Copyright © 2020 by Jim Murphy. All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher. All trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Rather than put a trademark symbol after every occurrence of a trademarked name, we use names in an editorial fashion only, and to the benefit of the trademark owner, with no intention of infringement of the trademark. Where such designations appear in this book, they have been printed with initial caps. Inner Excellence is a registered trademark. Published by the Academy of Excellence - New York – Rome – Tokyo ISBN: 978-1-7346548-0-6 (paperback) ISBN: 978-1-7346548-1-3 (hardback) ISBN: 978-1-7346548-2-0 (e-book – kindle) ISBN: 978-1-7346548-3-7 (audiobook) The contents of this book are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for personal, professional psychiatric or psychological advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical professional or other qualified mental health practitioner with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Interior design by Irena Kalcheva Author photo by Jen Fellows Cover design by Diren Yardimli and Vesna Tisma Diagrams by Armin Hekic Drawing of pipe by Vladimir Arabadzhi Praise for Inner Excellence “Inner Excellence changed how I see the world, how I think, and how I play golf.” —Vaughn Taylor, Three-time PGA Tour winner “Inner Excellence transformed my life—as a caddie, a father, and husband. This book is a masterpiece.” —Brandon Parsons, PGA Tour veteran caddie “Inner Excellence has had a dramatic impact on how I approach my life and how I play hockey.” —Kevin Connauton, Defenseman, Arizona Coyotes “Inner Excellence is an instruction manual that will teach you how to perform under pressure and live the best possible life. It’s something I’ll refer to the rest of my life.” —Teddy Scott, 20-year PGA Tour golf caddie, 14 years with Bubba Watson “I read the first edition of Inner Excellence ten times. I’ve practically memorized it. Incredibly, this revised edition is even better.” —Jonathan Michael, Adjunct Professor, Trinity Western University, Governor General’s Gold Medal award winner “Inner Excellence changed my life.” —Ryan Dodd, World No. 1 ranked water ski jumper and current world record holder “Jim is an expert in his field. Inner Excellence transcends athletics and will have a profound effect on everyone who applies these methods in their life.” —John Kehoe, author of Mind Power into the 21st Century “Inner Excellence has profoundly influenced every area of my life.” —David Bentall, President, Next Step Advisors, Adjunct Professor, University of British Columbia “And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” —Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince “Above all else, watch over your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” —Solomon, 3rd King of the United Monarchy For my father, Donald C. Murphy To the one who greatly influenced me to think deeply about what to love and what to let go of. I love you. See you soon. For my mother, Michiko M. Murphy (nee Koyama) To my role model. I love you. For Naomi T. Murphy My sister, my inspiration Contents Praise for Inner Excellence Preface Presuppositions (Assumptions) Introduction 1 Maslow and the Maserati The Pursuit of More 2 Where the Wild Things Are Pride and Fear and the Center of the Universe 3 The Greatest Opponents You’ll Ever Face The Critic, Monkey Mind, and the Trickster 4 The Daring and the Twilight Three Pillars of Extraordinary Performance 5 Code of the Samurai How a group of warriors mastered their ego 6 Change Your State, Change Your Life How to Control Your Emotions 7 The World Is Flat How to Develop Beliefs in Line with your Dreams 8 A Clear and Present Beauty The Five Most Powerful Ways to Be Fully Present 9 Unstoppable How to Overcome Mental Blocks, Fears and Phobias 10 The Hero and the Goat: How to Have Poise Under Pressure 11 Maslow, Michael Jordan, and the Navy Seals Three Hallmarks of Extraordinary Leaders Conclusion A New Way of Life About the author Inner Excellence FAQs Appendix A 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous Acknowledgments Notes Glossary