FAQ’S
What is Unlock the Block® about?
Unlock the Block® is a mental-performance and personal-transformation guide for athletes. It helps you break through the negative thoughts, nerves, anxiety, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs that hold back your performance. Drawing on decades of competition and coaching, author Kia Bolan teaches mind-expanding techniques and transformational exercises that integrate mind, body, and inner awareness so you can reach your limitless potential — in sport and in life.
Who is this book for?
It is written for recreational, competitive, and elite athletes who want an internal edge and want to perform beyond their perceived limitations. That said, the principles apply to anyone wanting to eliminate inhibiting beliefs and create lasting personal change — the tools work in all areas of life, not just the athletic arena.
Who is the author, Kia Bolan?
Kia Bolan is a lifelong athlete who has competed and excelled across many sports — as a nationally acclaimed equestrian, competitive triathlete and runner, master’s swimmer record holder, and national handball champion. She holds a BA in business and is a Certified Advanced Master Practitioner of both TimeLine Therapy™ and Neuro-Linguistic Programming. She created the Unlock the Block® system from years of research, competition, and hands-on work coaching athletes and individuals.
What will I learn or gain from reading it?
You will learn how to recognize and replace limiting beliefs, quiet negative self-talk and pre-performance anxiety, stop dwelling on past mistakes, and develop the focus and inner awareness that support peak performance. The book includes transformational exercises designed to create lasting change, and Kia notes that the reading itself is structured to shift how you think, act, and perceive yourself.
Do I need to be an experienced athlete to benefit from it?
No. The book is designed for athletes at every level, from recreational to elite, and the same mental tools apply to non-athletes as well. You simply need to be ready and willing to learn and grow.
Is this a new book or a new edition?
This is the Second Edition (2026). Unlock the Block® was first published in 1994 and revised in 1997 and 2000. This updated edition continues the work Kia has taught one-on-one for decades.
Does the book replace one-on-one coaching?
Not entirely. The book includes many transformational exercises you can do on your own, but certain techniques and interventions are designed to be done one-to-one. If you want to go deeper, Kia also offers private and small-group programs — you can learn more about those on this site.
Where can I purchase the book?
You can purchase Unlock the Block®: Athletic Performance Edition on our shop page
What formats is the book available in?
Unlock the Block® is available in paperback, hardcover, e-book and audiobook