Are you struggling with productivity, feeling overwhelmed despite working tirelessly? Are you hitting a wall in your accomplishments and feeling disconnected? Does the adrenaline-filled lifestyle of Silicon Valley leave you drained and desperate for change? Or are you battling traps of superiority, dissatisfaction, and neglect, resulting in a decline in performance? Dive in to explore the six high-performance habits (HP6) and learn how to transform your life by focusing on prolific quality output, mastering essential skills, and cultivating a deep understanding of oneself.

High Performance Habits: How Extraordinary People Become That Way

Early in his career, Brendon Burchard, the author, received an email from Tom, a successful executive and coaching client. Tom expressed frustration with the traditional coaching methods they were using, which focused on personality assessments and past experiences. 

Despite extensive data and expert consultations, Tom wasn't seeing the results he wanted. He challenged Brendon to find the specific practices that high performers use to succeed, regardless of their personality or background.

This experience led Brendon to explore what truly drives high performance. Over the past decade, he transformed his approach, creating a "lab" to study personal development through surveys, interviews, and data analysis from millions of followers and students. What emerged was a set of six high-performance habits (HP6) that consistently lead to success across various fields and situations.

The HP6 are:
1. Seek Clarity: Continuously ask questions about who you want to be, how you want to interact with others, and what will bring you the most meaning.
2. Generate Energy: Actively maintain your mental stamina, physical energy, and positive emotions.
3. Raise Necessity: Tap into the reasons you must perform well, based on internal standards and external demands.

4. Increase Productivity: Focus on prolific quality output in your primary area of interest and minimize distractions.
5. Develop Influence: Build a positive support network to gain belief and support from others.
6. Demonstrate Courage: Express your ideas, take bold actions, and stand up for yourself and others, even in the face of fear or uncertainty.

Through extensive research and testing with over 30,000 people, Brendon validated these habits as key predictors of high performance and overall happiness. Unlike innate strengths or personality traits, the HP6 are actionable and trainable, making them accessible to anyone willing to put in the effort.

High performance isn't about being born with certain traits or winning the genetic lottery. It's about adopting these deliberate habits that drive consistent, exceptional performance. Whether you're a student, entrepreneur, manager, or stay-at-home parent, these habits can elevate your performance and help you achieve your goals.

In the end, success comes down to what you deliberately think and do on a routine basis. By focusing on the HP6, anyone can navigate life's uncertainties and reach their highest levels of success.

Can These Six High-Performance Habits Propel You Towards Success?

Meet Kate. She seems to have it all: a thriving career, a loving family, and the admiration of her friends. Yet, as she confided to her coach Brendon during a sunny barbecue at her suburban home, she felt like a "hot mess." Despite her success and a seemingly perfect life, she felt she was merely going through the motions, disconnected and restless.

Her story isn't unique. Many high achievers hit a wall where their accomplishments no longer bring the vibrancy they once did. The decline in their performance is subtle but noticeable—they start to feel off, lose intent, and become frustrated, even though life is good. This sense of disconnection often stems from a lack of clarity about who they are and what they want at this stage in their lives.

High performance hinges on clarity. Research shows that high performers have a better understanding of who they are, what they want, and how to get it. Clarity isn't a trait you're born with; it's something you generate through careful thought and mindful experimentation. 

Kate's coach helped her envision a future self by asking her to describe herself in various situations and then reimagine those scenarios as her best future self. This exercise revealed that who she had been was not who she wanted to be. With her coach's guidance, Kate identified three aspirational words—alive, playful, and grateful—and used them as daily reminders. This simple practice began to restore her sense of purpose.

High performers also focus on their social interactions, skills development, and service to others. They set clear intentions for how they want to treat people and continually develop skills that will be relevant in the future. They obsess over how to serve others with excellence, constantly thinking about their legacy and the impact they want to have.

For Kate, reconnecting with the broader purpose of her work was crucial. She started visiting her customers to understand their needs better, which reignited her enthusiasm.

If you're feeling like Kate, start by asking yourself key questions about who you are and what you want. Define the feelings you want to experience in various situations and identify what would be meaningful to you. Use tools like the Clarity Chart to keep these concepts at the forefront of your mind. By generating clarity, you'll find renewed purpose and performance in your life.

