Systemising High Performance - September 02
VIEW RECORDING - 44 mins (No highlights)
Meeting Purpose
To discuss systemizing high performance through implementing effective daily routines and habits.
Key Takeaways
- Successful high performance relies on building consistent systems rather than relying solely on motivation or willpower
- Key areas to systemize: nutrition, sleep, hydration, morning routines, and managing screen time/distractions
- Start small by implementing one new habit at a time, then build upon it gradually
- Regularly review and adjust systems as life circumstances change
Topics
The Importance of Systems for High Performance
- Quote shared: "We do not rise to the level of our goals, we fall to the level of our systems" - James Clear
- Problems with lack of systems: reacting vs. controlling days, relying on fluctuating motivation, missing tasks/goals
- Desired outcomes of good systems: easy to implement, time-efficient, provide more freedom/energy, improve quality of life
Nutrition Systems
- Schedule regular food shopping (who, when, how often)
- Create consistent shopping lists of staple items
- Plan meal prep: who cooks, when, prep ahead vs. daily cooking
- Have backup meal options for busy days (e.g. freezer meals, protein shakes)
- Consider meal prep services if time is limited
Sleep Optimization
- Develop a consistent sleep routine (bedtime, wake time)
- Create an optimal sleep environment (cool, dark, quiet)
- Implement a wind-down routine (e.g. reading, no screens before bed)
- Set a "caffeine curfew" (e.g. no caffeine after 3pm)
Hydration Habits
- Aim for 750ml-1L per 20kg of body weight daily
- Drink 500ml-1L water first thing in the morning
- Carry a water bottle throughout the day
- Drink water with every meal
- Stay hydrated during workouts
Morning Routine
- Design a short, enjoyable routine to prime yourself for the day
- Could include: walking, journaling, planning, breakfast, meditation, stretching
- Consider your environment: music, podcasts, motivational quotes
Managing Screen Time/Attention
- Be intentional about social media use and set time limits
- Use phone settings to track and limit screen time
- Implement "no phone" times/zones (e.g. bedroom, during work)
- Replace mindless scrolling with more productive activities
Implementation Strategies
- Start with one small change, then gradually build
- Use "habit stacking" - pair new habits with existing routines
- Manage expectations - slip-ups happen, get back on track quickly
- Schedule time weekly to plan and adjust systems
- Don't let others derail your systems - stay committed
Next Steps
- Create and share a structured weekly schedule in the group
- Share your ideal day of eating plan in the group
- Implement at least one new system/habit discussed
- Report back on progress with newly implemented systems
- For shift workers: adjust sleep schedules as needed between shifts
- Review provided planning templates (daily planner, weekly planner, shopping list)