Above the Shoulders

Unlock the Mind That Makes the Impossible Inevitable

Non-Fiction - Self Help
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 08/27/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Above the Shoulders: Unlock the Mind That Makes the Impossible Inevitable by Jason Nacey examines how sustained human performance is governed by mental processes. Using his experience in completing an Ironman triathlon as a focal point, the book presents the mind as a system capable of shaping endurance, attention, and response under prolonged effort. Nacey argues that consistent outcomes arise from structured cognition, repeated application of mental patterns, and a deliberate framing of perception. He speaks on how thought, focus, and interpretation translate into measurable results, showing that adaptation and achievement are products of mental organization rather than circumstance or talent. The book presents a framework in which internal processes govern external performance, positioning mental mastery as the determinant of progress across extended physical, professional, and personal endeavors.

Above the Shoulders by Jason Nacey is a supremely motivating read, and despite going in with a bag of chips and my remote control on the ready, I finished and was left totally energized by what the mind can achieve. Nacey’s personal stories, from tackling an Ironman Triathlon with no prior experience to enduring a Spartan obstacle in freezing water, bring his principles to life in a way that feels almost tactile. I like that he lays out practical techniques, the standouts for me being the Three Deep Breaths Method and the 30-Second Script Flip, offering clear, actionable ways to shift perspective, push through discomfort, and seize opportunities. Rather than talking at a reader, Nacey employs a friendly, conversational tone, equipping us with the tools to act decisively and maintain focus even when the outcomes are unclear. Overall, Nacey transforms the way you think about effort, endurance, and possibility, demonstrating that consistent mental practice opens doors to extraordinary accomplishments above the shoulders. Very highly recommended.

Doreen Chombu

Above the Shoulders: Unlock the Mind That Makes the Impossible Inevitable by Jason Nacey is an inspiring guide designed to help readers tap into the power of their minds. The book emphasizes the importance of setting seemingly impossible goals and challenging oneself through small, meaningful steps to reach them. Nacey shares stories from athletes and personal experiences that equipped him with the tools to develop this transformative mental framework. He reflects on a lesson from his father, who taught him that success in sports is eighty percent above your shoulders. He also discusses how he mastered turning pain and disappointment into opportunities and the power of gratitude during his Ironman journey. The concepts in this book lay the groundwork for mental resilience and offer valuable lessons that can help readers break through mental barriers, rewire their thinking, change their perspective, and rewrite their stories. Furthermore, the book encourages building relationships that foster positive performance and motivate individuals to continue growing and pushing boundaries that may seem unattainable.

Above the Shoulders is a one-of-a-kind book that highlights the significant role the mind plays in everything we strive to achieve. Jason Nacey avoids technical jargon related to psychology and neural responses; instead, he shares relatable stories of individuals who experienced mental breakthroughs in challenging situations. He illustrates what motivated people like Thomas Edison and James Dyson to push beyond their limits. I appreciate how the author stresses the importance of practice, preparation, and perseverance. His lessons focus on step-by-step plans that lead to significant accomplishments and emphasize breaking challenges down into smaller, achievable actions. His anecdotes about training for the Ironman and his experiences with overnight filmmaking projects effectively convey this message, inspiring readers to adopt similar practices and habits in their lives. The book also includes a powerful lesson about not losing sight of the journey toward your goals, emphasizing the importance of including loved ones and not neglecting daily activities. This perspective made the book stand out among other mental resilience-building literature. It covers vital lessons on discipline, adaptability, transforming panic into focus, and managing uncertainty. I enjoyed this book, as it offers memorable and empowering insights that can help anyone looking to unlock their full potential through mental resilience and a shift in mindset.

Mary Clarke

Above the Shoulders: Unlock the Mind That Makes the Impossible Inevitable by Jason Nacey is a thoughtful and inspiring book that explores the idea of how true transformation and success in life start in the mind and how we choose to see ourselves. Nacey shares his life experiences, like being cut off from every sports team as a kid, battling with a bike accident, and his rise to become an Ironman finisher, Spartan champion, and seasoned professional. He uses this experience to give a clearer and more relatable explanation for his philosophy. Nacey discusses how to build mental strength in a step-by-step manner, introducing a practical approach he calls the "Mental Mastery Pyramid." He explains that challenges are not just obstacles but a chance to strengthen our mindset. This book teaches that true strength comes from facing tough things and not giving up, by focusing on small victories instead of getting overwhelmed by big goals.

