Chase Challenge | Stop Letting Your Triggers Run Your Life

Patrick Cummings delivers a solo episode of Chasing Excellence, introducing the first 'Chase Challenge' — a 21-day trigger challenge designed to help listeners gain mastery over emotional reactions. He outlines five core pillars: trigger identification, recovery speed, response versus reaction, regulation strategies, and self-compassion. Drawing from insights from guests like Margaret Cullen and Jim Murphy, Patrick emphasizes the importance of context-independent peace of mind — the ability to remain centered regardless of external stressors. He explains that emotional responses last only about 90 seconds unless fed by thoughts, and advocates for mental rehearsal and tools like breathwork to build intentional responses. The challenge includes daily five-minute reflections, with tasks focused on tracking recovery time, planning responses, and creating trigger plans. Patrick offers three ways to participate: joining the Chase Club (with a limited-time $8/month rate), using the newly accessible Chase Tracker app, or doing a DIY version with a simple daily journaling practice. He encourages listeners to use this challenge as a catalyst for lasting personal growth and self-awareness.