It Takes What It Takes

Ready to unlock your peak performance potential? "It Takes What It Takes" isn't just another self-help book; it's a pragmatic guide to mastering your mind and achieving consistent success, no matter the pressure. Mental conditioning expert Trevor Moawad distills the secrets he's used to coach elite athletes like Russell Wilson and teams like the Alabama Crimson Tide. You'll learn to cultivate 'neutral thinking,' shedding negativity and embracing a proactive approach to planning, decision-making, and self-awareness. Discover how to control your internal dialogue, curate your environment, and harness the power of visualization. Prepare for a journey that demands hard choices and embraces pressure as a privilege. Get ready to transform your mindset, elevate your leadership, and discover the role models that will inspire you to take action. This book offers actionable strategies, not just motivational fluff, delivered with the no-nonsense wisdom and compelling storytelling that defines Moawad's approach. Get ready to take control and discover that you already have what it takes to achieve your goals.

In "It Takes What It Takes," Trevor Moawad introduces neutral thinking as a high-performance strategy, a cornerstone for elite athletes and applicable far beyond the sports arena. He illustrates this with the story of Russell Wilson, the Seattle Seahawks quarterback, who, despite a disastrous first half in a crucial playoff game, rallied his team to victory by focusing solely on the present moment. Moawad reveals that neutral thinking isn't about denying the past or forcing positivity; it's about acknowledging reality without judgment. He notes the human mind is a minefield of biases—confirmation, negativity, recency—all distorting our perception. Like eyes telling a biased story to the brain, these biases cloud our judgment, especially when we privilege the past. The author emphasizes that neutral thinking creates a space between stimulus and response, allowing for clear, truth-based decisions, a skill Wilson embodies by compartmentalizing each play, good or bad, and focusing on the next. Moawad extends this concept through the experience of USC quarterback JT Daniels, who embraced neutral thinking to overcome setbacks and achieve peak performance, underscoring that the past is not predictive; what matters is the present action. He shares a vivid image: the brain, a perpetual motion machine, needs to shift into neutral before moving forward, much like a car shifting gears. The author highlights the power of neutral thinking not just in sports, but also in life-or-death situations, referencing the Apollo 13 mission where astronauts, facing imminent disaster, focused solely on the next problem, the next solution, to survive. He paints a picture of engineers duct-taping square filters into round holes, a metaphor for ingenuity born of necessity and a neutral mindset. Moawad concludes that neutral thinking replaces emotion with behavior, urging us to ask, "What do I do?" rather than "How do I feel?", promoting a mindful awareness that leads to decisive action and success, whether in sports, business, or personal crises, by recognizing the present determines the present, and today’s behavior influences tomorrow’s outcomes.

Trevor Moawad emphasizes the necessity of planning, illustrating its power through Russell Wilson's Super Bowl preparation. Moawad begins by setting the scene, detailing how Wilson meticulously crafted both a game plan and a mental plan, showcasing that choosing not to plan is, in itself, a plan. The author highlights that successful individuals focus not just on desired outcomes, but also on identifying and addressing potential barriers, creating a roadmap for neutral behaviors. For Wilson, this involved reviewing past successes to reinforce his ability to perform under pressure, a technique Moawad extends to other athletes like AJ McCarron and Jameis Winston, demonstrating the broad applicability of mental preparation. The Super Bowl XLIX serves as a stark reminder that even the best-laid plans can falter, as seen with the fateful interception, yet Moawad underscores Wilson's neutral response as a testament to his mental fortitude; in the face of public failure, Wilson chose to focus on what he could control, embodying the principle that one cannot allow a single event to define their career. Moawad then pivots to Wilson's proactive response to the Super Bowl loss, detailing the creation of an off-season plan designed to surpass previous achievements, a plan rooted in a change of scenery and an unwavering commitment to physical and mental improvement. The author details that atmosphere matters, influencing mood and focus, and emphasizes the importance of integrating various elements like physical training, nutrition, and mental conditioning to foster holistic growth. The author reinforces that confidence stems from the belief in one's capabilities, built through dedicated preparation and a strategic process, which will always outweigh external narratives. The chapter closes with the understanding that while plans may sometimes go awry, the ability to adapt, learn, and continue striving remains the hallmark of true excellence, turning setbacks into setups for future success.

