Reviews - Brain Coaching - Published 2011
WinAmerica is an exciting program that educates young athletes to become winners by conditioning and strengthening the individual’s brain with information, teaching us unique skills and walking us through exercises that train us to achieve our dreams and goals in life.
Unquestionably the best book I’ve ever read on winning. It is the only one I’ve ever seen that truly teaches how to be a winner. It does so in such a simple step-by-step way that anyone can do it. I will be using WinAmerica to prepare both of my sons for sports and for life after sports. In addition, I will be using it to my benefit in business. I wish I would have had these instructions ten years ago. I can only imagine where I would be now. Great job Mike!
Richard Zemlak
Veteran of the NHL with Minnesota North Stars and the
Pittsburgh Penguins
_______________________________
Michael Goulden and WinAmerica have done something that countless other positive thinking, goal designing and self-help books have failed to do for me. That is to get me down right excited about following through on a plan to reach my dreams. I can't say enough about this book.
If you want to pull away from the competition you need to develop a plan. This program will walk you through everything you need to bring your dreams clearly into focus. Read it over and over again and your life will be changed. I know mine has.
This book should be taught to anyone who has a dream. So that includes everyone. There are so many important lessons taught from a new angle that it will make you smile with its simplicity. Not a passive read but something you take with you for life because it will change it. Do yourself a favor and pack this book on every bus trip you ever take.
Professional athletes didn't get to where they are by accident. They made a plan of action, developed tremendous motivation for the back breaking hard work required, and yes failed many times along the way. Use this book as a guide on your journey and be ten times closer to your dream than your competition.
This book is the best I have seen and the only method I will use going forward for life changing plans."
Brett Henning
NHL Scout for the Vancouver Canucks
Author of "7 Pre-Game Habits of Pro Hockey Players"
_______________________________
I have had some pretty amazing coaches in my life. I played football at the University of Idaho in the early 90s.
My head coach was John L. Smith. He went on to have tremendous success at Louisville. He was named Big Ten Coach of the Year at Michigan State and currently coaches at Arkansas. My offensive coordinator was Bobby Petrino. He went on to have success at Louisville as the head coach.
He then went on to be the offensive coordinator at the Jacksonville Jaguars and later the head coach at the Atlanta Falcons. He is currently the head coach at the University of Arkansas. Scott Linehan was my position coach. He went on to have a great college coaching career and has been in the NFL since 2002 as offensive coordinator at the Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins as well as the head coach at the St. Louis Rams. He is currently with the Detroit Lions as coordinator. I had several other coaches at Idaho that are currently coaching at the highest levels of College and in the NFL. All of my coaches were and are still incredible at what they do. They are all exceptional motivators and planners. They have all had success wherever they have gone.
The one thing that ALL of them were missing while I had the pleasure to learn from them is what Coach Mike Goulden and WinAmerica is teaching; and that is HOW TO be a winner. He has studied the success of people like the coaches I had in college and people that have had far greater success than that. He has found a way to MAP out the exact PLAN that anyone will follow to find success not only in sport but in life and as a person in general. I wish I had the opportunity to have him as a coach BEFORE I went to college. I highly recommend Coach Mike Goulden and WinAmerica. It has been my pleasure and honor to have had the chance to learn from him.
Sincerely,
J. Dallas Riddick
_______________________________
Anyone who knows Mike understands that he is a walking, living example of a winner – so much so that he would never say that about himself. Those of us who know Mike also understand that he is a self-made man from very humble beginnings who steeped himself in understanding the practices that make someone a winner.
He’s not your typical self-help coach who touts their experience in psychology, their vast public speaking experience, or their ‘secret’ of success. Rather, he’s read thousands of biographies of successful people and applied what he’s learned to his own life – a successful life by any measure.
He’s boiled that knowledge down to some of the most practical advice I’ve ever experienced.
