In Part 2 of this conversation, Emma Murray and Dwayne Kerrigan move from awareness into practical performance tools. Emma introduces one of the most powerful distinctions in high performance: critique versus criticism.

She explains why self-criticism is a survival response that quietly destroys confidence, slows learning, and locks people into repeated mistakes. Through examples from elite sport, sales, leadership, parenting, and everyday life, Emma breaks down how to review performance by examining the entire process — thoughts, feelings, actions, and results — rather than attacking outcomes or identity.

The conversation also dives into fear-based leadership, tunnel vision, stress responses, and why people perform worse when they feel watched, pressured, or unsafe. Emma shares actionable techniques to regain presence under pressure, including breath, body awareness, and “small focus” anchors that keep the mind out of fight-or-flight.

Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Opening: Self-kindness under pressure and introduction to Part 2
01:12 - Welcome and episode overview: Turning mindset insights into action
01:47 - Critique over criticism: How thoughts drive feelings and actions in sales calls
02:53 - The criticism cycle: Carrying past failures into future performance
04:18 - Critiquing the full process: Thoughts, feelings, and actions in sports and business
06:22 - Creating space for critiquing: When and how to review your performance
08:35 - Leading teams through critique: Getting past the "doing" to examine the process
10:27 - The A Game/B Game review system: Learning from an AFL club's approach
13:14 - Coaching through resistance: What to do when people say "I don't know"
15:38 - The danger of distorted narratives: Running toward prey vs. running for your life
18:42 - Tunnel vision in high-stakes moments: The rhinoceros story and missing what's in the periphery
21:29 - Leadership and letting go of control: Making peace with what you can't control
23:51 - The flashlight metaphor: Directing attention to what people CAN do
26:18 - Using breath as an anchor: The human mind can't hold two thoughts simultaneously
28:44 - Stress response management: Getting out of fight-or-flight throughout the day
31:23 - The closed eye process: Accessing the subconscious mind for performance
34:07 - Bonus segment: Critique vs. criticism explained in detail
41:15 - The A Game/B Game framework: How the brain processes information under pressure
45:33 - Small focus strategy: Controlling what you can control to stay in the A Game

Key Takeaways:
Critique examines process, not personal worth
Thoughts drive feelings, feelings drive actions, actions drive results
Growth comes from extracting learnings — not from failure alone
Fear narrows focus and creates tunnel vision
Small, controllable focus prevents fight-or-flight
Connection reduces fear and restores execution

Quotes:
“Failure does not give you growth if you are not actually eliciting the lessons from it.” - Emma Murray

“Feet on floor, bum on chair … Bring your attention to your feet, your bum, your breath … those things are gonna anchor you back into the present moment” - Emma Murray

“When all this fails, use your breath” - Emma Murray

“The human mind cannot carry two thoughts simultaneously.” - Dwayne Kerrigan

Resources Mentioned
Critique Over Criticism Framework
A-Game / B-Game Performance Model
CHIMP Paradox – Dr. Steve Peters
Closed-Eye Process

Emma is sought-after by ASX 100 corporations, executives, and the education sector for her unique High Performance Mindfulness practice that drives sustainable improvements in performance, by providing the skills and tools that enable participants to bring their 'A-Game' to high-pressure moments.

Website: https://www.emmamurray.com.au/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/highperformancemindfulness
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/em.murray.mindcoach/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/high-performance-mindfulness/

Connect with Dwayne Kerrigan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedwaynekerriganpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynekerriganpodcast/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-kerrigan-998113281/
Website: http://www.dwaynekerrigan.com

Disclaimer The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.