We often hear the term ‘high performance’, especially in the workplace. But being a high performer can be applied to all areas of your life. And let’s face it, we shouldn’t necessarily have to split up work and life – isn’t all just life, right?
So when we want to perform well in all areas of our life, it’s important not to only focus on the performance but also on the effort required to reach a high level of performance. There’s no point achieving new heights if you’re too exhausted or burnt out to enjoy them!
Here are some of the tricks high performers have already worked out to help them achieve more with less overall effort…
THEY MANAGE ENERGY INSTEAD OF TIME
If you focus on how to increase your energy and spend less of it, you will be much more productive, with less effort. For example if you’re typically more productive in the morning, try to get heavier tasks done then. Or if you’re likely to hit the snooze button instead of going for that morning run, schedule it for later in the day.
High performers also know that energy comes from many different sources and they capitalise on all of these. Energy-giving activities can include everything from exercise and eating well to spending time with family and friends, participating in hobbies and meditating.
THEY FOCUS ON BEING PRODUCTIVE INSTEAD OF BEING BUSY
Many people focus on looking busy as a badge of their importance, whereas high performers only focus on doing tasks that are directly related to helping them towards their goals. They are very good at “doing more with less”.
They understand how their brain functions and use this to structure their days, weeks, months and years for maximum efficiency. For example they understand that the brain has a limited attention span. This will differ for everyone, but most people can focus for around 40 minutes. Don’t try to push through a task to completion – switch to another lighter task or take a walk around the block to renew your energy before returning to that same task.
THEY ‘EAT WELL AND TRAIN’ INSTEAD OF ‘DIET AND EXERCISE’
There are more mental benefits of movement than there are physical benefits. High performers view movement and nutrition as a way to maximise energy and mental alertness to do all the amazing things they want to achieve in life. Aim to focus on moving more and eating better and you’ll be well on your way to greatness.
I teach lunchtime classes at Fitness First Bond St Platinum and often say to my students ”we would rather have you in here doing lighter options than sitting at your desk and doing no options.” It’s great for the brain to take a break and move!
THEY EXHIBIT SELF-CARE AND TREAT THEMSELVES AS A PRIORITY
Not only do they see the importance of moving and eating well, high performers do many other things to make sure they are taking care of themselves. For example, they don’t see self care as selfish and are more than happy to invest the time in say a pampering session at the day spa or going out with friends to ensure they are looking after their own needs.
This involves learning how to say “no” and making sure they have the time and the energy to focus on things that are truly important to them. Like the airline safety demonstrations say: “put your own oxygen mask on first before helping others”.
THEY SURROUND THEMSELVES WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE
High performers know that mindset is the key to success. A positive mindset has now been linked with up to 40% more productivity and profitability. It’s also been linked with increased health benefits.
So if you ask someone “how are you?” and their response makes you feel like that’s 15 minutes of your life you will never get back, it’s time to get some new friends – pronto!
Part of managing your energy for high performance is to make sure that you are not having your energy sucked away from you unnecessarily by negative people.
Article for Fitness First By Vanessa Bennett:
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