By mentally shifting blame for a last-second strategy change to his coach, Shaun White adopted a "who cares" attitude. This released the pressure he was feeling, allowing him to relax and execute a perfect run, showing that less intense focus can be beneficial.

White uses less important events strategically. He'll show up knowing he won't win to assess competitors' skills and strategies without revealing his own. This "long game" approach prioritizes major goals over winning every single time.

A crash requiring 62 stitches just before the Olympics served as an ultimate test of White's desire. The incident solidified his commitment by forcing him to consciously accept the risk of severe injury to achieve his goal.

Former pro snowboarder Nima Jalali found that achieving key business milestones, like becoming a top seller at Sephora, provides the same adrenaline rush as landing a difficult trick. This shows how entrepreneurs can channel competitive drive from other fields into motivation for business growth.

Instead of focusing on the immense pressure of winning the Olympics, Shaun White set a secondary goal: get on the Rolling Stone cover in specific pants. This made the primary objective more enjoyable and less intimidating, serving as a powerful motivator.

When facing a period of self-doubt and repeated failure, Lindsey Vonn didn't just work harder at the same things. She doubled down by hiring an expensive new trainer with money she didn't have, forcing a fundamental reset of her process that led to her first podium.

A sports psychologist’s best match was one he lost. He prioritized achieving a higher level of play over the ego-driven scoreboard. This mindset helps leaders learn from setbacks and focus on process improvement rather than just outcomes, fostering resilience and growth.

In a high-pressure Olympic qualifier, White's coach unexpectedly told him to perform a more difficult trick just seconds before his final run. Trusting his coach and letting go of the plan allowed him to enter a flow state, leading to a perfect score.

After failing to medal at the Sochi Olympics, White intentionally decided to make the loss a positive catalyst. This mindset shift prompted him to rebuild his life, team, and motivation, ultimately leading to his next gold medal.