What does performance under pressure actually look like?

Jim Murphy, creator of Inner Excellence, breaks down the two-part system elite athletes use to master fear in critical moments. Most people focus only on tools—breathing, mantras—but Jim reveals the mindset shift must come first, or the tools won't work.

The critical mistake? Believing the most important thing is the result you get right now. This result-focused thinking creates tension, fear, and underperformance. Jim's solution: a mindset shift that prioritises learning to embrace feelings over achieving outcomes—because getting better at these moments is more valuable than any single win.

MEET JIM MURPHY

Jim Murphy coaches PGA Tour players, Olympians, and top executives. After playing professional baseball with the Chicago Cubs, he spent five years in the Sonoran Desert researching peak performance. His book Inner Excellence has been translated into 30 languages. His clients include three-time major champion Pádraig Harrington, who used a mantra technique Jim taught him to win The Open Championship in a playoff.

KEY TOPICS COVERED

• The two-part system for performance under pressure: mindset shift first, then practical tools

• Why most people fail: they're caught up in the result instead of the process

• The critical mistake: believing "the most important thing is the result I get right now"

• The mindset shift: learning to embrace feelings matters more than the outcome

• The game-changing question: "Am I willing to have this fear, anxiety, or stress all day even if it never goes away?"

• Why this question creates freedom: if you're not willing, you're doubly scared—scared of the situation and scared of being scared

• Pádraig Harrington's mantra technique that won him The Open Championship

• What mantras actually are: phrases you repeat to stay present and instil empowering beliefs

• BJ Fogg's morning mantra: "Today is going to be a great day because I am going to make it a great day."

• Why the first hour of your day is critical: having routines with no decisions

• Practical tools that work: deep breathing, mantras, and presence techniques

WHO SHOULD LISTEN

Essential for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone facing high-stakes presentations, negotiations, or decisions. If you tense up before important moments, freeze under pressure, or ruminate on what might go wrong, Jim's two-part system gives you the exact process elite performers use.

What's your go-to tool when feeling stressed? Share in the comments.

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ABOUT JIM MURPHY

Jim Murphy is the creator of Inner Excellence and a performance coach to world-class athletes and executives. After competing in the Chicago Cubs organisation, he spent five years in the Sonoran Desert researching peak performance psychology. He's coached PGA Tour players, Olympians, and CEOs, and is founder of the Inner Excellence Freedom Project.

Website: https://innerexcellence.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerexcellence.jimmurphy Books: Inner Excellence and The Best Possible Life

ABOUT SCALEX™ AND SIMPLE SCALING

ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus.

Learn more: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme Host: Brendan McGurgan

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 What does embracing the feeling look like? 01:45 The two-part system: tools and mindset 03:30 The critical mistake: result-focused thinking 05:20 Why being caught up in results creates tension 07:15 The game-changing willingness question 09:40 Pádraig Harrington's winning mantra 11:25 Deep breathing and practical tools 13:10 BJ Fogg's empowering morning mantra 14:30 The first hour: routines over decisions

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