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The Confident Mind: A Battle-Tested Guide to Unshakable Performance
The First Victory has descriptive copy which is not yet available from the Publisher.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2022
1751 people are currently reading
7832 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
March 22, 2022
Peak performance in any profession requires a combination of both the skills required to complete the task and the confidence needed to perform under pressure. Both are necessary: confidence without competence is useless, whereas competence without confidence is a waste. In The Confident Mind, you’ll learn strategies for ensuring that your own hard-won competence isn’t squandered due to a lack of mental fortitude.
Over the course of the book, you'll learn strategies for building confidence, dealing with adversity, fear, and setbacks, and adopting the appropriate mental filters to maintain a positive and constructive mindset. The strategies discussed in the book are all ultimately based on the concept of the self-fulfilling prophecy, or the idea that one’s thoughts regarding their own abilities in part determine those very abilities. Zinsser’s suggestions, therefore, primarily aim to set up positive self-fulfilling prophecies that boost confidence and performance (e.g., compiling a list of your top 10 past performances, reframing failure as an opportunity for growth, envisioning success, etc.).
The ideas are for the most part useful, but the book is not immune to criticism, particularly in regard to the idea of the self-fulfilling prophecy itself. Recent research has called into question the reach and power of the phenomenon, as some of the classic studies are not replicable or are riddled with methodological problems. Zinsser does not discuss this, and would rather have the reader believe that the phenomenon is indisputable.
In Zinsser’s defense, most of the questionable research on self-fulfilling prophecies concern “other-imposed” prophecies (your thoughts about other people affect their performance), rather than “self-imposed” prophecies (your thoughts about yourself affect your own performances), but it would have been nice for Zinsser to spell out the distinction himself.
Additional problems include the dialogues with his students, which seem contrived. His students never push back with any valid points and are painted as rather unreflective individuals. The purpose of these “dialogues” is simply to prove Zinsser’s points, and it shows.
Finally, Zinsser in general seems to prefer anecdotal evidence over objective science, and he fails to consider any counter-examples. For example, have his strategies ever failed to work for any of his clients? Are there examples of successful performers who use alternative strategies? Could a more intense focus on correcting mistakes—and not on constantly repeated self-affirmations—be a more effective approach, at least for some people? The reader will have to wonder, because these questions are never really addressed.
For all the issues, however, Zinsser does seem to have a strong track record (one of his clients, the professional football player Eli Manning, won two Super Bowls despite not being considered an elite quarterback skill-wise). Additionally, his strategies are always constructive: rather than dwelling on failures, weaknesses, and impossible comparisons, you focus on the positive aspects of your performance while reframing negatives into constructive opportunities for growth. For these reasons, while the book is not perfect, you’re likely to pick up on at least a few strategies to boost your performances.
Over the course of the book, you'll learn strategies for building confidence, dealing with adversity, fear, and setbacks, and adopting the appropriate mental filters to maintain a positive and constructive mindset. The strategies discussed in the book are all ultimately based on the concept of the self-fulfilling prophecy, or the idea that one’s thoughts regarding their own abilities in part determine those very abilities. Zinsser’s suggestions, therefore, primarily aim to set up positive self-fulfilling prophecies that boost confidence and performance (e.g., compiling a list of your top 10 past performances, reframing failure as an opportunity for growth, envisioning success, etc.).
The ideas are for the most part useful, but the book is not immune to criticism, particularly in regard to the idea of the self-fulfilling prophecy itself. Recent research has called into question the reach and power of the phenomenon, as some of the classic studies are not replicable or are riddled with methodological problems. Zinsser does not discuss this, and would rather have the reader believe that the phenomenon is indisputable.
In Zinsser’s defense, most of the questionable research on self-fulfilling prophecies concern “other-imposed” prophecies (your thoughts about other people affect their performance), rather than “self-imposed” prophecies (your thoughts about yourself affect your own performances), but it would have been nice for Zinsser to spell out the distinction himself.
Additional problems include the dialogues with his students, which seem contrived. His students never push back with any valid points and are painted as rather unreflective individuals. The purpose of these “dialogues” is simply to prove Zinsser’s points, and it shows.
