On the Inside Edge

Ryan Hamilton, PhD, has been the mental performance consultant with the National Hockey League's Tampa Bay Lightning organization for more than 10 years, experiencing with them three Stanley Cup Finals runs, including two championships. He also serves as a mental performance consultant for Hockey Canada, working with a variety of Canadian national teams (World Juniors, Olympics, and Four Nations Face-Offs) and supports clients in professional tennis, golf, and ultrarunning. He is also an associate professor of psychology at the University of New Brunswick.Hamilton's exceptional work at the top tier of the professional level has provided him with opportunities to successfully implement mental skills training while at the same time allowing him to learn from the best of the best about the psychological components of elite performance. Finally, Ryan is a dedicated husband and father who in his limited free time also competes in ultramarathons lasting up to 24 hours and covering over 100K. Yes, he endeavors to practice what he preaches.

• ForewordPreface: A Walk Worth RememberingChapter 1. Mastering Mental ToughnessChapter 2. Creating ConfidenceChapter 3. Fostering GritChapter 4. Realizing ResilienceChapter 5. Training AttentionChapter 6. Strengthening MotivationChapter 7. Crafting CompetitivenessChapter 8. Shaping MindsetChapter 9. Refining Practice and PreparationChapter 10. Cultivating WellnessChapter 11. Cultivating Wellness When InjuredChapter 12. Cultivating Wellness to Prevent BurnoutEpilogue: Another Walk Worth Remembering

"Long considered one of the most innovative thinkers in the field of sports psychology, Ryan Hamilton has written a book providing insights that extend far beyond the world of hockey. Combine those insights with behind-the-scenes stories from hockey's most prestigious events and most accomplished participants, and you have a fascinating read."—Gord Miller, Hockey Commentator for TSN and Member of the IIHF Hall of Fame"I can still recall the first time I experienced Ryan's approach to working through the mental side of being an athlete, and I know well the lasting effect it has had on my career. In On the Inside Edge, Ryan outlines the journey your mind takes you on and how to deal with the expectations and pressures that come during high-stakes moments. I have been able to apply his knowledge and expertise to help my own professional career, and I am thankful for that."—Steven Stamkos, Forward for the Nashville Predators (NHL)