Mind Games

Life is a mind game. All your aspirations are played out in your head. All your relationships are shaped in your head. Even your career progression depends on your mental approach to the world. Your mind dictates whether you fulfil your potential or live your life dreaming. In sport it can make the difference between winning and losing.

Jeff Grout is an adviser, commentator and columnist on the subjects of motivation, peak performance, people management, teamwork, recruitment and retention. He is also business manager to Sir Clive Woodward OBE, the former England Rugby Coach.

Sarah Perrin is a freelance journalist and writer, contributing regularly to business and professional magazines. She is co-author of Kickstart Your Career and Recruiting Excellence , and author of The Guardian Careers Guide to Accountancy . She is also a qualified NLP practitioner, a technique increasingly used by sporting champions.