In "It Takes Hard Choices," Trevor Moawad illuminates the subtle yet profound power of choice, arguing that the pursuit of excellence leaves little room for the illusion of unlimited options; instead, it demands a ruthless commitment to behaviors aligned with one's goals. He recounts his time with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he observed Vince Carter's remarkable longevity in the NBA, not just as a product of genetics, but of consistent, disciplined choices—opting for water over soda, stretching more, and even strategically avoiding dunks to preserve his knees. This discipline, Moawad asserts, isn't about grand gestures but the accumulation of small, correct decisions. Inspired by Carter, Moawad crafts a message for Nick Saban's Alabama football team, emphasizing that once the choice to be elite is made, the formula for success becomes non-negotiable, a stark choice between adherence and regret. Moawad challenges the notion of endless options, distinguishing between inconsequential 'options' like choosing a TV show and critical 'choices' that directly impact outcomes, such as prioritizing sleep over entertainment or healthy food over junk. The allure of immediate gratification, like the siren song of mile twenty-two in a marathon, often leads to choices misaligned with long-term aspirations. He underscores that discipline isn't merely about doing what's right but about the internal battle between what one should do and what one wants to do, painting a vivid picture: the athlete staring down at a bag of Doritos when an apple would better fuel the body. Moawad points to JaMarcus Russell as a cautionary tale, a player whose immense talent was squandered through poor choices, contrasting him with Russell Wilson, who thrives by focusing on his strengths rather than succumbing to external criticisms. Ultimately, Moawad advocates for self-awareness and alignment with one's purpose, urging listeners to recognize that true freedom lies not in having limitless options but in mastering the critical choices that dictate behavior and, consequently, destiny, suggesting that choice is a competitor, one that taunts and lies, obscuring the path to success. He concludes with actionable advice: identify and eliminate detrimental behaviors, cultivate internal honesty, and focus on winning one decision at a time, understanding that self-esteem is earned through both action and restraint, the accumulation of choices that define who we become.

In this compelling chapter, Trevor Moawad, a mental conditioning expert, illuminates the profound impact of our internal and external dialogue on performance and well-being, particularly within high-pressure environments like Nick Saban's Alabama football program. He begins by highlighting a crucial realization: self-influence dwarfs external influence, emphasizing that true change starts from within. Moawad then introduces a deceptively simple yet revolutionary concept: curbing negative self-talk. He explains that the human mind is wired to absorb negativity far more readily than positivity, making language a potent carrier of destructive thoughts. He illustrates that verbalizing struggles amplifies their impact, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy, like Bill Buckner's eerie premonition of his infamous error. The chapter contrasts our ancestral negativity bias—a survival mechanism in a dangerous world—with its modern-day manifestation as anxiety and self-sabotage. Moawad cites multiple studies revealing negativity's detrimental effects, from impaired task completion to increased risk of dementia. The core insight emerges: eliminating negative expression is the first step towards neutral thinking, akin to cutting out junk food before embracing a healthy diet. He urges readers to consciously choose neutral responses over negative ones, retraining the brain to perceive the world with less bias. He champions the power of immediate, direct communication, recounting how his no-nonsense approach resonated with elite athletes. Moawad underscores that while challenges are inevitable, our response is a choice, a pivotal moment where we define our reality. He concludes with a call to action, urging readers to conduct a 24-hour experiment: muzzle negative expression and observe the transformative impact on relationships, mental state, and outcomes. Greatness, he posits, isn't magic; it's a series of decisions, starting with the words we choose to speak—or not speak.