Above the Shoulders is a great read. I love the honest and direct approach Nacey used. He did not write as if he had all the answers; instead, he showed times when he feared and struggled with doubt, which made his ideas easier to connect with. I loved the personal stories he added, as well as the stories of other successful people like Olympic winners Alex Ferreira and Alex Kopacz. Their stories were interesting and also showed me different ways of thinking and building my mindset. The writing style is detailed and easy to follow without getting lost. I love how Nacey did not make it look as if change is easy; he balanced this narrative with a positive tone that made me feel motivated to take small steps that could make a big difference. The resilience scorecard and the three deep breaths method made the book more practical. I recommend Above the Shoulders by Jason Nacey to anyone who wants to develop a powerful mindset, overcome challenges, and achieve goals.

Joe Wisinski

Jason Nacey's Above the Shoulders teaches his readers how to achieve their most sought-after goals. Chapter titles include Mindset: The Only Thing You Can Control, Building 'Never Quit' into Your DNA, The Gratitude Hack, How to Handle Change and Uncertainty Like a Pro, and more. Nacey uses numerous examples from world-class athletes as well as his own experiences in making his point that it’s possible for anyone to achieve a life that they had only been able to dream about up to now. Readers will learn what to do when they’re frustrated about a situation they can't control, how to visualize exactly what they want to happen, how to feel grateful when gratitude doesn’t seem possible, and much more. The book concludes with a 90-day plan to implement the principles that readers have learned.

Above the Shoulders: Unlock the Mind That Makes the Impossible Inevitable is a book to be experienced, not merely read. For those who do experience what Jason Nacey writes, their lives can be changed in a way that they could only have imagined. The book is especially valuable in helping readers to overcome challenges, and I liked that he wrote about both physical and mental challenges. Because every chapter is broken down into easily digestible parts by using step-by-step numbered lists and plentiful subheadings, the book is easy to understand. Also, the many examples from highly successful people will inspire readers to emulate their success. For me, the chapter on gratitude was perhaps the most compelling. We've all been in a place where gratitude isn't one of our first emotions; this chapter will help us ensure that it is. I recommend this fine book to anyone who wants to change their life and live it to the fullest.

Leonard Smuts

Where does mental mastery begin? Building on advice from his father, Jason Nacey believes that success resides 90% above the shoulders in the untapped recesses of the brain. He describes how to achieve a winning mindset in Above the Shoulders: Unlock the Mind That Makes the Impossible Inevitable. It is a call to unlock your superpowers. Barriers are mental, but the right approach will make daunting goals achievable. The author explores what he refers to as the mental mastery pyramid to build mental resilience and the tenacity to salvage the situation after setbacks. He advises readers to set seemingly impossible goals, bearing in mind that their mindset is the only thing that they can control. The mind shapes reality. We can train the brain by re-wiring it, being specific and consistent, but this takes focus and commitment. Obstacles then become opportunities, and setbacks become plot twists, so rewrite your script and keep notes of your achievements. Other sage advice involves avoiding mental traps and self-sabotage, remembering that the process is as important as the outcome. Focus on excellence and act as if success is inevitable, breaking tasks down into smaller pieces. Thrive on chaos and endure discomfort.

As a young man, wrestling taught Jason Nacey never to quit. His fighting spirit took him further to tackle extreme sports, such as the Ironman (a grueling triathlon), and events in the desert. He points out that pushing physical limits is also a test of the mind. We should embrace gratitude and help others while building tolerance against uncertainty. Surrounding yourself with high performers and a support system will help create an inner circle. This book takes the power of positive thought to a new level and is a blueprint for mental mastery. There are no quick answers. It is about cultivating positive habits and facing incremental battles by starting small and building. From London cab drivers to Olympic athletes, we all face obstacles. While the author draws heavily on physical challenges for his inspiration, with many examples quoted, the techniques presented can be applied more broadly. Above the Shoulders is not a feel-good self-help book and certainly not for the faint-hearted. It will challenge the reader to be hands-on and push further. The extent of the benefit derived will depend on how hard you are prepared to strive. The question is, are you ready?