265: Start Strong Mini-Series: NCAA National Champion on the “F-Switch” That Unlocks Your Potential | Seth Pepper

Winning isn’t just about talent—it’s about mindset, learning from failure, and embracing the pressure. In this electrifying episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, Damon sits down with Seth Pepper, national champion swimmer turned world-class performance coach, to unpack what separates the “learn-it-alls” from the “know-it-alls.” Together, they dive deep into Seth’s inspiring journey from a 14-year-old novice who couldn’t swim a lap to champion, exploring the transformative power of belief, visualization, and reframing adversity. Seth delivers powerful stories and actionable tools to help you unlock mental performance, use setbacks as fuel, and enjoy the process—no matter how high the stakes.

From overcoming the limits of circumstance to normalizing bold goals, this episode is a masterclass in adopting a growth mindset and thriving under pressure.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Why learning beats winning—and how to turn failure into an advantage
2. How Seth went from losing every race to national champion using “mental leapfrogging” and vision boards
3. The powerful role of constructive self-delusion in achieving big goals
4. Tools for reframing pressure and making it your superpower
5. The difference between “human being” and “human doing”—and why your identity shouldn’t be tied to results
6. How to create a supportive environment that nurtures belief and ambition

Timestamps:

00:00 – Believe in belief: The two planets (knowing vs. doing)

00:51 – The power of lifelong learning and the kickoff to the athlete series

02:02 – Mindset: Limiting vs. unlimited perspectives

03:02 – Seth’s late-bloomer story: Starting swimming at age 14

04:32 – The Olympic spark and the influence of media role models

06:16 – Using setbacks, laughter, and humility as fuel for growth

09:31 – Programming your subconscious for success (vision boards & visualization)

12:46 – Goal-setting: Micro goals, process focus, and “mental leapfrogging”

17:13 – The art of constructive delusion: Normalizing future success

19:35 – Why a supportive coach (and environment) accelerates growth

22:21 – Seeking out the biggest challenges (and why losing can be a win)

24:24 – Redefining failure: Data, feedback, and the “bulletproof” mindset

28:10 – Pressure: How elite athletes reframe it into energy

31:05 – The “ape on your back”: Letting go of heavy stories and playing free

37:47 – Identity, balance, and the human being vs. human doing

40:16 – Magical moments: From idolizing Pablo Morales to racing against him

42:32 – Using the same principles for leadership, career, and beyond

43:05 – The final step: Giving yourself permission to win

48:07 – Seth’s parting message: Move from knowing to doing—and enjoy the ride

About Seth Pepper

Seth Pepper is a renowned performance coach, former national college champion swimmer, and one of the most original thinkers in mental mastery, pressure, and human potential. Starting his swimming journey at age 14 with no athletic background, Seth carved his path to the top through relentless learning, creative mindset training, and unwavering self-belief. He now coaches elite athletes, executives, and leaders worldwide, helping them tap into both mental and physical edge. Seth’s signature approach blends powerful stories, actionable tools, and a deep belief in the potential within...