There are plenty of high-performance coaches who offer to help people become more successful in their careers. But in my experience the people who seek high-performance coaching already perform above average. Those who focus on their performance at work or in their career often have deficits in other areas of life. My coaching philosophy is that if you bring your life into balance, all areas will improve including your performance at work.
Years ago I read an article about a man with a retirement plan. He had a specific and aggressive savings plan that would allow him to retire early which would then allow him to travel the world. At one point he realised his savings target was not achievable. For this reason, he decided to abandon his plan and instead began travel right away rather than later. As a result, he became happier and did better at work. He got promoted which led to a higher salary. Ultimately, he achieved his retirement savings goals ahead of his original plan while also fulfilling his dream of travel. Finding more fulfilment in his private life helped him perform better at his job.
In his book barking up the wrong tree, Eric Parker discusses the sacrifices made by athletes and business people at the top of their professions. People who are at the top of their field pursue their work with such focus and vigour that their personal relationships and sometimes their health suffers. Think of someone like Elon Musk, who believes, you have to work an 80-hour week to be successful. Although I admire his ingenuity and achievements, I wonder about his relationship with his many children and whether or not he has any kind of spiritual practice.
For some people, their job is a dream that consumes their life and they enjoy it. Many high performers, however, are pursuing external recognition and financial rewards. These are not benefits worth sacrificing other areas of your life for. If your passion for the work you do is what drives you then by all means be a high performer. However, for the vast majority of us performing at your best and finding your full potential has more to do with creating balance in your life. A balanced life creates more happiness and happy people are more motivated to do their best.
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