Trevor Moawad recounts his upbringing under his father’s strict rules, a ‘negativity diet’ designed to shield them from harmful external influences. He emphasizes that while much of the world feels beyond our control, we retain the power to curate our environment, choosing what enters our homes and minds. Moawad challenges the listener to take responsibility for the present moment, refusing to let external negativity dictate their internal state. He likens the mind to the body, arguing that consuming negativity is like eating junk food—an apple won't help after a whole pizza. To test this, Moawad embarked on a month-long experiment, immersing himself in news, metal music, and country music, a deliberate flood of external negativity. The experiment, inspired by a Navy SEAL’s challenge to stress-test his own belief system, quickly took a toll. He became someone who feared driving on the freeway. The constant barrage of negativity amplified his insecurities, creating unfamiliar feelings of doubt and fear. The experiment culminated in a breakdown, a stark realization of negativity's insidious power. Moawad shares the concept of ‘give-up-itis,’ illustrating how extreme trauma can lead to a loss of will to live. His text messages reflected a language he didn't speak. He realized that his internal language and psychological strategies were rendered ineffective by the constant consumption of emotionally charged content. The key learning, Moawad reveals, echoing his father, is that hope is the most powerful weapon. He advocates for a conscious choice to avoid weaponizing ourselves against ourselves, urging listeners to consume content that uplifts rather than inflames, to listen to songs that inspire instead of depress. Ultimately, Moawad concludes that while external negativity is unavoidable, we can control what we invite into our lives, making it easier to maintain a neutral mindset and cultivate resilience.

Trevor Moawad unveils the profound impact of internal marketing, arguing that our self-talk is the most potent advertising campaign we'll ever encounter. He illustrates how external influences, while significant, pale in comparison to the constant internal monologue shaping our perceptions and behaviors. Moawad recalls his father's wisdom: no one will influence you more than you influence yourself, setting the stage for understanding the power of our internal environment. He challenges the notion that external circumstances dictate our fate, emphasizing our control over how we interpret and respond to them. Like a skilled marketer crafting a compelling narrative, we must curate our internal dialogue, replacing negative scripts with neutral, behavior-focused affirmations. Moawad shares Nike's iconic 'Just Do It' campaign, a testament to the power of neutral messaging that allows individuals to project their own aspirations. The key, Moawad suggests, lies in mastering the art of focusing our internal ad campaign, drowning out distractions and aligning our thoughts with our goals. He then recounts an exercise he conducts, highlighting how easily external factors—even silent observation or trash talk—can disrupt our focus and alter our internal narrative. The challenge is to rewire our brains, consistently running the desired 'commercial' despite the noise. Drawing from his work with elite athletes like Russell Wilson, Moawad demonstrates how focusing on fundamental behaviors can center oneself amidst chaos, creating a powerful internal ad campaign that drowns out distractions. The narrative culminates with Moawad's work with NFL prospects at IMG Academy, underscoring the importance of self-influence in achieving success, reminding us that the path is clear, but the journey and ultimate responsibility lies within. By embracing this internal marketing strategy, we can transform our self-perception, steer our behavior, and achieve remarkable outcomes, crafting our own success stories one neutral thought at a time.

