Book review - High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard
High Performance Habits is a powerhouse of a book that blows current theories out of the water about what a person needs to get to the top and stay there. Many times, we chalk up our failures to factors such as age, education, income, race, nationality, or gender. However, the science proves otherwise. So how does a person be successful, lead a healthy and fulfilling life, and stay ahead of the game? Does one have to choose between success and money, and love and health?
Brendon Burchard and his team at The High Performance Institute have conducted an extensive study (with over 172,000 people) on what attributes and habits a person needs to develop in order to achieve their goals and sustain a fulfilling, high-quality life. Many of the activities in the book are easily implementable, while others will take practise and a major change in habits. Many of my preconceptions about success were shattered such as the old adage “Stick to your strengths.” If we do not work on our weaknesses and develop new skills, we are limited in what we can do and achieve.
The book is based on the six factors that the study conducted by The High Performance Institute found most affected peoples performance over the long term. Why just six? Well the six in the book: Clarity, Energy, Necessity, Productivity, Influence, and Courage were clear standouts amongst the hundreds of key habits identified in the study, and are measurable and achievable.
Although the book is based on academic research, every section finishes with 'Performance Prompts.' Questions to ask yourself, and actions to implement to make these habits part of your life today. Implementation is the key to growth, so to get the most out of this book you must dig deep, ask yourself the tough questions and make changes.
Why do you want to be a high performer anyway?
High performance, as defined by Burchard is, 'Succeeding beyond standard norms, consistently over the long term.' High performers are more successful, healthier, happier, admired, influential, serve others, and work more passionately. I certainly want those things, and I am sure you do too.
I would highly recommend this book. It has changed my life for the better and has improved my clarity. It has helped me become more productive and certainly less distracted. Overall, I feel happier and more content with life.
Reading the book is the 1st step, implementing the 6 habits is where you will really see the difference in your life. Brendon has trained and certified a small number of high performance coaches to work with clients 1 on 1 to dig deep and implement these habits in their lives. Do you think you would gain from working with a Certified High Performance Coach? I would love to offer you a session to see what a huge difference coaching could make for you. Click here to take the 15 min high performance questionnaire and I will give you a call to schedule your coaching session.
Review by Nathan Archer - Certified High Performance Coach
