It Takes What It Takes: A Smarter Way to Think Under Pressure
Episode notes
In this episode, we dive into the powerful mental framework outlined in It Takes What It Takes by the late Trevor Moawad—one of the most influential mental conditioning coaches in modern sports. Moawad, who worked with elite performers like Russell Wilson and Nick Saban, challenged the traditional self-help emphasis on “positive thinking” and instead proposed something far more practical: neutral thinking.
We explore the contrast between Trevor’s approach and the philosophy of his father, Bob Moawad, a longtime champion of positive thinking. While Bob believed in the power of optimism to shape outcomes, Trevor saw firsthand how forced positivity often backfired under pressure. Instead, he taught athletes to remove emotion, focus on facts, and act based on what they could control in the present moment. That mindset, he argued, is what leads to true mental toughness.
Through Moawad’s stories—from college football locker rooms to NFL sidelines—we break down how this mindset has helped world-class performers bounce back from mistakes, block out noise, and stay locked in. We also reflect on how these principles show up in our own lives—when confidence dips, when emotion clouds our decisions, or when we’re trying to lead others through hard moments.
Whether you're an athlete, coach, or just trying to stay level in a chaotic world, this episode will shift the way you think about your own thoughts. As Trevor says: “It takes what it takes.” There’s no shortcut. But there is a better strategy—and it starts with how you talk to yourself.
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