

The Habit Mechanic - Unlock your Human-AI Edge
Dr. Jon Finn
For Self-improvers, Leaders, Teams, & Coaches: Go From Replaceable to ✨Irreplaceable & Unstoppable in the AI Era (Without Tech Skills) 🚀I'm Dr. Jon Finn, best-selling author of 'The Habit Mechanic' and founder of the award-winning Tougher Minds consultancy. With 25 years of experience in performance psychology and three psychology-related degrees, I help people and organizations thrive in the AI era. Drawing from my work with world-class athletes, global businesses, and cutting-edge science, I share practical insights on how to optimize your brain's performance and collaborate effectively with AI to unlock your full potential.In this podcast, we (my team and I) provide simple, science-based tools to help you develop Super Habits for enhanced happiness and performance, and build high-performing teams. You'll learn how to master your "Brain States," become a "Habit Mechanic," and lead successfully in our rapidly evolving world. Whether you're looking to improve your personal performance or create a winning team culture, each episode offers actionable strategies to help you achieve extraordinary results while maintaining energy for what matters most.Earn More, Work Less, Feel Great, and Thrive by Mastering your BRAIN STATESConnect with me at contact@tougherminds.co.uk or visit:Book: https://thehabitmechanic.tougherminds.co.uk/bookWebsite: https://www.tougherminds.co.ukApp: https://www.tougherminds.co.uk
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 17, 2025 • 27min
AI And The Brain: From Busy Work To Better Lives
Text us a question and we'll answer it on the podcast...Get 📘"Training Your Brain for the AI Revolution" for just $1 👉 hereIn this episode, we explore how neural-network AI pairs with Brain-State Intelligence® — the foundation of Human-AI Performance Psychology — to help you outsource busy work, focus on high-impact thinking, and build habits that actually stick.You’ll hear practical frameworks, real-world examples, and a clear path to becoming healthier, happier, and more effective in the AI era.What You’ll Learn:• Why habits fail without Brain-State awareness• Recharge, Medium-Charge, and High-Charge explained• Agentic AI vs. LLMs — and when to use each• How to outsource Medium-Charge tasks to reclaim energy• Accelerating High-Charge work with AI co-working• Real gains in productivity, cost, and effectiveness• A 30-day plan and daily strategic ritual• Future roles: Innovators, Automators, and AI Performance Coaches• Where to start and how to build momentum🎧 Listen now to discover how Human-AI Performance Psychology can help you think better, perform smarter, and thrive in the age of AI.📘 Learn more at tougherminds.co.uk — and get your copy of Train Your Brain for the AI Revolution for just $1, plus details on our Certified Habit Mechanic® Coaching Program.

Oct 10, 2025 • 19min
AI, Your Brain, Your Edge
Text us a question and we'll answer it on the podcast...Get 📘"Training Your Brain for the AI Revolution" for just $1 👉 hereIn this episode Dr. Jon Finn (creator of Human-AI Performance Psychology) and his AI team show how to win the AI era by training energy and attention before tools. We unpack Recharge, Medium, and High Charge Brain States; the Daily 3:1 Reflection; and the four‑step AI-Edge Success Cycle, with real examples of time and cost gains from pairing optimised brain states with AI.• Why recharge is the foundation for performance• The pre‑reflection routine to prime positive circuits• The Daily 3:1 Reflection to steer attention• Shifting routine Medium Charge work to AI• Expanding High Charge hours to four, five, six or seven daily• AI as amplifier for High Charge work, not a replacement• The audiobook case study and 90% cost saving• The Success Cycle: measure, plan, optimise, automate• Using brain‑first planning to reduce stress and reclaim focus

