reads this could find a number of wide-ranging topics that could be applied to their daily lives. Self-help books can make me cringe, but if you are considering diving into one, this is a strong starting point. I am happy to report that the book club is off to a strong start.
I find myself thinking about busyness (or hurriedness), monkey mind, and anchoring. 'Inner Excellence' cuts a wide swath, though, and anyone who reads this could find a number of wide-ranging topics that could be applied to their daily lives. Self-help books can make me cringe, but if you are considering diving into one, this is a strong starting point. I am happy to report that the book club is off to a strong start.
January 2, 2024
The content in the book is not going to be something very new, but its put together in a good structured way and, especially for sports lovers, the lessons will connect more.
I am guessing the hard copy would be a better read than the audiobook.
I am guessing the hard copy would be a better read than the audiobook.
February 8, 2025
Some chapters were better than others and more relevant to my life, but overall great, motivating book! GO BIRDS 🦅💚
May 10, 2025
3.2 stars Some good concepts in this book but very repetitive
April 6, 2025
eh pretty generic book - quick read though - some decent reminder messages
best parts (made it a 3 star):
- Self-doubt doesn’t come from a lack of ability – it grows out of constant self-surveillance.
- Fear loses its grip when success is measured differently. When everything depends on results, failure feels personal
- We crave great experiences and meaningful relationships and we long to reach our full potential. We want to be challenged and creative. We want to grow. We want freedom to live with passion and pursue our dreams regardless of what people think, how much money we make, or what level of status we acquire. Ultimately, we want the best possible life—absolute fullness of life.
- “(you don’t have to like someone to love them).”
thoughts:
- why is it always a sports dude example (sigh)
- OH NO ANOTHER SPORTS DUDE EXAMPLE AGAIN SERIOUSLY???
- are you SERIOUS A THIRD SPORTS DUDE EXAMPLE THIS IS PATHETIC DO BETTER
- a FOURTH!?!?! WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK UGH
- (not sure what to think about the random like sully case example mention lol)
- FUCK A FIFTH SPORTS DUDE IM GOING TO THROW HANDS
- I quickly finished the book after a 2nd swimmer was mentioned...
notes (nothing new)
- The more you chase success, the more the goalposts move
- The key to handling pressure isn’t eliminating fear but learning how to work through it
- Many people fall into the same trap. They’re surrounded by messages telling them that success depends on accumulation – more wealth, more accomplishments, more validation. The pressure to prove yourself never stops because the world constantly moves the finish line
- The critic doesn’t just notice flaws – it turns them into emotional roadblocks
- The ego clings to control, demands recognition, and ties self-worth to outcomes. That’s why so many people struggle with failure. They see it as proof that they aren’t good enough. The people who endure see it differently.
- Fear itself isn’t the problem. The real issue is where you put your focus. When you’re worried about yourself – your safety, your reputation, your success – fear has a grip on you.
- Mastering your emotions is one of the most valuable skills for success.
best parts (made it a 3 star):
- Self-doubt doesn’t come from a lack of ability – it grows out of constant self-surveillance.
- Fear loses its grip when success is measured differently. When everything depends on results, failure feels personal
- We crave great experiences and meaningful relationships and we long to reach our full potential. We want to be challenged and creative. We want to grow. We want freedom to live with passion and pursue our dreams regardless of what people think, how much money we make, or what level of status we acquire. Ultimately, we want the best possible life—absolute fullness of life.
- “(you don’t have to like someone to love them).”
thoughts:
- why is it always a sports dude example (sigh)
- OH NO ANOTHER SPORTS DUDE EXAMPLE AGAIN SERIOUSLY???