Because he is so passionate about teaching children how to win in life, his friends pushed him into putting together these materials. Like every endeavor he takes on, he approached it with fervor and applied his own learning to teaching others. What makes these materials so powerful is they teach the basic, foundational skills needed for life in ways that everyone can understand and apply.
As a person who has gone through decades of training – ranging from corporate development to athletic and scholastic training in my early years – I can honestly say that this may be the most pragmatic development program I’ve ever experienced. So much so that I will be putting my children through it at the appropriate time. I would highly recommend this program for any parent, coach, teacher, or other person interested in giving children (or adults!) the skills needed to make a better life for themselves and others.
Scott Keplinger
Vice President of a major global insurance company
_______________________________
I wanted to take a minute to add my 2 cents worth, even though I am not on the team. I have attended each of the webinars with Andy, and helped him to fill out quizzes and complete his lessons. You can choose to share these comments, or just keep them for yourself.
I am very pleased with the WinAmerica program. My son Andy (age 9) is enrolled and enjoying it. I can see a real difference in the way he thinks already. There are many things that I did not know, or maybe just never really thought about. The way this program takes you step by step is wonderful. I really like the way acronyms are used in the lessons. I don't think Andy (or I) will forget the meanings behind: IKES, SMART, PIE, MAP to WIN, or BFOR.
If I had to pick 2 things that have stood out for us, I would say the lesson about failure being a necessary ingredient, and What's Important Now. These have been a direct hit for us. Like most kids Andy's age (and actually most adults too now that I think about it), failure has always been seen as a bad thing. We now look at it differently. MAP to WIN has helped Andy to understand that there is a time and order to the things that must be done to succeed. Even thought he is very bright, he has trouble knowing what to focus on first.
Here's a real life example of what I'm talking about. Andy is playing little league baseball for the first time. The coaches have asked him to pitch at two different games. He did not do very well. Before, we would have thought his failure at pitching each time was a bad thing. Now we understand that it is actually a good thing. He got out there, and was not afraid to fail. (Of course this lesson has been even more eye opening for me since I am "older" and set in my ways of thinking.) And thanks to these lessons, I am sure he will not be afraid to try again (and even fail again).
And in case I haven't said it yet, Thanks Coach!
(Attitude of Gratitude)
Andy’s mom, Jodi Hopkins
_______________________________
Hi Coach!
I am having fun. I am learning a lot. I am pleased with the program.
Andy Hopkins
_______________________________
Michael your Win America training has captured the philosophy and beliefs of the late great Herb Brooks. As you know I watched as Herb molded young athletes into players that reached out and became all that they could have possibly been, in most cases more then the player even believe he could be.
Herb had an uncanny ability to take young men from Good to Great; as he did with 3 Minnesota Gopher Division 1 teams to National Championships in his 5 year stay at Minnesota and then as he orchestrated the 1980 Olympic “Miracle on Ice.”
Much of my success I have experienced in life I attribute to having had Herb as a friend. As I listen and learn from your webinars Michael; if I didn’t know better I would tell you I’m listening to Herb himself in the flesh. That is a great compliment Michael and you will have a positive influence on many, many, young athletes and their parents with Win America.
Your Friend,
John Gergen
_______________________________
As a 64 year old financial advisor, I wish the WinAmerica program had been available to me at the beginning of my career. Mike presents the program in a logical sequence that incorporates exercises to raise mere information to knowledge, knowledge to experience, and experience to a skill. In the process he challenges some of the beliefs our brains have accepted as fact. In my case, I had accepted as a fact that failure is the opposite of success. WinAmerica has challenged that belief, prompting me to accept the fact that failure is a part of success. Each failure or mistake is an opportunity to learn. Embrace these opportunities. Be willing to attempt the difficult, or seemingly impossible, while accepting any resulting failure as a step toward success. WinAmerica not only challenges us to be more than we thought we could be but shows us how to put a plan together to accomplish our dreams.
Vince McCarty
_______________________________
I want to thank you for sharing WinAmerica with me.
