The Book

Going for the gold in life.

Olympic gold medalist, author reveals 10-point plan for mastering your toughest opponent.

SAN MARCOS, Texas – Whether you are starting a new business, training for a marathon or just trying to lose a few extra pounds, achieving the goals and dreams you have set for your life can be a difficult challenge. Reaching that next level in your career or personal life requires commitment and hard work and for many, it can seem impossible to overcome the setbacks and distractions along the way.

Charles Austin, an Olympic gold medalist says the path to success must be paved with a structured plan, one that includes realistic goals and a vision for the future. In his new book, Head Games: Life’s Greatest Challenges, Austin reveals the steps he followed on his journey to winning the gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. He recounts the mental and physical battles he faced and the satisfaction he felt after overcoming every challenge.

“It’s all about finding ways to stay motivated and focused,” says Austin, who has trained professional athletes like David Robinson and John Starks. “Having these motivational guidelines and tools is especially important when you are relying on yourself rather than other teammates or staff members for support.” 

As a professional high jumper, Austin worked through hardships in his career. When a debilitating knee injury cost him a medal at the 1992 Olympics and major surgery threatened his ability to compete again, Austin was forced to battle back on his own. He continued to train himself and competed sparingly, pushing himself to return to the Olympic Games.

In Head Games, Austin lays out a 10-step roadmap to help readers accomplish their goals and reach their dreams. From finding a passion, to benchmarking your competition, Austin says these guidelines will help individuals develop a high level of confidence and put them in the right mindset for success.

“I came to understand that some people dream of being successful while others take that dream and make it a reality,” says Austin. “The only way to do it is by mastering the toughest opponent you face in achieving your goals and that is your state of mind.”

As a source, Austin can discuss:

• How to create your own roadmap to success
• How to set realistic goals for your life
• How to overcome your own head games
• How to realize your passion in life

Austin is the founder and owner of So High, Inc., a sports and fitness company in San Marcos, Texas. He was a three time Olympian (1992, 1996, 2000) and was the high jump gold medalist at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Ga. Austin is the current Olympic and American high jump record holder and was a six time consecutive U.S. outdoor track and field high jump champion. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Southwest Texas State University and resides with his wife and three sons in San Marcos. For more information, visit www.CharlesAustin.net.