About the Author

Bill Beswick is an applied performance and sports psychologist who specialises in working with elite teams. With a Masters in Psychology and experience as Head Coach to England Men's Basketball Team, Bill was the first sports psychologist operating fully in English professional soccer.

Bill has worked at Derby County, Manchester United, Middlesbrough & Sunderland in the English Premier League and contributes towards UEFA License award courses for a number of European Football Associations. He has worked with England's U18 and U21 squads and as Team Psychologist for England Senior Men. He also supported the England Women's Rugby team through their 2010 World Cup campaign.

His book 'Focused for Soccer' was one of the first to explore the psychology of soccer and has been translated Japanese, Chinese, Spanish and German.

Reviews

'Bill's stories capture your attention from the very first page. It is just like being mentored personally by one of sport's great mentors'
*Kevin Bowring – Former RFU Head of Elite Coach Development*

'Bill's words have resonated with me ever since we met. Wise, informative, and inspiring, never more so when in story form'
*Jim Boyd, founder of The Pressure Zone and Sports Vision Consultant*

'There are some books by some people that simply have to be read and this is one. I am certain there is something in here for everyone'
*Stuart Lancaster, previous Head Coach of the English National Rugby Union team*

'I loved the combination of real-world stories with the tools for a coach to make meaningful change with the athletes they coach. A fast-paced, engaging read that will stimulate thoughts for any leader of people'
*Becky Burleigh, Head Soccer Coach, University of Florida Athletic Association*

'Captures a lifetime of lessons from the Father of Performance Sport Psychology...Bill's invaluable insight and inspiration gained from over 3 decades in elite sport, captured in this book provide an unmissable opportunity for people in sport, business and in life to improve personally and professionally around the world [...] This book is a conversation with an outstanding professional and one of life's great people that will leave you warmly encouraged, more optimistic and positive about your future'
*Tom Bates, Performance Psychologist*

'[Bill's] mastery of human behaviour and performance psychology is second to none [...] I recommend this wonderful book unreservedly'
*Chris Spice, National Performance Director, British Swimming*

'Reading Bill's book is to accept that I will be challenged on every page. I will be forced to re-evaluate my beliefs some of which will be reinforced- some changed. What a wonderful, cleansing exercise. His calm voice speaks to me from the page, penetrating my thoughts and exposing more about myself. I would recommend that everyone should read this book, athletes and non-athletes. Each chapter ends with few questions which, if reflected on and answered honestly, helps explain why we do the things we do. Essential reading!'
*Guillem Balague*

'Our life stories are powerful. We all carry our own unique life story bag that contains positive experiences and that same story bag also contains a variety of heavy rocks from difficult situations we have experienced. These rocks can stand in the way of our highest potential and our happiness. Bill Beswick shares real stories from his amazing career that provide inspiration and strategies to remove those rocks from our individual story bags, lighten our spirits and keep us moving towards the best version of ourselves'
*Celia Slater, CEO, True North Sports, Founder, The Coach Development Academy*