Finally, Zinsser in general seems to prefer anecdotal evidence over objective science, and he fails to consider any counter-examples. For example, have his strategies ever failed to work for any of his clients? Are there examples of successful performers who use alternative strategies? Could a more intense focus on correcting mistakes—and not on constantly repeated self-affirmations—be a more effective approach, at least for some people? The reader will have to wonder, because these questions are never really addressed.
For all the issues, however, Zinsser does seem to have a strong track record (one of his clients, the professional football player Eli Manning, won two Super Bowls despite not being considered an elite quarterback skill-wise). Additionally, his strategies are always constructive: rather than dwelling on failures, weaknesses, and impossible comparisons, you focus on the positive aspects of your performance while reframing negatives into constructive opportunities for growth. For these reasons, while the book is not perfect, you’re likely to pick up on at least a few strategies to boost your performances.
January 8, 2022
If you are troubled by insecurity or just want to improve your self confidence this is a book you will find helpful! The author provides clear, well thought out, and helpful techniques you can practice to improve your conduct at work or in your life goals. I found it to be very useful.
February 25, 2022
So much good info in here. I look at my TOP TEN list every single day. And I have those affirmation statements on repeat. The power of the brain is pretty much incredible. I can’t believe how much this book has helped me. Five stars no question.
April 12, 2023
I am confident in some areas of my life, but others, not so much. I am not confident in my athleticism and it has negatively impacted my performance in a fitness activity called CrossFit for too many years.
Earlier this year, I decided that I wanted and needed to change my mindset. I adopted the following theme to change my mindset: Be confident. Be fearless. After adopting this theme, I came across this book in the bookstore. I considered it a sign, so I picked it up and I’m so glad that I did because it is a game changer for me.
The author is a performance psychologist who has worked with athletes and military personnel on how to improve their confidence. He shares evidence based examples, tips, and strategies for how to improve your confidence. I have applied some of them and I feel like there has been a positive shift in my mindset and my confidence.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has been struggling with confidence in a specific area within their life. It could be in a sport, work, school, etc. Run to the bookstore and pick up this book up. It could be a game changer for you.
Earlier this year, I decided that I wanted and needed to change my mindset. I adopted the following theme to change my mindset: Be confident. Be fearless. After adopting this theme, I came across this book in the bookstore. I considered it a sign, so I picked it up and I’m so glad that I did because it is a game changer for me.
The author is a performance psychologist who has worked with athletes and military personnel on how to improve their confidence. He shares evidence based examples, tips, and strategies for how to improve your confidence. I have applied some of them and I feel like there has been a positive shift in my mindset and my confidence.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has been struggling with confidence in a specific area within their life. It could be in a sport, work, school, etc. Run to the bookstore and pick up this book up. It could be a game changer for you.
March 24, 2022
Not a whole new lot new here, and what there is is discounted hugely by the examples which are nearly all athletes and military. His definition of confidence includes being able to doing things without thinking about them consciously skews everything to physical things (running, wrestling swimming etc, hence all the examples). Would have liked to know how this could be applied to other areas of one’s life, I.e. how does one become confident in one’s ability to learn a new language for example.
December 3, 2022
Excellent
June 15, 2025
I’m currently in Grad School for Athletic Counseling and this book is one of the most knowledge packed reads around confidence that I’ve found. From stress enhancing mindset to shooter’s mentality, this book frames complex concepts in ways that really equip a reader to either use them themselves or by guided by a trained professional. Would highly suggest this read to anyone in the performance realm-from Military to sport and beyond. Thanks Dr. Z!
December 1, 2024
At the start, I was completely captivated by this book. It offers incredibly valuable tips for boosting confidence in any situation—what the author refers to as “enriching your mental bank account.” One of the most striking insights was how vividly imagining upcoming scenarios can create a kind of déjà vu effect, allowing you to feel more at ease in situations you’ve mentally rehearsed, even if you’ve never experienced them before.
