by Greg Justice (Author), Kelli Watson (Author), Art Still (Author), David Justice (Author), Jenn Waller (Author), Nathan Yamnitz (Author), Debbie Roberts (Author), Joe Drake (Author), Todd Durkin (Foreword)

My whole life, I was an athlete. I played football, basketball and baseball in high school and went to William and Mary on a football scholarship. After college, I played professional football overseas, which was when I got injured. Looking back, it’s easy to see how that injury became a game-changing moment in my life. Although it meant that I was no longer going be a professional-level athlete, it also led me to the realization that I wanted to work with athletes. Today I work with some of the world’s best athletes including NFL MVPs, MLB and NBA All-Stars, Super Bowl champions and Olympic gold medalists. One of the things I learned as I recovered from that injury was that mindset means everything. Getting your mind right is what allows you to overcome any adversity. It’s what led me to discover that a setback does not need to define you. Instead a setback can actually become a setup. In my case, that injury set me up to live my life purpose, which is to create, motivate and inspire people to greatness. Whether I am working with athletes, business owners, executives or leaders in their field, one defining trait of anyone who wants to reach their optimal potential is that they have the mindset of a champion. That means they are focused on what they want to achieve, and they do whatever it takes to make it happen.

In other words, they consistently work to get 1% better – every single day! They do that by surrounding themselves with positivity, visualizing their goals, following their purpose, and doing simple things like reading books that motivate and inspire them. Because you are holding this book in your hands I can see that you, too, are ready to be inspired. The fact that you’ve opened these pages shows me you have a growth mindset and are looking to get better in your life. So, let me tell you a little bit about what you are going to read.

This book is written by eight fitness professionals who train both the ‘Joes’ and the pros. Through their experience, they have learned what it takes to create champions – whether you are playing on the field or off. In these pages, you are going to read their stories and discover their secrets to becoming a top performer, whether you are a youth athlete, a professional athlete, or anyone in between. They are going to show you that being an athlete goes way beyond sets and reps. It is about being your best, digging deep and unleashing the power you have within. Are you ready to do that? Then it’s time to start reading. Allow these stories to move, inspire and motivate you. Take notes. Re-read the sections that resonate with you. There are many lessons to be learned, and I want you to absorb all of them as you read. Keeping growing, keep learning, and continue to empower yourself. And most of all, Get Your Mind Right so you can go out and live your best life!

Much love and much STRENGTH, Todd Durkin, MA, CSCS Owner, Fitness Quest 10 Under Armour Training Team Author, The IMPACT Body Plan and The WOW Book