EPISODE 2 — ENERGY BEFORE GOALS

Why Energy, Not Discipline, Is the Real Constraint
Season 2 · Week 2 of the 10-Week Cognitive Athlete Training Cycle

When motivation fades, most people reach for discipline.

They try harder.
Push longer.
Force themselves through.

In Episode 2, Clint Rahe explains why that instinct is usually wrong — and why energy, not discipline, is the real constraint on performance.

Drawing on his experience in the RAF and the shock of transitioning into civilian and corporate life, Clint unpacks a critical reframe:

👉 Discipline assumes a full tank.

When energy is low, focus drops, patience shortens, decision quality declines and no amount of willpower fixes that.

This episode marks Week 2 of the 10-week Cognitive Athlete training cycle, shifting the focus from pace to energy availability.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why discipline feels hard when energy is low (and why that’s not a character flaw)

• The difference between structure and self-control

• Why elite environments manage load instead of blaming effort

• How energy acts as the true currency of cognitive performance

🎯 Week 2 Training Focus:
Protect fuel before trying to perform.

You’ll be guided through three practical actions:

• Track energy twice a day

• Identify one consistent energy leak

• Install one simple energy-protection rule

⚠️ Important rule for Week 2:
Do not try to be more disciplined.
This week is about protecting energy — not burning it faster.

You don’t need more discipline.
You need more energy.

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Visit ⁠thecognitiveathlete.com.au ⁠for free tools and resources to help you improve your energy, focus, and performance.