Three key habits to improve Performance and productivity:

Habit #1: Tension to Intention

Most high Performers know they have the power to generate whatever feelings they want in any situation.

High performers know they don’t have to carry around the emotions of the day. They don’t have sit back and hope to feel the way they want to feel.

Brendon says “It’s so thoroughly obvious that high performers are generating the feelings they want more often than taking the emotions that land on them.”

Each transition during the day (work to home, school to gym, etc) is a chance to build the habit of releasing the tension and then setting an intention of the feeling you want to bring to the next situation.

Habit Sequence: When you transition from one situation to the next (or one work mode to the next), close your eyes and release the tension in your face, neck and shoulders. Then set an intention for how you want to feel by asking yourself: “What is the primary feeling I want to bring into this situation?”

Habit #2: Necessity through Identity

The feeling of necessity might be the most powerful feeling high performers choose to generate. Musician Bob Marley once said, “You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.”

High performers don’t hope they perform well. High performers create situations and mindsets where they must perform well. They do this by creating a sense of identity around their goals and processes.

When Brendon asks high performers why they work so hard or how they stay so focused, their responses often sound something like this, “It’s just who I am. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Whatever your important goals (running a marathon, writing a best-selling book, etc) are, form your identity around them. You’ll make progress a must, not a nice to have.

Habit Sequence: When you feel unmotivated to work, repeat the following statement to yourself, “This is who I am. This is what I do.” Cultivate a feeling of identity around your work process.

Habit #3: Bringing my ‘A’ Game

Our culture tells us that sense of purpose comes from “helping millions” or “changing the world.” However, Brendon Burchard has found that most high performers develop a sense of purpose by focusing on one person. Not millions, not even a group of people, just one person.

To find the person who will give meaning and purpose to your work, ask yourself, “Who needs my A game?”

Brendon Burchard says: “This question gets you looking beyond your individual performance or feelings, and it connects you with a reason to be your best for others. It helps you find somebody worth fighting for. By asking this question, you stoke the necessity to be your best in order to help others, which allows you to hit high performance faster and stay there longer.”

When you ask, “Who needs my A game”, you might think of a family member, a boss you like, a teammate in need, or a customer you want to help. Whoever it is, see their face in your mind’s eye. By doing so, you will tap into a reserve you didn’t know you had.

Habit Sequence: When feeling stressed at work, or you find yourself losing focus, ask yourself, “Who needs my ‘A’ game right now?” Think of a person worth pushing yourself for.

By committing to develop high performance habits we are committing to a life of excellence.

“The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” – Vince Lombardi

Review 1

“High Performance Habits” by Brendon Burchard is a comprehensive guide that explores the habits and strategies employed by extraordinary individuals to achieve exceptional results. Here is a brief review of the book:

Summary:

• Burchard’s book is centered around the idea that high performance is not solely the result of innate talent or luck, but rather a set of deliberate habits that can be cultivated and developed.
• The author presents six key habits that he believes are crucial for high performance: clarity, energy, necessity, productivity, influence, and courage. Burchard delves into each habit, providing practical advice, actionable strategies, and real-life examples to illustrate their significance.
• Throughout the book, Burchard emphasizes the importance of intentionality, mindfulness, and consistent effort in cultivating these habits. He offers a step-by-step framework that readers can follow to implement these habits into their own lives.

Strengths:

• Burchard’s writing style is engaging and motivational, making the book accessible to a wide range of readers. He combines personal anecdotes, scientific research, and practical insights to deliver his message effectively.
• The book is well-structured, with clear chapters and sections that allow readers to easily navigate and absorb the information. Burchard provides summaries and action steps at the end of each chapter, enhancing the book’s practicality.
• The author’s extensive research and interviews with high performers from various fields add credibility and depth to the book. Readers gain valuable insights and perspectives from individuals who have achieved exceptional success.

Criticisms:

• Some readers may find the book repetitive, as Burchard reiterates certain concepts and ideas throughout different chapters. While repetition can be beneficial for reinforcement, it may feel excessive to some readers.
• The sheer amount of information presented in the book can be overwhelming for readers who prefer a more concise and focused approach. It may require time and effort to fully digest and implement all the habits and strategies outlined.

Conclusion:

• “High Performance Habits” is a compelling and practical guide for individuals seeking to enhance their performance and achieve extraordinary results in their personal and professional lives. Brendon Burchard provides a roadmap for developing the habits and mindset necessary for sustained high performance.
• By incorporating the six key habits outlined in the book – clarity, energy, necessity, productivity, influence, and courage – readers can cultivate a foundation for success and personal growth.
• Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, athlete, or simply someone looking to elevate their performance, “High Performance Habits” offers valuable insights and actionable steps that can be applied to various domains of life.

Review 2

High Performance Habits: How Extraordinary People Become That Way by Brendon Burchard is a self-help book that explores the habits that high performers share. Burchard argues that high performance is not about talent or luck, but about the habits that we choose to cultivate. He identifies six key habits that high performers all have in common:

1. Clarity: High performers have a clear understanding of their goals and what they want to achieve. They know what they want, and they have a plan for how to get it.
2. Energy: High performers have the energy to consistently perform at a high level. They manage their energy wisely, and they make sure to refuel both physically and mentally.
3. Necessity: High performers are driven by a sense of purpose and necessity. They believe in what they are doing, and they are committed to making a difference.
4. Productivity: High performers are highly productive. They use their time wisely, and they focus on the most important tasks.
5. Influence: High performers are able to influence others. They are able to build relationships, persuade others, and get things done.
6. Courage: High performers are courageous. They are not afraid to take risks, and they are willing to step outside of their comfort zone.

Burchard provides a wealth of practical advice for developing these habits. He shares stories of high performers from a variety of fields, and he offers specific exercises and strategies that you can use to start making changes in your own life.

I found High Performance Habits to be a very helpful and inspiring book. Burchard’s insights are based on years of research and experience, and he offers a clear and concise roadmap for achieving high performance. If you are looking to improve your performance in any area of your life, I highly recommend this book.

Here are some of the specific things that I liked about the book:

• Burchard’s focus on habits. He argues that high performance is not about talent or luck, but about the habits that we choose to cultivate. This was a refreshing perspective, and it helped me to see that I could improve my performance by simply changing my habits.
• Burchard’s practical advice. He shares stories of high performers from a variety of fields, and he offers specific exercises and strategies that you can use to start making changes in your own life. This made the book very actionable, and it gave me a clear path forward.
• Burchard’s positive and inspiring message. He believes that everyone has the potential to achieve high performance, and he offers a lot of hope and encouragement. This made the book a pleasure to read, and it motivated me to take action.

Overall, I highly recommend High Performance Habits to anyone who is looking to improve their performance in any area of their life. It is a well-written, practical, and inspiring book that can help you to achieve your goals.