Jim Murphy is the best-selling author of “Inner Excellence,” a book Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown read on the sideline during his Wild Card Weekend game against the Green Bay Packers.
Murphy’s journey to best-selling author is quite unconventional.
‘Inner Excellence’ Author Jim Murphy Finds Overnight Success
Murphy started his professional life as a minor-league outfielder for the Chicago Cubs. His performance at the plate and in the field defined who he was and what he wanted to become.
Murphy was transfixed on becoming a star, but he said he had a fear in his heart, which was concentrating on failure rather than success. That fear held him back in his baseball career.
“When I was hitting, I wanted so badly to get a base hit, my intense desire created the fear of not getting a hit; of not becoming a superstar; of not being good enough; of not being ok,” Murphy said. “I had to be successful. My entire identity — my entire life — was riding on it.”
Then comes the pitch.
“If only I had known what you are about to learn.”
Murphy also started a foundation called the Inner Excellence Freedom Project, designed to serve the disadvantaged.
“So far, we’ve been building houses in Mexico (with an amazing group called Youth With a Mission – Homes of Hope) and in 2019 did our first ever Inner Excellence Freedom Project retreat at the Monroe Correctional Complex in Monroe, WA,” Murphy said.
“I’m also on the board of directors for an amazing organization called The Father’s Heart Foundation, which builds homes for orphans in El Salvador.”
So, what exactly is Inner Excellence? Murphy takes a stab at defining it.
“There is no other training system that brings you the mastery, grit, and mental toughness of Inner Excellence, as well as the peace and joy of living the best possible life.
“Perhaps best of all, it’s a system we can all use, not just professional athletes. We all have a mind that thinks negative thoughts, tries to constantly judge (deliver a negative verdict) on our circumstances, selves, or others, and we all have limiting beliefs,” Murphy said.
“Every day, I’m working on the same skills, developing the same disciplines in my life as the performers I coach — the same skills, disciplines, and routines you will learn.”
Aside from Inner Excellence, Murphy has two other books which he has published that are available for sale.
The first, “Dugout Wisdom: The Ten Principles of Championship Teams,” was published in 2015. In this book, Murphy highlights his findings from interviews with 39 of baseball’s top managers.
Murphy published another book, “The Best Possible Life,” in 2024. This book gives readers a guide to design their lives as they desire.
