As I read Peak Performance, by Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness, I will provide what I find useful from the book, or notable points that I disagree with. I will also inject my own ideas as they surface through each section.
Introduction
Competing Against The Machines
There is a very bold and seemingly uninformed view on technology presented in this book. We do not compete against technology. Computers (technology) enables so many advances. Eliminating jobs to advances in technology increases global wealth. I still love a very simple anecdote: A man was told that a group of men were given picks and shovels in order to lengthen the work of construction (rather than machinery), to which he replied why not give them spoons and forks instead of picks and shovels if the object was to lengthen the time to complete the job.
We are in a world where creativity will inspire new works to which jobs will be created.
Key Take-aways
1. At what cost will be push ourselves to levels that are beyond our natural limit?
Succumbing to pressure: over-use of medication or performance enhancing supplements comes with unintended side effects. Our bodies have a natural state and medication can be used to correct imbalances, however, the consequences of these corrections can lead to a more negative than positive result.
Taking an easy way out of stress by getting medication may correct the imbalance, but you may lose the opportunity to learn how to modify your behavior, determine the root cause, and cope with the issue at hand. Certainly, there are cases where medication is necessary, and there is compassion for those that require it.
2. Burnout is real, and can be avoided
Do you find yourself working through the night? Are you obsessed with your goals? Leading you to find ways to get by on less sleep, relaxation, friends, or enjoyment? You may tell yourself that these are worth sacrificing for your goal, because let’s face it, that’s what you want and you won’t stop until you get it. Wake up and smell the fire!
Take your lunch break! An hour. And not at your desk. Eat with friends. Set boundaries for when and where you take on these goals. Ask yourself if this is what you really want, and why. What makes this something to obtain? Often in life we set out on a path, and are able to reach our goal, but are left unsatisfied with it. It was not what we really thought it would be.
“Passion is the channel by which we receive the greatest blessings” – Plato
However, you can be consumed by your passions. Watch for an upcoming article on what passion is and how it relates to your goals.
3. Breakthroughs: Breakthroughs occur when people realize the arbitrary nature of their own field and open their minds to the possibility of possibility. You can create channels to learn how to solve new problems by approaching them with a different mindset.
What to expect from the book:
- scientific cycle behind growth and development
- how to prime for peak performance and daily productivity
- the power of purpose as a performance enhanceer
4. Mindset:
What is mindset? A disposition to something that may happen. A filter of how you interpret life and a projector of what you want to be in the future.
Practice in an easier environment things that you find difficult. What do you want to set your mind to? This can be simple or short. How do you want to be? How does that match the environment that you are in?
5. Stress + Rest = Growth: The backbone of the book. Mental and physical tasks take a toll and it is crucial to incorporate rest just as you would the physical or mental challenge.
Be hesitant to offer help when teaching. Let others learn on their own and once they are impeded, give help. Fail productively.
Walk away when you are stuck. Creativity can be spurred by taking yourself out of the situation. Take a walk, look at nature, and practice mindfulness techniques.
Use social interactions as a recovery and relaxation tool. Surround yourself with positive people and allow yourself to shift focus away from stressors.
6. Mindfulness:
Take a moment to say something nice about each person you see before engaging with them in your head as a primer for positive attitude.
“Disconnection work from life is an illusion.” - Peak Performance
Developing your life’s purpose statement
List up to 5 values that you hold in life:
- Education
- Enjoyment
- Mastery
- Relationships
Define each value in a way that personalizes it to your life in one sentence:
- Education: gain knowledge that will allow me to explore new areas and further understand those of which I already pursue.
- Enjoyment: An internal state in which you find great pleasure and comfort.
- Mastery: Fluency in a field or subject such that you are able to teach, share, and innovate new ideas that promote greater achievements.
- Relationships: Connection with others to share experiences and learn how to better develop ourselves.
Rank your values
- Enjoyment
- Mastery
- Relationships
- Education