INNER EXCELLENCE: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible life Paperback – May 1, 2020

On January 12, during the NFC Wild Card game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers, TV cameras captured a surprising moment: Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown was seen reading “Inner Excellence” by Jim Murphy on the sideline. The media quickly picked up on this, making headlines about an athlete reading during a high-stakes game. However, after reading Inner Excellence myself, I can understand exactly why Brown chose that moment to engage with the book.While many people are aware that sport psychology exists, few realize that it is still a relatively young field, with a limited body of research and established guidebooks. Although Jim Murphy is not a sport psychologist by title, his experience as a professional athlete and his deep exploration into performance and mindset have made “Inner Excellence” a valuable resource for those of us working in performance psychology. His insights help validate and reinforce many of the practices and theories already being implemented in the field.Murphy writes in a way that is accessible and relevant to anyone seeking to achieve excellence, not just athletes, making this book a worthwhile read for a wide audience. For me, Inner Excellence is a keeper—it’s earned a place right next to my well-worn copies of John Wooden’s writings and Carol Dweck’s Mindset (a reference my students will definitely appreciate).Dear Mr. Murphy,If you happen to be reading this review—as you’ve mentioned you often do—I want to personally thank you for writing Inner Excellence. As a former Division II athlete, a retired high school varsity coach of 20 years, and a recent doctoral graduate in performance psychology from GCU, I’ve spent a significant part of my life helping others pursue excellence, both on and off the field.Your book has been a powerful reminder and reassurance that I’m guiding my clients in the right direction. The principles and insights you share not only align with the theories I’ve studied and applied, but they also offer a refreshingly practical and grounded perspective that resonates deeply with athletes and performers alike.Thank you for the work you’ve done—and continue to do—for those of us in the field of performance psychology. Your words have had a real impact.

In "Inner Excellence," Jim Murphy delivers a profound exploration of personal development that transcends typical self-help literature. As someone who has completed the audiobook and plans to revisit it immediately, its impact is both immediate and lasting. The book's core strength lies in its practical wisdom about mindfulness and present-moment awareness. Murphy doesn't just theorize about being present; he demonstrates its transformative power through his personal journey and compelling case studies of others who have embraced his methodology.One of the book's most valuable contributions is its thorough examination of limiting beliefs and how they shape our experiences. Murphy provides insightful frameworks for identifying and overcoming these mental barriers, drawing from his extensive experience working with high-performers across various fields. The authenticity in his writing is evident as he weaves his own life experiences throughout the narrative, creating a genuine connection with readers.What sets "Inner Excellence" apart is how Murphy has synthesized various success stories into actionable insights. The book doesn't just tell you what worked for others; it guides you through understanding why these approaches work and how to adapt them to your life. His method, refined through years of practical application, offers a comprehensive approach to personal growth that feels both accessible and profound.I found the audiobook format particularly enhances the experience, as the concepts about presence and mindfulness take on an immediate, practical dimension when absorbed through listening. Each chapter builds upon the previous ones, creating a cohesive framework for personal transformation that becomes more apparent with each revisit to the material. For anyone seeking to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and break through self-imposed limitations, "Inner Excellence" offers a thoughtful, well-structured path forward. Murphy's blend of personal insight, practical methodology, and real-world examples creates a compelling guide that merits multiple readings to absorb its wisdom fully.

This is hands down a must-read if you’ve ever felt stuck in your own head—constantly battling the pressure to perform or prove yourself. The way the author breaks things down just hits different. It’s not about chasing the end result anymore… it’s about learning to actually enjoy the process.There’s something really freeing about that shift, and this book helped me see it in a whole new way. It’s honest, relatable, and gave me the perspective I didn’t even know I was missing.To the author—thank you for putting this out into the world. And to anyone thinking about reading it: do it. Seriously. You won’t regret it.

Saw this book durning an Eagles Game. So had to get it. Great inspirational read. Good book keep it by my night stand and read a little bit after a rough day.

I found this book interesting in concept but understanding the tools needed is vague. The book appears to be more of a self promotion rather than inspirational. I do agree that living your life with freedom of thought and actions is important to.a.healthier lifestyle.

Inspiring and worthwhile read. The author’s techniques actually yielded results for me while reading the book (and I hadn’t yet put in the full effort yet). I believe in his theories because they line up with my world view and my own successful leadership experiences.

We are a Philadelphia Eagles family, go birds! And after we were watching the game and AJ Brown was reading this book on the sideline my 14-year-old son asked for it. The book is not just about personal success—it’s about becoming the kind of person who naturally creates impact, trust, and transformation in any environment. My son enjoys the book and I’m happy he is open to reading it.