Peak Performance: It’s All in Your Mind

When we hear the term “peak performance”, we typically think of sports stars, since they seem to achieve a level of play that far surpasses everyone else. In addition to athletes, the excellent works produced by artists and musicians remain popular, centuries after their deaths because of the level of skill that is displayed in their best work.

While you might not think of a top business leader as being in the same league a master conductor, a highly skilled sculptor, or even a high-achieving athlete, the best leaders are just that; they are stars! Their performance is what makes them stand out. They are at the top of their game because they are focused on producing their best work and motivating others to help them in their quest.

If you want to grow in your career, you need to achieve your peak performance. You will also need to be able to inspire and motivate others to produce their best work. The more you and your team can achieve, the more you will stand out and be trusted with greater opportunities.

Our ability to achieve peak performance is tied to our brains

It comes down to our neurochemistry.

When we are in a state of flow, of optimum functioning, everything comes together within our minds. Electrical impulses are transmitted smoothly across the neural pathways of our prefrontal cortex and other areas of our brain, which optimises our energy levels as well as our ability to concentrate, remember, and act. How our bodies interact with our environment and how we individuals are naturally hardwired to react to specific stimuli, affects this neurochemistry which in turns affects our ability to both focus and perform.

When you set goals, the brain subconsciously sorts out the information it picks up, allowing goal-relevant information through and restricting the flow of irrelevant data. To reach peak performance, you need to set goals to strive for and allow your brain to help.

Put your neurochemistry to work for you!

To create the ideal environment in our brains for peak performance to occur, we must learn to be honest and open with ourselves about what truly motivates us. What are your true goals? What steps do you need to take to achieve them?

Reflect on what activities, and people, replenish your energy and make more time for them in your daily life. Practice mindfulness to help you control your breathing and release physical tension in your body. This one action goes a long way to optimising your neurotransmitters to combat stress that might otherwise distract you. Maintain your passion and keep your energy levels high by focusing on the big picture, and how specific tasks and actions help to advance your larger goals.

How is your overall performance as a leader? Are you achieving your peak flows on a regular basis, and, are you inspiring your team to perform at their best level? Get in touch today to learn more about how we can help you take the best advantage of the latest research in the fields of neuroscience and leadership to help you create the career and lifestyle that you want – by design!