Complete Bibliography & Further Reading
The science behind peak performance under pressure
Navigate Performance is built on decades of rigorous research in performance psychology, sports psychology, and stress management. This page provides a comprehensive bibliography of the academic works, books, and research papers that inform the product's 7 performance situations and 26 modules. Each source is available through Amazon with direct purchase links.
The foundational research upon which Navigate Performance's approach is built:
1994 • Plume Books
The groundbreaking work on mental toughness that transformed performance psychology. Loehr's Ideal Performance State (IPS) concept and energy management principles have been applied by thousands of elite athletes and professionals across domains.
2010 • Free Press
Cognitive scientist Beilock reveals the neuroscience of why we fail under pressure and—more importantly—how to prevent it. Her research on choking in high-stakes situations provides the scientific backbone for our Performance Anxiety modules.
Essential texts from leading performance psychology researchers and practitioners:
1990 • Harper Perennial
The classic work on flow states—those moments of complete absorption where performance seems effortless. Csikszentmihalyi's research established the conditions that enable peak performance across all domains.
2013 • Rodale Books
Sports psychologist Afremow distills decades of working with Olympic and professional athletes into practical mental skills anyone can use. A modern classic in applied performance psychology.
2002 • Routledge
Greene has trained Navy SEAL candidates, Olympic divers, and world-class musicians. His "Centering" technique and performance strategies are used by performers across domains who must deliver under extreme pressure.
2008 • McGraw-Hill
Former Director of Mental Training for the St. Louis Cardinals, Selk provides a concise, daily mental training routine that has been used by professional athletes and business executives worldwide.
Research on managing nerves, reframing anxiety, and performing under pressure:
1974 • Random House
The book that launched the mental game revolution. Gallwey's concept of "Self 1" (the critic) vs. "Self 2" (the doer) has influenced performance coaching across all fields. A foundational text in understanding how overthinking impairs performance.
2015 • Crown Business
Drawing on decades of research, the authors identify 22 specific strategies that top performers use to thrive under pressure. Practical, research-backed techniques for any high-stakes situation.
2017 • Portfolio
Journalist McGinn synthesizes research on pre-performance rituals, superstitions, and mental preparation from athletes, surgeons, musicians, and executives. Evidence-based insights on what actually works before high-stakes moments.
Research on bouncing back from setbacks and building mental resilience:
2016 • Scribner
MacArthur "genius grant" winner Duckworth's research shows that grit—passion and perseverance for long-term goals—predicts success better than talent. Essential reading on why and how to persist through setbacks.
2006 • Ballantine Books
Stanford psychologist Dweck's groundbreaking research on fixed vs. growth mindset revolutionized our understanding of how beliefs about ability shape performance and response to failure.
2003 • Free Press
Building on Loehr's athletic performance work, this book applies energy management principles to business and life. The concept of strategic recovery is essential for sustained high performance.
Peer-reviewed research underlying Navigate Performance's evidence-based approach:
Hatzigeorgiadis, A., Zourbanos, N., Galanis, E., & Theodorakis, Y. (2011). Perspectives on Psychological Science, 6(4), 348-356.
This meta-analysis of 32 studies found that self-talk interventions significantly enhance performance (d = 0.48), with both instructional and motivational self-talk producing positive effects—core to Navigate Performance's module approach.
Cotterill, S. (2010). International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 3(2), 132-153.
Comprehensive review of pre-performance routines showing their effectiveness in reducing anxiety, enhancing focus, and improving consistency—directly informing our Competition/Game Day and Presentation situations.
Beilock, S. L., & Gray, R. (2007). Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 136(4), 701-709.
Identifies distinct mechanisms of choking (explicit monitoring vs. distraction) and intervention strategies for each—foundational for our Performance Anxiety modules.
Williams, J. M., & Krane, V. (2015). In J. M. Williams & V. Krane (Eds.), Applied Sport Psychology (7th ed., pp. 159-175).
Identifies common psychological characteristics of athletes during peak performances: confidence, focus, optimal arousal, automaticity—guiding our module selection for Competition situations.
Jamieson, J. P., Mendes, W. B., Blackstock, E., & Schmader, T. (2010). Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 46(1), 208-212.
Demonstrates that reframing stress arousal as helpful (rather than harmful) improves performance outcomes—the science behind our "Inspire-U-2-Reframe-Anxiety" module.
Fletcher, D., & Sarkar, M. (2012). Journal of Sports Sciences, 30(13), 1419-1435.
Comprehensive review identifying psychological factors that protect against the negative effects of stress—informing our Recovery After Poor Performance situation.
Google Scholar is a free academic search engine that indexes peer-reviewed papers, theses, books, and conference proceedings from universities and research institutions worldwide.
Unlike regular Google, Scholar focuses exclusively on academic and scholarly sources—the original research that books like those above are based on.
Use Google Scholar when you want to:
Note: Some papers require institutional access or purchase, but many are freely available as PDFs.
Transform evidence-based performance psychology into daily inspiration with Navigate Performance's 26 modules and 2,600+ curated quotes.