Stillpower: Excellence with Ease in Sports and Life
“Garret Kramer has overturned much of the conventional wisdom about coaching and performance . . .Stillpoweris an insightful and profound book.”—Daniel H. Pink,New York Timesbestselling author ofDriveandA Whole New Mind“A clear and quiet state of mind isn’t just a key element in sports; it’s also important in finance, relationships, and life. The principles introduced in this book apply to so much more than athletics.”—Jean Chatzky, author of theNew York TimesbestsellerMoney 911“In covering sports for more than twenty years, I am always looking for what separates the good athletes from the great ones. Garret Kramer looks outside the box when it comes to athletics . . .Stillpoweris a must-read for someone serious about performance, or for the casual fan who wants to learn what really makes athletes tick—on and off the field.”—Ian Eagle, CBS Sports/YES Network/Westwood One Radio''I believe the principles introduced inStillpowerare the future of athletic mental performance; actually, performance of any kind. This book helped me to recognize that in grinding so hard, I was reducing my chances to perform up to my capabilities. I now see why the game wasn't always as enjoyable as I wanted it to be, and my 'effort' rarely feels like work. InStillpower,Garret Kramer offers hope for discovering our potential to perform freely, regardless of the circumstances of our lives. I hope, like me, you find this perspective to be extremely valuable.''—Zach Parise, New Jersey Devils Captain and member of the US Olympic Hockey Team“Stillpoweris not just one of the best books on improving sports performance ever written—it is a must-read for coaches and performers in any field of human endeavor. While you work on your game or career, the ideas in this book will go to work on you.”—Michael Neill, author ofSupercoach“The brilliance of Garret Kramer’s perspective is that he takes the often complicated process of achieving one’s best performance and turns it into a direct, natural, and positive understanding . . .Stillpowerprovides the simple, yet powerful message the sports world has been looking for.”—Sean Hutchison, US Olympic swimming coach“As I reflect back on my personal quest to develop character through the sport of football, I greatly identify with the wisdom and principles of this book.Stillpoweris a profound playbook for the athletic and life journey. Garret Kramer shows us that people become what they think in their heart, not in their head.”—Tyrone Keys, founder of All Sports Community Services, Super Bowl–winning defensive end—Chicago Bears“Garret Kramer understands the importance of having ‘your head right.’Stillpowerreveals the optimum mental functioning of an athlete and the real source of that functioning. Under this paradigm, individuals involved in sports will enjoy the character-building benefits often promised by participation. Even children will find athletics more enjoyable and, at the same time, achieve high levels of success. I know this may all sound like a tall order, but this book honestly offers that potential.”—George Pransky, PhD“I was first introduced to sports psychology in the 1970s when I was playing professional baseball. Like all athletes, I was constantly in search of that magical place called ‘the zone,’ where the game slows down and pitches are suddenly easy to track. Contrary to what most people think, however, finding your way to ‘the zone’ doesn’t come from grinding or strength of will— it comes from another source. Stillpower reveals this surprising source. If you’re a serious athlete, coach, sports parent—in fact, anyone—I strongly suggest you read what Garret Kramer has to say about getting to the top of your game, on and off the field.”—Rick Wolf, sports psychology expert and host of THE SPORTS EDGE, WFAN Radio, New York“I first heard Garret Kramer speak in 2009, and I was instantly intrigued by his message and approach to athletic mental performance.Stillpowertakes a unique perspective that will challenge your traditional beliefs. If you keep an open mind and really listen to what this book has to say, you will realize how much easier and more positive life can be, and why the notion of ‘no pain, no gain’ will never help in your pursuit of success.”—Rob Naddelman, president of Baseball Factory“The message introduced in this book is the reverse of any mental strategy or technique that I have ever tried.Stillpowerhas shown me that my thoughts and moods create my perceptions. So, instead of being victimized by my circumstances, I determine my own performance level—no matter what is happening outside of me. As a result of understanding the principles of thought and consciousness, I now find myself in ‘the zone’ way more often. Thanks to Garret Kramer I just had the best year of my professional career.”—Colin Wilson, Nashville Predators forward“I have often invited Garret Kramer to speak to our elite prep athletes throughout the country. He has opened their minds to a new way of looking at performance. He has taught them that free will is the number one ingredient for success on and off the football field. Take your time reading Stillpower. These thoughtful lessons will change the way you look at the athletic journey. This book is invaluable to anyone who wants to perform better in the heat of competition.”—Richard McGuinness, president of Football University, creator and producer of the US Army All-American Bowl on NBC“Garret Kramer has refused to accept preexisting concepts about understanding the cerebral part of athletic competition. Through perceptive analysis and examples,Stillpowerunlocks a thought-provoking and groundbreaking approach. Over the past three decades, I have been fortunate to observe, from close range, thousands of athletes and coaches in their pursuit of excellence. All of them could benefit from reading this book, not only to reach new heights on the playing field but in their lives away from the game as well.”—Rob Cowen, nine-time Emmy Award–winning sports television producer“Having represented professional athletes for more than twenty-five years, it isn’t often you come across a book so crucial for an athlete. From high school and college prospects to the pros,Stillpowerprovides athletes a unique edge. In a counterintuitive sense, Garret Kramer takes the player back to a childlike and free state of mind, where external circumstances are irrelevant. The inner peace and mind-set that an athlete can achieve through the understanding revealed in this book can transform the athlete and create a happier day-to-day existence, eventually allowing the player to become extremely effective in the game.”—Jay Grossman, president of PuckAgency, LLC“In his thought-provoking bookStillpower(the opposite of willpower), Garrett Kramer challenges the world of sports psychology as sports teams, athletes, writers and fans view it. In so doing, he has also presented a formula which could be applied to one’s everyday life.”—Christopher Ralph,The Hockey Writers“Kramer leaves you with a game plan for the future - essentially 10 points to deal with life when you’re struggling -and who among us doesn’t struggle at some point. These are succinct reminders and useful words that can help change your mindset and hence your reality.”—Leigh McAdam,Hike Bike Travel