Peak Performance

April 10, 2017
In an increasingly competitive world, how can people excel without burning out, and how can top performance be achieved sustainably? Columnist and former McKinsey consultant Stulberg and distance running coach Magness, both high achievers in their chosen fields, provide a thoughtful look at taking one’s game to the next level without crashing and burning. They show that the culture of extreme competition is bad for society as a whole, as it pushes people to cut corners just to stay competitive; for example, large numbers of students are using Adderall just to keep up with their workloads. The authors present a set of principles for sustainable—ethical, legal, and healthy—success. Stulberg and Magness guide readers through a program of meditating, resting, prioritizing and minimizing distractions, seeking out “just manageable” challenges, and working in discrete, comprehensible blocks. Citations of research into the neurochemistry behind success frame each step. The accessible science and easy-to-grasp instructions on healthy ways of developing a sense of purpose are encouraging and inspiring, and readers looking to realize their potential without harming themselves would do well to take this advice. Agent: Ted Weinstein, Ted Weinstein Literary.