The Psychology of Winning book cover

The Psychology of Winning by Denis Waitley Summary

The Psychology of Winning
Denis Waitley
3.71 (17 Reviews)
Psychology
Self-growth
Business
Overview
Key Takeaways
Author
FAQs

Overview of The Psychology of Winning

Before Tony Robbins, Denis Waitley's "The Psychology of Winning" revolutionized self-development with ten qualities of winners. This 1979 classic, rated 4.19/5 stars by over 1,800 readers, remains influential despite outdated sleep theories. What timeless mindset separates champions from everyone else?

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Key takeaways

1

Champions Are Made, Not Born

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Have you ever wondered why some people consistently achieve their goals while others struggle despite similar circumstances? The Psychology of Winning reveals that success isn't about defeating others - it's about maximizing your own potential through specific psychological principles anyone can develop. When Denis Waitley recorded this groundbreaking program in 1976, he tapped into something fundamental about human achievement that would sell over two million copies and generate $100 million in sales. His unique background - counseling Vietnam POWs, training Apollo astronauts, and studying under pioneers like Viktor Frankl - gave him profound insights into what makes winners tick. The most liberating truth? Winning doesn't require innate talent. Modern neuroscience confirms what Waitley intuited decades ago - our brains possess remarkable plasticity. We can overcome fears, develop new skills, and excel beyond our genetic predispositions. Think of your brain as an internal GPS that requires specific destinations rather than vague aspirations like "getting rich." Without precise coordinates, any path will do, and your focus scatters. When an image becomes your magnificent obsession, it directs your thinking and actions toward achievement.

2

The Inner Game and Self-Perception

3

The Mind-Body Connection

4

Visualization and Imagination

5

The Power of Habits

6

Trust and Values in a Digital World

7

From Competition to Contribution

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Distill The Psychology of Winning into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight Pixar’s principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.

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"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
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108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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254
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17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
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@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
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"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
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star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
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star
star
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@Pitiful
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@SofiaP
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@Jaded_Falcon
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@OojasSalunke
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@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

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