How Bad Do You Want It

by Matt Fitzgerald
How Bad Do You Want It cover
Good Books rating 4.12
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  • ID: 1117
  • Added: 2025-09-26
  • Updated: 2025-09-26
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
project345blog.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2025-09-27
insightful 4.50

The book is a compelling exploration of mental toughness and the mindset required to achieve greatness in sports. It offers practical insights and challenges conventional wisdom about success.

The book delves into the psychological aspects of athletic performance, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience. It provides a fresh perspective on what it takes to succeed, often debunking common myths. The author's approach is both insightful and practical, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in sports psychology. The stories and examples used are engaging and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to reflect on their own mindset and approach to challenges.

Quick quotes

    The mental game is just as important as the physical one.

    Success is not about talent alone; it's about how you handle failure and setbacks.

    Mental toughness is a skill that can be developed with the right mindset and practice.

reddit.com · Unknown · 2025-09-27
insightful 3.50

The book is praised for its insights into the mental toughness required for elite running, but some find the writing style repetitive and the content overly focused on suffering.

Readers appreciate the book's deep dive into the psychological aspects of running and the stories of elite athletes pushing their limits. However, some feel the narrative can be monotonous and that the emphasis on suffering might not resonate with all runners. The book is seen as a valuable resource for those looking to understand the mindset of top performers, but it may not be as engaging for casual readers.

Quick quotes

    The book is a must-read for anyone serious about running

    It's all about the mental game

    The focus on suffering might be too intense for some

bikesordeath.com · Unknown · 2021-09-29
insightful 4.00

How Bad Do You Want It? by Matt Fitzgerald explores the psychology of elite athletes, focusing on mental strategies to overcome physical limits. The book offers practical advice on managing mindset, resilience, and motivation, which can be applied to both sports and daily life. The reviewer found the book insightful and relatable, particularly in addressing negative self-talk and the importance of mental fitness.

How Bad Do You Want It? by Matt Fitzgerald delves into the psychological aspects of endurance sports, aiming to help readers understand and apply the mental strategies used by elite athletes. The book argues that complete exhaustion occurs not just at physical limits but also when the athlete reaches their maximum perceived effort. This highlights the importance of mental fitness alongside physical capacity. The reviewer appreciated the practical lessons, such as the need to brace for tough experiences, manage self-consciousness, and cultivate resilience. These points resonated with the reviewer's personal experiences, particularly in dealing with negative self-talk during races. The book also emphasizes the role of mindset in performance, suggesting that expectations of success can improve outcomes. The reviewer found the book well worth reading, especially for those looking to enhance their mental approach to sports and life.

Quick quotes

    The inquiry begins from trying to understand how elite athletes are able to move beyond discomfort to maximise performance.

    The arguments in the book are framed around examples from the world of sport with a focus on world of running and triathlons.

    I know very little about sports psychology so can’t really comment on the theoretical framework but there are a lot of points here that ring true.

runningonfullblog.com · Unknown · 2018-05-07
inspiring 4.50

The book 'How Bad Do You Want It?' by Matt Fitzgerald explores the psychology of endurance, emphasizing that the mind is the primary limiter, not physical ability. The author uses real-life examples of athletes overcoming obstacles to illustrate scientific principles, making the content relatable and digestible.

Matt Fitzgerald's 'How Bad Do You Want It?' delves into the psychology of endurance, arguing that mental strength often surpasses physical capability. The book is filled with compelling stories of athletes who have pushed beyond their limits, providing a practical and engaging way to understand the science behind endurance. One standout story is Greg LeMond's remarkable recovery and victory in the 1989 Tour de France after a near-fatal hunting accident, which alone makes the book worth reading. The principles outlined in the book are supported by extensive science, but the core question—'How Bad Do You Want It?'—is simple and profound. This question became a pivotal moment for the reviewer during a 500-mile bikepacking race, helping them push through extreme physical and mental challenges to achieve their goal.

Quick quotes

    Matt uses real examples of athletes overcoming obstacles to showcase the scientific principles outlined in his book.

    This story alone is worth the price of the book!

    The question “How Bad do YOU want IT” is a simple one.

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