What Is a Cognitive Athlete? Train Your Brain Like an Elite Performer

In this episode, Clint — coach, speaker, and author of The Cognitive Athlete — breaks down the core idea behind the movement: what it truly means to be a Cognitive Athlete.

Drawing on lessons from the Royal Air Force, elite sport, and neuroscience, Clint explores how our approach to work hasn’t evolved since the production line era — and why it’s time to rethink performance.

Through vivid examples from his time training fighter pilots and coaching leaders, Clint shows how top performers build mental fitness the same way athletes build physical conditioning — through rhythm, recovery, and deliberate training.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between production-line workers and knowledge workers
• Why constant grinding leads to burnout, not success
• The 4 key principles every Cognitive Athlete applies daily — train, recover, prepare, and perform
• A simple self-experiment to track your energy and unlock your best hours

Takeaway:
Start thinking of yourself as a Cognitive Athlete. Track your energy for one week — notice your peaks, dips, and recovery needs. Align your most important work with your highest energy, and you’ll start performing smarter, not harder.

Take the free Cognitive Athlete Self-Assessment at thecognitiveathlete.com.au
Pre-order The Cognitive Athlete book — in stores 29th December 2025 👉 ⁠https://amzn.to/4fVUHwZ