EPISODE 1 — THE NEW YEAR TRAP

Why Motivation Spikes Fail — and What High Performers Do Instead
Season 2 · Week 1 of the 10-Week Cognitive Athlete Training Cycle

Every January, motivation spikes.
And every February, it fades.

In the opening episode of Season 2, Clint Rahe explains why this isn’t a discipline problem — and why relying on motivation is one of the biggest traps high performers fall into at the start of the year.

Drawing on his experience as a Physical Training Instructor in the RAF and decades working with leaders under pressure, Clint introduces the foundation of this season:

👉 Motivation is a spike, not a strategy.

This episode marks Week 1 of a structured 10-week cognitive training cycle — and the focus isn’t pushing harder.
It’s stabilising your pace before the year runs away from you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why New Year motivation always fades (and why that’s biology, not weakness)

• The real New Year trap most leaders fall into: starting too fast

• Why high performers rely on rhythm and structure, not willpower

• How elite performers pace energy instead of sprinting into burnout

🎯 Week 1 Training Focus:
Stabilise your pace. Stop the energy bleed.

You’ll be guided through three simple, practical actions:

• Remove one unnecessary commitment

• Set one hard stop each day

• Write one sentence that accurately describes the year you’re entering

⚠️ Important rule for Week 1:
Do not plan the year yet.
This is about getting your bearings before deciding where to go.

This episode sets the foundation for the entire season — helping you slow down just enough to build sustainable momentum.

🎧 New episodes weekly.
Welcome to Season 2 of The Cognitive Athlete Podcast.

Order The Cognitive Athlete — in stores NOW👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/4fVUHwZ⁠⁠⁠

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