The title of Chris Mueller’s book seems perfect for what Hibs will face in the Cup against Arbroath at Gayfield.
But the winger is fully aware the Easter Road side will need to put words into action if they are to avoid a Scottish Cup shock this afternoon.
The US cap penned his motivational guide when playing for former side Orlando City and it went on sale last year.
Called ‘Bet On Yourself: How to build unshakeable confidence, tune out the noise and rise to the occasion’, the publication details how Mueller went from university footballer to MLS and international star.
Described as an “unprecedented look behind the curtain” at the 25-year-old’s journey so far, he is now determined to write a new chapter in his career after joining Hibs last month.
And he is convinced the positive outlook he writes about in his book could come in handy as Shaun Maloney’s side try to avoid a massive banana skin after a run of six league games without a win.
Mueller said: “This is the most important time to have that sort of mindset.
“You need to believe that it can all change in one moment.
“When you’re on top, something can happen and take you straight to the bottom. When you’re down low, something can happen and take you back to the top.
“It’s not easy when we’re having a run like this but ultimately it’s the most important time to have a positive mindset.
“It’s easy to be like that when things are going your way, when you’re scoring three or four goals every week.
“Right now it has been a challenge for us. But to stick together you have to maintain that mindset inside the locker room. I try to bring it every day.
“Obviously, it sucks not to win every game and to be on a tough run of results but what matters is the next game. That’s all we have control over right now.
“No matter your profession, growing every day as a person is the most important thing.
“Everyone has their own journey and that’s mine.
“This is the way I do it. I play football and I try to bring that mindset every day.”
Some of Mueller’s team-mates have asked for copies of his book.
And while he doesn’t want to be seen as some sort of dressing-room guru, the American is adamant football cannot shy away from the psychology of the game.
He said: “Arguably the mental side is more important than the physical side because so much of this game is mental and it is a roller-coaster of highs and lows and ups and downs.
“You win one week, you lose one week and you can be affected by that, especially with all that goes on in the media these days and how you much you are under a spotlight.
“That can all be challenging and it may be difficult just to maintain your own mental state of health and your own happiness and joy every day. It can challenge you and the way you function in your everyday life.
“It is a side of the game that deserves more attention and we can invest a lot more in it as well.
“When people are in their best state of mind, feeling positive and in flow with themselves, you are going to get the best out of them on the pitch.”
Positivity has not been in evidence much at Hibs in recent weeks.
The Easter Road outfit have gone six league games without a win – and haven’t even scored in five of them.
They needed extra-time to squeeze past League One leaders Cove Rangers in the last round and there are plenty predicting they will be on the wrong end of an upset against Arbroath.
Despite being part-time, the Red Lichties are riding high at the top of the Championship and have only lost three times in the league all season – and not since July on home turf.
It is fair to assume Mueller will not have experienced anything like what lies in wait in Angus today but he will relish the test.
He said: “I’ve heard it’s not the easiest place to go and play, so it’s important that we don’t underestimate Arbroath and go in with the full commitment.
“I’m not going to shy away. I’m excited for every match. Whatever comes my way, wherever we need to go to play.
“I fully embrace it, however hostile the pitch or the environment, it will all be a new experience.
“The whole thing has been a challenge in that sense. But I am fully committed to it and ready for whatever comes.”
