Tim Gallwey is in many ways the godfather of the current coaching movement. As well as being one of the leading authors and pioneers in psychology, for thirty years he has brought the Inner Game approach into corporations looking for better ways to manage change. His best selling books, set forth a new methodology for coaching and the development of personal and professional excellence in a variety of fields, called "The Inner Game." They have lead many to realise that there is an inner game at play, and this inner game holds the key to the outer game of their lives.

The Inner Game provides principles, methods, and tools to learn to get out of your own way so you can express your full potential in whatever your chosen activity. The fundamental methods for overcoming self-interference described in the Inner Game series of books are similar, no matter what outer game is being played. For example, if a person learns the art of relaxed focus of attention in one activity, that skill can be applied to any other activity. This provides great leverage for anyone attempting to maximize excellence in any field.

     

In simple terms the game can be summarized in a formula: Performance = potential-interference, P=p-i. According to this formula, performance can be enhanced either by growing "p" potential or by decreasing "i," interference.

It is impossible to achieve mastery or satisfaction in any endeavor without first developing some degree of mastery of the relatively neglected skills of the inner game. Most of us have experienced days when our self-interference was at a minimum. Whether on a sports field, at work, or in some creative effort, we have all had moments in which our actions flowed from us with a kind of effortless excellence. Athletes have called this state, "playing in the zone." Generally at these times our mind is quiet and focused. But whatever it's called, when we're there, we excel, we learn, and we enjoy ourselves.

Unfortunately most of us have also experienced times when everything we do seems difficult. With minds filled with self-criticism, hesitation, and over-analysis, our actions were awkward, mis-timed, and ineffective. Obviously we all would prefer to have more of the first and less of the second.

If you would like to experience the Inner Game with founder, Tim Gallwey, the godfather of coaching, please see our Inner Game Open programme or our Inner Game In-house programme.

Tim Gallwey | At the Feet of a Wiseman