The Habit Mechanic — Train Your Brain for the AI Revolution
Dr. Jon Finn
The Habit Mechanic is a science-based podcast about brain performance in the AI era.As AI reshapes the work humans get paid to do, focus, decision-making, and mental energy are becoming the real constraints on performance. This podcast explores how to optimise your brain’s natural energy patterns — what I call Brain States — so you can do high-value work, work effectively with AI, and sustain performance over time.I’m Dr Jon Finn, a performance consultant with 25 years’ experience working with professionals, leaders, teams, and elite performers across business and sport. Drawing on applied neuroscience, behavioural science, and real-world practice, each episode offers clear thinking and practical tools you can use immediately.If you’re interested in improving cognitive performance, avoiding burnout, and building the habits required to thrive alongside AI — without chasing tools or trends — this podcast is for you.Connect with me at contact@tougherminds.co.uk or visit:https://www.tougherminds.co.uk
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 4, 2016 • 20min
Self-Talk - use Jonny Wilkinson's method to control your thinking habits.
Text us a question and we'll answer it on the podcast...In this podcast we discuss Self-Talk and how effective use of this key concept can help you manage your thoughts, to improve your personal performance in all spheres of your life. Rugby star Jonny Wilkinson is well-known for using a similar approach as an elite athlete.
Jul 4, 2016 • 34min
Last minute revision and exam tips plus improving University teaching and school transitions
Text us a question and we'll answer it on the podcast...On the Tougher Minds podcast this week, we discuss some last minute revision and exam performance tips to help young people. Plus we also explain how Tougher Minds techniques can enhance teaching in Universities and we talk about school transitions from Year 7 onwards.
Jun 27, 2016 • 22min
Mental Imagery - use it like Jack Nicklaus to boost your performance.
Text us a question and we'll answer it on the podcast...In this podcast, Dr Jon Finn discusses the performance psychology technique referred to commonly as mental imagery. It’s used within Tougher Minds training programmes.We started the podcast by asking Jon Finn to explain more mental imagery and the famous golfer who was well known for using it.
Jun 19, 2016 • 20min
Maximise daily Well-being and performance by understanding Activation like the All Blacks
Text us a question and we'll answer it on the podcast...In this podcast, Dr Jon Finn discusses the Tougher Minds concept of Activation - that’s the term that he has developed to better describe feelings including anxiety and other related emotional states.Jon Finn started the podcast by explaining more about Activation and how Tougher Minds training uses the concept to benefit people. He also explains how the concept is used by the Rugby World Cup winning New Zealand All Blacks.
Jun 2, 2016 • 32min
Growth mindset - is it enough for success in education?
Text us a question and we'll answer it on the podcast...Tougher Minds' Dr Jon Finn and Professor Jim McKenna discuss a University of Portsmouth education study, which will focus on the concept of growth mindset. The study will begin in September and will test if school children can benefit from approaches to learning, based on it. This podcast s an essential listen for anybody who wants to know more about this rapidly emerging educational theory.
Jun 1, 2016 • 26min
How Novak Djokovic uses self-watching to build good performance habits.
Text us a question and we'll answer it on the podcast...This podcast looks at one of the concepts within, The Elite Business Athlete. That’s the name of the Tougher Minds eBook which explains how performance secrets from global sporting icons can be beneficial and transformative for everyone. The book provides an overview of key concepts that boost resilience, personal performance and wellbeing.In this episode, Tougher Minds founder Dr. Jon Finn discusses tennis star Novak Djokovic and his use of a psychology technique known as SELF-WATCHING.Dr. Finn explains how the world number one uses this to build good habits which improve his performance...and just as significantly break bad habits.
May 9, 2016 • 32min
Improving teamwork and leadership - lessons from the Premier League Champions.
Text us a question and we'll answer it on the podcast...Tougher Minds founder Dr Jon Finn analyses the key factors which he believes underpinned Leicester City winning the Barclay's Premier League. Jon discusses concepts including building team spirit, transformational leadership and how a self-determining environment can help performance.
May 6, 2016 • 31min
Health, happiness and high-performance for young people
Text us a question and we'll answer it on the podcast...Tougher Minds founder and managing director Dr. Jon Finn gives his views on the new government mental health service launched for young people. He says whilst it may be well intentioned, in his opinion and experience, it does not offer the right sort of support.Jon Finn also reminds us of the Tougher Minds approach to addressing exam stress issues.
May 4, 2016 • 30min
How sleep, diet and exercise can boost your mental performance
Text us a question and we'll answer it on the podcast...In the second of our regular podcasts, we talk to Tougher Minds founder Dr. Jon Finn who explains why sleep, diet and exercise are key components of all types of our training programmes. We discuss how exercise can boost brain power, your digestive health can have an impact on mental performance and sleep will re-boot your brain to improve learning.
May 2, 2016 • 30min
Helping young people manage stress at school
Text us a question and we'll answer it on the podcast...We discusses the issues relating exam stress and the potential challenges faced by young people at school.
