What is *Boost!* by Michael Bar-Eli about?

*Boost!* explores how sports psychology principles can enhance workplace performance, offering strategies to improve focus, decision-making, and team dynamics under pressure. Drawing on 35+ years of consulting with elite athletes and organizations, Michael Bar-Eli translates techniques like mental preparedness and goal-setting into actionable tools for managers and professionals.

Who should read *Boost!*?

Leaders, managers, and aspiring professionals seeking to elevate team performance will benefit, as will athletes transitioning to corporate roles. It’s also ideal for psychology enthusiasts interested in real-world applications of behavioral science in high-stakes environments.

Is *Boost!* worth reading?

Yes—the book combines research-backed insights with sports and business case studies, making complex psychological concepts accessible. Readers praise its practicality for improving decision-making and fostering resilience in competitive settings.

What psychological strategies does *Boost!* recommend for peak performance?

Key strategies include: - **Goal-setting frameworks** to align team objectives. - **Stress-management techniques** to maintain clarity under pressure. - **Feedback loops** modeled after athletic coaching to refine skills.

How does *Boost!* address team dynamics in the workplace?

Bar-Eli emphasizes creating a "winning culture" by fostering trust, accountability, and communication. He uses sports examples like Olympic teams to illustrate how shared mental models and adaptive leadership drive collective success.

Can *Boost!* help individuals overcome career challenges?

Yes—the book provides tools to reframe setbacks, build resilience, and leverage competitive mindsets. For example, it discusses how athletes’ pre-competition rituals can reduce anxiety during high-stakes presentations or negotiations.

What case studies are featured in *Boost!*?

Bar-Eli analyzes scenarios like coaching Olympic teams, managing burnout in corporate settings, and optimizing decision-making under time constraints. These examples bridge sports and business, offering universal lessons on performance.

How does *Boost!* compare to other leadership books?

Unlike generic leadership guides, *Boost!* uniquely integrates sports psychology research with organizational behavior, providing a science-backed approach to mastering pressure and sustaining motivation.

Boost!

How to Become a High-Performer and Entrepreneur

Michael Bar-Eli

3.67(39 Reviews)

Overview of Boost!

Discover how elite athletes' mental strategies transform workplace performance in "Boost!" by renowned sports psychologist Michael Bar-Eli. His groundbreaking "Wingate five-step approach" has revolutionized decision-making across business, military, and sports. What psychological edge are you missing that champions already know?

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Chapter 1

The Power of Goal Setting

As a sports psychologist with over 35 years of experience, I've had the privilege of working with elite athletes and teams across various disciplines. One of the most powerful lessons I've learned is the transformative impact of effective goal setting. Let me take you back to my time in the Israeli military, where I experienced this firsthand. During basic training, we were required to complete a 3,000-meter run in under 12 minutes. Initially, I found myself consistently lagging behind, always finishing at the back of the pack. It wasn't until my commanding officer threatened me with extra night-watch duty that I realized I needed to change my approach. I set myself a clear goal: to keep pace with the front-runners who were consistently beating the 12-minute mark. This shift in mindset made all the difference. When the official race came, I not only finished under 12 minutes but also surprised myself with my improved performance. This experience taught me a valuable lesson that I've since applied in my work with athletes and business leaders alike. Setting specific, challenging goals can dramatically enhance performance. It's not just about having a vague desire to "do better" – it's about defining clear, measurable objectives that push us beyond our perceived limits.

Chapter 2

The Psychology of Peak Performance

Throughout my career, I've observed that the difference between good and great performance often lies in the mind. Take the case of John Naber, an Olympic swimmer I had the opportunity to work with. John's approach to goal setting was nothing short of remarkable. He didn't just aim to win gold; he set his sights on breaking the world record in the 200-meter backstroke. What made John's strategy so effective was its precision. He broke down his ultimate goal into smaller, manageable targets. Over four years of training, he focused on shaving off fractions of a second in each practice swim. This methodical approach allowed him to steadily improve, culminating in a performance that not only won him the gold medal but also set a new world record. This example illustrates a crucial principle in sports psychology: the power of visualization and mental preparation. Athletes who mentally rehearse their performance, visualizing success in vivid detail, often outperform those who focus solely on physical training. This technique isn't limited to sports – it's equally applicable in the boardroom or any high-pressure work environment.

