I’ve been inspired lately by Train (Your Brain) Like an Olympian by Jean François Ménard, a mental performance coach who works with athletes to help them reach peak performance. The audiobook points out that, in our “go-go-go” world, we’re expected to operate at 100% all the time, juggling multitasking like it’s an Olympic sport. But is this even possible?

High achievers like athletes have entire teams of people planning their training, meals, rest, and even mental wellness. Imagine if we had that level of support! But let’s be honest—most of us are flying solo, balancing work, life, and the occasional attempt at a workout. So, how can we achieve big things without burning out?

As Michael Jordan said: “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” 

Becoming a high performer isn’t just about wishing; it’s about creating the habits and mindset that make excellence possible. To “win” at work, we need discipline that aligns with our unique lifestyle and goals. The good news? It’s possible. Here are my top takeaways from the book to help bring out the Olympian within!

1. Become a Master of “You”

The first step is to “Start with Why,” as Simon Sinek would say. Get clear on what drives you—your personal strengths, routines, and goals. What motivates you? Are you sharpest in the morning, afternoon, or evening? How much sleep do you need to perform at your best? Just as athletes track their performance, understanding how your mind and body work can help you plan your day around what suits you—not just what’s on the calendar. For example, if you’re a morning person, scheduling an important meeting at the end of the day when you’re running low on energy won’t do you any favours.

2. Make Health a Non-Negotiable Priority

Athletes don’t skip physiotherapy because they’re “busy,” and we shouldn’t ignore our health either. Make time for exercise and schedule annual check-ups. A helpful strategy? Make your New Year resolution to book all your doctor’s appointments at once. If you don’t prioritize your health, your body will eventually do it for you.

3. Learn to Manage Stress

Stress management isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a survival skill. Learn to delegate, set boundaries, and take breaks before burnout hits. Stress can creep in when you least expect it, so be proactive. Even small breaks can do wonders; remember, it’s better to pause than to be forced to stop because you pushed too hard—often at the most inconvenient times!

4. Embrace Continuous Learning (Sharpen Your Saw)

Just like athletes continuously refine their skills, we, too, should embrace lifelong learning to stay at our peak. Athletes never stop training, analyzing their performance, and seeking ways to improve—and that mindset is key for high performers in any field. By regularly learning new skills or updating our knowledge, we keep ourselves sharp, adaptable, and ready to tackle whatever challenges come our way. In a world that’s always changing, a commitment to growth helps us stay resilient and prepared for the next big opportunity.

5. Seek Out Coaches and Mentors

Athletes have coaches, so why shouldn’t we? Seek out mentors, connect with positive people, and build a support system. Surrounding yourself with people who inspire you and push you to be better is like adding fuel to your fire. And remember, most people are more than happy to lend a hand—you just have to ask!

Conclusion: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

It takes serious effort to reach “high-performance” status, whether in sports or the workplace. Athletes have teams, but we have friends, coworkers, family, and mentors ready to help. Health should always be your foundation; there’s only so much you can achieve if you’re unwell. Set your boundaries, push yourself gradually, and remember: don’t sprint without warming up first!

 What are your strategies for high performance? Can we really train our brains like athletes? Let me know if you’d like more tips that have worked for me!