How to Become a Peak Performer
At the end of the day, we all want to feel like we did our best work, but it can sometimes be an elusive feeling to achieve, can’t it? How do we find that sense of accomplishment, knowing that we did our best and achieved the results we were after? Well, it’s possible—but it requires first awareness and then effort.
In this article, we define peak performance, and share four steps to help you become a peak performer so that you can find success in your role, spend each day focusing on the right tasks, and experience a sense of accomplishment in both work and life. Peak performance is within your grasp, you’ve just got to get clear on how to reach it—and only you can make that happen.
Defining Peak Performance
A peak performer is someone who consistently reaches their goals while remaining motivated. They often appear as though their work is effortless (and sometimes it is). A peak performer is highly engaged at work and produces a high quality of work without burning out. But the how behind achieving peak performance must be determined by the individual. Sometimes an industry or role can outline the measurements needed for it, but the specific actions and disciplines needed to achieve it will still look different for each person. You know what it takes for you to be a peak performer and you alone are responsible for leading yourself toward peak performance. And when you do so, you'll not only be at your best, but you'll get to give your best to those you love, lead, and serve.
4 Steps to Become a Peak Performer
Understand your role’s metrics. Knowing how your boss or organization defines success in your role is a great starting point in your journey toward peak performance. It’s important to consider these metrics in your performance, but rarely are they instructive as to how to achieve them. So, get clear on how you’ll best meet each expectation—build the discipline or task into your calendar and regularly assess your progress or success.
Acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses. When you are honest with yourself about what you’re innately good at and what requires more energy and effort for you, then you can better understand where to spend your time and how to get the results you’re after. Learn to delegate and automate. Discern which tasks yield the highest return on your time and do more of them.
Establish healthy routines. At Building Champions, we often say that your morning routine starts the night before. To set yourself up for success the next day, you need to get enough sleep and have clarity on the structure of the next morning. Before you end each workday, make sure you’re clear on the next day’s schedule and prepared for any morning meetings. And before you go to sleep, get yourself organized for the morning. If your plan is to hit the gym before work, then make sure your gym bag is ready and your protein shake (or electrolyte-infused water) is all set out to mix, grab, and go. This type of preparation in your personal life will set you up for success in your professional life. (And if you need some help developing your morning routine, then download our free guide.)
Protect your focus time. Once you’ve identified the time frame that you typically do your best work, then protect it. Block it out on your calendar. And communicate that you’ll be unavailable to those who need to know. Proactive communication will enable you to turn off notifications and really spend your time digging into the work you need to accomplish in order to be a peak performer, eliminating distractions and giving you the time and space you need to do your best work. (Also, we’ve got a great Focus Plan to help you out—and it’s free!)
So, are you ready to become a peak performer? Well, we’ve got just the program for you: Performance Coaching. In our coaching program, you’ll get guidance from a trusted coach who will be committed to keeping you focused on your most critical priorities. Get in touch with us to learn more. Now is your chance to prioritize your well-being, transform your career, and become a peak performer!