Ever wondered how the greats of our time catapult themselves to the top of their fields? That's the burning question we tackle with the brilliant minds behind the recently released book, "Learned Excellence." Authors Eric Potterat (PhD) and Alan Eagle shed light on the idea that peak performance isn't solely a gift of nature, but a skill that can be learned and developed. Using a hardware-software metaphor, they highlight how our software is vitally important to truly maximize our potential.

During our engaging conversation, the authors illustrate how the world's elite performers consistently align their actions with their core values. As we delve deeper into the idea, you're invited to create your personal values credo, and how such clarity can streamline your decision-making, augment your performance, and serve as a beacon through life's tumultuous journey. 

We also delve into the science and practice of effective goal-setting. Goals are an essential aspect of achieving excellence, as they provide clear direction, keeping us focused and motivated. They act as a roadmap to our destination, enabling us to measure our progress and adjust our strategies accordingly. This way, we can effectively manage our time and resources, and significantly enhance our chances of success.

In our final leg of the episode, we turn the spotlight to the concept of mental toughness, as our guests highlight the transformative potential of embracing failures and nurturing incremental personal growth. They share how to use evidence-informed strategies, from visualization to stress management techniques, which are vital for building resilience. Compelling vignettes of high performers teach us that mental toughness is not just about weathering the storm but thriving within it, guiding listeners on how to achieve a harmonious balance across the spectrum of life's endeavors.

Join us for this riveting exchange that promises to equip you with the tools to chase excellence in your own life’s journey.

What You’ll Learn:

• Debunking the myth that peak performance is born, not made.

• The power of a personal values credo.

• How to balance life’s pillars to foster resilience and build a meaningful legacy.

• The science of effective goal setting.

• Embracing a growth mindset to transform setbacks into success.

• Practical techniques for cultivating mental toughness.

Podcast Timestamps:

(00:00) - Writing the Book on Peak Performance

(05:16) – Success Is All About the Quality of Your Software

(12:25) – Peak Performance Springs From Our Values

(18:22) – The Science and Practice of Goal Setting

(27:53) – Embracing a Growth Mindset

(40:01) - Mental Toughness and its Role in Achieving Excellence

Key Topics Discussed:

Performance, Peak Performance, Learned Excellence, Identity, Values, Skill Enhancement, Authentic Decision-Making, Goal Setting, SMART Goals, Resilience, Legacy, Growth Mindset, Mental Toughness, Stress Management, Adversity Tolerance, Life in Balance, Personal Growth

More of Eric and Alan:

Eric’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-g-potterat-ph-d-49ab6b93

Alan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaneagle/

Mentions: Trillion Dollar Coach, Learned Excellence

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/