Description
High performance in life does not come from luck, special talent, or personality. It comes from a set of habits that can be learned and practiced by anyone. The author Brendon Burchard studied people from all around the world and discovered that the most successful people share six key habits. These habits help them perform at a higher level, stay motivated, and achieve more than most people think possible.
The first habit is seeking clarity. High performers do not wander aimlessly through life. They ask themselves big questions regularly: Who do I want to be? How do I want others to remember me? What do I want to accomplish in this stage of my life? Most people only ask these questions once in a while, maybe at the start of a new year. But high performers reflect on them often, and this keeps their goals sharp and their actions focused. Clarity also helps them shape how they interact with others. They don’t just show up to meetings or social events on autopilot. Instead, they ask themselves: How do I want to treat people today? How do I want this interaction to go? This simple step changes the way they show up for others and makes them more intentional in everything they do.
The second habit is generating energy. Many think success is about mental skill or strategy, but energy is just as important. The most successful leaders and athletes treat their bodies like an engine—they exercise, rest, and eat well to keep their energy high. Studies show that exercise not only strengthens the body but also the mind, making it easier to focus and stay positive. Mental energy is just as important as physical energy. High performers look for the good in situations, train themselves to focus on gratitude, and expect positive outcomes. They even take time each morning to ask, “What am I looking forward to today?” This anticipation itself creates happiness, as the brain releases dopamine when it expects something good. Energy—both physical and mental—is fuel for high performance.
The third habit is raising necessity. Average performers work hard when they feel like it. High performers go beyond that. They make success a necessity, not just a preference. They tie their goals to something bigger than themselves. For example, a runner who wants to win a race for personal pride will work hard, but a runner who feels they must win to support their family or represent their community will work harder. External reasons strengthen internal drive. High performers also raise necessity by sharing their goals with others. When they announce their plans publicly, the added pressure of outside expectations keeps them committed. They do not want to let others down, so they push themselves harder.
The fourth habit is increasing productivity. Many people are busy all day but accomplish very little. They focus on small tasks that feel satisfying in the moment—like answering emails—but that don’t really move them forward. High performers focus on what truly matters. They ask themselves: What are the few things that will make the biggest difference? Then they put most of their energy there. They also set clear and challenging deadlines, because having a visible finish line keeps them focused. They avoid false deadlines that don’t really matter. For big projects that take months or years, they break the work into smaller steps, so they can keep momentum and avoid losing motivation.
The fifth habit is developing influence. Success is not achieved alone. High performers know how to connect with people, inspire them, and earn their trust. They are generous with recognition and quick to appreciate others. They also know how to challenge others in a supportive way, pushing them to grow. They understand that people do their best when they feel valued and trusted. High performers often ask themselves: How can I help others succeed? By focusing on service and giving, they strengthen relationships and build loyal teams. Interestingly, they are not afraid to ask for help either. Many people hold back from asking favors because they fear rejection, but research shows most people are far more willing to help than we expect.
The sixth habit is demonstrating courage. High performers are not fearless, but they take action even when they feel fear. They are willing to step into discomfort, try bold ideas, and speak openly about their ambitions. While average people hide their dreams to avoid being judged, high performers share them proudly. They know some people might laugh or call them unrealistic, but they also know that being open creates opportunities for support and growth. Courage is not about never failing; it is about acting despite the risk of failure. Just like a muscle, courage gets stronger with practice. The more risks you take, the easier it becomes.
These six habits—clarity, energy, necessity, productivity, influence, and courage—form the foundation of high performance. They are not tricks or quick hacks. They are deliberate practices that take time and consistency. High performers build these habits into their daily lives, and that is why they achieve lasting success.
The good news is that anyone can practice these habits. They are not reserved for people with special backgrounds or extraordinary gifts. Success is not about who you are born as; it is about what you repeatedly do. By seeking clarity in your goals, building energy through exercise and positivity, raising necessity with external commitments, focusing on what matters most, giving value to others, and stepping into bold action, you too can perform at a higher level.
In the end, high performance is not about working nonstop or chasing success for its own sake. It is about living with purpose, using your energy wisely, and growing through challenges. It is about serving others while reaching your own potential. And it is about being brave enough to step out of your comfort zone and create a life that truly matters.
So the question is simple: Which of these habits will you start practicing today? Even one small step toward clarity, energy, necessity, productivity, influence, or courage can shift your path. And over time, those small steps add up to a life of extraordinary performance and deep fulfillment.
