At some point last year I kept coming across ads of this book: "High Performance Habits: How Extraordinary People Become That Way" by Brendon Burchard. It popped up several times in my feed on various social media platforms before I decided to finally check it out.
High Performance was something I was very interested in (and still am), as i tried to juggle a Phd, a writing career, my part-time job, fitness (I was doing ballet back then, I'm doing home workouts now), and all my hobbies. So I decided to look Brendon up. He had written other books before and reviews were satisfying; he seemed to know what he was talking about. I only decided to purchase the book when I found this deal of "get it for free, pay shipping costs only". Shipping was 7 euros or so, so why not?
Every time I purchase something from the US it takes over a month to arrive, so I wasn't expecting this to arrive sooner than that. But a week after I ordered this book, the Hellenic Post Office notified me to fetch it, and I just couldn't believe it. So my first impression of getting to know Brendon Burchard's work was amazing. He (and his team, I suppose) takes his work so seriously, that the arrival of this book to my doorstep was such a priority it took only a week. Impressive.
In summary, the book mentions 6 very important habits one must have in order to be a high performer. High performers are individuals who are able to create and sustain increasing levels of both success and well-being over the long term.
Seek clarity
Generate energy
Raise necessity
Increase productivity
Develop influence
Demonstrate courage
I won't go into detail of each of the above habits in this post. I will say, though, that this book is life-changing and eye-opening. Because of this book I learned how to set goals and track my progress. I learned how to be more aware of my energy levels throughout the day by tracking what I eat and how I exercise. What I loved about this book, however, is a part where Brendon says he hopes if there's ONE thing that sticks with us after putting his book down, it's the part of being healthy. I took his advice on that one, did thorough check-ups, went to all types of doctors I could think of, did tests I've never done before. I learned everything there was to know about my body, and I created a work-out routine and diet that suited me.
I learned how to prioritize me and my goals, and I learned how to say no more courageously. I learned how to increase my productivity by being intentional.
All these have changed my life in so many ways. Last year I would sit on my desk and ponder on and on about what my options are after I finish my PhD. Today, I know exactly what I want to do after I graduate and I'm taking small steps towards my goal every single day.
Being surrounded by individuals with little to no work-life balance, and being taught that productivity at work had nothing to do with what you do outside of work, led to low productivity during working hours, spending endless hours answering emails and prioritizing others over setting aside time for myself. I kept missing my ballet classes. My diet was poor and my energy extremely low. One year later, my habits are different and my body and my mind are healthier than ever.
High Performance Habits is a must-read, if you've been going through the same loop as I was. It helped me gain perspective over my day to day activities and made me realize what I was doing wrong.
By the end of 2021, I am determined to have completed 80% (if not the entirety) of my PhD and plan my life after my graduation. I will be using Brendon's High Performance Planner for the first time. I can't wait.
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