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!

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.

Connect with J.R.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesJRreid
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjrreid/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjrreid/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesJRreid
• Website: jamesreid.com
• Check out The Clutch Club™️: jamesreid.com/club (For Men Only)

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Ever wonder what it really takes to win when the scoreboard is measuring you every single day?

You step into a leadership role thinking it's about strategy…but then the pressure hits, the standards blur, and the noise around you gets loud. Suddenly the game feels a lot harder than you expected.

That's why I had to bring Joe Bohringer on the Coming Up Clutch with J.R.™ show — a World Series Champion executive who's spent 31 seasons navigating one of the most cutthroat environments in sports. Joe's the guy behind the decisions, the culture, and the standards that build champions.

So, if you're ready to lead at a higher level (without getting swallowed by the chaos), then lock into this episode!

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How to keep your competitive edge sharp without burning out
• Joe's simple 3-step decision-making framework for making high-stakes decisions with clarity and confidence
• Why elite teams evolve from accountability to personal responsibility (and how to get your team there)
• The mindset Joe learned from Theo Epstein and helping the Cubs win the 2016 World Series
• The first step leaders must take to raise team standards and gain true buy-in
• Why "It takes what it takes" is more than a slogan and how to apply it to your life and leadership

Key Quotes

• "Winning is not normal. If it was normal, everyone would do it." – Joe Bohringer
• "It takes what it takes." – Joe Bohringer
• "If you can just set your mind that you want to get a little bit better today than you were yesterday, you're going to have a chance to ultimately get where you want to go." – Joe Bohringer

Connect with Joe

• Website: https://jbexecutivecoach.com
• LinkedIn: @joe-bohringer
• X: @Joe_Bohringer

Connect with J.R.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesJRreid
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjrreid/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjrreid/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesJRreid
• Website: jamesreid.com
• Check out The Clutch Club™️: jamesreid.com/club (For Men Only)

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

You ever feel like your phone owns YOU?

Every ding and light-up screen yanking you around like a dog on a leash?

The "urgent" text that could've waited.
The random notification breaking your focus.
The email that suddenly derails your morning.

Let's be real. You're not "staying connected." You're being controlled. And it's costing you your focus. Your energy. Your relationships. YOUR GOALS.

What I learned very quickly in my professional career – if you don't manage how people get access to you, they will control you. And when you're "ON" 24/7? That's not commitment – that's chaos!

That's why in this week's 5-Minute Drill on the Coming Up Clutch with J.R.™ show, I share the exact 3-play strategy I use to…

• Protect your boundaries without losing results
• Minimize distractions, so you can maximize your momentum
• Put your phone (and the people who abuse your availability) back in their place

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why constantly being "ON" 24/7 is usually a symptom of a poor or non-existent communication strategy.
• How Nehemiah's focus while rebuilding Jerusalem's wall offers a biblical blueprint for resisting constant digital distractions.
• A 3-play strategy to manage your phone use and protect your focus.
• Two tactics to weaken the habit loop and reduce impulse checking your phone.
• How to use the Eisenhower Matrix to filter true priorities from false emergencies.
• Practical steps to create a communication strategy so you can protect your boundaries and define urgency on your terms.

Key Quotes

• "If what is asking to get your attention is not urgent or important, it can wait." - J.R.
• "Your phone and its apps aren't bad. Your management of them is." - J.R.
• "Define urgent and important on your terms." - J.R.

Connect with J.R.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesJRreid
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjrreid/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjrreid/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesJRreid
• Website: jamesreid.com
• Check out The Clutch Club™️: jamesreid.com/club (For Men Only)

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.