Sep 29, 2025 • 18min
How to Coach Yourself to Success in the AI Era (in 4 Steps)
Text us a question and we'll answer it on the podcast...Get 📘"Training Your Brain for the AI Revolution" for just $1 👉 hereIn this episode Dr. Jon Finn explores how to thrive in the AI revolution by mastering brain states and developing strategic habits. The AI-Edge Success Cycle provides a framework for measuring and optimizing performance as AI transforms industries and eliminates jobs across sectors.• Recent announcements show massive AI investments in the UK and major companies cutting jobs while implementing AI• The four-step AI Success Cycle starts with measuring Brain States across recharge, mindless tasks, and complex thinking• Building a Future Ambitious Meaningful Story (FAM Story) creates context for short-term improvements• Distinguishing between "ice cube" tasks (routine) and "ice sculpture" tasks (complex) helps identify where AI can assist• AI functions as a "battery pack" for your brain, extending capabilities rather than replacing them• Daily Will Power stories and the Nine Action Factor model help turn knowledge into consistent action• Building better recharge habits (sleep, stress management) is often the first priority for improving brain states• Success requires both working excellently with AI and excelling at tasks AI cannot perform• Training as a Habit Mechanic Coach provides expertise in human-AI performance psychologyVisit our website to get "Training Your Brain for the AI Revolution" for just $1 and start your journey to becoming a Certified Habit Mechanic Coach.

Aug 1, 2025 • 8min
Are You AI-Proof? Why Your August Habits Matter
Text us a question and we'll answer it on the podcast...Join the August Challenge hereAugust is a critical month for setting up September success by establishing foundational habits for optimal brain function. The continued growth of AI technologies like those from Microsoft and Meta means we need to focus on our unique human capabilities to remain valuable.• Focus on better sleep, better diet, and better exercise as core ingredients for positive brain function• Most people have great intentions for September but fail by mid-October because they lack foundational habits• The AI Era Leadership Accelerator offers a monthly mission focused on getting brains working well• New sector-specific AI tools are emerging that will transform industries• Becoming "AI-proof" requires developing brain state intelligence based on good recharge and recovery• Even during relaxation periods, checking in with foundational habits builds awareness for future successYou're only ever one Brain State habit away.

Jul 12, 2025 • 11min
The AI Revolution: Learning from History
Text us a question and we'll answer it on the podcast...Dr. Jon Finn explores striking parallels between the Industrial Revolution and today's AI Revolution, highlighting the unprecedented competition to human brainpower that AI represents. Unlike the Industrial Revolution that unfolded over a century, the AI Revolution is happening in just 2-5 years, with predictions being realized faster than expected.• First-time ever competition to human brainpower through neural networks that can work 24/7• Industrial Revolution created jobs while the AI Revolution is eliminating them even in financially strong companies• Henry Bessemer's steel-making technology that reduced production time from 4 days to 15 minutes serves as a historical parallel• Approximately 100,000 tech sector jobs lost to AI this year already• Companies are reallocating savings from human roles into building AI workforces• Understanding history, particularly the Industrial Revolution, helps us prepare for AI changes• Optimizing our brain states is key to becoming "AI winners" rather than being displacedYou're only ever one Brain State habit away from transformation.

Jun 28, 2025 • 9min
Cricket, Brain States, and How AI Changes Our Mental Game
Discover how brain state intelligence can elevate performance in cricket and beyond. Learn about England's batsmen mastering their mental states to enhance focus and recharge effectively. The discussion reveals how AI can boost our productivity by handling medium-charge tasks, allowing us to harness our energy better. High performers, whether in sports or business, excel through understanding their brain states. It's an exciting exploration of adapting to the AI revolution while optimizing our mental game!

Jun 22, 2025 • 13min
Brain State Intelligence in an AI-Powered World
Text us a question and we'll answer it on the podcast...👉Check out our new mini-course "Train Your Brain for the AI Revolution" where you'll learn how to build your own High-performing Human-AI Team in under 60 minutes.We're witnessing a significant acceleration in AI development with major implications for the workforce. This week has brought striking revelations about AI's rapid advancement, from government warnings to corporate restructuring announcements and insights from AI pioneers.• UK government minister warning that workers must incorporate AI into workflows or risk being left behind• Amazon announcing they will replace human roles with AI, affecting their 1.5 million US employees• Mark Zuckerberg offering $100 million sign-on fees to build a team of 50 elite developers for general-purpose AI• Geoffrey Hinton, "godfather of AI," explaining why AI differs from previous technologies in its job displacement potential• Real-world example of a developer completing in 3 days what would have previously taken 3 weeks or months using AI tools• Recognition that AI adoption is not a fad but a fundamental shift backed by enormous investment• The importance of developing "brain state intelligence" to work effectively with AI technologies

