Getting to Neutral
How to Conquer Negativity and Thrive in a Chaotic World
byTrevor Moawad, Andy Staples, Ciara
Book Edition Details
Summary
"Getting to Neutral (2022) is a step-by-step guide to conquering negativity and embracing a state of "neutral thinking" in a stressful world, by downshifting to a judgment-free, process-oriented approach. Drawing on personal experiences and insights from leading athletes and coaches, it shows how anyone can find calm, clarity, and resolve to navigate high-pressure situations effectively."
Introduction
Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. Whether it's a career setback, a health crisis, or global uncertainty that shakes our foundation, we often find ourselves caught between two extremes: toxic negativity that paralyzes us, or forced positivity that feels hollow and unsustainable. But what if there was a third path? What if the secret to thriving in chaos wasn't about being relentlessly optimistic or wallowing in despair, but finding a powerful middle ground where clarity emerges and right action becomes possible? This revolutionary approach to mental conditioning has been battle-tested by elite athletes facing the ultimate pressure, business leaders navigating unprecedented challenges, and individuals conquering life-threatening illnesses. It's about learning to downshift your mind to neutral when the world feels like it's spinning out of control, allowing you to see situations clearly, make better decisions, and take the next right step forward. The journey ahead will challenge everything you thought you knew about mindset, but it will also give you the tools to master your mind in any storm.
Downshift to Neutral When Crisis Strikes
When Trevor first woke up with yellow eyes that September morning in 2019, every instinct screamed at him to panic. As someone who had spent years teaching mental conditioning to elite athletes, he knew this was a moment that could either destroy him or become his greatest teacher. The diagnosis of bile duct cancer would come weeks later, but in that initial moment of terror, he had to practice everything he'd ever preached about neutral thinking. Sitting in the doctor's office waiting for results, Trevor made a crucial choice about where to sit. Instead of the large patient chair that would make him feel like a permanent resident of illness, he chose a small visitor's chair. This wasn't denial—it was strategic neutral thinking. He told his doctor, "I don't need to know anything other than your plan. What do you need from me to execute?" This question became his anchor, pulling him back from the edge of catastrophic thinking toward actionable truth. The transformation was remarkable. Instead of spiraling into "why me" or "what if" scenarios, Trevor focused solely on the immediate next step: preparing for surgery, following treatment protocols, and maintaining his physical strength. His mind shifted from victim to participant, from fear to focused action. The yellow eyes that had initially terrified him became simply a symptom to address, not a death sentence to fear. When crisis strikes your life, resist the pull toward extreme emotional reactions. Ask yourself the same question Trevor asked his doctor: "What does this situation require of me right now?" Strip away judgment, fear, and speculation. Focus on facts and immediate actions. This isn't about suppressing emotions—it's about not letting emotions drive your decisions when clarity is most critical. The goal isn't to eliminate feeling, but to prevent feelings from hijacking your ability to respond effectively. Practice this mental downshift daily in smaller situations, so when major crises arrive, neutral thinking becomes your natural response rather than a desperate attempt at damage control.
Build Your Championship Support Team
Even the strongest individuals need a carefully curated team when facing life's greatest challenges. When Trevor began his cancer treatment, he initially wanted to handle everything alone, believing he could protect others from the burden of his illness. This approach nearly broke him until he received crucial advice from Mark Herzlich, a former NFL linebacker who had conquered bone cancer during his college career. Mark's wisdom was simple but profound: "It was way too much for me to handle alone. Instead of shouldering an additional burden, I had people fighting with me." This insight led Trevor to strategically build his support roster, treating it like an elite athletic team where every person had a specific role and unique strengths. Lawrence Frank, president of basketball operations for the LA Clippers, became Trevor's anchor—someone who understood prolonged health battles and could offer advice in language that resonated. Russell Wilson provided unwavering faith and perspective. Dr. Steve Krems served as the medical point guard, coordinating care. Each team member brought something different: Michael Johnson's champion mindset, Mel Tucker's motivational energy, Jeff Allen's emotional safety, and Solange's unconditional love despite their divorce being finalized. The key was intentional selection based on specific criteria: people who asked "How can I help?" instead of "How does this affect me?", those who could connect him with other valuable resources, individuals who spoke his language of neutral thinking, people he aspired to emulate, those who shared his faith, and people who loved him unconditionally. Start building your championship team before you need it. Evaluate your current relationships honestly—who would you call in a crisis? Identify gaps in your support system and begin cultivating relationships with people who possess the qualities you might need. Remember, this isn't about using people; it's about creating mutual support networks where everyone contributes their unique strengths to help each other thrive.