The book also provides clarity on the common advice to “learn from your mistakes.” While reflecting on past failures can be helpful, dwelling on them excessively can chip away at your confidence. This perspective was eye-opening and practical.
However, towards the end, I found the author’s repeated emphasis on the big names he’s worked with and their accomplishments a bit overdone. While I understand the importance of credibility, the constant name-dropping across 300 pages felt more like a distraction than a necessity.
Overall, this is an excellent book packed with actionable insights. Despite some minor drawbacks, I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to strengthen their confidence.
The book also provides clarity on the common advice to “learn from your mistakes.” While reflecting on past failures can be helpful, dwelling on them excessively can chip away at your confidence. This perspective was eye-opening and practical.
However, towards the end, I found the author’s repeated emphasis on the big names he’s worked with and their accomplishments a bit overdone. While I understand the importance of credibility, the constant name-dropping across 300 pages felt more like a distraction than a necessity.
Overall, this is an excellent book packed with actionable insights. Despite some minor drawbacks, I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to strengthen their confidence.
February 7, 2025
The book is the foundation of every great performance
September 6, 2025
Yep. I’ll be quoting, citing and telling everyone to read this book.
It was suggested to me by multiple execs at Lockheed; all women, all far more badass than I could ever imagine being. They swore by it, put its lessons into practice.
And now I do too. I’ll read this one time and time again, no doubt.
It was suggested to me by multiple execs at Lockheed; all women, all far more badass than I could ever imagine being. They swore by it, put its lessons into practice.
And now I do too. I’ll read this one time and time again, no doubt.
June 6, 2024
This book is very long. I definitely zoned out and couldn’t tell you what some parts are about. However, I woke up enough to learn two new practices/ideas that have already helped me tremendously.
One is called a doorway affirmation, so every time you walk through a doorway, you say a short but powerful affirmation. I had to get mine down to five syllables to make it quick and easy enough. Instead of saying an affirmation once or twice a day, you are going through a doorway potentially hundreds of times a day. I have found I am remembering to say it more and more. Exponentially effective.
The second is a simple quote he overheard, to remember that if you are having a bad day, you can change your mind and have a good day. The mind is powerful.
I will probably need to read this book again.
One is called a doorway affirmation, so every time you walk through a doorway, you say a short but powerful affirmation. I had to get mine down to five syllables to make it quick and easy enough. Instead of saying an affirmation once or twice a day, you are going through a doorway potentially hundreds of times a day. I have found I am remembering to say it more and more. Exponentially effective.
The second is a simple quote he overheard, to remember that if you are having a bad day, you can change your mind and have a good day. The mind is powerful.
I will probably need to read this book again.
October 29, 2023
3.5
在看到前面幾章後，我便開始喜歡這本書，因為作者即使沒有提出太多新觀點，但他很擅長於整合訊息以及舉出實例。我個人覺得最實用的絕對是建立心理戶頭的實戰策略，作者不僅用他輔導客戶的經驗來說服讀者，他提出的小練習也都也容易達到。雖然我本來就是個相當有自信的人，但在看完這本書後還是學到了不少小訣竅，確實是意外的收穫呢。最後，這本書很適合想要進一步提升自己信心的讀者！如果你常常覺得生活停滯、面對挫折等，那麼這本書將能有效將你帶出各種負面迴圈
在看到前面幾章後，我便開始喜歡這本書，因為作者即使沒有提出太多新觀點，但他很擅長於整合訊息以及舉出實例。我個人覺得最實用的絕對是建立心理戶頭的實戰策略，作者不僅用他輔導客戶的經驗來說服讀者，他提出的小練習也都也容易達到。雖然我本來就是個相當有自信的人，但在看完這本書後還是學到了不少小訣竅，確實是意外的收穫呢。最後，這本書很適合想要進一步提升自己信心的讀者！如果你常常覺得生活停滯、面對挫折等，那麼這本書將能有效將你帶出各種負面迴圈
April 19, 2025
If you only read one book on sports psychology, this is it!
It goes over a lot of the same talking points and techniques described in With Winning in Mind: The Mental Management System, but it does it with more depth.