- are you SERIOUS A THIRD SPORTS DUDE EXAMPLE THIS IS PATHETIC DO BETTER
- a FOURTH!?!?! WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK UGH
- (not sure what to think about the random like sully case example mention lol)
- FUCK A FIFTH SPORTS DUDE IM GOING TO THROW HANDS
- I quickly finished the book after a 2nd swimmer was mentioned...
notes (nothing new)
- The more you chase success, the more the goalposts move
- The key to handling pressure isn’t eliminating fear but learning how to work through it
- Many people fall into the same trap. They’re surrounded by messages telling them that success depends on accumulation – more wealth, more accomplishments, more validation. The pressure to prove yourself never stops because the world constantly moves the finish line
- The critic doesn’t just notice flaws – it turns them into emotional roadblocks
- The ego clings to control, demands recognition, and ties self-worth to outcomes. That’s why so many people struggle with failure. They see it as proof that they aren’t good enough. The people who endure see it differently.
- Fear itself isn’t the problem. The real issue is where you put your focus. When you’re worried about yourself – your safety, your reputation, your success – fear has a grip on you.
- Mastering your emotions is one of the most valuable skills for success.
July 20, 2025
If you allow yourself to deconstruct and dismiss your current assumptions, biases, and perceptions of life, this book will help you rewire the way you process the feedback of life. A mindful, positive read to help with composure, focus, joy, and gratitude in any situation.
This is not a "get off your seat and do it" motivational book, it is better. It gives you psychological tools beyond just motivation to handle yourself with grace, poise, and control. Whether you want to perform better at work, at sports, art, whatever your passion may be, Inner Excellence will help you tap into the appropriate mindset to achieve your best (and measure that success appropriately).
Thank you to a dear friend and mentor for the gift of this book! It has already changed my life, and I look forward to sharing it with others.
This is not a "get off your seat and do it" motivational book, it is better. It gives you psychological tools beyond just motivation to handle yourself with grace, poise, and control. Whether you want to perform better at work, at sports, art, whatever your passion may be, Inner Excellence will help you tap into the appropriate mindset to achieve your best (and measure that success appropriately).
Thank you to a dear friend and mentor for the gift of this book! It has already changed my life, and I look forward to sharing it with others.
March 24, 2025
There’s some good stuff here, but I honestly got a bit distracted by all the paraphrased scripture references and platitudes.
I think there are likely some solid pull quotes, and maybe if I’d been looking at the words it would have come across more like a system, but listening on audio just didn’t click (which is different from other coaching books in a way I didn’t expect).
Not sure overall how I feel about it - part of me thinks it should have been a lot shorter and more clear, but the audio version did have personal stories at the end and I appreciated the ski jump dude’s perspective and approach, so… 🤷♂️
I think there are likely some solid pull quotes, and maybe if I’d been looking at the words it would have come across more like a system, but listening on audio just didn’t click (which is different from other coaching books in a way I didn’t expect).
Not sure overall how I feel about it - part of me thinks it should have been a lot shorter and more clear, but the audio version did have personal stories at the end and I appreciated the ski jump dude’s perspective and approach, so… 🤷♂️
July 7, 2025
Ok, let me just say that I really liked this book. Self-help books are definitely plenty out there, but what intrigued me about this one is that even though the author’s field of expertise is sports psychology, it can be broadly applied to other areas of life. Now, I’m mostly interested in this in how it can help my sports-minded children, and I do think this book will benefit them. It has simple plans of action that can be utilized before competitions, during and after. It’s not something that will be quick, but will be a lifetime of habit.
A caveat for the reader, however: the author is unapologetically a man of faith. It is his guiding principle, and his tools do come from biblical teachings. It’s not very overt within the book itself (although he does reference God a few times here and there) but if you are familiar with Scripture, the phrases he uses that he pulled from the Bible will pop out all over. I recognized them immediately. I derived encouragement from this, but if you are adamantly against that kind of thing, just know that it’s there in this book. He doesn’t give references (like exact quotes with chapter and verse) so that people aren’t turned off by the references. I personally loved it.
A caveat for the reader, however: the author is unapologetically a man of faith. It is his guiding principle, and his tools do come from biblical teachings. It’s not very overt within the book itself (although he does reference God a few times here and there) but if you are familiar with Scripture, the phrases he uses that he pulled from the Bible will pop out all over. I recognized them immediately. I derived encouragement from this, but if you are adamantly against that kind of thing, just know that it’s there in this book. He doesn’t give references (like exact quotes with chapter and verse) so that people aren’t turned off by the references. I personally loved it.
