When the Jitters Hit: How to Calm Your Mind Before Big Moments

The moment you whisper "I've never done this" is the moment fear tries to take over—unless you learn to anchor your thoughts first.

Show Notes – You are now listening to Shark Theory…

In this episode, Baylor talks about the pre-race jitters he's feeling heading into his first-ever HYROX competition—and what those nerves teach us about stepping into any new challenge. Whether it's a race, an interview, a job change, a business launch, or a new relationship, the unfamiliar always opens the door for fear to walk in.

But instead of letting "I've never done this" become a gateway for negative what-ifs, Baylor breaks down how to stabilize your thoughts, anchor your mindset, and reframe the experience so your brain recognizes it as something you can handle.

He walks through the power of reminding yourself of past victories, past adversity, and past moments where you were also a rookie—and still found a way to win. You'll hear how anchoring your thoughts creates mental stability the same way dropping an anchor keeps a boat steady in a storm.

Baylor also shares how scouting your target—getting as close to the upcoming experience as possible through visualization or physical proximity—helps your brain accept the unfamiliar as something you've already lived. When the real moment arrives, it feels familiar instead of frightening.

And finally, he explores the importance of embracing "rookie joy"—the excitement, curiosity, and freedom of doing something for the very first time without expectations or pressure.

What You'll Learn

• Why "I've never done this" triggers fear—and how to shut that door immediately

• How to stabilize racing thoughts with mental anchors

• How reframing nervousness through past experiences builds confidence

• Why your brain can't tell the difference between real and imagined preparation

• How to visualize or physically scout an upcoming experience

• Why embracing beginner energy leads to better performance

• How childlike curiosity reduces pressure and unlocks joy

• The mindset shift that turns jitters into fuel instead of fear

Featured Quote

"Most of your life will be spent doing things you've never done—so stop letting that be the reason you don't do them."