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Chapter 3

Translating Sports Psychology to the Business World

Now, you might be wondering how these principles from the world of sports can enhance performance in management and work. The parallels are striking. Just as athletes face high-pressure situations, tight deadlines, and fierce competition, so do professionals in the business world. Consider the concept of "clutch performance" – the ability to excel under pressure. In sports, we see this when a basketball player sinks a game-winning free throw in the final seconds. In business, it might be delivering a crucial presentation to potential investors or making a split-second decision that impacts the entire company. The psychological techniques we use to help athletes perform in these high-stakes moments are directly applicable to the corporate world. Techniques like controlled breathing, positive self-talk, and maintaining focus on controllable factors can be game-changers in both arenas.

Chapter 4

Building Resilience and Managing Stress

One of the most critical skills I've helped athletes develop is resilience – the ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain performance under stress. This skill is equally crucial in the business world, where setbacks and challenges are inevitable. I once worked with a tennis player who struggled with maintaining composure after losing important points. We developed a strategy where she would take a deep breath and visualize a reset button between points. This simple technique helped her refocus and prevent one mistake from snowballing into a series of errors. In the workplace, this same principle can be applied. When faced with a setback – be it a failed project or a missed deadline – taking a moment to reset mentally can prevent stress from spiraling and affecting overall performance.

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Chapter 5

The Role of Teamwork and Leadership

While many sports involve individual performance, team dynamics play a crucial role in overall success. The same is true in the business world. Throughout my career, I've observed that the most successful teams, whether in sports or business, share common characteristics: clear communication, mutual trust, and a shared vision. I recall working with a professional soccer team that was struggling with internal conflicts. By implementing team-building exercises and fostering open communication, we were able to transform their dynamics. The result was not just improved performance on the field, but a more cohesive and supportive team culture. These principles translate directly to the corporate environment. Leaders who foster a sense of unity, encourage open dialogue, and align their team around common goals create an environment where peak performance becomes possible.

Chapter 6

Embracing Continuous Improvement

Finally, one of the most important lessons from sports psychology is the mindset of continuous improvement. Elite athletes never rest on their laurels; they're always looking for ways to refine their technique, enhance their mental game, and push their boundaries. This growth mindset is equally valuable in the business world. By encouraging a culture of continuous learning and improvement, leaders can keep their teams motivated and adaptable in the face of changing market conditions. Remember, whether you're an athlete aiming for gold or a manager striving for business success, the principles of sports psychology can provide a powerful boost to your performance. By setting clear goals, harnessing the power of mental preparation, building resilience, fostering teamwork, and embracing continuous improvement, you can unlock your full potential and achieve extraordinary results.

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Key Themes in Boost!

athletic mindset transfer
clutch performance techniques
mental visualization strategies
resilience under pressure
precision goal setting

Quotes from Boost!

Setting specific, challenging goals can dramatically enhance performance.
The difference between good and great performance often lies in the mind.
The parallels are striking.
Leaders who foster a sense of unity create an environment where peak performance becomes possible.
Elite athletes never rest on their laurels.

Characters in Boost!

Michael Bar-EliAuthor and sports psychologist
John NaberOlympic swimmer and world record holder

About the Author

Michael Bar-Eli, author of Boost! How the Psychology of Sports Can Enhance Your Performance in Management and Work, is an internationally recognized sports psychologist and Emeritus Professor at Ben-Gurion University, where he held the Nat Holman Chair in Sports Research.

With over three decades of expertise in performance psychology, Bar-Eli bridges athletic and corporate excellence, drawing from his work with elite teams like Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball and Israel’s National Soccer Team. His research, cited in over 175 publications, underpins this crossover between sports science and organizational behavior.