April 16, 2025
E.A.G.L.E.S. EAGLES!
I’m really glad this book worked for AJ Brown, but boy is it a terrible book. Not that I disagree with the content/approach, but there’s nothing new in it and the arguments are presented very haphazardly. It reminded me of “jump to conclusions“ game from the movie Office Space. I can see the appeal for a young athlete for whom this is a first book about self reflection. However, the scope was way too ambitious. For example, there is a reference that says “if you want to be the Google CEO” and then in another part of the book, it said something like “you may think life in prison is easy because you get three meals a day”. Come on. Many quotes are used throughout the book as “proof” of the argument, yet they lack substance and buildup that made those quotes powerful and meaningful in the first place.
For those looking for books to enhance their performance, there is much better material out there.
1.5 stars
I’m really glad this book worked for AJ Brown, but boy is it a terrible book. Not that I disagree with the content/approach, but there’s nothing new in it and the arguments are presented very haphazardly. It reminded me of “jump to conclusions“ game from the movie Office Space. I can see the appeal for a young athlete for whom this is a first book about self reflection. However, the scope was way too ambitious. For example, there is a reference that says “if you want to be the Google CEO” and then in another part of the book, it said something like “you may think life in prison is easy because you get three meals a day”. Come on. Many quotes are used throughout the book as “proof” of the argument, yet they lack substance and buildup that made those quotes powerful and meaningful in the first place.
For those looking for books to enhance their performance, there is much better material out there.
1.5 stars
March 7, 2025
This is an incredible book - one that I think every human being should read who is interested in living their best life. So many of the lessons in this book go far beyond just that of the competitive athlete. If you can take one thing from this book to help change your life for the better, then it is worth it. It’s written where it is very easy to understand and you can easily begin to put some of the things mentioned into practice. I will return to this book often for reminders when life gets overwhelming or feels like everything is falling apart - it’s good to have some positive words to help us through. Helpful tip: read this book with a highlighter in hand! Makes it really nice to just flip through and find those words that made a difference in your heart.
September 5, 2020
My head is full and I love it so much
What a ride this book took me on. Wondering how this successful athlete achieved so much but later learned what really mattered. The crowd inside not the crowd we all play to...
Packed with science and real life scenarios this book keeps you wondering what’s next.
I am an excellence junkie and knowing that I’m on the right path but making myself excellent by helping others is my life and I needed to know my journey is worthy
What a ride this book took me on. Wondering how this successful athlete achieved so much but later learned what really mattered. The crowd inside not the crowd we all play to...
Packed with science and real life scenarios this book keeps you wondering what’s next.
I am an excellence junkie and knowing that I’m on the right path but making myself excellent by helping others is my life and I needed to know my journey is worthy
December 18, 2020
An excellent book to help you realize how to hopefully find your true path to a fulfilled life.
I have had many successes in life but I am still struggling to figure out what can lead me to a really full or fulfilled life. I feel this book has the potential to do that with the numerous tools the author has given here. Obviously this is not an easy task.
I have had many successes in life but I am still struggling to figure out what can lead me to a really full or fulfilled life. I feel this book has the potential to do that with the numerous tools the author has given here. Obviously this is not an easy task.
January 21, 2025
Read it. Apply it. This book will change how you think about your goals and what is really stressing you out in life. Failures are feedback. What is out of your control is the way it should be. Simplistic brilliance.
February 10, 2025
Too much about the soul and the heart (especially the heart!). Additionally, the author did not convince me to apply his simple method of removing traumas and bad memories. Maybe the text is a bit too old to be judged from today's perspective?
June 27, 2025
I liked the book. Lots of good advice. Non-believers may dislike the constant references to god, especially if you are of the opinion that you can't achieve self-mastery without getting rid of the idea of god.
