Jordan Sterling

Welcome to the PTT Music Podcast, where we explore how music and positive behavior techniques inspire confidence, clarity, and continuous personal growth. I am Jordan Sterling, here with my co host and fellow positive behavior expert, Ava Brooks.

Ava Brooks

Hello everyone, and a warm, enthusiastic welcome to all of our new listeners joining our growing community. We are so thrilled you are spending this time with us today. Jordan and I are diving deep into one of our absolute favorite tools in positive psychology, cognitive reappraisal, and exploring how specific music cues can completely transform your daily performance, mindset, and creative energy.

Jordan Sterling

That is right, Ava. When people enter dynamic, high energy, or high stakes situations, the default reaction for many is to try to force absolute quiet, suppress their natural excitement, or pretend they are not feeling a sudden surge of physical energy. Behavioral scientists call that habit expressive suppression. But forcing yourself to look completely calm while your heart rate and adrenaline are naturally elevated actually drains valuable cognitive resources, increases mental fatigue, and creates unnecessary physical tension.

Ava Brooks

It really does, Jordan. Expressive suppression acts like holding a lid tightly on a boiling kettle. It takes continuous mental effort just to keep it contained. That is why cognitive reappraisal is such an extraordinarily empowering and practical technique for leaders, creators, and everyday achievers. Instead of trying to push away or suppress that surge of physical energy, cognitive reappraisal invites you to step back and consciously choose an inspiring narrative right at the start of the experience. You instantly transform that internal momentum into sharp focus, purposeful drive, and positive expectation.

Jordan Sterling

You are taking immediate, proactive authorship of your internal environment. The scientific research backing this process is remarkable. Groundbreaking work in emotional regulation led by Doctor James Gross at Stanford University, alongside an influential study conducted by Rebecca Ray and her colleagues in twenty ten, examined precisely what occurs in the body during reframing. They attached sensitive sensors to measure activity in the corrugator supercilii muscle, which is the muscle group between your eyebrows that naturally tightens during intense focus, worry, or physical stress.

Ava Brooks

And the biological findings were profound. When participants engaged in cognitive reappraisal, two distinct physiological shifts happened simultaneously. First, their subjective sense of confidence, personal agency, and optimism surged. Second, the physical tension in that brow muscle relaxed almost immediately. This proves that when you view an upcoming presentation, creative project, or busy workday as an exciting growth opportunity rather than an intimidating obstacle, your whole body physically aligns with that empowering perspective. Your breathing settles, your mind clears, and your focus sharpens.

Jordan Sterling

It is a clear demonstration of how rapidly our brain networks and nervous system respond to constructive, solution focused thinking. When you approach every new challenge expecting positive outcomes, your mind rewards you with heightened creativity and effortless execution. It shifts you out of self monitoring and directly into state of flow.

Ava Brooks

And this is precisely where music serves as the ultimate behavioral anchor. While cognitive reframing is a powerful mental discipline, pairing it with an intentional auditory cue makes the transition instantaneous. Music acts as a fast acting pattern interrupt. It bypasses hesitation, cuts through mental noise, and anchors your brain directly into high performance drive. When you hear a song that embodies strength and joy, your brain connects those musical rhythms with your desired emotional state.

Jordan Sterling

This brings us directly to two standout anthems from PTT Music: "This Is What I'm Gonna Do" and "UH HUH, OH YEAH". Let us explore how each of these tracks acts as a specialized trigger for different high positive behavioral states. When you play "This Is What I'm Gonna Do", the driving bassline, crisp percussion, and decisive vocal cadence build an immediate wave of inner determination. It shifts your focus away from contemplation and straight into personal agency, conviction, and decisive execution.

Ava Brooks

That track is pure intentional momentum in song form. The moment those upbeat production layers kick in, any hesitation vanishes and your mind zeroes in on a clear path forward. The message of "This Is What I'm Gonna Do" affirms total ownership over your choices. It tells your subconscious mind, here is my goal, here is my focus, and this is what I am gonna do to achieve it. It transforms passive planning into confident, active accomplishment.

Jordan Sterling

And then on the other side of the spectrum, you have "UH HUH, OH YEAH", which brings vibrant celebration, lightness, and contagious optimism into your environment. While "This Is What I'm Gonna Do" provides razor sharp focus and steadfast resolve, "UH HUH, OH YEAH" elevates your mood with pure joy and playful confidence. It encourages you to embrace creative risks, smile through the process, and bring genuine enthusiasm to every task on your plate.

Ava Brooks

It truly radiates positive energy. It reminds us that high performance does not have to be solemn or heavy, it can be deeply joyful, expressive, and fun. When you pair both of these songs with a structured reframing routine, you create a complete behavioral playbook that turns any ordinary morning into a high energy launchpad.

Jordan Sterling

Let us break down a practical thirty second reframing protocol that our listeners can apply starting today, wherever they are. Ava, walk us through the steps.

Ava Brooks

Step one is physical resetting. The moment you step into a high demand task, pause, lift your chin, drop your shoulders back, and take a deep, steady breath. Step two is music anchoring. Press play on your chosen cue. Select "This Is What I'm Gonna Do" when you need deep focus, drive, and laser precision, or press play on "UH HUH, OH YEAH" when you want to lift your spirit, spark creativity, and feel celebratory energy. Step three is mental redirection. Ask yourself one empowering question: "How does this exact moment allow me to express my strengths, share my energy, and step into my full potential?"

Jordan Sterling

Again, thanks for spending this time with us on the PTT Music Podcast. We hope today's conversation left you inspired, encouraged, and ready to carry that energy with you wherever life takes you. I am Jordan Sterling...

Ava Brooks

I am Ava Brooks. We will see you next time for another conversation that celebrates creativity, purpose, and the power of music.

Jordan Sterling

If you enjoyed today's episode, we would love for you to continue the journey with us. Visit PTTMusic.com to explore our latest music, official videos, exclusive merchandise, artist updates, and much more. You can also stream PTT Music on your favorite music platforms. And be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use a little inspiration today... Until next time, keep moving forward.

Ava Brooks

And let the PTT Music continue to move you closer to who you truly are.