Characteristics of Peak Performers - Do you have them?

Let’s start by defining what Peak Performance is… it’s a state in which the person performs to the maximum of their ability, characterized by subjective feelings of confidence, effortlessness and total concentration on the task.

There are 7 key characteristics that I’ve seen consistent in Peak Performers;

1. FOCUSED

Shortly after BIll Gates and Warren Buffett became good friends, they were at Bill’s house with his father there having a conversation. Bill’s dad asked each of them to write down on a piece of paper one word that has contributed to their success.  Without knowing what each other wrote down, they both wrote the same word… Focus! They understand the power of flow, getting dialled in to what they are doing and being the best in the world at what they do

2. PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY

David Goggins has an 'accountability mirror' which he created in a moment of frustration and disgust with himself. When he stood in front of that mirror, he called himself out. He looked at his reflection and said “You’re fat, you’re lazy, and you’re a liar. What are you going to do about it?!”  If you know who Goggins is, then you know the rest of the story.  If you don’t know who he is, the short story is that he’s widely regarded as the toughest man on the planet.  We don’t necessarily have to be this extreme but the underlying message here is that peak performers hold themselves accountable by not lying to themselves.

3. BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND

Stephen Covey popularized this idea in his infamous book ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’.  The stoics were the first to live out the truth of this ideal some 2,000 years ago. Seneca said "Let all your efforts be directed to something, let it keep that end in view. It's not activity that disturbs people, but false conceptions of things that drive them mad." When we know our passion, purpose, and are aligned with our core values, we can trust that we’re moving in the right direction.

4. CONFIDENCE THROUGH PREPARATION

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”  - Abraham Lincoln.  When we invest time in studying, researching, mental rehearsal, reflection, and deliberate practice, we are not only preparing ourselves to take on tomorrow with confidence, we’re also preparing ourselves for the unknown - which is the exciting part! Imagine being offered the opportunity of a lifetime and being able to say yes to it promptly with confidence because of how well prepared you are?!

5. MENTALLY FIT

I view mindset as your subconscious program and mindfulness as your conscious awareness. Peak performers develop their level of self-awareness which allows them to manage their emotions better.  This leads to better decision making. When it comes to mindset, peak performers are intentional about checking in with the patterns and programs that are running their day.  They are aware of the quality of information they’re consuming.  They have created healthy habits that serve them and remove as many unhealthy habits as possible.

6. CONSISTENT EXTRA EFFORT

Have you ever done something even though you didn’t feel like it? That’s what peak performers do on a consistent basis.  They’re insanely driven. They don’t depend on extrinsic factors to get them motivated.  They depend on their own intrinsic motivation. This gives them the energy to get that workout in, breakthrough limiting beliefs, and hit goals that were once just a dream. They even have to put effort in to proper rest and recharge because it doesn’t come natural to them. 

7. COACHABLE

Do you know what Michael Jordan’s best skill was? It wasn’t dunking. It wasn’t his fade away.  It wasn’t his 3-point shot. It wasn’t his defense. It was being coachable.  MJ said “My best skill was that I was coachable. I was a sponge and aggressive to learn.”  Because peak performers are always striving to discover their unrealized ability, they have to be coachable. They understand that even though it’s possible for them to achieve their potential on their own, it’s extremely unlikely.  They seek out the best advice, take it in, and apply it into their game. 

The question now is which ones can we relate to most? Which ones must we incorporate and make improvements on immediately? 

You got this!

Brandin