6 Steps to Take Your Mind and Body to a State of High Performance

6 Steps to Take Your Mind and Body to a State of High Performance

In this highly competitive world, it is imperative for every success-oriented individual to be constantly mindful of his or her performance. Big companies even have performance management departments that keep score of employee productivity because high performance is key to meeting the organization’s strategic objectives.

That being said, it is worth noting that it is not just a person’s skills or talents that contribute to high performance. Consistency is a crucial variable as well.

To develop consistency, creating a routine of solid practices is a must. There are different kinds of efforts you should exert regularly to support whatever skills and talents you may have so you yield high-quality output most of the time, if not all the time.

To help you with this, here are six steps you can integrate into your routine: 

Step 1: Feed your body what is good

A lot of success-chasing people forget the importance of proper nutrition in working toward their goals. Many do not sit down for a healthy breakfast and simply run on sugar-laden coffee and energy drinks.

Sweet coffee and so-called “power beverages” may supply you with energy but, oftentimes, their impact is not long-lasting and they can even come with negative side effects.

The brain needs a healthy balance of nutrients to work well, especially in processing information. Not only that, the body’s immune system remains strong and resistant to diseases when it is thoroughly nourished.

If, however, time works against you most of the time and you simply cannot sit down for proper meals, choose the healthiest option for what you can actually consume. Say, for coffee, how about switching your regular cup of Joe for Bulletproof Coffee, which is a high-performance drink?

Bulletproof Coffee is known for suppressing hunger because it uses Brain Octane Oil to control hunger hormones, long-lasting energy because of the saturated fats in the butter, and mental clarity because BOO converts into ketones, which the brain uses better than carbs and sugar to keep you alert. 

Step 2: Get enough sleep

You can boost your mental clarity and energy by getting sufficient sleep regularly. The smart way to get in the zzzs is by managing your time wisely.

As much as possible, accomplish everything you need to for work and your family early so you can tuck in at an ideal time. Do away with time-eaters such as the Internet and watching TV.

Invest in quality sleep, too, because what’s more important with sleep is to feel properly rested come the following day.

You may want to scent up your room with lavender and perhaps drink chamomile tea to help you relax or wind down before bedtime. Perhaps, consider lights that turn on and off with a clap to make sleeping more convenient. This way, when you already feel drowsy with sleep, you no longer have to get up to turn off the lights. 

Step 3: Include exercise in your daily routine

Find the time for a physical workout every day. This will improve the condition of your body, increase your confidence, and also keep your mind alert and awake.

To perform well in your job and life, exercise can definitely contribute a lot. You can avoid getting sick, which, of course, reduces productivity. Exercises also prime your body for the new demands for your time and energy. They can increase the range or variety of your movements, as well as enhance your stamina.

Some exercises recommended for busy and high performing individuals are walking, hiking, yoga, spinning, and boxing. These are perfect for protecting heart health and managing stress. 

Step 4: Journal

Journaling is a wonderful stress reliever. It is a creative outlet which also has therapeutic effects. Unloading your thoughts or concerns on paper will allow you to evaluate your situation and behavioral patterns more effectively. This can change your perspective of things and help you find solutions to create a better life. 

Step 5: Start taking supplements

Again, the hectic life of a high-performer can take its toll on health. Therefore, setting up defenses is not only meant to ensure competitive advantage but also an absolute necessity. Apart from eating nutritious food, taking supplements can also help.

Supplements can make up for the nutrient imbalances that often happen when you eat out most of the time, or when you cannot eat at the right time. However, be sure that you are taking the right supplements for you, and can support your activities. As always, seek your doctor’s advice to know what nutrients you truly need to stay fit and healthy.

To take your brain to a higher state of performance, look for brain boosters. Ginkgo biloba, studies reveal, can enhance cognition. Forskolin and artichoke extract, on the other hand, can improve memory, learning, and concentration. There are still others to consider, and it will not hurt to give them a try. 

Step 6: Find opportunities for learning

Remember, no matter how talented and smart you are, there are always ways for you to become a better version of yourself. Continue to grow your skills. Learn how you can become a better leader and public speaker. These will serve you well in any organization you become a part of.

Also, sign up for classes that will not only teach you something new but also bring you joy. Finding time for enjoyable hobbies will benefit your entire wellbeing. In fact, persistent learners always say that hobbies provide a sense of certainty about the future because wherever life takes you, you can always turn to your hobbies to provide you that feeling of continuity and security.

Most importantly, having more skills definitely up your value as a person. When other people see the versatility and flexibility you have, they will not think twice about entrusting important tasks to you. They believe you are a “can-do” person because of your skills and personal culture of learning. 

Give yourself a boost

These are all deliberate efforts to become the best version of yourself in everything you do. So, build a routine that includes all these steps, and become optimally productive and successful in all of your life pursuits. 

AUTHOR BIO
Dave Asprey is the creator of the widely popular Bulletproof Coffee, host of the #1 health podcast, Bulletproof Radio, and author of the New York Times bestselling book, "The Bulletproof Diet." Through his work, the Silicon Valley investor and technology entrepreneur provides information, techniques and keys to taking control of and improving your biochemistry, your body and your mind so they work in unison, helping you execute at levels far beyond what you'd expect, without burning out, getting sick, or allowing stress to control your decisions.