
Discover how elite performers transform anxiety into excellence. "Psyched Up" reveals science-backed mental preparation techniques used by NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson and tennis legend Nick Bollettieri. Can saying "I'm excited" instead of "I'm anxious" really boost your performance? McGinn's research suggests yes.
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Imagine neurosurgeon Mark McLaughlin sprawled in a dark hospital locker room, mentally preparing to make a six-inch incision into a patient's back. Unlike colleagues who check emails before operations, McLaughlin follows a ritualized "Five Ps" routine developed during his wrestling career-pausing to focus, thinking about the patient, mentally rehearsing each surgical step, offering self-affirmations, and saying a prayer. This systematic approach to mental preparation helped transform him from an average wrestler into a state champion and now guides his work in one of medicine's most demanding specialties. In our increasingly competitive professional landscape where a single presentation or interview can determine career trajectories, the science of mental preparation has never been more relevant. Whether you're an athlete, executive, surgeon, or student, the moments before performance matter enormously. The right pre-performance routine can be the difference between choking and excelling when it matters most.