A pioneer in decision-making frameworks, Bar-Eli co-authored the seminal Judgement, Decision Making and Success in Sport, which explores cognitive strategies for high-pressure environments. His insights are rooted in roles such as Head of Performance Psychology for Israel’s Football Association and academic leadership at the Wingate Institute.

Boost! synthesizes his groundbreaking methodologies, offering evidence-based tools to optimize workplace motivation and resilience. Translated into multiple languages, the book reflects Bar-Eli’s global influence in reshaping performance cultures across industries.

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LEARNING PLAN

Boost Mindset, Productivity & Communication

This learning plan is essential for professionals seeking to bridge the gap between technical skill and leadership excellence. It is designed for emerging leaders and high-performers who want to optimize their mental frameworks, output, and interpersonal influence.

5 h•4 Sections

LEARNING PLAN

The Mental Architecture of Peak Performance

This learning plan is designed for professionals and athletes who struggle with inconsistent performance and burnout. It provides a blueprint for building a sustainable mental infrastructure that relies on systems and regulation rather than raw willpower.

2 h•4 Sections

LEARNING PLAN

The Compound Advantage

This plan is designed for ambitious professionals and leaders who want to maximize their long-term impact through incremental gains. It bridges the gap between behavioral science, cognitive clarity, and social influence to create a comprehensive toolkit for high performance.

1 h 45 m•3 Sections

LEARNING PLAN

The High-Performer’s Blueprint for Healing

This blueprint is designed for ambitious men and high-achievers who feel hindered by internal stress and past cycles. It provides a strategic bridge between emotional healing and professional peak performance, making it essential for leaders who want to excel at home and in the boardroom.

2 h•4 Sections

LEARNING PLAN

The Biology of Balance

In today's high-pressure environments, understanding the physiological roots of stress is essential for sustained performance. This plan is ideal for leaders and professionals looking to master their emotional biology and navigate difficult conversations with neurological precision.

1 h 30 m•3 Sections

LEARNING PLAN

The Governor's Override

This course is essential for athletes and high-performers looking to push past their perceived physical and mental limits. It provides a scientific framework for understanding how the brain regulates effort and offers practical tools to override those protective instincts for superior results.

1 h 30 m•3 Sections

LEARNING PLAN

The Strategist's Toolkit for Human Dynamics

In high-stakes environments, understanding the hidden layers of human behavior is a critical survival skill. This plan is designed for leaders and professionals who need to identify predatory tactics and apply strategic decision-making to win in competitive social landscapes.

1 h 45 m•3 Sections

LEARNING PLAN

Unbreakable: Retraining Your Biological Alarm

This plan is essential for high-performers and individuals struggling with chronic stress or anxiety who want to reclaim control over their physiological responses. It combines modern neuroscience with ancient Stoic philosophy to help anyone build an ironclad mindset against modern pressures.

2 h•4 Sections

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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

LOVED BY

1,000,000+ curious minds.

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avg rating

1M+ learners

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

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201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

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Boost!

OverviewOverview of Boost!

One book. Many ways to hear it.

The Power of Goal Setting

The Psychology of Peak Performance

See every word as you hear it

Translating Sports Psychology to the Business World

Building Resilience and Managing Stress

Get more out of Boost!

The Role of Teamwork and Leadership

Embracing Continuous Improvement

You made it to the end of Boost!

Key Themes in Boost!

Quotes from Boost!

Characters in Boost!

About the Author

Download Summary of Boost!

Users also liked

FAQs About This Book

What is Boost! by Michael Bar-Eli about?

Who should read Boost!?

Is Boost! worth reading?

What psychological strategies does Boost! recommend for peak performance?

Discover more

1,000,000+ curious minds.

1,000,000+ curious minds.

One book. Many ways to hear it.

The Power of Goal Setting

The Psychology of Peak Performance

See every word as you hear it

Translating Sports Psychology to the Business World

Building Resilience and Managing Stress

Get more out of Boost!

The Role of Teamwork and Leadership

Embracing Continuous Improvement

You made it to the end of Boost!

Users also liked

Discover more

Overview of Boost!