From Hot Mess to High Performer: The Power of CLARITY in Achieving Purpose and Success

Arjun, a Silicon Valley mogul, looks worn out and admits to his coach, Brendon, he’s on the brink of burnout. Despite his success and the adrenaline-filled lifestyle of Silicon Valley, he's drained and desperate for change. He was hoping to find a way to balance high achievement with personal joy.

Brendon introduces him to the concept of high performance energy, emphasizing that it’s not just about physical stamina, but also mental and emotional vibrancy. This holistic approach to energy is crucial for sustained success and happiness. Arjun learns that high performers excel not just because of their skills, but because they manage their energy effectively.

One powerful technique the coach shares is “Release Tension, Set Intention.” By closing his eyes, releasing physical tension, and setting a clear intention for the next activity, Arjun can rejuvenate his energy throughout the day. This simple practice helps him transition smoothly between tasks, maintaining focus and reducing stress.

The coach also emphasizes the importance of joy. High performers generate joy through daily habits like priming their emotions, anticipating positive outcomes, and practicing gratitude. These habits help them stay optimistic and energized, even in challenging situations.

Reflecting on his own life, the coach shares a personal story of overcoming a severe injury. By asking himself three morning questions—what can I be excited about today, how can I handle potential stress gracefully, and who can I surprise with appreciation—he transformed his mindset and regained his zest for life. Simple triggers, like setting phone alarms with positive messages or practicing gratitude, further reinforced his joy.

Arjun realizes he needs to incorporate these practices into his life. He sets new triggers, like taking deep breaths when stressed and reminding himself to bring joy to his interactions. He commits to improving his health, knowing that physical fitness boosts mental and emotional well-being. 

The coach concludes by encouraging Arjun to make a commitment: over the next year, focus on getting in the best shape of his life. This singular decision, combined with the practices of releasing tension, setting intentions, and bringing joy, can revolutionize not just Arjun’s performance but his overall happiness.

By adopting these high performance habits, Arjun can reclaim his energy, enhance his well-being, and achieve success without sacrificing his health or happiness.

Can High Performance ENERGY be the Secret to Balancing Success and Happiness in Silicon Valley?

Isaac, a Marine, faced a life-altering moment when his platoon’s vehicle hit an IED. Knocked down by the explosion, he ran towards the vehicle under enemy fire, driven by a fierce determination to save his comrades. Despite his heroic actions leading to severe injuries and paralysis, Isaac felt defeated, believing his purpose was lost. His friends, however, challenged this mindset, emphasizing that his recovery and continued service were matters of choice and necessity.

This story underscores a powerful concept: performance necessity. It’s the emotional drive that transforms goals into imperatives, compelling individuals to act decisively, even in the face of adversity. This drive is fueled by internal forces like identity and obsession, and external forces such as duty and deadlines.

High performers often exhibit a relentless commitment to excellence and a deep obsession with their field. They set high personal standards, consistently self-monitor, and align their actions with their future identity. This internal pressure is balanced by an understanding that duty to others and real deadlines can propel them forward.

For instance, athletes, driven by impending competitions, push themselves harder. Likewise, deadlines create a sense of urgency, ensuring focus and efficiency. High performers also thrive in supportive environments, surrounding themselves with positive influences and mentors who challenge and inspire them.

To cultivate this mindset, it’s crucial to consistently reflect on who needs your best effort, affirm your reasons for pursuing goals, and elevate your social circle. By doing so, you harness both internal and external forces, transforming aspirations into necessities.

In essence, achieving high performance isn’t about occasional bursts of effort but a sustained commitment to excellence, driven by a profound sense of necessity. As Isaac’s story illustrates, it’s not the circumstances but the choices and determination that define our path to greatness. Embrace your musts, and let them guide you to extraordinary achievements.

NECESSITY: The Driving Force behind High Achievers

Athena, a dedicated school administrator, felt overwhelmed and unproductive despite working tirelessly. Her office, filled with binders and take-out boxes, mirrored her struggle. She confided her concerns to Brendon, saying, “I’ve worked around the clock for years, but I don’t feel like I’m making enough progress.” When asked if she was happy, Athena admitted she loved her job but felt there must be a better way to achieve her goals without burning out.

Brendon noted that high performers, unlike Athena, plan their days meticulously, focusing on key skills and outputs that matter. He highlighted that productivity comes from setting clear goals, maintaining energy, and avoiding distractions. Research supports this, showing that people who feel productive are generally happier, healthier, and more successful.

