A Winning Mindset
How to Walk Into Small Claims Court With Confidence and Stay Grounded When It Counts
These insights are from a chapter within the Insider Prep Program.
They will help you build a winning mindset for your court day — and they work for any important meeting, too!
Before paperwork or prep, your mindset is going to be everything. The judge sees it. Your opponent feels it.
Court is intimidating — but you don’t have to be intimidated.
Confidence simply says:
“I’m prepared.”
“I respect the process.”
“I have something worth hearing.”
Calm, focused confidence earns respect — not just from judges, but from everyone in the room.
Like anyone, a judge can also get overwhelmed.
They want to simply understand three main things:
What you’re asking for.
Why you believe you should win.
What proof you have.
Clear, direct communication equals more credibility.
After 20 years of watching, prepping, and producing small claims court TV, here’s the truth:
People with clear, calm delivery are taken more seriously.
Legal strength matters — but clarity and composure helps the judge trust your argument.
“If I were the judge, how would I want this explained to me?”
That question will guide every choice you make in preparing your case.
You’re not trying to “beat” anyone. You’re there to be heard, seen, and taken seriously.
Your Mindset = Your Edge
Powerful Mindset Exercise
Do this once a day during your prep week:
1. Find a quiet spot. Sit or stand comfortably.
Set a 3-minute timer (or just guess). Close your eyes if you’re comfortable.
2. Feel your body.
Take one deep breath. Notice your feet on the floor, your spine, your hands. Let tension drop just 10% — no need to be perfect.
3. Visualize this scene (quietly in your mind):
You’re walking into the courtroom with calm, steady steps.
You sit tall, listen carefully, and speak with clarity.
The judge nods. You hold your own. You feel clear, prepared, and composed.
(Let this play like a short mental movie — just see it and feel it.)
4. End with this phrase:
Silently say:
“I’ve got this. I’m steady, I’m ready.”
The brain doesn’t fully distinguish between real and imagined experience.
Practicing this daily helps your body and mind feel familiar with being calm under pressure.
Disclaimer: This information does not constitute legal advice and is for educational purposes only. I am not an attorney. This is not affiliated with any television show or network. The content reflects my personal experience and opinions based on years of working with litigants in a television production setting.