Shift

Kevin Wilkins was on the verge of superstardom. He was peaking as an athlete, enjoying a meteoric rise to the upper echelon of professional hockey. But with his sights set on success and all of its glitter, he lost sight of the things that had been of central importance: his marriage, his family, his values, and the pure joy of the game. As his personal life unraveled, it began spilling over into his game, triggering a search for what had been lost.

Shift is the story of Kevins journey back to himself. He is challenged to overcome his own recent history, his insecurities, and his greatest fears. But the incentive is substantial: true intimacy, a clear mind and conscience, comfort in his own skin, and the ability to surrender to and savor the moment he is in. With the help of an ailing old friend, he resets his focus, attempting to restore the most important relationships in his life including the one with himself.

Shift was inspired by the graduate research of the author. While there are innumerable examples of elite performers who self-destruct in the face of success, developing a sense of entitlement and becoming intolerably self-centered, there are other examples of those who remain humble and well-grounded. These people inspire and enrich the lives of those around them. They are able to enjoy sustainable performance and a purity of experience that eludes many of us. Matt Brown sought out such examples and attempted to tap their wisdom. This story is an amalgam of their insights.