In "It Takes What It Takes," Trevor Moawad illuminates the potent link between visualization and achievement, starting with a childhood lesson from his father about the power of dreams, using the sensory experience of imagining biting into a lemon to demonstrate how vividly our minds can simulate reality, blurring the lines between the imagined and the real. Moawad transitions from this intimate anecdote to broader applications, referencing *The Matrix* to underscore how our perception of reality is essentially electrical signals interpreted by the brain. He recounts his work with the Jacksonville Jaguars, emphasizing how they used possibility thinking—believing in an outcome before evidence—to defy expectations. The author introduces imagery as a mental technique, akin to squats for physical conditioning, programming the mind and body to respond optimally. He shares the story of Michael Johnson, the Olympic gold medalist, who used neutral statements like "Keep my head down. Pump my arms. Explode. I'm a bullet" to visualize success, highlighting how Johnson's mental preparation compensated for competitive disadvantages and ultimately drove him to victory. Moawad details Johnson's advice to NFL prospects, stressing the importance of structured vision and planning to minimize anxiety and simplify their mission. He connects this to Maxwell Maltz's psycho-cybernetics and Nick Saban's Process, both emphasizing a structured approach to achieving goals. Envision the quarterback meetings before national title games, where neutral thoughts were connected to the performance needed, reinforced with visual cues like stadium photos. The author reveals that the most effective imagery comes from within, detailing how Johnson’s commitment to gold shoes symbolized his unwavering belief in his victory, turning a fashion statement into a powerful declaration of intent. Even in the face of a ministroke, Johnson’s visualization skills aided his recovery, proving that the mentality of an elite athlete can be applied to overcome any challenge. Moawad concludes by stating that while visualizing alone won't guarantee success, combining it with preparation and a clear plan drastically improves the odds, urging readers to design their lives proactively rather than passively accepting circumstances. The goal is not fantasy, but a strategic, neutral vision that guides action and shapes reality.

In "It Takes Self-Awareness," Trevor Moawad illuminates the crucial role self-awareness plays in achieving peak performance, recounting his work with NFL player Fred Taylor. Moawad begins by painting a stark picture of professional sports, where organizations often discard players rather than invest in their psychological growth. The Jacksonville Jaguars, however, took a different approach by hiring Moawad and Chad Bohling to unlock Fred Taylor's potential, a player whose exceptional talent was overshadowed by persistent injuries. The central tension revolves around Taylor's struggle to stay healthy and his initial mistrust of the organization. Moawad introduces a model of competence, distinguishing between unconsciously incompetent, consciously incompetent, unconsciously competent, and consciously competent, arguing that true mastery lies in consciously understanding one's strengths and weaknesses. He emphasizes that athletes and individuals are at their best when they fully understand why they’re successful or unsuccessful, and Taylor, despite his natural talent, needed to transition from unconscious competence to a more deliberate understanding of his body and habits. To this end, Moawad and Bohling guided Taylor to emulate the behaviors of players with long, successful careers, focusing on consistent routines like early morning preparation and ice baths. Taylor's transformation involved confronting his unhealthy habits, like staying out late, which led to dehydration and injuries. A pivotal moment arrived when Taylor committed to arriving at the training complex by 6:30 a.m., a decision that rippled through his life, impacting his sleep and hydration. As Moawad notes, "Routine looks like commitment, but commitment reinforces the routine." This shift wasn't just about physical preparation; it was about cultivating a mindset of self-awareness and responsibility. Moawad underscores that helplessness is a precursor to hopelessness, and by helping Taylor take control of his health, they instilled a sense of hope. Moawad broadens the scope, sharing anecdotes from his work with other athletes and teams, illustrating how self-awareness and accountability are universal keys to success. He recounts Russell Wilson’s eagerness to learn and Jozy Altidore’s embrace of team unity, highlighting the power of individuals taking ownership of their development. Moawad then turns the lens inward, revealing his own struggles and moments of doubt. He recalls a challenging period in 2018, marked by business setbacks and personal disconnection, a dark night where he felt far from the "guru" others perceived him to be. In this moment of crisis, Moawad sought to regain conscious competence, running the hills of his college days, a sensory scene reminding him of his past strength, and identifying the behaviors that would lead him toward a better future. He underscores that destiny is defined by what one does next, urging readers to accept responsibility for their past but focus on influencing their future. Moawad concludes by emphasizing the importance of continuous self-assessment and adaptation, urging readers to seek unbiased feedback and emulate successful behaviors. Ultimately, self-awareness is not a destination but an ongoing journey, a process of understanding oneself and adjusting behaviors to meet life's evolving challenges. As Moawad powerfully states, knowing yourself can guide you in forming the behaviors that will help you meet your goals, and this competence isn't an individual pursuit; it requires activating key people and actions to execute your process.