One crucial strategy is identifying and maximizing "prolific quality output" (PQO). For instance, Brendon left a corporate job to become a writer, speaker, and online trainer. He realized that producing meaningful work—like writing books—was his PQO. He focused 60% of his time on creating significant content, which led to his success.

Athena needed to shift her approach to productivity by charting her "Five Moves"—the major steps to achieve her big goals. This method, inspired by Brendon's own experience of becoming a best-selling author, involves breaking down ambitious dreams into actionable projects, putting them into a calendar, and dedicating time to them.

Athena also needed to get insanely good at key skills crucial to her role. Mastery of these skills, achieved through progressive mastery, involves setting stretch goals, practicing deliberately, and seeking feedback. Brendon emphasized that everything is trainable, and with the right mindset and effort, anyone can improve their capabilities.

In short, to increase productivity and find balance, one must focus on outputs that matter, plan strategically, and continuously develop essential skills. These practices lead not only to higher performance but also to a more fulfilling and impactful life.

Can a Shift in Approach Skyrocket Your PRODUCTIVITY and Success?

Juan, the CEO of a global apparel company, was in crisis. His company had seen its seventh straight quarter of weak performance, and analysts were beginning to question his leadership. On a hot August afternoon, Juan boarded the corporate jet alongside his CFO, Aaron, and Brendon hoping they could offer some perspective.

Juan quickly pointed the finger at Daniela, the company's new chief designer, whose vision for an edgier approach clashed with his desire to stick to the brand's core designs. The team was divided, projects stalled, marketing efforts failed, and revenues tanked. Juan's disdain for Daniela was palpable. He wanted to minimize her influence, considering slashing her budget and limiting her visibility.

Brendon challenged Juan with a quote from basketball coach John Wooden: "You handle things. You collaborate with people." Juan, however, was more focused on controlling Daniela than collaborating with her. Brendon pushed back, suggesting that his strategy of diminishing her wasn't going to help. Instead, he needed to influence her positively by raising her ambition and helping her think bigger.

Aaron encouraged Brendon to give it to Juan straight. Brendon asked Juan if he wanted to fight Daniela until she quit in a media storm that would tarnish his brand. He didn't. He just wanted her to agree with him. Brendon pointed out that if he couldn't see beyond himself, there was nothing in it for her. He needed to reconnect with her vision and challenge her to rise to a higher ambition with him.

This approach, Brendon explained, was about influence—raising ambition by helping others think better, do better, and give more. It required relating to them and challenging them to rise. Juan needed to reconnect with Daniela and work toward a new ambition together.

To influence effectively, we must teach people how to think, challenge them to grow, and role model the way. These principles are part of the Ultimate Influence Model, which emphasizes shaping beliefs, challenging character and contributions, and modeling desired behaviors.

Juan's transformation began when he decided to be a better leader and role model for his team. By engaging in open dialogue and showing genuine respect for Daniela's vision, he turned a divided team into a united force. This change in approach not only improved team dynamics but also paved the way for the company's resurgence.

Influence isn't about manipulation or control. It's about raising others' ambitions, helping them grow, and being a role model. High performers understand this, and their influence stems from their ability to inspire and challenge others positively. Whether in personal or professional settings, the key to lasting influence lies in helping others think bigger and achieve more, creating a ripple effect of positive impact.

Turning the Tide: Juan's Journey from Control to INFLUENCE in the Corporate World

In the stillness of the night, the phone rang, waking Brendon at 2:47 a.m. It was Sandra, a celebrity client, distressed by a torrent of hate on social media. She directed Brendon to a YouTube video titled "CONFESSION," where she admitted feeling fake and miserable despite her public persona. However, the video was vague, and viewers were unsympathetic, demanding more authenticity.

The next day, Brendon met Sandra at a café. She revealed a black eye, the result of her husband's abuse. This revelation made Brendon realize that her video, though imperfect, was an act of courage—a first step toward escaping her abusive situation. Together, they planned her escape, and she never returned home. Sandra's story taught Brendon that courage often starts with small, seemingly insignificant steps.

High performers are courageous. Research shows that courage is closely linked to other high performance traits like clarity, energy, and productivity. Courage involves taking action despite fear, facing challenges head-on, and often leads to greater confidence and reduced fear over time. It's not about grand gestures but about taking meaningful steps for a noble cause or person beyond oneself.

