For a High Performer, the opposite of success isn't failure.... it's Mediocrity

For a High Performer, the opposite of success isn’t failure, it’s mediocrity. 

When mediocrity feels gross to you, you know you are a high performer who requires some up-leveling.

Sometimes you look back on moments in time as pivotal, game changing, earth shattering lessons or teachings that continue to pay dividends.

Reading world-leading performance coach Brendon Burchard’s book, “High Performance Habits”, is one such impact moment for me.  

I was just becoming a professional coach at the time and someone suggested the book to me.   It was a thick, mind expanding read that took some slogging to get through.  And it shifted how I understand performance in my career – and the careers of my clients.

The amount of research, study, interviews, and real life experiences that contributed to these 6 High Performance Habits is mountainous!   He explains it in the start of his book.

The 6 High Performance Habits:

1. Seek Clarity

It’s all about being intentional.  High performers don’t just stumble through their day—they consistently seek clarity on who they want to be, what they want, and how they’ll get there.  Think about it like having a GPS for your goals.  When you know the direction, decision-making and actions align much better, making growth inevitable.

2. Generate Energy

Without vibrant energy, it’s hard to do anything well for sustained periods of time.  Brendon talks about the importance of mental, emotional, and physical energy.  High performers don’t leave it to chance or guesswork - they actively manage these energy sources, ensuring they stay vibrant and productive.   A tired entrepreneur is a burnt-out one—so it’s about having an active lifestyle being mindful about nutrition, limiting sugar / processed foods & alcohol, managing emotions & stress, sleeping well, and other strategies that keep you on top of your game.

3. Raise Necessity

This is about raising the stakes.  High performers don’t just wish for success; they feel a deep, personal need to perform at their best.  It’s not optional.  Think about why what you're doing truly matters, to you and the people counting on you.  When you tap into this deeper necessity, you’ll always rise to the occasion.

For a High Performer, the opposite of success isn’t failure, it’s mediocrity. 

4. Increase Productivity

Productivity isn’t just about doing more—it’s about doing the right things with more intention and energy.  The key here is focus: mastering the activities that move the needle the most.  High performers prioritize high-impact tasks over busy work.  It’s about being selective and disciplined in how you design and execute your schedule every day.

5. Develop Influence

Success doesn’t happen in a vacuum.  The best entrepreneurs know how to positively influence others—whether it’s team members, partners, or customers.  Building trust, communicating authentically and effectively, and being a respected individual are crucial to leading and creating lasting impact. You’re building a ripple effect.

6. Demonstrate Courage

Courage isn’t about fearlessness—it’s about acting in the face of fear.  High performers consistently push themselves out of their comfort zone, taking risks that lead to growth. Whether it’s having tough conversations or making bold decisions, courage becomes a practice.  You get better at it the more you do it.  

And the more you keep the promises you make to yourself, the more courageous and confident you become!

Growing the 6 HP Habits

I'll be launching a condensed 6-week High Performance Program next month. If you or a leader / manager in your organization is stalling out and could use an injection in performance, email me and I'll share the details. info@coachingwithchris.ca