February 3, 2025
Feeling Super Bowl ready after reading this. Thanks for the rec AJ Brown
February 12, 2025
Would’ve loved more examples and anecdotes from women athletes and coaches
April 28, 2025
Some good ideas but lots of fluff.
July 21, 2025
I was eager to read this book based on the popularity it had gained after being spotted on an NFL sideline during a playoff game. Reading the descriptions, it seemed reasonable to have such expectations.
I have to say I’m remarkably disappointed. The author repackages much common wisdom, but his packaging and organization of concepts is full of non sequiturs. It’s as if he has taken many well-known self-help concepts, and tried to create a systematic organization. The graphical representations make zero sense as the graphics imply relationships that seem to only exist because the author says so.
The writing style is extremely difficult to follow, littered with random quotes and continual references to the works of other people that he’s already commented on in earlier chapters. He offers many acronyms that seem to suggest a complete description of a subject, yet those feel very incomplete.
None of these criticisms is to say that there is zero useful information here, it’s just remarkably hard work to find something original. Journaling? Really? That’s what you want me to do? Express gratitude? Relish the journey rather than the destination? Where have I heard that before?
I know this seems harsh, and that others found this book very useful. If that’s the case, then more power to you.
I have to say I’m remarkably disappointed. The author repackages much common wisdom, but his packaging and organization of concepts is full of non sequiturs. It’s as if he has taken many well-known self-help concepts, and tried to create a systematic organization. The graphical representations make zero sense as the graphics imply relationships that seem to only exist because the author says so.
The writing style is extremely difficult to follow, littered with random quotes and continual references to the works of other people that he’s already commented on in earlier chapters. He offers many acronyms that seem to suggest a complete description of a subject, yet those feel very incomplete.
None of these criticisms is to say that there is zero useful information here, it’s just remarkably hard work to find something original. Journaling? Really? That’s what you want me to do? Express gratitude? Relish the journey rather than the destination? Where have I heard that before?
I know this seems harsh, and that others found this book very useful. If that’s the case, then more power to you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2025
Great book! Plan to even listen to it again in a few month.
January 19, 2025
Former professional baseball player, Murphy, presents a clear and concise treatise on how other athletes, or anyone hoping to achieve excellence, can do so. As a Philadelphia Eagles fan, Murphy's book first came to my attention when Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown was spotted reading it on the sidelines during a playoff game. Intrigued, I picked up an ebook and audiobook copy. I feel I learned as much about Brown and what makes him tick as I did about Murphy's philosophy and how to achieve everyday excellence by following his strategies.
In full candor, I've read a number of books like Murphy's Inner Excellence and found them all to be, essentially, mostly based on common sense and predicated on working hard and having a positive attitude. While that's the case here, too, I feel like Murphy does a nice job making his argument and persuading the reader that by following his lessons, they, too, can achieve inner excellence.
While I don't know if I'll keep a highlighted copy of Inner Excellence with me at all times like AJ Brown seems to do, I do think there's value here and lessons to be learned. I have no aspirations to be a world-class athlete, but the lessons Murphy discusses throughout Inner Excellence can be applied to whatever goals you might set for yourself, whether becoming a Super Bowl Champion, best-selling novelist, or whatever your personal goals or dreams might be. Inner Excellence contains plenty of actionable exercises that anyone can implement right away to start tapping into their own potential.
In full candor, I've read a number of books like Murphy's Inner Excellence and found them all to be, essentially, mostly based on common sense and predicated on working hard and having a positive attitude. While that's the case here, too, I feel like Murphy does a nice job making his argument and persuading the reader that by following his lessons, they, too, can achieve inner excellence.
While I don't know if I'll keep a highlighted copy of Inner Excellence with me at all times like AJ Brown seems to do, I do think there's value here and lessons to be learned. I have no aspirations to be a world-class athlete, but the lessons Murphy discusses throughout Inner Excellence can be applied to whatever goals you might set for yourself, whether becoming a Super Bowl Champion, best-selling novelist, or whatever your personal goals or dreams might be. Inner Excellence contains plenty of actionable exercises that anyone can implement right away to start tapping into their own potential.
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