I have been dreaming for many years and I have been learning about goal setting for my dreams for many years. I have taken development courses to learn about myself and how to accomplish my dreams. I have watched video on setting goals and all were very good and kept me in the game and kept my dreams alive. Yes, I have accomplished many of those dreams by miracles and pure determination. I have never had a map or clear direction on how to set goals and accomplish those dreams based on how my brain works and how I can think differently to make the dreams become reality.
WinAmerica is not only about all those other courses, videos and classes, these are inter-active, self sustaining lessons on how to be SUCCESSFUL. It is not only for me as an older adult to learn, it reaches and inspires a broad range of ages giving everyone a chance to be successful at whatever they want to accomplish from athletics to business and beyond. It is one of those classes that I say to myself, why didn’t someone tell me about this before.
I not only want to learn more, I want to share this with everyone I know because of what I am learning from these lessons about success and life. Again, I have taken many courses and this one combines all of those into a very informational method of knowledge and skillful practice of what will make me SUCCESSFUL, that I can practice everyday and see results. It is changing how I think about things as I learn.
I continue to learn more in the WinAmerica webinar, more than all the others courses combined.
Thank you,
Gale Schrag
Sugarbush Construction LLC
Crown Financial
_______________________________
Thank you very much for being our Coach and dedicate your precious time to teach us your step by step program.
For the last seven weeks, since the first lesson, I have been more focused on my thoughts, on how my brain thinks, on how it reacts on different situations, and on how to eliminate my obstacles.
I have applied the techniques that you have taught me in every lesson, one way or another. Now I am more aware of the things only I can control, and spend my energy on them more effectively.
By remembering and using the acronyms like IKES, SMART, PIE, BFOR, WIN, I am able to apply any of them quicker in my day to day activities, my goal setting activities, and ultimately achieve my dream in a timely manner.
Again, thanks a million, Coach, for all you do!
Gratefully yours,
May Tran
_______________________________
The WinAmerica program for 'Dream Achievement' is a success. My 13 year old son and I are participating together in the lessons. Mike's ability to communicate his message to all ages and levels of life experience has been extremely effective. His fresh approach to implementing the program is logical, practical and achievable. It is a life system that will have lasting beneficial effects and many applications.
With pride,
Brian H. Johnson
_______________________________
Thanks for being such an outstanding leader and coach and allowing me to be a part of this life-changing opportunity.
You can scour the internet, talk to all your contacts, research the Library of Congress, talk to your parents/coaches/teachers, and read every motivational, inspirational, self-help book ever printed --- You will NOT find a program like this one, period.
I've attended so many seminars, training courses, presentations, discussion groups, classes, etc. They all lack one fundamental, yet incredibly important aspect -- the "how". Many people leave a motivational speech so excited and "fired up" about what they just HEARD. That's the key, they heard inspirational ideas and stories, but got nothing tangible in terms of "how" to implement or apply all this new information. Within 3-4 days (or sooner), you're brain settles back into what it knows and it has filtered out all this new inspirational information.
This program is founded upon teaching you how to apply what you learn. It is so well organized. You only have to digest one new idea each week. It truly expands your brain into areas previously unchartered. It challenges your mind and teaches how to permanently make these new ideas a part of how you think and approach many facets of your life.
Mike Goulden is an outstanding instructor. He makes the lessons interactive, engaging, interesting, challenging, and lighthearted at times. But his real strength is none of these. It's his intense desire to help others. He is so motivated and inspired to help others and this comes ringing through in each and every lesson. His passion for teaching others how to be winners is amazing. It truly creates a team environment. We work together each week and feel like a team; A team with a coach capable and prepared to show us all how to become winners.
With a program like this and a coach like Mike, I'm clearing out room on my mantle for my championship trophies. I will own several as a result of attending this program. It has given me the tools to succeed in so many areas of my life.