What I also found more useful in this book over others like Bassham, is that the author uses a lot of client testimonials and cases to describe the problem and illustrate the shift in mindset that finally led to a breakthrough.
I will be re-reading it in the short future, and taking detailed notes as there is a lot to digest here. A must for any competitive athlete, or professional.
Highest possible recommendation!
It goes over a lot of the same talking points and techniques described in With Winning in Mind: The Mental Management System, but it does it with more depth.
What I also found more useful in this book over others like Bassham, is that the author uses a lot of client testimonials and cases to describe the problem and illustrate the shift in mindset that finally led to a breakthrough.
I will be re-reading it in the short future, and taking detailed notes as there is a lot to digest here. A must for any competitive athlete, or professional.
Highest possible recommendation!
January 30, 2023
The contents of this book is similar to a self-hepl book by a guru say Tony Robbins but because it takes a scientific approach, I felt it was more convincing. The author of the book is a psychologist with the West point academy and talks about confidence, how it affects performance and how to develop confidence to perform at the highest level. This book is perfect for performers or athletes but the author tries to adapt his techniques for knowledge workers as well.
Notes:
- Confidence affects performance and vice versa.
- Create mental filters which boost confidence
- Create a bank account of confidence building memories.
- Use pregame rituals to get in the zone
Notes:
- Confidence affects performance and vice versa.
- Create mental filters which boost confidence
- Create a bank account of confidence building memories.
- Use pregame rituals to get in the zone
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2022
I really wanted to like this. Unfortunately, it's so focused on West Point and athletes that it feels completely unrealistic and alien. I'm sure there are some useful concepts in here and I've bookmarked sections to return to, but, in general, the reference points have no relevance to me, making it a difficult book to warm to it take seriously.
February 7, 2022
There might be an excellent guide to confidence in this book. Unfortunately, I'll never be able to get past the sports examples to find it. Might as well have been written in Greek.
January 23, 2026
Książka, która łączy naukowy kontekst z praktycznym treningiem mentalnym. Początek swoim układem przywodzi mi na myśl styl pracy badawczej, który zaczyna od uporządkowania pojęć i zarysowania struktury, a potem prowadzi przez kolejne metody budowania pewności siebie.
Przeczytasz tu o tym jak przejść od analizy przekonań i samospełniającej się przepowiedni, przez autoafirmacje, aż po kreślenie wizji przyszłości.
Wśród opisywanych tu narzędzi służących budowaniu tytułowej postawy znajdziemy tu m.in. „bank pewności siebie”, codzienne zapisy afirmacji, analizę postępów czy pracę z wyobraźnią, która, zgodnie z przekazem autora, realnie wpływa na ciało i zachowanie.
Najwięcej miejsca zajmują tu ćwiczenia i przykłady, które nadają całości tempo. Każda technika jest opisana szczegółowo, krok po kroku prowadząc czytelnika przez to jak wdrożyć je do codzienności by sobie pomóc. I można to robić już w trakcie lektury.
Podoba mi się że rozdziały kończą się krótkimi, przejrzystymi podsumowaniami. To pomaga wyłonić co jest kluczowe z danego fragmentu i sprzyja trwalszemu zapamiętaniu treści.
Mam też wrażenie, że książka zyskałaby na sile, gdyby była bardziej skondensowana. Niektóre treści pojawiały się wielokrotnie, a część przykładów była przeciążona szczegółami, które nie wnosiły dodatkowej wartości. Choćby w historii sportowca, opis jego miejsca urodzenia w kontekście manifestowania zwycięstwa wydawał mi się zupełnie niepotrzebny.
Bardzo podoba mi się to co wyróżnia ją na tleinnych z gatunku, że autor nie idealizuje swoich metod i nie ocenia postaw. Podkreśla, że życie pozostaje nieprzewidywalne, a pewność siebie to proces, nie magiczna sztuczka.
Jeśli lubisz książki, które nie tylko tłumaczą, ale też prowadzą za rękę i dają konkretne ćwiczenia, ta pozycja spełni swoje zadanie.