In "It Takes What It Takes," Trevor Moawad illuminates the pivotal role of pressure, not as a burden, but as a privilege that demands a proactive response. He asserts that high-stakes environments, such as elite sports, relentlessly test an individual's authenticity, mirroring the scrutiny faced in everyday life. Moawad suggests that embracing pressure is about recognizing its inherent value; it signifies that someone cares and relies on your performance. The author underscores that psychological strength, cultivated through repetition and a carefully constructed mindset, is paramount. He recalls his time at Alabama, detailing the creation of "Mindset: The Game Plan We Install for Ourselves," a program rooted in behaviorist theory, which posits that behaviors are conditioned responses to environments. This program aimed to equip athletes with psychological tools, fostering self-esteem and a positive self-concept, crucial for handling adversity. Moawad shares a vivid scene from Florida State, where linebacker Telvin Smith's impassioned speech galvanized the team, illustrating the power of internal pressure and collective ownership. He emphasizes that elite organizations prepare their people to handle adversity. The narrative crests with Florida State's decisive victory over Clemson, a testament to their embraced pressure and adopted champion behaviors, a stark contrast to Clemson's initial shrinking. Moawad broadens the scope, noting pressure's universality, whether in sports, business, or personal life, it's an inflection point that demands a seeking mode. He likens navigating pressure to swimming in deep, rough waters, requiring an honest evaluation of one's capabilities and a proactive plan. Ultimately, he urges readers to own their lives, engage in behaviors that keep them in good working order, and be prepared to seize opportunities, even when others possess seemingly greater gifts. It's about self-prescribed plans and the internal pressure to be "for real," culminating in the earned triumph and glory that makes it all worthwhile.

In this exploration of leadership, Trevor Moawad opens by highlighting Nick Saban's extraordinary success in college football, attributing it to his ability to consistently motivate young athletes, a feat in itself. Saban's willingness to adapt, exemplified by his openness to diverse voices and perspectives, becomes a central theme; Moawad himself played a role, bringing in guest speakers like Marcus Luttrell and Chris Herren to reinforce key messages. The author emphasizes that Saban's inquisitiveness and constant pursuit of improvement, even after achieving monumental success, set him apart, illustrated by his deep dive into Tom Herman's offensive strategies. Moawad then pivots to a framework for understanding leadership competency, dividing leaders into four categories: Unconscious Incompetence, those unaware of their shortcomings; Conscious Incompetence, those aware but unwilling to change; Unconscious Competence, those who succeed without understanding why, and Conscious Competence, those who understand their strengths and can replicate their success. This last one, the author argues, is the gold standard. A vivid scene unfolds as Moawad recounts his encounter with a new Miami Dolphins coach, a study in unconscious incompetence, highlighting the importance of valuing institutional knowledge and diverse perspectives. The chapter underscores the necessity of self-awareness and continuous improvement, even for those in leadership positions. The author argues that introversion or extroversion are not limitations, but rather challenges to be overcome through conscious effort, as Saban himself demonstrated by becoming an exceptional communicator. Ultimately, Moawad champions the idea that leadership is about service and responsibility, urging readers to embrace the weight of leadership and seek to carry it, and that great teams can overcome even poor leadership by finding a way to win, by adapting and pushing through, no excuses. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of managing talent effectively, understanding that even underachieving talent can be more valuable than relentless effort, stressing the need to educate, help, and lead individuals towards maximizing their potential, recalling the cautionary tale of soccer prodigy Freddy Adu. The chapter closes with the idea that true leadership transforms a team into a lasting program, built on a foundation of shared behaviors and processes, and that mastering these principles allows one to lead both themselves and others effectively, a symphony of simplicity orchestrating success.

