The Secret Playbook: Five Spiritual Superpowers for Success

Unlocking ancient wisdom for modern champions—on the court and in everyday life.

What if there was a playbook for life and sport that worked for everyone, from NBA legends to everyday heroes? In 'The Mindful Athlete,' George Mumford introduces the Five Spiritual Superpowers—a set of mental skills rooted in ancient wisdom but proven in the heat of competition. These are not just ideas, but tools you can use to transform your game, your career, and your relationships.

The first superpower is mindfulness: the art of paying attention, moment by moment, without judgment. It’s the foundation for all the others. The second is concentration: the ability to focus deeply and block out distractions, whether you’re taking a game-winning shot or writing a report. Third is insight—knowing yourself, your habits, and your triggers, so you can respond wisely rather than react blindly. Fourth is right effort: not just working hard, but working smart, with joy and balance. The final superpower is trust: faith in yourself and the process, even when the outcome is uncertain.

Each superpower is illustrated with stories: a player overcoming the yips by returning to the breath; a team rebuilding after loss through trust and shared purpose; a student using concentration to ace exams. The lessons are universal. Mindfulness helps you notice when stress rises, so you can pause and choose your next move. Concentration turns chaos into clarity. Insight reveals hidden beliefs that hold you back, while right effort keeps you moving forward without burning out. Trust, perhaps the hardest, lets you let go of perfection and embrace the journey.

Practical exercises bring these superpowers to life. Try a daily mindfulness meditation, a concentration drill, or a journaling session to uncover insights. Set intentions for right effort—steady, sustainable, joyful practice. And remind yourself to trust the process, even when progress feels slow.

These superpowers are not reserved for athletes. They’re for parents, artists, leaders, and anyone who wants to grow. The secret playbook is open to all—pick it up, practice, and watch your life transform.

References: The Mindful Athlete by George Mumford; Buddhist Psychology; Mindful.org; Psychology Today on mindfulness and performance.