Best Of: The Neurobiology of Peak Performance with Steven Kotler
Jan 4, 2024
37:48
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Steven Kotler, bestselling author and Executive Director for the Flow Research Collective, discusses the neurobiology of peak performance. He shares how he became an expert in human performance and replicating peak performance through Flow. He provides practical tips to get more Flow into your life and an online assessment to understand your Flow.
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Quick takeaways
To achieve peak performance and sustain it, individuals can replicate the optimal state of consciousness called Flow, where they feel and perform their best.
Engaging in peak performance aging requires regularly training all five categories of functional fitness, including aerobic activity, strength training, and balance training, to mitigate age-related decline in physical skills and maintain functionality.
Deep dives
The importance of mindset in aging
Aging is not just a physical process but also a mental event. A shift in mindset can add seven years to our lives. Research has shown that a positive mindset towards aging, embracing the second half of life with excitement and possibilities, can lead to improved health and longevity. This shift in mindset is supported by genetic changes and brain processes that occur in our 40s and 50s, unlocking new levels of intelligence, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. However, to hold onto these benefits, individuals need to preserve physical functionality through regular exercise in strength, stamina, agility, balance, and flexibility. Additionally, training down risk aversion and increasing risk tolerance is crucial to fully embrace the potential and opportunities of aging.
Preserving physical functionality
To engage in peak performance aging, individuals need to regularly train all five categories of functional fitness: strength, stamina, agility, balance, and flexibility. This includes 150 to 300 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity per week, a minimum of two strength sessions per week, and regular balance training. It is important to train stabilizer muscles to prevent injuries and maintain functionality. The data demonstrates that age-related decline in physical skills can be mitigated by consistently training and using these skills throughout life.
Unlocking creative and cognitive potential
The aging process is not synonymous with cognitive decline. In fact, research shows that in our 40s and 50s, genetic changes and brain processes enable access to new levels of intelligence, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. Openness to new experiences and embracing novelty and change are crucial for maintaining cognitive vitality. However, it is also important to train down risk aversion and develop risk tolerance to fully unlock and utilize these cognitive and creative potentials.
Finding one's place in the world and embracing growth
As individuals age, it is essential to continually work on personal growth and development. This includes developing a sense of identity and purpose, resolving existential crises, and figuring out one's match-fit in terms of strengths, values, and contributions to the world. Forgiveness, both towards oneself and others, is also key to unlocking wisdom and empathy. Engaging in creative activities and maintaining openness to new experiences are essential for embracing growth and avoiding stagnation.
Steven Kotler, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and Executive Director for the Flow Research Collective unpacks the formula to achieve peak performance and the science to sustain it.
Steven shares how he became an expert in human performance and how he can replicate peak performance through Flow, an optimal state of consciousness where humans feel and perform their best.
To conclude the show, Steven provides practical tips to get more Flow into your life and an online assessment to understand your Flow.