The Comeback Quotient

A Get-Real Guide to Building Mental Fitness in Sport and Life

By: Matt Fitzgerald

Narrated by: Stephen R. Thorne

Every sports fan loves a great comeback. Is there a special quality shared by top athletes who triumph over great challenges? And can anyone acquire it? In The Comeback Quotient, celebrated sports writer Matt Fitzgerald supplies the answer to both questions. He identifies these mega-achievers of astounding athletic comebacks as "ultrarealists", men and women who succeed where others fail by fully accepting, embracing, and addressing the reality of their situations. 

From ultrarunners like Rob Krar to triathletes like Mirinda Carfrae to rowers, skiers, cyclists, and runners all over the world, Fitzgerald highlights and speculates on just what makes these comebacks so compelling. As for whether anyone can stage his or her own great comeback, the answer is a resounding yes: Anyone can become an ultrarealist to some degree. 

In the tradition of his best-selling How Bad Do You Want It?, The Comeback Quotient combines gripping sports stories with mind-blowing science to deliver a book that will forever change how you perceive the challenges you face, giving you the inspiration and the tools to make the next great comeback you witness your own.

©2020 Matt Fitzgerald (P)2021 Tantor

Solid storytelling

Well written and thoughtful. Pulls in resources and provides a range of scientific and philosophical sources which complement each other nicely.

Perfect for everyday mindset in business and sports!

This audiobook was just what I personally needed to understand more about enjoying the process than worrying about the outcome. I will listen to it again and again as I move to make my own triathlon comeback. I have often gotten frustrated in the past when the results just don’t come fast enough. The obsessive focus on the results takes me away from my focus of being the absolute best I can be in the moment.

Life lessons learned the hard way

I started listening to this book based on the author. Matt has captured the mental battle that plays in every athlete. He will show you both sides of the coin. Great book. The information will change the way you train.

Great reality check.

This is a great book for athletes and non-athletes. Situations happen, but it’s our attitude towards them that make all the difference. We are the creators of our own reality.

Flat out inspiring

This is the most inspiring book I’ve ever consumed. I listened to it at the perfect time. I’m going through some personal setbacks now, and it is beyond encouraging to hear about the people who have come back from worse. The psychology behind it is actually helping me pursue my own comeback and reinforce a healthy mindset. I know I will listen to this repeatedly.