This program is like no other. I'm interested in the good it will provide to others. I'm ready and so excited to "Pay it forward". I'm ready to do something good for so many others -- no amount of money could possibly fill that void in my life. No amount.
You are an amazing person -- I'm sure you have a hard time understanding this. But, you are. Trust me. How many other people have developed a program and written a book to teach people how to become winners? Go Google it -- I have.
I'm one lucky individual for having crossed paths with you. My children idolize you. You are the role model that all parents dream about.
Let’s conquer our demons, learn from our failures, and turn our experiences into skill. Together.
Your friend,
Dave Scharf
_______________________________
Since I have started the WinAmerica program, I have come to the understanding that winning doesn't just happen. Sure it can be stumbled upon and some may chalk it up to luck. But that's the great thing about Mike Goulden's program; he takes the chance out of the equation and shows you step by step (along with copious amounts of proof) the path to becoming a winner.
I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is interested in improving any facet of their life. Whether it's athletics, professional or personal I honestly can't say enough about how this program has helped me. I am blessed to call Mike not only my coach, but my friend.
Cody Shelley
Co-Founder, Raucus Natüre
_______________________________
I have been thru 7 weeks of Mike Goulden's WinAmerica program. I wish this program had been around long ago. For example when I was playing HS baseball, I could not hit a curve ball to save my life, but I knew I would always be a starter because I was a very good defensive catcher. I had my brain programmed telling me I could not hit a curve ball and it was just a fact of life I would have to deal with. I blocked it out of my mind because I was not worried about my starting position on the team. Mike's program would not teach me specifically how to hit a curve ball, but the lessons would have taught me how to re-program my brain and come up with a system for learning how to hit one and how to overcome that obstacle, rather than just blocking it out and accepting it as a fact of life.
The thing I like the most about the WinAmerica program is that Mike makes it clear that you, and only you, are responsible for your own destination. He is going to teach you the skills to exercise your brain, but ultimately it is up to you to do the actual exercises so you can ultimately achieve your dreams. He does not try to sugar coat things by telling you are not going to run into obstacles, but the lessons teach you how to overcome any obstacle you may run into. The WinAmerica program also does not overload you with information. Each lesson focuses on a different item that is tied together with the previous and future lessons.
Dan Burns
_______________________________
The WinAmerica program provides a map for students and adults to achieve their dreams. This program teaches practical exercises, starting with basics, such as writing goals that will lead to the dream achievement.
Over the past twenty years, the WinAmerica developer, Michael Goulden, has assisted my work colleagues and me in the design and completion of projects in much the same way as the WinAmerica approach. Mike has provided a gift by developing this program and therefore allowing us to approach our dreams and goals in a way that will lead to achievement.
Tammy Mason
_______________________________
I wanted to tell you how much Marshall and I am learning from the WinAmerica lessons so far. I think as a business owner I thought I knew how to set goals but this has given me some new and very valuable tools and a step by step process to really succeeding.
I know that Marshall, my 13 year old, has been really learning from this and if you know how a 13 year olds brain works this is not something that is easily accomplished.
I know that I will use what I am learning to help grow my business and I am really looking forward to the next 3 lessons so I can put everything together. Marshall will be able to use these tools for not only his hockey but everything that he dreams for in life. I would highly recommend WinAmerica to anyone wanting to succeed and become better at whatever they want to do.
Thanks,
Brad Kemp
CDC Financial Group, Inc., Aurora, CO
_______________________________
OUTSTANDING! Five stars for an amazing opportunity to break through barriers I didn't even know existed in my mind. A life changer!
Joan Badzik
_______________________________
Mike told me that I would have an unfair advantage over my competition if I become a participant of WinAmerica. I still have three sessions remaining and his words have already come true. This program is beneficial to all age groups and provides you with the necessary skills to obtain your goals and dreams.
Justin Scharf
Henry B. Tippie College of Business,
The University of Iowa
_______________________________
I thought the ideas behind WinAmerica were a great place for my son (Roman) to learn how to develop his goals and dreams.
