“Leading a meeting, negotiating a deal, doing an interview — you need to think of these as performances,” I used to tell clients. I said that to focus them on…
Posts Taggedoptimum performance + pressure
The Real Reason You Don’t Focus on What’s Important
Bruce Lee said, “The successful warrior is the average man, but with laser-like focus.” He should have added: laser-like focus on what’s important. Because, you know what’s most important, don’t…
What You Can Learn About High Performance From A Junior High School Teacher
Dave Brodkey teaches shop class to sixth to eighth graders at New Brighton Middle School near Santa Cruz, CA. Eleven and twelve year olds are typically not known for their…
Are You Working Hard Enough?
Hard work: it’s the secret to success, we’re told from an early age — by our parents, society and pretty much every person who achieves notable success. But what exactly is “working hard” and how do…
Are You Afraid To Go All Out?
In one of the more heart-wrenching stories from the Rio Olympics, US cyclist Mara Abbott was one of two leading the pack in the women’s cycling race as they climbed the steep…
The Curse of Finishing Second (and Five Habits of Happy High-Achievers)
After finishing third in the men’s 100 meter race at the Rio Olympics this week, bronze medalist Andre de Grasse excitedly embraced Usain Bolt, who had taken the gold. While…
Are We Less Evolved Than We Think?
See the presentation on Slideshare.com. My last year of high school brought two momentous developments. One, I got contact lenses. And two, I decided I was tired of being a…
The Goofus and Gallant Approach to Greatness
Recently, I’ve become a fan of Instagram. One of the accounts I follow features Harlow, a stately Weimeramer and Indiana, an adorable Dachshund, who are best friends and a shining example of model canine…
What To Do When You Can’t Get Into The Groove
Today was one of those days. Sluggish. Unfocused. Namby pamby. There wasn’t even a specific reason to point to: I’m 100% healthy, fully carbed, well-rested and pain-free, with plenty of…
The Best of Times, The Worst of Times
I confess, I came this close to flaking out on you. For many of you, our relationship started at last year’s Mental Toughness Summit. I had plans to make it…