Chasing Excellence: How to Make Winning a Habit by Ben Bergeron Summary

1. “The Process” beats talent when building sustainable excellence through daily micro-improvements.
2. Competitive excellence means maximizing present-moment performance, not chasing podium finishes.
3. Control only effort and attitude to unlock peak performance.
4. Mental toughness grows through embracing adversity, not avoiding discomfort.
5. Champion mindset starts with self-honesty about current abilities and desired legacy.
6. Turning the page requires 24-hour reflection windows before refocusing on next challenges.
7. Deep practice beats motivation - consistent effort compounds faster than intermittent genius.
8. Growth mindset transforms failures into stepping stones by rejecting fixed ability limits.
9. Excellence identity precedes results - act like a champion before becoming one.
10. “Controllables” framework prioritizes effort, attitude, and execution over external outcomes.
11. Mindfulness creates space between stimulus and response for intentional action.
12. Instead of chasing goals, master the mundane process steps between milestones.

About the Author of Chasing Excellence

Ben Bergeron, the bestselling author of Chasing Excellence and an elite CrossFit coach, masterfully combines sports psychology with practical strategies designed to unlock peak performance.

A former Ironman triathlete who transitioned into coaching, Bergeron is the founder of CrossFit New England and CompTrain. His expertise has led to coaching seven CrossFit Games champions, firmly establishing him as a leading voice in fitness and mindset development.

Bergeron’s book, Chasing Excellence, seamlessly merges personal development with athletic rigor, emphasizing the importance of resilience, discipline, and the pursuit of sustained excellence. These core themes are drawn from his extensive experience of over 15 years transforming both athletes and entrepreneurs.

Beyond his coaching and writing, Bergeron hosts the widely acclaimed Chasing Excellence podcast and frequently shares his insights in Men’s Health. He is also deeply committed to community initiatives, including building schools in Africa and supporting homeless shelters through his gym.

Recognized for his no-nonsense approach, Bergeron’s methodologies have been embraced by professionals worldwide, effectively blending physical training with mental toughness. Chasing Excellence continues to be a cornerstone resource for individuals seeking to unlock their full potential, praised for its actionable frameworks and endorsed by industry leaders.

FAQs About Chasing Excellence

What is Chasing Excellence by Ben Bergeron about?

Chasing Excellence explores the mindset and process behind achieving world-class performance, emphasizing character over innate talent. Through CrossFit athletes’ stories, Bergeron reveals how resilience, deliberate practice, and a growth mindset enable success in sports and life. The book blends practical strategies for mental toughness with lessons on embracing adversity as a catalyst for growth.

Who should read Chasing Excellence by Ben Bergeron?

Athletes, coaches, entrepreneurs, and anyone pursuing personal or professional mastery will benefit. Bergeron’s insights on mental fortitude, goal-setting, and overcoming setbacks apply to high-stakes environments like sports, business, and leadership. It’s particularly valuable for those seeking actionable frameworks to elevate performance beyond perceived limits.

Is Chasing Excellence worth reading?

Yes—readers praise its blend of storytelling and actionable advice. Bergeron’s focus on process-oriented goals (e.g., “control the controllables”) and real-world examples from CrossFit champions like Mat Fraser make it a standout in performance psychology. Its principles are widely applicable, though sports enthusiasts may connect most deeply.

What are the key concepts in Chasing Excellence?

• Growth mindset: Belief that effort trumps innate talent.
• Process over outcomes: Prioritizing daily habits over end results.
• Embracing adversity: Using setbacks to build resilience.
• Deliberate practice: Structured, intentional skill development.

How does Ben Bergeron define mental toughness?

Bergeron describes mental toughness as maintaining focus and effort despite challenges. Key strategies include mindfulness for present-moment awareness, reframing negative self-talk, and breaking goals into manageable steps. For example, he shares how athlete Mat Fraser improved his rowing through daily, targeted practice.

What quotes from Chasing Excellence highlight its themes?

“Excellence is the result of thousands of tiny, correct decisions.” This underscores Bergeron’s emphasis on incremental progress. Another pivotal idea: “Control the controllables”—focusing only on factors within one’s influence, such as effort and attitude, to reduce overwhelm.

How does Chasing Excellence compare to other performance books?

Unlike Atomic Habits (habit-focused) or Grit (perseverance studies), Chasing Excellence combines autobiographical coaching narratives with CrossFit case studies. It’s uniquely practical for athletes but equally relevant to leaders seeking resilience frameworks. Critics note its sports-heavy examples, though principles are broadly adaptable.

Can Chasing Excellence help non-athletes?

Absolutely. Bergeron’s frameworks, like “maximizing minutes” and humility in growth, apply to careers, parenting, and creative pursuits. A business leader might adopt his focus on incremental goals, while a teacher could use resilience strategies to navigate challenges.

What critiques exist about Chasing Excellence?

Some readers find its CrossFit-centric examples limiting for general audiences. Others note repetitive emphasis on mindset over tactical training methods. However, most agree its core lessons transcend sports, offering universal value in cultivating discipline.

How does Ben Bergeron’s coaching background influence the book?

As a trainer of CrossFit Games champions like Katrin Davidsdottir, Bergeron draws from firsthand experience refining elite athletes’ mental and physical regimes. His methodology—rooted in incremental progress and self-assessment—adds credibility to the book’s advice.

What practical steps does Chasing Excellence recommend for improvement?

1. Self-assessment: Identify current abilities versus goals.
2. Process goals: Focus on daily habits (e.g., “train for 45 minutes mindfully”).
3. Embrace discomfort: View challenges as growth opportunities.
4. Review progress: Adjust strategies based on feedback.

Why is mindset central to Chasing Excellence?

Bergeron argues mindset determines 90% of success. A growth mindset fosters adaptability, while a fixed mindset leads to stagnation. By cultivating self-awareness and grit, individuals can overcome plateaus—a lesson exemplified by athletes who rebound from injuries stronger than before.