Priming for Big Moments: How Cognitive Athletes Switch On When It Matters Most

Big moments don’t reward last-minute adrenaline.
They reward preparation, composure, and state control.

In this episode of The Cognitive Athlete Podcast, Clint explores one of the most overlooked skills in high performance: priming — the ability to deliberately switch on, slow down, and show up ready when the pressure is on.

Drawing on experience from elite sport, the military, and neuroscience, Clint shares a powerful story from working with St Helens Rugby League — where championship performance wasn’t left to chance, superstition, or motivation, but built through intentional pre-performance rituals.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why you can’t cram your way into clarity
• How your nervous system determines performance before skill kicks in
• What the RAF taught Clint about arriving early and state management
• The neuroscience behind breathwork, visualisation, and focus
• How the first 30 seconds in a room shape your entire performance
• A simple 5-minute priming ritual you can use before any high-pressure moment

Whether you’re walking into a presentation, a difficult conversation, a pitch, or a keynote, this episode will help you stop rushing, start priming, and perform with calm confidence.

Because you don’t rise to the level of the moment.
You rise to the level of your state.

Pre-order The Cognitive Athlete — in stores 29 December 2025 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/4fVUHwZ⁠⁠

Visit thecognitiveathlete.com.au for free tools and resources to help you improve your energy, focus, and performance.