1. Seek clarity.
Seek clarity on who you want to be, how you want to interact with others, what you want and what will bring you the greatest meaning. High performers consistently seek clarity again and again as times change. This routine self-monitoring is one of the hallmarks of their success.
2. Generate energy.
Generate energy so you can maintain focus, effort and well-being. To stay on your A game, you’ll need to care for your mental stamina, physical energy and positive emotions.
3. Raise the necessity.
Raise the necessity for exceptional performance. This means actively tapping into the reasons you absolutely must perform well (detailed in part above). This necessity is based on a mix of your internal standards (identity, beliefs, values or expectations for excellence) and external demands (social obligations, competition, public commitments or deadlines).
4. Increase productivity.
Increase productivity in your primary field of interest. Specifically, focus on prolific quality output in the area in which you want to be known. You’ll also have to minimize distractions (including opportunities) that steal your attention.
5. Develop influence.
Develop influence with those around you. It will make you better at getting people to believe in and support your efforts and ambitions. Unless you consciously develop a positive support network, major achievements over the long haul are all but impossible.
6. Demonstrate courage.
Demonstrate courage by expressing your ideas, taking bold action and standing up for yourself and others, even in the face of fear, uncertainty, threats or changing conditions. Courage is not an occasional act, but a trait of choice and will.
Related: This Is the Secret Force Behind All High Performers
Adapted from High Performance Habits: How Extraordinary People Become That Way; Hay House; September 2017.
