Lewis Pugh and tiny steps under fear

What if peak performance isn’t created by intensity, control, or relentless self-pressure, but by inner stability?

In this powerful episode of Passion Struck, Jim Murphy, performance coach to elite athletes and the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Inner Excellence, joins the show to explore what truly sustains excellence under pressure.

Many listeners first encountered Inner Excellence when A.J. Brown was shown reading it on the NFL sideline during a playoff game. That moment sparked a national conversation—but Jim’s work has been shaping elite performers quietly for years.

In this conversation, John and Jim examine the inner architecture that allows people to remain grounded when the stakes are high. Jim explains how fear, ego, and self-centered thinking destabilize performance, and how cultivating love, wisdom, and courage creates inner freedom that carries across athletics, leadership, parenting, and everyday life.

Rather than focusing on tactics or motivation, this episode centers on the internal conditions that allow clarity, presence, and sustained performance to emerge. It offers a framework for anyone seeking excellence that endures—without burnout, anxiety, or collapse under pressure.

If you’ve ever wondered why success alone doesn’t steady the inner world—or how to remain anchored when everything is on the line—this conversation offers a path inward.

Check the full show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/inner-excellence-jim-murphy/

Download a Free Companion Workbook: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/jim-murphy-inner-excellence-pressure

Connect with John

Keynote speaking, books, and podcast: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles

Pre-order the Children’s Book

You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/

Learn More About Jim Murphy

Website & newsletter: https://innerexcellence.com/

Book: Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life

Available wherever books are sold.

In This Episode, You Will Learn

• What Inner Excellence really means and why inner stability precedes peak performance
• Why fear escalates under pressure and how “fear of fear” disrupts clarity and presence
• How ego destabilizes performance by creating self-centered thinking and internal noise
• The three pillars of Inner Excellence: love, wisdom, and courage
• Why the heart plays a central role in sustained performance and fulfillment
• How elite athletes remain grounded when expectations, scrutiny, and stakes rise
• How to apply Inner Excellence beyond sports—in leadership, relationships, and daily life
• What creates excellence that endures rather than collapses under pressure

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Disclaimer

The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed physician, therapist, or other qualified professional.

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