High Performance Habits Book Review Part 3

Brendon’s book, High Performance Habits, is starting to grow on me. 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no extra cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Although I do believe that the Intro and “Beyond Natural: The Quest for High Performance” sections could be skipped (or at least listened to at 1.5 speed), he’s hit multiple points in his book, High Performance Habits, that make sense to me as a business owner.

So far, we’ve gone through the personal habits: Seeking Clarity, Generating Energy, and Raising Necessity. This next section is all about Social Habits which are, Increasing Productivity (that title definitely got my attention), Developing Influence, and Demonstrating Courage.

Section Two: Social Habits // Increasing Productivity

Anything with the word “productivity” or “getting stuff done” grabs my attention. The great part about Brendon’s take is that he doesn’t go through a list of apps to help you get more done. He doesn’t tell you to get a bigger planner or purchase a system. Instead, the author of High Performance Habits points out that your main goal in productivity is about doing the things that matter the most. It’s what will get you to be a high performer, successful, or be like Beyonce (a personal goal of mine).

Productivity is all about the focus.

Applying this to entrepreneurship means not doing the little things. It means shutting down distractions and enforcing deadlines. Breaking projects down to small bite-sized pieces is key to avoid overwhelm, or, in my case, procrastination.

What I’ve started doing is putting a dollar sign on the tasks that have an immediate impact on my income. Right now, my goal is to sustain the design studio’s growth – and that’s done by ticking off the items that have a direct impact.

Brendon also mentions one thing that is incredibly important for a business owner wearing all the hats. Know the REAL deadline. Understanding the day that a project is due or the world will implode allows you to schedule out those important tasks.

Section Two: Social Habits // Develop Influence

Brendon shakes off the icky feeling of manipulation with the word “Influence” in this high-performance habit. He describes influence as having the skills to shape other’s behaviors in order to reduce issues and accelerate growth.

In his book, Brendon tells us to just ask for what we want. This. Is. Hard.

I’ve only recently started asking for what I want, and that’s rare (unless it’s tacos). I trace this back to culture and not given space to ask. It’s not that space was taken away, it’s that, as the oldest of 3 kids, daughter of a factory worker, plus loads of other issues – there was no asking. Now, as an adult and entrepreneur, asking for what I want gets my heart racing. 

The truth though, as Brendon lays it out, is that no one will keep thinking about your ask. If they can help, they will. If they can’t, they won’t and will likely forget about your ask. While listening to Brendon read this portion of his book, I recalled every single job I’ve had. I also ran through all the tasks I need to delegate in my business but haven’t had the push to ask.

Be giving.

In High Performance Habits, Brendon brings us to understand that we can’t have influence when we’re being selfish mfers. Obviously, he didn’t say it that way but it’s true. You can’t expect to hold influence over your team if you’re not in the mindset to be of service. Essentially, create a real connection that facilitates feedback and appreciation for strengths.

Then, be the leader that represents your team or community. 

In order to become a high performer or amazing entrepreneur, Brendon urges us to understand passions and goals instead of just a random, “Thank you.” I believe that this is because, as you’re in that giving mindset, you’ll understand the needs and wants of others, and in doing so, make appropriate business decisions that will propel you forward.

Section Two: Social Habits // Demonstrate Courage

Be bold and take action is the first thing I took away from this habit. Brendon asks us to act despite our fear. Fear of what people might think or names they might call you. As a small business owner, I can stick this into my social media and the fact that I miss out on promotion activities since I feel awkward on video. I’ve likely missed reaching my audience and perhaps lost sales all because of fear of what others might think. Keyword: Might. I don’t actually know what they’ll think and honestly, they’re probably more worried about themselves than what I’m posting.

Be comfortable with the uncomfortable.

Brendon tells us that there’s growth in each challenge and you can only get to it by diving into the uncomfortable. You also need to honestly share your goals even though you might be called crazy.  

Courage is a skill that anyone can learn.

High Performers learn the skill of being courageous rather than being born with it. Brendon asks us to wonder what our future, more awesome self would say to us in our present situation. “What courageous action would that future-self advise you to take right away to change your life?”

In summary: a must-read for business owners, those leading a team, or really, anyone willing to step into a high performance mindset.

Ultimately, high performers aren’t born. This gives me hope. It’s not about the money or connections their families have, the color of their skin, or their gender (although I’ll admit, all of that does make life a bit easier). It’s about learning the 6 habits that Brendon has laid out, They’re always focusing on the type of imprint they’ll leave in the world and the clarity it takes to get there.

Should you read High Performance Habits? I recommend it. I also recommend putting the first 2 parts in a 1.5 speed if you’re listening to it. Should you do the prompts. Yes. They’ve helped me wrap my mind around the things I’ve been doing well while seeing which habits I get to work on.