Centenary University to Host Book Signing for Dan Armida, Author of Be Present. Choose Well. Repeat: A Grounded Philosophy for Peace, Purpose & Performance

A Hackettstown resident, Armida is a student success specialist at the university, where he also serves as mental performance coach for the Cyclones men’s and women’s volleyball program. 

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, April 13, 2026—Centenary University will host a book signing for Dan Armida, author of Be Present. Choose Well. Repeat: A Grounded Philosophy for Peace, Purpose & Performance on Monday, April 20, 4 pm, at Taylor Memorial Library. During the event, Armida will discuss his recently-published book, which is a practical guide to building confidence, resilience, and mental strength in sport and life.

            A resident of Hackettstown, Armida is a student success specialist at Centenary, where he also serves as a mental performance coach for the Cyclones men’s and women’s volleyball teams. In these roles, he helps students and student-athletes develop the mindset tools to navigate pressure, overcome adversity, and perform at their best academically, athletically, and personally. In addition to working with students and collegiate athletes, Armida has collaborated with professionals connected to NBA and MLB organizations and contributed to mental performance training with Team USA Paralympic Sitting Volleyball. He has also partnered with elite strength athletes, including three-time World’s Strongest Man Bill Kazmaier and former Mr. Universe Stuart Garrington.

“My work is centered on helping people take ownership of their mindset, build strong habits, and perform at their best in all areas of life,” said Armida. “I’ve worked with athletes and students at every level. No matter who you are, the challenges are the same: Overthinking, pressures, self-doubt, and tying identity to self-worth.”

            Be Present. Choose Well. Repeat: A Grounded Philosophy for Peace, Purpose & Performance applies a simple framework to daily life, teaching readers how to stay grounded in the present, make intentional decisions, and take consistent action—regardless of external pressure or outcomes. In separating identity from results and focusing on controllable actions, readers learn to develop confidence, resilience, and clarity. The goal is to improve performance, reduce anxiety, and create lasting personal growth. 

             “This book is inspired by years of working with athletes, students, and other individuals,” Armida explained. “I wanted to create something simple and actionable. Talent and ability vary, but mindset struggles are universal. This book is a guide that anyone can use to take control of their thoughts, stay present, and build confidence from within. It’s the culmination of my life experiences, my coaching philosophy, and lessons I’ve seen truly change lives.” 

            Through his work at Centenary, Armida helps students to navigate one of the most important and challenging times of their lives. Sometimes, young adults struggle with the notion that they don’t have life completely figured out yet. Armida guides them toward a mindset that teaches them to control their thoughts and responses to outside influences.

            “College students are usually driven and full of potential,” Armida explained. “When they begin to understand how powerful their mindset is and start to believe in themselves, they respond differently to adversity. You can literally see the transformation happen in real time. It’s not just about success in the classroom or on the court; it’s about helping them to become confident, resilient individuals who are prepared for life. If there’s one message I hope people take from this book, it’s this: You are enough, before the result. When you learn to trust that, everything changes.”

Be Present. Choose Well. Repeat: A Grounded Philosophy for Peace, Purpose & Performance (Be Present Press, March 2026) is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other leading booksellers.