Sun Tzu was a Chinese military general, strategist, philosopher, and writer who lived during the Eastern Zhou period. Sun Tzu is traditionally credited as the author of The Art of War, an influential work of military strategy that has affected both Western and East Asian philosophy and military thinking.
This book was written roughly 5th Century BC. The book has effected Western military thinking, business tactics, legal strategy, politics, sports, lifestyles and beyond.
In my own case, In the Art of war, I found some key parallels to sport and an athletes life. Some of the key messages for me as a coach, are the importance of staying grounded and present in heat of battle.
The importance of being clear of mind, setting the intention and maintaining the higher conscious ground and the critical importance of being clear of doubt and fear.
The importance of physical, psychological and spiritual preparation in order to enter the battle field having already won before the battle has begun.
Probably the key summary of this book comes from Sun Tzu’s famous quote -
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.