Shift Your Mind
9 Shifts to Thrive in Preparation and Performance
Brian Levenson
Greatness isn’t just about what you do. It’s about when you do it.
Elite performers don’t rely on talent alone. Rather, they harness the power of shifting between complementary mindsets—one for preparing effectively and one for delivering when it counts. In Shift Your Mind, you’ll learn nine key mental shifts to elevate your preparation and your performance like an elite performer. You’ll understand the importance of each of these shifts and when to make them:
• humble and arrogant
• work and play
• perfectionistic and adaptable
• analysis and instinct
• experimenting and trusting process
• uncomfortable and comfortable
• future and present
• fear and fearlessness
• selfish and selfless
Drawing on years of experience working with top athletes and corporate leaders, Brian Levenson outlines his simple but powerful framework used by the world’s highest achievers. Each chapter includes exercises to reinforce core concepts and explore the power of the shift using skills like visualization, mindfulness, and self-talk.
An energizing read filled with entertaining stories and tips that really work, Brian Levenson’s Shift Your Mind is a game-changer for executives, competitive athletes, and any performer seeking to win on the most challenging field of all: the mind.
“A powerful and essential read for anyone who wants to be the best at what they do.”
“When it comes to mental skills training, the strategies in SHIFT YOUR MIND are relevant, practical, and applicable. Levenson’s nine mental shifts—and the distinction between preparing and performing—will benefit anyone looking to get an edge in sports or business. This book is informative and helpful—a must-have resource!”
“SHIFT YOUR MIND shows that strong leaders and strong teams can embrace all sides of performance and preparation. Whether the moment calls for work or play, discomfort or comfort, analysis or instinct, Brian shows readers how to walk that line and change their thinking.”
“SHIFT YOUR MIND empowers readers to build confidence and elevate their game. Great players know that success is about meeting the moment, and Brian gives actionable strategies for making the right moves at the right time.”
“It doesn’t really matter what you choose to excel in. If you read this book, you’ll get better at it.”
“I’ve read dozens of performance improvement books—this one is a five out of five.”
“SHIFT YOUR MIND is a journey to become a complete player, a complete coach, or an elite organizational leader. You’ll learn skills to develop the mental space to dominate daily. By reading Brian’s book, your knowledge will not only grow, but your curiosity will improve as well. Your next great adventure lies within that curiosity.”
“The balanced approach to the nine shifts makes for a unique new read in a crowded market of performance improvement literature.”
“As a coach and athletic director, I know that talent is no guarantee of success. Brian breaks high performance down into simple, actionable preparation that really works. When leaders master the mental game, the whole team thrives. I highly recommend SHIFT YOUR MIND.”
“In this book, Brian Levenson becomes your personal coach and shares the strategies he uses to help high performers take on challenge after challenge. SHIFT YOUR MIND is packed with actionable advice that you can implement immediately. It works.”
“Brian Levenson did a great job explaining the importance and powerfulness of the mental side of not only sports but also, more importantly, of life. He makes it simple to understand how performance, preparation, and practice all go hand in hand.”

About The Author
Brian Levenson is the founder of Strong Skills, which provides executive coaching and mental performance coaching, speaking, and consulting to elite organizations, performers, and leaders. He has been fortunate to work with CEOs, professional athletes, and with teams in the NBA, NHL, and MLS, Division 1 athletic departments, the Federal Reserve, the Department of Homeland Security, Hilton, Young Presidents Organization (YPO), and many other organizations. He also has a weekly podcast, Intentional Performers, where he interviews a diverse group of elite high performers. Brian currently lives in Bethesda, Maryland, with his wife and two kids.