Back in high school, I had a teacher, Mrs. Stanescu, who handed out a peppermint candy before every test. At first, it seemed like a small, sweet tradition. But Mrs. Stanescu had a plan—a method to her madness.

Her idea was simple yet powerful: link feelings of confidence and success to a trigger—the peppermint candy. By giving us the candy before smaller in-class quizzes and tests, she helped us associate the taste and smell of peppermint with moments of achievement and focus. It was her way of conditioning us for the big day—the AP Exam at the end of the year, the one that could earn us college credit.

On the day of the AP Exam, as we boarded the bus to the testing location, Mrs. Stanescu handed out the same candies. I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure if it would make any difference. But as soon as I unwrapped that peppermint and let it dissolve, something shifted. I felt sharper, calmer, and more confident—like I was ready to tackle anything.

Maybe it was silly. Maybe it was just a placebo effect. But it worked for me.

This reminds me of the concept Todd Herman talks about in his book Alter Ego. He describes creating a performance identity—an "alter ego"—to unlock your best self when it matters most. Often, this identity is activated with a token, like a pair of glasses, a lucky bracelet, or even a piece of peppermint candy.

Is this worth exploring for you? I think so. Whether it’s a pair of running shoes that make you feel unstoppable, a song that gets you in the zone, or a ritual before a big race, creating a trigger for peak performance could give you that extra edge.

What’s your peppermint candy?