Z przestrzenią do poprawy, ale też z dużą wartością jednocześnie. Praktyczna lektura, która porządkuje temat i daje narzędzia do tego, by zacząć pracować nad sobą świadomie i konsekwentnie.
Przeczytasz tu o tym jak przejść od analizy przekonań i samospełniającej się przepowiedni, przez autoafirmacje, aż po kreślenie wizji przyszłości.
Wśród opisywanych tu narzędzi służących budowaniu tytułowej postawy znajdziemy tu m.in. „bank pewności siebie”, codzienne zapisy afirmacji, analizę postępów czy pracę z wyobraźnią, która, zgodnie z przekazem autora, realnie wpływa na ciało i zachowanie.
Najwięcej miejsca zajmują tu ćwiczenia i przykłady, które nadają całości tempo. Każda technika jest opisana szczegółowo, krok po kroku prowadząc czytelnika przez to jak wdrożyć je do codzienności by sobie pomóc. I można to robić już w trakcie lektury.
Podoba mi się że rozdziały kończą się krótkimi, przejrzystymi podsumowaniami. To pomaga wyłonić co jest kluczowe z danego fragmentu i sprzyja trwalszemu zapamiętaniu treści.
Mam też wrażenie, że książka zyskałaby na sile, gdyby była bardziej skondensowana. Niektóre treści pojawiały się wielokrotnie, a część przykładów była przeciążona szczegółami, które nie wnosiły dodatkowej wartości. Choćby w historii sportowca, opis jego miejsca urodzenia w kontekście manifestowania zwycięstwa wydawał mi się zupełnie niepotrzebny.
Bardzo podoba mi się to co wyróżnia ją na tleinnych z gatunku, że autor nie idealizuje swoich metod i nie ocenia postaw. Podkreśla, że życie pozostaje nieprzewidywalne, a pewność siebie to proces, nie magiczna sztuczka.
Jeśli lubisz książki, które nie tylko tłumaczą, ale też prowadzą za rękę i dają konkretne ćwiczenia, ta pozycja spełni swoje zadanie.
Z przestrzenią do poprawy, ale też z dużą wartością jednocześnie. Praktyczna lektura, która porządkuje temat i daje narzędzia do tego, by zacząć pracować nad sobą świadomie i konsekwentnie.
July 15, 2025
This book was a total game-changer for me.
The Confident Mind isn’t just another self-help book filled with fluff or vague motivational quotes—it’s real, practical, and backed by science. Dr. Zinsser delivers exactly what the title promises: a guide to building true confidence, grounded in psychology, real-life case studies, and applicable strategies.
From the start, it felt like a paradigm shift. I had several “aha” moments as I was reading, and what really impressed me was how easy it was to start using some of the concepts right away. I actually put a few of them into practice early on and saw results—almost immediately. That’s the mark of a great book for me: when something moves from interesting theory to actual impact.
Zinsser doesn’t just talk about confidence as a mindset—he breaks it down into actionable habits: visualization, controlled breathing, letting go of mistakes quickly, not placing too much pressure or importance on every moment. These aren’t just ideas. These are tools. And the stories of athletes, performers, and high-level professionals using them to achieve elite performance make the concepts land even harder.
What I appreciated most was that he also addresses what to do in the moment—when you’re thrown into the fire and still expected to perform. He offers clear steps to handle those high-pressure situations, which makes this book incredibly valuable no matter what you do.
All in all, The Confident Mind delivered. It’s packed with insight, but more importantly, it’s applicable. If you’re someone who performs under pressure—or just wants to show up more consistently with belief in yourself—this is a must-read.
Five stars from me.
The Confident Mind isn’t just another self-help book filled with fluff or vague motivational quotes—it’s real, practical, and backed by science. Dr. Zinsser delivers exactly what the title promises: a guide to building true confidence, grounded in psychology, real-life case studies, and applicable strategies.
From the start, it felt like a paradigm shift. I had several “aha” moments as I was reading, and what really impressed me was how easy it was to start using some of the concepts right away. I actually put a few of them into practice early on and saw results—almost immediately. That’s the mark of a great book for me: when something moves from interesting theory to actual impact.
