High Performance Habits

What makes the most successful people different isn’t talent or luck—it’s the habits they choose to cultivate.

1. Success Flows From Habits, Not Traits

Success isn't predetermined by birth or temperament. Instead, it's built through deliberate habits that anyone can adopt. Brendon Burchard’s research across 190 countries reveals that high achievers don't owe their success to personality or demographics.

The key differentiator is action—what people deliberately practice and incorporate into their daily routines. High performers develop their habits actively, recognizing that consistency and focus matter more than innate ability. This realization empowers anyone to grow into a high performer.

Confidence also grows through these habits. High performers approach challenges like learning a new language or managing a major project with earned self-assurance. This belief comes after years of diligent, incremental progress—a cycle anyone can replicate.

Examples

• A professional athlete who meticulously practices every day, regardless of innate talent.
• A CEO who works on self-discipline by consistently tackling the hardest tasks first.
• A student mastering calculus through hours of concentrated study rather than sheer intelligence.

2. Always Seek Clarity

High performers frequently self-reflect and ask big questions, like "How do I want to be remembered?" or "What is my ultimate goal in life?" This clarity drives their focus and determination.

They think about who they want to become, their social dynamics, the skills to develop, and how they can serve others. For instance, someone aiming to be kinder would examine their past actions and make concerted changes to align with their goal. High performers also enter social settings with purpose, asking how they can add positivity to every interaction.

This purpose extends to identifying skills worth mastering and causes worth backing. By connecting their ambitions to helping others, high performers are motivated by a cause larger than themselves.

Examples

• A musician dedicating hours to practice because they aim to inspire others with their art.
• An employee preparing thoroughly for a meeting, focusing on contributing positively to group dynamics.
• A teacher striving to create an impact by constantly seeking innovative ways to make lessons meaningful.

3. Energy Fuels Leadership

Physical and mental energy aren't luxuries for success—they are requirements. Interestingly, research shows that successful CEOs maintain fitness levels comparable to that of athletes.

Exercise isn’t just about staying healthy; it rewires the brain, increasing neurons responsible for memory and learning. High performers also use positivity to maintain mental energy. Even amid challenges, they stay focused on the good and anticipate happy moments to boost their dopamine levels.

This intentional energy generation equips high performers with endurance to tackle long days and maintain a positive presence for those around them.

Examples

• A CEO scheduling morning workouts every day to set their tone for tackling demanding tasks.
• A writer celebrating small daily victories to keep motivation high during long-term projects.
• A parent finding joy in family rituals even during overwhelming schedules.

4. Motivation Comes From Necessity

High performers don’t just want success—they feel others depend on it. This intrinsic and extrinsic motivation ensures they perform at their peak.

One runner races for personal fulfillment, while another runs to fund healthcare for their mother. The latter is more likely to push harder. Attaching big goals to external responsibilities gives urgency and importance to the task. By telling others their goals, high performers make those stakes public, creating added accountability.

This combination of internal drive and external pressure ensures the work gets done and goals are met with excellence.

Examples

• An entrepreneur attaching their company’s success to providing jobs for their team.
• A student studying diligently because they’re setting an academic example for younger siblings.
• A scientist sharing their progress with peers to create a sense of responsibility toward achieving milestones.

5. Productivity Pivots On Priorities

Doing more isn’t the same as being productive. High performers are experts at focusing only on what truly matters, avoiding energy-draining distractions like email.

They use challenging yet firm deadlines to stay on track, breaking big goals into smaller milestones. This ensures consistent progress even in long-haul projects. Avoiding the false "busyness" that comes from menial tasks leaves their mental and physical resources available for meaningful achievements.

Examples

• A manager dedicating mornings to critical thinking tasks instead of reactive emails.
• A student using study blocks with clear chapter goals rather than aimless reviewing.
• A filmmaker breaking down a large project into manageable production schedules.

6. Leaders Give and Appreciate

High performers thrive on relationships. They constantly recognize the contributions of others, giving credit where it’s due. Their workplaces and interactions are marked by trust, encouragement, and collaboration.

They also invest in understanding and meeting the needs of others. From empowering team members with decision-making to mentoring peers, they create a positive ripple effect. When they need help themselves, high performers confidently seek support without insecurity or fear.

Examples

• A team leader publicly acknowledging every member’s unique contributions during a project.
• A high school coach building confidence in players through personalized mentorship.
• A writer asking for critiques on their manuscript to sharpen its final draft.

7. Courage Is Necessary For Growth

High performers normalize risk-taking and thrive on challenging themselves. Courage, for them, is a practiced behavior rather than an innate trait.

While the average person avoids struggle, high performers recognize it as an opportunity to learn. They willingly share their big dreams despite fear of judgment. This openness not only creates allies but also reduces the mental weight of carrying ambitions in silence.

Facing risks frequently eventually makes bold action feel natural and fulfilling, paving the way for exceptional achievements.

Examples

• An artist pitching a unique vision despite fears it might seem too unconventional.
• A startup founder launching their app, fully prepared to iterate based on feedback.
• A student applying to a prestigious scholarship despite concerns about not meeting the criteria.

8. Consistency Is The Real Game Changer

High performers know success isn’t achieved overnight. They develop habits, track their progress, and remain patient. This long-term approach prevents burnout and ensures steady growth.

Instead of quick fixes, they focus on sustainable practices. For instance, they stick to workout routines, follow regular personal improvement plans, and consistently sharpen their skills in their field. This dedication compounds over time, leading to extraordinary results.

Examples

• A runner improving daily times through disciplined practice every morning at 5 AM.
• An executive maintaining a daily ritual of reading industry news to stay ahead in the market.
• A chef experimenting with recipes weekly to polish their culinary expertise.

9. Risk Fuels Reward

High performers embrace every challenge as a stepping stone to their goals rather than a hurdle. They counter the natural human aversion to taking risks by focusing on the possible rewards instead of the fear of failure.

They treat failure as feedback, learning with each attempt and coming back stronger. This attitude encourages not only personal growth but also inspires confidence and admiration in others.

Examples

• An entrepreneur bouncing back from a failed business attempt with an improved pitch.
• A student reapplying for scholarships after initial rejection, focusing on refining their application.
• A film director creating bold, experimental art despite financial unpredictability.

Takeaways

1. Set clear daily goals with a long-term purpose in mind. Take 10 minutes each morning to ask how today moves you closer to the person you want to be.
2. Build energy with intentional habits like exercise and gratitude. Start with just 20 minutes of movement or three things you’re thankful for.
3. Practice courage by taking one small risk each week. It could be sharing an idea, pursuing a new opportunity, or speaking up in a meeting.