George Haymaker is a former entrepreneur, recovering alcoholic & pain pill addict, now a neuroscience educator + coach who helps entrepreneurs and other business professionals optimize brain performance and leadership capability using brain science — so they can operate at their highest level without mental overload, decision fatigue, or reactive leadership patterns.

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Guest Resources

George Haymaker Coaching and Consulting – Visit George’s website and schedule a free discovery call.

George Haymaker LinkedIn – Follow George on LinkedIn.

3 Value Bombs

1. Metacognition gives you power over your thoughts. It allows you to observe and influence your mental activity instead of being at its mercy.

2. Stress is not about the event—it’s about your brain’s interpretation. Reframing challenges as opportunities changes your brain chemistry and improves performance.

3. Transformation happens through repetition. Your brain will rewire itself based on the patterns you consistently practice, making positive change sustainable.

Show Notes

**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.

Today’s Audio MASTERCLASS: The Neuroscience of Metacognition with George Haymaker

[1:24] – George shares something that he believes about success that most people disagree with.

Success doesn’t come from working harder—it comes from understanding and cooperating with your brain’s needs.
Overexerting mentally without rest can reduce performance.

[2:43] – George talks about metacognition and how do we develop it.

It’s the ability to observe and influence your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
The brain predicts and constructs experiences based on past emotional tagging.
Develop metacognition through reflection, awareness, and slowing down to respond instead of react.

[5:25] – George talks about is stress, and how we can better control it.

Stress comes from how we interpret situations, not the situations themselves.
The brain prioritizes safety and predictability, and stress is its warning system.
Reframing stress as challenge reduces cortisol and enhances calm, creative thinking.

[8:24] – George shares why people get stuck in emotional patterns that no longer serve them.

The brain pulls from past responses to save energy.
Old patterns are recycled if they’ve historically ensured safety, even if they’re no longer helpful.
We can rewire the brain by identifying unhelpful patterns and practicing new, value-aligned behaviors.

[13:15] – A timeout to thank our sponsors!

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[16:15] – George talks about the impact sleep, exercise, diet, nutrition, and mindfulness have on brain function.

These habits fill and expand your “mental resource tank.”
Sleep resets brain systems, clears waste, and consolidates memory.
Exercise boosts neurogenesis and mood.
Balanced diet fuels stable energy and cognition.
Mindfulness improves focus, emotion regulation, and metacognition.

[24:45] – George shares what is the science of change, and how do we apply it.

Step 1: Identify recurring, unhelpful patterns.
Step 2: Discover the psychological needs behind them.
Step 3: Loosen emotional attachment to those patterns.
Step 4: Define a new identity and align new patterns with it.
Step 5: Repetition makes the new patterns stick—like planting a new tree with strong roots.
Emotions and rewards are the glue that makes the change process sustainable.

[30:33] – Call to action.

George Haymaker Coaching and Consulting – Visit George’s website and schedule a free discovery call.
George Haymaker LinkedIn – Follow George on LinkedIn.

[34:04] – Thank you to our Sponsors!

HighLevel: The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies! Learn more at HighLevelFire.com!
Franocity: Franocity has helped hundreds of people leave unfulfilling jobs and invest in recession-resilient businesses through franchising. Visit Franocity.com to book a free consultation and start your franchising journey with expert guidance!

Killer Resources!

1) The Common Path to Uncommon Success: JLD’s 1st traditionally published book! Over 3000 interviews with the world’s most successful Entrepreneurs compiled into a 17-step roadmap to financial freedom and fulfillment!

2) Free Podcast Course: Learn from JLD how to create and launch your podcast!

3) Podcasters’ Paradise: The #1 podcasting community in the world!