In this chapter, Trevor Moawad explores the profound impact of role models, illuminating how these figures shape our attitudes and behaviors. He begins with the idea that attitude is contagious, particularly the right ones, setting the stage for understanding how influential figures inspire emulation. Moawad draws a parallel between Derek Jeter's influence on Russell Wilson and his own father's impact on his life, emphasizing that role models aren't confined to stadiums or boardrooms; they're often the people we encounter daily. The author recounts his father, Bob Moawad's, career, who transitioned from traditional teaching to motivational speaking, instilling the belief that attitudes influence outcomes and facing public scrutiny for his self-esteem advocacy. The scene shifts to a vivid memory of Bob Moawad confidently deflecting criticism, armed with the knowledge that negativity is always destructive. This sets up a contrast, as Trevor Moawad explains his evolution toward neutral thinking, a path diverging from his father's emphasis on positivity, realizing that neither positive nor negative thinking alone was sufficient for navigating life's complexities. Moawad shares how observing figures like Michael Johnson, Nick Bollettieri, and Nick Saban helped him understand the power of neutrality, even learning from his father's example of how he lived. He also recounts a poignant experience as a young teacher, receiving a thank you letter from a student he barely knew, realizing the weight of being a role model, even in seemingly small interactions. In essence, Moawad resolves the chapter's central tension—the search for effective guidance—by highlighting that role models, whether consciously or unconsciously, provide examples that shape our character and beliefs, urging us to recognize the responsibility inherent in our actions, because you never know who is paying attention.

In this chapter of "It Takes What It Takes," Trevor Moawad illuminates the profound power of neutral thinking, drawing from deeply personal experiences and compelling stories. He begins with a poignant scene: visiting his father, battling cancer, who embodies the principles Moawad has long taught, choosing hope and actively shaping his mental landscape. This sets the stage for understanding that the choice of response, particularly in dire circumstances, is the ultimate freedom. Moawad transitions to the harrowing tale of Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, a testament to the power of focusing on the immediate, achievable task—crawling from one line in the dirt to the next—rather than being overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenge. Luttrell’s grit highlights that resilience isn't about toxic positivity or succumbing to negativity; it's about evaluating the situation and identifying what can be accomplished right now. Moawad then reflects on his own life, particularly after his marriage collapsed, emphasizing the necessity of self-reliance and managing one's internal dialogue to achieve a neutral state. It's a stark reminder that others may not always be there, and that personal strength stems from managing language and focusing on proven behaviors. He introduces the concept of psychosclerosis, the hardening of attitudes, as a self-inflicted condition preventable by embracing the 'comma'—a pause after an event to consciously choose the next steps. This concept underscores that life's narrative is not fixed; it's a continuous sentence we write ourselves. Moawad illustrates this with the story of Lawrence Hildonen, who found prison more comforting than freedom, posing a question: What has become 'home' to you, and what are you willing to accept? The chapter culminates by emphasizing that elite performers consistently seek improvement and question the status quo, leading to proactive planning and problem-solving. This mindset allows individuals to approach life neutrally, take necessary actions, and ultimately realize that 'it takes what it takes'—a powerful synthesis of acceptance and relentless effort.

Trevor Moawad's 'It Takes What It Takes' champions neutral thinking as the cornerstone of high performance and personal resilience. The book dismantles the allure of forced positivity and the crippling weight of negativity, advocating for a clear-eyed assessment of reality. Its core message revolves around taking control of one's internal narrative and focusing on behaviors rather than being swayed by emotions or past events. The emotional lesson lies in recognizing the inherent biases of the mind and the freedom that comes from choosing a neutral response, even in the face of adversity. Practical wisdom is woven throughout, emphasizing the importance of detailed planning, disciplined choices, and proactive environmental curation. Ultimately, the book empowers readers to become architects of their own success by mastering self-influence, embracing pressure as a privilege, and constantly striving for self-awareness and adaptation.