In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why “feeling stuck” is a survival response, not a character flaw
• How metacognitive starting rituals help bypass fear and ignite focused action
• Real-world examples from athletes, fighters, and entrepreneurs who use trigger routines to sharpen their edge
• Why elite performers don’t try to eliminate fear—they train to move through it
• How to build your own action trigger that strengthens self-trust, consistency, and high-performance habits

Actionable Insights:

1. Choose a short phrase or physical action that feels energizing and personal.
2. Pair it with a repetitive cue and commit to taking immediate action after using it.
3. Use your trigger on small daily tasks to build muscle memory and trust.
4. Link your ritual to your bigger purpose or identity to stay aligned and grounded.

TL;DR:
You don’t need to wait until you feel ready. You just need to move. Let your trigger be your Green Light to act.

📚 Resource List:

Studies and references cited or relied upon in this episode:

• Heatherton, T.F., & Wagner, D.D. (2011). Cognitive neuroscience of self-regulation failure. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 15(3), 132–139.
• Duckworth, A.L., et al. (2016). Self-control and grit: Related but separable determinants of success. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 25(3), 152–158.
• Robbins, M. (2017). The 5 Second Rule: Transform your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage.
• Lieberman, M.D., et al. (2007). Putting feelings into words: Affect labeling disrupts amygdala activity in response to affective stimuli. Psychological Science, 18(5), 421–428.
• Kuhl, J. (1985). Volitional mediators of cognition–behavior consistency. In J. Kuhl & J. Beckmann (Eds.), Action Control: From Cognition to Behavior.
• Baumeister, R.F., & Tierney, J. (2011). Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength.
• Gollwitzer, P.M. (1999). Implementation intentions: Strong effects of simple plans. American Psychologist, 54(7), 493–503.
• Cain, B. (2020). Mental Performance Mastery.
• Oliver, M. (1992). The Summer Day. Library of Congress Poetry 180 Series

Are you looking for a speaker to energize and empower your organization to develop a fighter's mindset and master their mental performance every day? Or are you interested in a talk or workshop on The Green Light Method, a neuroscience- and performance psychology-based system that helps individuals and teams live and work with Fierce Agency (TM), override fear-based hesitation, rewire limiting beliefs, and take aligned, empowered action toward peak performance and purpose-driven success?

DM me today on LinkedIn or email me at [email protected].

Ready to win more at trial without burnout? Limited spaces are still available to secure your own 1:1, 8-week Accelerated Trial Fight Camp.

DM me today on LinkedIn or email me at [email protected].

The Legal Athlete Website: Click to learn more about engaging Jess Sargus as a speaker for your group or event, or to explore coaching with Jess Sargus to master your mindset, execute under pressure, and thrive in your career and life for the long term through science and sports psychology.  

Also, through the website, you can download a free copy of The Legal Athlete Daily Planner to help you organize and prioritize easily to grow and get better every day, practice the 6 longevity habits studies show have the greatest positive impact, and implement your Daily Glimmer habit to bring more resilience and happiness into your life. Or, download and print the 4 Steps to Elite Habits flow chart PDF for free to guide your daily and weekly elite habits. 

Music: Bounce Like This, by Wolves - YouTube ID UUFGDERWUSZ9LXWL

Ready to Fight, by Arenas - YouTube ID XKO39W3SJHGS9EKW