So far, the lessons we have heard have been very informative and have shown both, my son and myself that through "intelligent effort" and persistence we both can achieve any dream that we have.
I have NO reservations about this program and would recommend it to anyone who is trying to improve their chances for success!
Thank you for all of your hard work and allowing us to be a part of your first team.
Larry and Roman West
_______________________________
I was introduced to Mike Goulden and the WinAmerica program by John Gergen, a mutual friend and mentor of mine. When I first signed up for WinAmerica, I knew it was going to be something special...just in listening to John's excitement and conviction when talking about Mike and the WinAmerica training. From the very beginning, I found the lessons to be very compelling and intriguing, using concepts that are refreshingly different from other training programs. And Mike was very diligent about striving for excellence in the delivery system for his lessons.
WinAmerica is a very engaging, interesting, life-enriching, and thoroughly enjoyable training program. It is interactive, and challenging, and it stretches the imagination. Mike Goulden presents the lessons in a clear, understandable, and professional manner -- he also makes it fun. I can honestly say that the level of quality information that he provides will improve the life of anyone privileged enough to take his course. I know my life has been blessed by Mike Goulden and the WinAmerica program. I would recommend this program to anyone young or old, in any career field.
Mary Jo Esch
_______________________________
I've never met Michael Goulden, however I'm reading WinAmerica and am a participant on his Web seminars. We have just finished lesson 7, Creating and Using Dreams. In lesson 5 we learned Brutal Facts of Reality. This lesson taught me how important integrity and honesty are. This leads to my evaluation and opinion of the book and the author.
I firmly believe our brain coach has found and understands a new way of thinking that will transform our ways to success, whether its sports, self help or whatever we want to achieve. I've read several books on this subject and they motivate but fail to give the tools needed to succeed. I have a degree in psychology however I believe our coach understands how the brain works better than many professors I've studied under.
WinAmerica can be a challenge and still is for me. It does take a lot of thought to understand this new way of thinking but anyone can do it if they read the book and watch the Web seminars. I know Mike is always willing to help with any obstacles we may face.
I highly recommend WinAmerica and Mike's Web seminars to everyone; it's powerful and thought provoking.
Sincerely,
Jill Kirchner
_______________________________
What was an awesome initial idea has now, thru hard work and diligence, become an incredible tool for success training for the masses. The beauty of this program is its wide ranging potential to teach anyone, willing to listen, the path to a successful and fulfilling life journey.
Being a trainer of sales teams myself and knowing the pitfalls of many programs available today I can truly appreciate the easy to follow and highly motivating material Mike has created in this body of work.
This will be valuable for individuals and corporations alike.
I see a sea of future success stories in the athletic field due to the principles that WinAmerica injects into the mind of the athlete to excel. The plan is in place, now the recipients of this material and philosophy will most certainly flourish if applied.
I am using and will pass on to my company this invaluable tool for individual and group success.
Thank You Coach Mike!!!!!
Kevin Brown
President, SOFG LLC
_______________________________
I’ve trained and developed thousands of hockey players of all ages from youth to the professional ranks. I’ve helped over 300 of them reach their goal of playing in the NHL, some of which have won the Stanley Cup. I’ve studied each player and realized that the great players separate themselves from the rest of the pack by outworking everyone else. When others think they work hard, winners actually work hard and they also work smart. They have this ability to absorb as much information as they can and filter out what works for them and what doesn’t.
Athletes spend a ton of money and a ton of time developing their physical improvements. Usually, they need to spend more time on the mental side of things. Everyone thinks they are striving for excellence, but Mike teaches the appropriate steps to actually achieve excellence. Mike Goulden’s book is a must read for all aspiring hockey players. I will be recommending it to all of my athletes.”
Joe Ciardelli, MS CSCS
Minnesota Hockey Camps
Director of Strength & Conditioning