Peak Performance

Stress + rest = growth. This equation holds true regardless of what it is that you are trying to grow. (Location 394)

The Art of (Location 574)

the chess prodigy turned martial arts champion Josh Waitzkin says, “growth comes at the point of resistance. (Location 696)

“The subconscious is a crazily powerful thing,” Goss told us. “It’s almost like the sole reason you do the work is to set the stage for what happens when you step away.” (Location 1332)

According to Levitin, when an object, like a computer, is isolated for a specific task, like writing, the link between subject (writer) and object (computer) strengthens. Over time, the mere sight of that specific computer invites writing, literally nudging Brad’s brain to think about the book/story/article he is working on. (Location 1988)

stress + rest = growth is the foundation upon which our talent is built, then our routines and environments help us to fully express that talent. (Location 2074)

2In particular, The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal, PhD, Give and Take by Adam Grant, The Sports Gene by David Epstein, Quiet by Susan Cain, Drive by Daniel Pink, and Presence by Amy Cuddy. (Location 2079)

MINIMALIST TO BE A MAXIMALIST (Location 2082)

It turns out the determining factor as to whether the 30 cadets within a squadron improved was the motivation of the least fit person in the group. If the least fit person was motivated to improve, then his enthusiasm spread and everyone improved. If, on the other hand, the least fit person was apathetic or, worse, negative, he dragged everyone down. Just like diseases easily spread through tight-knit groups, so does motivation. And it’s quite contagious. (Location 2261)

•Positive energy, motivation, and drive are all contagious. Do what you can to cultivate your own village of support, to surround yourself with a culture of performance. (Location 2296)

The best performers are not consistently great, but they are great at being consistent. They show up every day and they do the work. A large body of social science suggests that attitudes often follow behaviors. Great performers understand this and, if nothing more, they make sure to at least get started on all their working days. (Location 2306)