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Ep.338 | 5 Minute Drill | Break Free from the Expectation Trap

Ever feel like the more you expect from yourself, the tighter you get?

The pressure builds. Your focus slips. And instead of living free, you start overthinking every move – at work, at home, on the field, wherever you compete.

Let’s be real. High expectations don’t automatically lead to high performance. In fact, when your mind is overloaded with expectations, your performance usually pays the price. What feels like discipline often turns into pressure, anxiety, and hesitation.

What I’ve learned through my work with pro and executive athletes is simple but counterintuitive: performance doesn’t come from expectation – it comes from preparation. And when your preparation is dialed in, freedom shows up. 

Freedom fuels confidence. And confidence unlocks your best game.

In this week’s 5-Minute Drill on Coming Up Clutch with J.R™, I break down the exact mindset shift and 3-step strategy I use with elite competitors to help them:

  • Stop choking under pressure and start playing free
  • Reallocate expectations from results to preparation
  • Trust the outcome while staying locked into the process

So if you’re tired of gripping tighter and getting worse…

If you’re frustrated that your talent isn’t translating into consistent performance…

And if you want to bring your best – not just at work, but at home too – this episode is for you!

Let’s get it!

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  • Why overloading yourself with high performance expectations often leads to worse results.
  • The story of an MLB player who immediately regained freedom, confidence, and high-level performance after one subtle shift in his mindset.
  • Science-backed reasons that explain why focusing on preparation over outcomes is a must.
  • A powerful biblical example from the story of David and Goliath about how trusting God and leaning into your preparation leads to victory.
  • The 3-step strategy to overcome the expectation trap.

KEY QUOTES

  • “When your mind is overloaded with performance expectations, your performance typically pays the price.” – J.R.
  • “Preparation creates freedom. Freedom fuels performance.” – J.R.
  • “We’re not guaranteed success because of high expectations. We’re put in better position to enjoy success because of our preparation.” – J.R.

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