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Book cover of The Inner Game of Tennis: The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance

The Inner Game of Tennis: The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance

by W. Timothy Gallwey

Summary & Key Takeaways

Have you ever noticed that the harder you “try” to perform well, the worse you actually do? Whether you are swinging a racket, giving a speech, or writing code, the biggest obstacle isn’t the opponent across the net—it’s the opponent inside your own mind.In today’s 5-minute briefing on W. Timothy Gallwey’s classic “The Inner Game of Tennis,” we explore the battle between Self 1 (the critical, loud voice) and Self 2 (the quiet, capable body). Discover why “trying hard” is actually a sign of mistrusting yourself, and learn the art of “relaxed concentration” to unlock peak performance.

About the Author

W. Timothy Gallwey

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W. Timothy Gallwey is a pioneering coach and author widely regarded as a founder of the modern coaching movement. His seminal 1974 book, The Inner Game of Tennis, revolutionized sports psychology by shifting focus toward mental concentration and the elimination of self-interference. Gallwey’s 'Inner …

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