In this episode, I explore what actually happens in the brain and nervous system under pressure—and why even highly capable people often struggle to think clearly, make good decisions, or perform at their best when it matters most.

Drawing on evidence-based neuroscience, psychology, and high-performance research, this episode explains:

• Why pressure narrows attention and degrades thinking
• Why “just trying harder” often makes performance worse
• Why capable people choke under pressure—and why that’s not a flaw
• How elite performers (athletes, ER doctors, Navy SEALs, and others) design for pressure instead of fighting it
• What actually helps you perform well under sustained demand

You’ll learn the core principles that support high performance under pressure, including:

• How to simplify and reduce cognitive load
• Why routines protect focus and consistency
• How regulating your physiological state improves thinking
• The difference between interpreting pressure as a threat versus a challenge
• How to apply these ideas in real life, not just in theory

This episode also acknowledges that pressure can affect people differently, including neurodivergent individuals and menopausal women, and explains why systems and structure matter more than willpower.

If you’re feeling stretched, reactive, or mentally overloaded—and want to perform well without burning out—this episode will give you a clear, science-based framework and practical next steps.

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