Psychologists agree that courage is resistance to fear, not its absence. For example, soldiers and astronauts become less fearful as they gain experience. Courage is contagious and can inspire those around us, including our children and teams. It's an essential habit for high performance and personal growth.

There are different types of courage: physical, moral, psychological, and everyday courage. Each involves risk, fear, and a good reason to act. For instance, moral courage could be standing up against bullying, while psychological courage might involve overcoming personal anxieties.

One key to developing courage is to honor the struggle. In a world obsessed with ease and convenience, embracing challenges helps build character and strength. High performers don't dread difficulties; they see them as opportunities for growth. This mindset aligns with the idea of a growth mindset, which embraces challenges and learns from failures.

Sharing your truth and ambitions is another practice for cultivating courage. Living authentically and expressing your true self can invite judgment and criticism, but it's essential for personal freedom and fulfillment. Holding back for fear of making others uncomfortable is not humility; it's lying and suppressing your potential.

Finding someone to fight for can also fuel your courage. High performers often excel because they are motivated by a person or cause they deeply care about. This motivation helps them take courageous actions, even when faced with significant risks.

In essence, courage is a skill that can be developed through consistent action, facing fears, and embracing challenges. It's about making small, meaningful steps that lead to significant changes. Whether it's sharing your truth, fighting for someone you love, or honoring the struggle, courage is the cornerstone of high performance and personal growth.

Is COURAGE the Secret Ingredient to High Performance?

Brendon and his friend, Andre, were at a bar. Andre’s voice crackled with frustration as he pointed out "Dreadful Don", VP of Sales. Don was the star performer, yet despised by his colleagues. The next day, Brendon watched Don deliver a stellar presentation, yet his arrogance and the belief that "it's lonely at the top" were gnawing at his career.

How do high performers like Don fall from grace? Through traps of superiority, dissatisfaction, and neglect. These pitfalls were highlighted by a survey of 500 top achievers. The survey revealed that these internal traps, not external factors like fear or lack of skills, were the main culprits of their downfalls.

Superiority sneaks in subtly. It starts with thoughts of being better than others, refusing feedback, and expecting automatic admiration. Avoiding this trap requires humility and seeking diverse viewpoints.

Dissatisfaction is another killer. Contrary to the popular "never be satisfied" mantra, high performers thrive on satisfaction and joy. Chronic dissatisfaction leads to anxiety and burnout, whereas appreciating small wins and striving satisfied keeps the passion alive.

Neglect, often due to overcommitment and obliviousness, causes high performers to falter. Balance is key; focusing on a few priorities and saying no to overreaching opportunities helps maintain long-term success.

High performers sustain confidence through competence, congruence, and connection. They trust in their ability to learn and reflect on their progress, aligning their actions with their values and genuinely connecting with others.

Ultimately, high performance is a journey of growth, not ease. By practicing clarity, energy, necessity, productivity, influence, and courage, anyone can achieve and sustain extraordinary success. So, stay curious, stay committed, and keep striving for a life that makes you proud.

Traps of Superiority, Dissatisfaction, and Neglect: The Unseen Pitfalls of High Performers

True high performance isn't about innate traits but rather specific habits that anyone can cultivate. These habits, known as the six high-performance habits (HP6), include seeking clarity, generating energy, raising necessity, increasing productivity, developing influence, and demonstrating courage. Each habit is actionable and trainable, making high performance accessible to all.

The journey to high performance also requires a deep understanding of oneself and a commitment to continuous improvement. High performers consistently seek clarity about their goals and the person they want to become. They manage their energy holistically, balancing mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Another crucial insight is the importance of necessity—transforming goals into imperatives driven by both internal standards and external demands. High performers are relentlessly committed to excellence and create supportive environments that propel them forward.

Productivity stands out as focusing on prolific quality output and mastering essential skills through deliberate practice and planning. High performers set clear, ambitious goals and break them down into actionable steps, dedicating significant time to their primary areas of interest.

Influence is about raising others' ambitions and helping them grow. Effective leaders inspire and challenge their teams through positive engagement and by being role models. Lastly, courage involves taking action despite fear, embracing challenges, and sharing one's truth authentically.

These habits together form a roadmap to sustained high performance and fulfillment. High performers don't just aim to be better than others; they strive to be better versions of themselves, continuously pushing their limits and embracing growth.

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