Zinsser doesn’t just talk about confidence as a mindset—he breaks it down into actionable habits: visualization, controlled breathing, letting go of mistakes quickly, not placing too much pressure or importance on every moment. These aren’t just ideas. These are tools. And the stories of athletes, performers, and high-level professionals using them to achieve elite performance make the concepts land even harder.
What I appreciated most was that he also addresses what to do in the moment—when you’re thrown into the fire and still expected to perform. He offers clear steps to handle those high-pressure situations, which makes this book incredibly valuable no matter what you do.
All in all, The Confident Mind delivered. It’s packed with insight, but more importantly, it’s applicable. If you’re someone who performs under pressure—or just wants to show up more consistently with belief in yourself—this is a must-read.
Five stars from me.
April 2, 2024
This is a well written book about how our mindset influences our performace, particularly when we are under pressure. The author is a sports pychologist, so many examples studied are from about elite sports, although he makes an effort to extend the analysis to professionals (“white collar athletes”, as he calls them).
There are some mentions to studies on the topic, but overall the book reads more like a practical guide on how to build up conficence, and falls a bit short on explaining the research behind it (which is far more interesting). A bit of a missed opportunity of writing about psychology from a scientific perspective, but a book with helpful tips nonetheless.
There are some mentions to studies on the topic, but overall the book reads more like a practical guide on how to build up conficence, and falls a bit short on explaining the research behind it (which is far more interesting). A bit of a missed opportunity of writing about psychology from a scientific perspective, but a book with helpful tips nonetheless.
January 28, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. Great advice and strategies for working on your mindset and building confidence, not just in competition but in life too. Lots of inspiring stories from professional athletes, highly ranked military veterans, and other average joes sprinkled throughout. I also completed a mini reflection series for the first half of the book with my teammate using questions from our team priest. 4/5 because it took me too long to read, and I felt like I was already practicing some of the advice he had given.
October 15, 2024
The absolute best book I’ve read this year. The Author has created a methodology of how to become confident and it all starts with that “first victory.” He has an incredible arsenal of examples of soldiers and athletes he has coached in getting their confidence and winning before the victory. I hope to utilize a lot of these techniques for my own improvement. Spoiler: you can’t spell confidence without Deon Sanders.
March 19, 2025
This was so insightful. Helped me understand some things I have done to be successful, why they have worked, as well as figuring out how to improve my mind to push success to the next level and help with anxiety and stress over performance. Info while stemming from sports psychology, is relevant in so many areas of performance
June 16, 2023
I wish I’d had this book in college. It could’ve really helped me with my running. Probably helps that one of the examples this book uses is an 800-meter runner. Highly recommended for those of us looking to improve our performance in work or athletics.
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March 26, 2025
At points, I stopped listening. A lot of this is tailored to performance athletes and soldiers. But there are certain aspects that I found incredibly insightful. Notably the ESP model. Noting efforts, successes, and progress. As someone who has routinely fallen victim to negative self talk, there was a lot in here that was useful. If you're not an athlete or soldier, just stick with it...there's food info in here.
February 22, 2023
This was good, but somehow it came at the wrong time in my life. If you're looking for a confident mind when you are a performer on stage or athlete this book will help you, I'm sure of it. But with the work I'm doing, I don't see much of the benefits I can garner from practicing this. Well sure, there are a few key points I'm taking with me, but yeah, I'm not at that time in my life where I need this kind of advice.
April 5, 2024
This book is an extremely powerful tool for any coach, teacher, athlete, or performer. This is one I’ll come back to again and again.
March 4, 2025
One of the best I’ve ever read. Very helpful.
May 19, 2025
No exaggeration, maybe the best nonfiction book that I’ve read. 100 stars
August 5, 2025
Interesting read. Some practical tips.
Can everyone please start whispering "I am radiant," while walking through a doorway like that surgeon? This is the social murmur we all need right now.
Can everyone please start whispering "I am radiant," while walking through a doorway like that surgeon? This is the social murmur we all need right now.
February 6, 2023
Many tools and tactics - will be rereading it many times - fantastic book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews