November 18, 2025

Why most people are only giving 70%—and what happens at 100% | John Amaechi for Big Think+

15 minutes

“The voice in your head is not you. You are listening to that voice. It’s a heckler, trying to make you feel bad.”

Success isn’t about talent—it’s about paying the FEE: Focus, Effort, Execution.

0:00 A high performance mindset

1:20 How to achieve remarkable things

2:27 A psychologist first

3:04 What do I need to do today?

3:49 The FEE model

6:24 Get dunked on

7:29 A heckler in your head

### **Key Takeaways**

1. **Success is built on boring work** – NBA stars train for hours on fundamentals like pivoting. Mastery comes from repetition, not just talent.

2. **The FEE Formula** – **Focus** (100% attention), **Effort** (full intensity), **Execution** (perfect practice). Skill grows through **deliberate** effort.

3. **Failure = Proof of Ambition** – If you’ve never been "dunked on," you’re playing too safe. Setbacks are part of growth.

4. **Silence Your Inner Critic** – Negative self-talk is just a "Frankenstein’s monster" of past doubts. Challenge it: *"Why do you say that?"*

5. **You Can’t Succeed Alone** – Build a tribe that pushes you. John’s family kept him accountable during his NBA journey.

### **Actionable Insight**

- **Love the process, not just the outcome**. Greatness is a stack of small, disciplined actions.

*(Host: John Amaechi | NBA Psychologist)*

**Want more?** Follow **Big Think** for mindset-shifting ideas. 🚀

About John Amaechi:

John Amaechi OBE is a world-renowned organizational psychologist, bestselling author, and Professor of Leadership at the University of Exeter Business School. As the founder of APS Intelligence Ltd., John leads a global team that transforms leaders and cultures by combining cutting-edge behavioral science with psychological insight. His bespoke programs aren’t about quick fixes—they drive sustainable growth, ethical leadership, and organizational well-being.

From his roots in Stockport, near Manchester, to becoming the first Briton to play professional basketball in the NBA, John’s personal journey exemplifies resilience and ambition. Inspired by his mother’s words—“The most unlikely of people in the most improbable of circumstances can become extraordinary”—John has spent his career challenging expectations and helping others unlock their potential. An adviser to FTSE 100 boards, a LinkedIn Top Voice, and the recipient of the Sport Industry Integrity and Impact Award, John is recognized as one of the most influential voices in leadership and organizational culture. His bestselling book, The Promises of Giants, inspires leaders worldwide to embrace authenticity, drive ethical change, and create lasting legacies.

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