Purpose is Your Neuroscience Superpower

The Nevada State Athletic Commission called my name—it was time to walk to the cage.

But I wasn’t focused. I’d just answered an unreasonable email from my boss in the locker room when I should’ve been getting in the zone. I was also furious that my opponent showed up 10 lbs overweight without apology, and I’d agreed to fight anyway. Then, as I walked out through the smoke, they played the wrong song.

I was distracted, angry, and far from mentally prepared to win my first MMA championship belt in Las Vegas’ premier amateur promotion.

My record remains undefeated, but this fight? It was ruled a no contest due to irregularities: the weight violation and a timekeeper’s mistake that cut a round short by a full minute while I was mid-armbar.

But that wasn’t the real issue. I wasn’t the master of my mindset. I wasn’t strategic or focused. My attention was fractured, and I fought on muscle memory and anger—not intention. I wasn’t connected to why I was in that cage.

Trial lawyers enter a similar battle every time we step into the courtroom.

Skill matters, but when the pressure is relentless, something deeper—our purpose—is what sets the very best of us apart.

Your purpose fuels focus, calm, and resilience under pressure. It’s the key to executing like a master of your mindset. I learned that lesson the hard way.

The neuroscience backs it up: when you align with your calling as a trial lawyer, your clarity and performance skyrocket. Purpose isn’t just motivational—it’s foundational.

In Episode 8 of The Legal Athlete Podcast, I break down how connecting with your purpose gives you an edge when it matters most. You’ll get actionable tools rooted in science, sports psychology, and real-world experience to level up your performance.

Purpose is your edge. Let’s make it work for you.

------------------------------- Listen now to 🎧 The Legal Athlete Podcast: “Let’s Get Spiritual—Trial Law is a Calling, and That’s Your Neuroscience Superpower” on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube. -------------------------------

I'm Jess Sargus. With 22+ years in law, business, and high-performance sports, I’ve battled, grown, and thrived in high-stakes environments, and mastered strategies for achieving peak performance just like champion athletes. Now, I bring those insights to help trial lawyers like you take your practice to the next level when it matters most, and feel great doing it. I help you become a Legal Athlete.

If you're ready for some extra clarity, support, and accountability to master your mindset and execute under pressure, or if you need a high-performance speaker for your group to inspire and energize your audience, DM me today on LinkedIn or grab a slot on my calendar to set up a free exploratory call to get started!