Create Winning Habits That Shape Success
Admiral William McRaven shocked a University of Texas graduation crowd when he declared that changing the world begins with making your bed. This wasn't motivational fluff—it was strategic behavior design from one of America's most elite military leaders. The simple act of making your bed perfectly each morning accomplishes your first task, creates momentum for additional achievements, reinforces that small details matter, and provides encouragement when you return home after a difficult day. This philosophy echoes the journey of baseball legend Ichiro Suzuki, who wrote in sixth grade that his dream was to become a first-class professional baseball player. But dreams without systems are just wishes. From age six, Ichiro practiced hitting 500 pitches daily, maintained elaborate stretching routines that lasted longer than his teammates', and treated his equipment with the reverence of a master chef caring for his knives. When he reached the major leagues, he continued these habits religiously, even setting up a batting practice room in his apartment. The transformation wasn't accidental—it was systematic. Ichiro understood that trying "a little harder when faced with your own limits" repeatedly over time creates extraordinary results. His 3,089 career hits weren't the product of talent alone, but the compound effect of perfect daily habits executed over decades. Your habits are the bridge between your values and your results. Start by identifying what you truly value, then design daily behaviors that align with those priorities. If you value fitness but don't exercise regularly, do you really value fitness, or do you need to change your habits to match your stated values? Begin with Admiral McRaven's wisdom: make your bed every morning. This simple act creates immediate success, builds momentum, and proves you can maintain standards even in small things. From there, add one habit at a time that moves you closer to who you want to become. Remember, as Lawrence Frank wisely notes, "Behaviors really have to supersede your feelings—sometimes you have to behave your way into feeling it versus feeling your way into behaving."
Lead Like a Coach, Live Without Limits
The best coaches understand that leadership isn't about commanding from above—it's about developing, challenging, and supporting people who have asked for guidance. When Cori Close took over UCLA women's basketball, she learned this lesson from legendary coach John Wooden himself during their weekly Tuesday meetings. Wooden never focused on winning games; he focused on mastering the fundamentals that made winning inevitable. This philosophy was tested during the 2020-2021 season when Close's team faced unprecedented challenges. COVID-19 restrictions meant late start to workouts, five players were lost to various circumstances, and the team was reduced to just eight available players. Instead of lamenting what was missing, Close implemented neutral thinking principles with her remaining players, asking them one crucial question during a critical timeout: "What does this situation require of me?" The transformation was immediate and powerful. Players took ownership of their roles, focused on controllable factors, and executed under pressure. When facing Oregon in a tight game, guard Lindsey Corsaro reminded her teammates, "This is when neutral thinking counts. Right now. We practice this every day." The result was a clutch victory built on clear thinking rather than emotional reaction. Whether you're managing employees, raising children, or leading any group, adopt the coach's mindset. Start by honestly evaluating each person's strengths and weaknesses without judgment. Then create individual development plans that build on strengths while addressing weaknesses. Use the power of questions rather than commands—ask "What does this situation require of us?" instead of simply telling people what to do. Most importantly, lead yourself like a great coach. Evaluate your own performance honestly, recognize your patterns of success and failure, and design systems that bring out your best. Remember that great coaches adapt their methods to reach different personality types and generational differences. Your role is not to create copies of yourself, but to help each person become the best version of themselves.
Summary
Living neutrally isn't about becoming emotionless or passive—it's about mastering the art of clear thinking when clarity matters most. As Trevor discovered during his greatest challenge, "Neutral thinking forces us to seek the truth. But it doesn't require us to render an opinion." This approach allows us to process information without judgment, make decisions based on facts rather than feelings, and maintain hope even when positivity feels impossible. The journey requires building the right team, creating winning habits, and leading others with the wisdom of a great coach. Your past doesn't predict your future, and every moment offers a fresh opportunity to choose your response. Start today by asking yourself Trevor's fundamental question: "What does this situation require of me right now?" Then take that next right step forward, knowing that mastery comes not from perfection, but from the courage to keep growing through whatever challenges life presents.
By Trevor Moawad
