The Power of Negative Thinking

An Unconventional Approach to Achieving Positive Results

By: Bob Knight, Bob Hammel

Narrated by: Dick Hill

Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking, a classic best seller, has inspired an optimistic perspective for millions of Americans. Now, in an inspirational and entertaining rebuttal, the legendary basketball coach Bob Knight explains why "negative thinking" will actually produce more positive results, in sports and in daily life.

Coach Knight, the second-winningest coach in NCAA history with 902 victories, explains that victory is often attained by the team that makes the fewest mistakes. His coaching philosophy was to instill discipline by "preparing to win" rather than hoping to win. That meant understanding the downside and drilling his teams to prevent the things that could go wrong. And when his teams did win, he made sure they didn’t dwell on their success, but rather looked immediately to the challenges of the next game.

He applies this lesson to business strategy as well.

©2013 Bob Knight (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Not So Negative

A pretty good listen, well worth the time, but a lot of semantics. Much of what Mr. Knight labels as negative I consider to be positive. Too much effort to demonstrate that the author learned something other than basketball in college and not enough basketball stories. His coaching philosophy, call it what you will, is solid and overall effective. He relates it well to business situations and personal success.

pleasure to listen too.

would have given five stars if I could have learned more. four stars is typically the highest rating I give overall with rare exception.

Join the Game (Life) Read this Book!

Worth the Read or Listening.

I wanted to read a book with this title and this man. Everyone has no opinion and the rest of us love him or hate him. i was inthe everyone for years, but now i can say i like him

i learned from a friend at Texas Tech, that Bobby Knights assitant coaches gave out to each player books that a. would help them for the team and b. to learn about their coach. i had not changed my mind that he appears to and sounded like a bully. i still think there is a little truth in my observation, but not all the truth.

i learned in this book that the title is there to catch you. Bring you to the counter to buy things. While there are some Basketball terms and game chat, instead it is about what people can say from the negative sometimes that hits home in someone. You know it has taken Bobby Knight for me to realize that 7 of the 10 Commandments start off with the negative.

In this everyone gets a trophy, era. Listening to Bobby Knight ask why a coach is getting paid 600,000 and will get 16,000 if wins 19 games is enlightening. He asks what was the 600,000 for?

A good read for anyone. Coaches might enjoy more then others because of the sports examples. If you are person from anywhere he coached, you will like his stories.

Get this title, read, reread, and respond within your own life a few of 'Knights Nuggets'.

Seeing the world from the other side of positivity

a refreshing perspective on how to view the world. many books now days promote fake-it-till-you-make-it, simply believe and just think positive. this books promots=es hard work discipline and taking a cautionary view of the world. moreover, the author presents interesting stories and funny examples that keep the listening enjoyable.

Loved it!

It's an excellent book that breaks away from the philosophy that you can't use any negative sentences, words or ideas and puts it right in front of you where instead of looking at things negatively it's actually helping you to prepare and anticipate possible problems or issues so that you don't come up the loser.

References many historical, political and sports figures

Switches between stories and can be hard to follow. Could be less monotone at times

"Great Ideas for Living - from a Great Teacher".

If you could sum up The Power of Negative Thinking in three words, what would they be?

Roadmap For Life

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bob Knight. If I have to tell you why, then I'm not sure this book is for you.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. But alas, I am just not afforded that luxury. Ever.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to learn a different way of looking at things. It's not often you can express in words how to turn negatives into lessons that will set you up for success. Bob Knight does it brilliantly in this book.
If you are a college basketball fan, you'll enjoy it even more!

Good and Enjoyable

Admittedly I grew up a fan of Coach Knight and still believe his coaching, teaching and caring of his players, staff and friends was and is still genuine while extraordinary. Thus, choosing to listen to his book was easy.

I read another’s review speaking critically about Bob relating and recanting some of his coaching career. What would one expect that he use to emphasize his thoughts and points -woodcarving or cooking maybe?

This is a very good book where Coach Knight, a great teacher, recalls some of his experiences to bring great insight and interesting perspectives that are relatable to work, relationships, and life!
Enjoy…

Just didn't keep my attention

I have always been a pessimist but very driven and thought this would fit me perfectly. It lost my attention shortly after starting. Just wasn't what I was looking for....maybe a differently time, day, or season but not today.

Very sound philosophy!

whatever your perception Bobby Knight comma he comes across as a very intellectual and thoughtful leader in this book. Definitely a great read for anyone looking to hone their decision making skills.