Chasing Excellence: A Story About Building the World's Fittest Athletes

Publisher's Summary

CrossFit trainer Ben Bergeron has helped build the world's fittest athletes, but he's not like other coaches. He believes that greatness is not for the elite few; that winning is a result, not a goal; and that character, not talent, is what makes a true champion. His powerful philosophy can help anyone excel at all aspects of life.

Using the dramatic competition between the top contenders at the 2016 Reebok CrossFit Games® as a background, Ben explores the step-by-step process of achieving excellence and the unique set of positive character traits necessary for leveling up to world-class. The mindset and methodology that have produced some of the greatest athletes in the world's most grueling sport can work equally well for golfers, lawyers, artists, entrepreneurs - anyone who's willing to commit totally to becoming better than the best.

By Chasing Excellence, you'll discover how extraordinary it's possible for you to be.

©2017 Ben Bergeron (P)2017 Ben Bergeron

Great if you love crossfit, good if you don't

Ben does a fantastic job writing a convicting book about excellence. He does so through the lens of the crossfit games, which if you are a fan of crossfit is fascinating. There are a lot of cool anecdotes and interesting behind the scenes stories about the games that you don't get even if you watched the documentaries about them. However, it is not a book about crossfit. It is a book about excellence told through the lens of crossfit.

Some may have a hard time applying Ben's principles to their lives. There will be a good amount of thought that will be needed and probably some sitting down to figure out how and what can carry over. But in general the book is solid. Certainly punches above its weight class in regards to its length. And to be honest the introduction chapter alone should be enough to get the mind running on how to change and improve life.

Most of the time when someone picks up a book on living better or, in this case, excellent they are looking more for motivation and a few good tips, maybe hearing something in a different way. That is what you get with this book. It is extremely motivating, and it especially helps to hear it in Ben's voice. Solid book, and anyone who is into the self improvement genre would do well to add this to their library and visit it with some regularity.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I've been listening to this book on loop for 1 mo.

I happen to be a CrossFit athlete but I apply these concepts to just about everything. These concepts are not anything new, nor does Bergeron try to convince you that these are original ideas. If you read/study stoicism at all, much of this material will sound familiar. It's incredibly well written/read in a sense that he does not try to put on a show of how I telligwnt he can sound. He just talks sans fluff. Great, quick read/listen that I would suggest for anyone.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Awesome book if you are into Crossfit

If you're a Crossfit athlete or you're into Crossfit anyhow you'll love this book for sure and you'll love all the Crossfit stories given as an example to illustrate Bergeron's words. He teaches you how to achieve the mindset of a true champion by focussing on the details and the process instead of on the ultimate goal . By redefining your definition of success you'll get anything you want without thinking about it.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

too much about CrossFit Games

book was simplistic and mostly about 2 athletes competing in CrossFit Games. way too much just reporting facts about these particular athletes, not nearly enough application to other athletic Endeavors and other aspects of life. disappointing.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Trust the process

I really love Bergeron’s approach to life and this book lays it out succinctly and engagingly as told through the lens of the 2016 crossfit games. I will listen to this many more times when I need a reminder to trust the process and focus on excellence. Awesome book!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Very informative!

Loved it, I always thought I had a good grip of what I need to do to stay competitive. Ben gives you another look at what could take you to the next level. I look forward to using this technique in my training and competitions.

Can't stop listening to this book!!!

Such a fresh outlook and unheard of perspectives that you don't hear about in the fitness industry! Ben's insights are so simple. But don't let that fool you. When I say simple what I really mean to say is how come I didn't think of the things that he trains his athletes? Simple yet deep! I am extremely astonished by every chapter I read. If you are a coach, entrepreneur, parent, boss, etc.this is a must read. And if you enjoy highlighting/bookmarking don't be surprised when you find yourself bookmarking almost every other sentence Ben teaches. This book is gold! I am so glad I decided to pick up this recommendation. You will learn so much value from Ben! Since reading this book I have become more conscious and aware of the way that I look at different adversities in my day and how I respond to circumstances. Love the way it's shaping my attitude. My husband and son are also taking on the new habit of looking at things with a better attitude.

Love it

Love the way this book was written and definitely like the feature forward by Katrin. The lessons in this book I’d say is for anyone who’s looking to keep that competitive fire lit and trying to find that competitive edge wherever they can. It helped me, hearing some of these guys and girls have weaknesses, but they just pound away at them to make them as close to non existent as possible. I feel as if getting my mind and spirit right and in tune I can do the same. Great read!

outstanding! very uplifting and exciting book

I'm an avid crossfitter already but reading this book just makes me wanna try harder at all aspects of life. not just crossfit

This book is Excellent

I do believe this will be on repeat in my library. It is focused on CrossFit in general, but the principles apply to all aspects of life. Great message and great delivery. I recommend to anyone who wishes to better themselves mentally.

Excellent

Only half way through, but loving it so far!

Using a wide variety of examples helps the reader relate back to their life. Taking the reader through events of the 16 games puts a nice twist on things too. But then again as an aspiring crossfit athlete I was always going to like that!

Keep up the good work!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

OK if you're an elite athlete

Whilst I appreciate the athletes, I'm not really into Crossfit, but thought I'd give this a try on the reviews and for the mental/mindset background.

Was a bit disappointed ...... to me crosscut athletes are a little on their own, as in their are super motivated. This book highlights the coaches relationship with his athletes, so if you're into Crossfit, you'll probably enjoy it, to me I got a bit bored and uninspired .... it's not really transferrable to 'everyday people' - highlight being a discussion around the structure one of his athletes has over the year .... giving herself 2 cheat meals in a year ...... yeah right!

Have listened to a lot of motivational and mindset books, and whilst Ben is obviously great at his role, there's a lot more, better 'general' mindset and improvement books out there

Not just about CrossFit.

Very easy to listen to. The books content isn’t just about CrossFit, the lessons and process apply to all sports and professions.

Amazing!

I've read this book in the past and wanted to give it a other go. Truly solid pick filled with useful advice both for training and life in general! Thoroughly enjoyed rereading this one!

Best book I have ever read!

Katrin has always been an idol if mine, not because of her performance but her mindset, its nice to finally hear from the man who helped shape that!

Motivating

Great tips, as said on the nothing new but a good to hear it in relation to cross fit athletes.

great listen

well read and goes into great detail about the mentality of his athletes and how he got them there

Phenomenal!

Changed the way I approach everything. I am a muay thai fighter and this was a game changer. simple in theory but effective if put into practice. Allowed me to show the fighter i knew i could be but for some reason was holding back.

Game Changing

Fantastic book, found myself sad when I finished it. A great read for anyone interested in mindset.

The best

probably one of the best in-depth books I've read/listened too. Might play it again soon.