"I used to think high performers were just 'lucky' — until I spent a month shadowing a CEO, a pro athlete, and a bestselling author. Turns out, their secret wasn't talent. It was these 10 habits."
1. The 5–4–3–2–1 Morning Hack
(How to beat procrastination before your brain wakes up)
My first morning with the CEO:
- 5 AM: She was already dressed (no “just 5 more minutes”)
- Trick? "If it takes less than 2 minutes, do it immediately"
- Make bed → Triggers productivity
- Chug water → Wakes up brain
- Open blinds → Signals "day has started"
- "You don’t need motivation when you have momentum."
2. The Focused 90
(Why 90-minute work blocks beat 8-hour marathons)
The athlete's training secret:
- Work in 90-minute sprints
- Then 30 minutes of total rest (no screens!)
- Based on ultradian rhythms — your brain’s natural focus cycle
My test: Finished a client project in 3 focused blocks that previously took 2 frazzled days.
3. The "Stop Doing" List
(High performers subtract before they add)
The author showed me his "Not Allowed" list:
- ✗ Checking email before noon
- ✗ Meetings without agendas
- ✗ Saying "yes" to things that don't excite him
Your turn: Write 3 things you’ll stop this week.
4. The 2-Minute Rule
(How to prevent small tasks from becoming mental monsters)
Overheard from the CEO’s assistant:
"If a task takes <2 minutes, do it NOW."
- Reply to that short email
- Hang up your coat
- Wash your coffee cup
Result: 80% fewer "I'll do it later" ghosts haunting your brain.
5. The Power of "Hell Yes or No"
(How high performers avoid mediocre commitments)
The athlete's filter for opportunities:
- If not "Hell yes!" → It's "No"
- Saved 11 hours/week by declining "maybe" events
Try it: Next invitation, ask "Would I do this if it was tomorrow?"
6. The Weekly Review
(Why Friday afternoons make or break high performers)
The author's ritual:
- Celebrate 3 wins (train your brain to recognize progress)
- Identify 1 friction point (then eliminate it next week)
- Plan 3 priorities for Monday (so you start strong)
My version: 15 minutes every Friday = no Sunday scaries.
7. The Body-Energy Audit
- Have I moved in the last hour?
- Am I hydrated?
- Do I need protein or rest?
(Why high performers consume strategically)
- For every 1 hour of scrolling → 30 minutes of reading books
- For every binge session → 1 skill-building video
9. The 10–10–10 Rule
(How to make decisions like a high performer)
The CEO's question for every choice:
- How will I feel about this in 10 minutes?
- 10 months?
- 10 years?
Used it to: Quit a toxic client, start exercising, call my mom more.
10. The Shutdown Ritual
(Why high performers don’t take work to bed)
All three did some version of:
- Write tomorrow's top 3 tasks
- Close all tabs/apps (physical closure = mental closure)
- Say "done" out loud (signals brain to rest)
My result: Fell asleep faster, woke up clearer.
Your Turn (Start Small)
Pick 1 habit to try this week. I started with #7 — now I keep almonds at my desk and take walking meetings.
"But I'm not a CEO/athlete/author!" Neither was I. But after 6 months of these habits? I:
- Tripled my freelance income
- Recovered 12+ hours/week
- Finally felt in control of my time
Clap 👏 if you've ever felt "too ordinary" to be high-performing. You're closer than you think.
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