Jun 19, 2025 • 32min
Train Your Brain for the AI Revolution (4/6) - Optimization with the Day Designer.
Text us a question and we'll answer it on the podcast...👉📘 Get your FREE copy of 'Train Your Brain for the AI Revolution' here👉Check out our new mini-course "Train Your Brain for the AI Revolution" where you'll learn how to build your own High-performing Human-AI Team in under 60 minutes.Podcast Description:Dr. Jon Finn delves into step three of the Success Cycle from his bestselling book "Train Your Brain for the AI Revolution", focusing on daily optimization with the Day Designer and creating a powerful Willpower Story.• Understanding how to match tasks to your brain's natural energy patterns throughout the day• Categorizing work into "Ice Sculptures" (requiring premium thinking) and "Ice Cubes" (routine tasks)• Creating a Willpower Story to map your high-charge and medium-charge states• Using strengths and willpower boosters to maintain optimal brain states when needed• Implementing the SWAP technique (Self-Watch, Aim, Plan) to transform challenging parts of your day• Strategic integration of AI tools during different energy states• Starting small with simple changes before building a comprehensive system• Working with your brain's natural rhythms instead of fighting against them• Understanding that most people can only do 4-5 hours of premium thinking work daily• Learning how successful planning transforms energy into optimized statesFor additional resources and templates for your Willpower Story, visit tougherminds.co.uk/train-your-brain

Jun 11, 2025 • 13min
The £800 Billion AI Boom: How to Thrive While Jobs Disappear
Text us a question and we'll answer it on the podcast...👉Check out our new mini-course "Train Your Brain for the AI Revolution" where you'll learn how to build your own High-performing Human-AI Team in under 60 minutes.Podcast Description:The AI sector in the UK is projected to grow to £800 billion by 2035, representing one-third of the economy and growing 30 times faster than other sectors. This rapid growth signals fundamental changes in how we work and live, requiring new approaches to human performance through Brain State Intelligence.• UK government announcing major AI investments during London Tech Week• AI sector projected to exceed £800 billion by 2035, about one-third of UK economy• Growing evidence that businesses are replacing medium-charge human work with AI• Future value will come from consistently accessing high-charge brain states• Human+AI plateaus in performance while Brain State Intelligence+AI creates a J-curve effect• Success Cycle approach works for both work projects and personal improvement goals• Brain State Intelligence improves sleep, confidence, focus and leadership abilities• Organizations will soon seek human-AI performance psychology coaches• Free 60-minute training program "Train Your Brain for the AI Revolution" available nowRemember you're only ever one Brain State habit away.

Jun 9, 2025 • 15min
Surviving the AI Revolution: Why Brain State Intelligence Matters
Text us a question and we'll answer it on the podcast...👉Check out our new mini-course "Train Your Brain for the AI Revolution" where you'll learn how to build your own High-performing Human-AI Team in under 60 minutes.Brain State intelligence is the key to unlocking opportunities in the AI revolution which data shows we're now experiencing. Understanding this concept is crucial as businesses like IBM replace human workers with AI systems that can complete complex cognitive tasks faster and more cheaply.• Our brains operate like batteries with three charge states: recharge (sleeping/recovery), medium charge (routine cognitive tasks), and high charge (complex mental work)• AI is now replacing medium-charge work across industries, which explains the 67% decline in graduate recruitment since 2019• To remain irreplaceable, we must consistently access our high-charge brain states where we do work AI cannot replicate• High-performing professionals who use AI effectively can increase their high-impact work from 4-5 hours to 7+ hours daily• The future belongs to those who can build their own human-AI team by understanding which tasks to delegate and which require human intelligence• Accessing high-charge brain states regularly leads to greater happiness, health and sense of progress


