High performers aren’t born. They’re made. And that’s good news because this means you can learn how to become one. 

Consistent Morning Rituals 

High performers have non-negotiable morning rituals, such as exercising or having a healthy breakfast, that help set the tone for the day. 

Self-Awareness

They have a deep understanding of themselves as an individual, which allows them to understand their strengths and weaknesses. This understanding drives them to seek continuous improvements and makes them more willing to adapt to changes.

Effective Use of Self-Talk 

Was there a time when you told yourself that you weren’t good enough or that you’re not well-prepared? What happened then? 

Self-talk, or how you talk to yourself, can determine your performance. In particular, positive or productive self-talk can help unlock optimal performance. Being able to control your inner voice and fight back empowers you, helping you build your confidence and strengthen your belief in yourself.

Goal-Setting: Setting Process and Product Goals 

High performers regularly set goals for themselves. These goals, while ambitious, are realistic and achievable. They break a goal down into smaller, more manageable steps. 

Dr. Selk talks about process and product goals. Process goals focus on what it will take on a daily basis to achieve the product goals. David Kohl has found that individuals who write down their goals will have nine times the success of those who don’t put their goals on paper. 

Growth Mindset

For psychologist Carol Dweck, we have two main mindsets: growth and fixed. For her, our most basic beliefs, whether we’re thinking of them consciously or subconsciously, can “affect what we want and whether we succeed in getting it.” With a fixed mindset, you tend to believe that your qualities are unchangeable, which can prevent you from learning from your mistakes. 

What about the growth mindset? “The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even (or especially) when it’s not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset. This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives,” says Dweck in her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.

Mindfulness, Focus, Discipline and Consistency

High performers know how to manage their time and prioritize what they consider to be important. They’re also willing to make sacrifices if it means being able to focus on their goals and progress. “

Greatness is predicated on consistently doing things others can’t or won’t do. Simply put, success is not about being brilliant. It is about being consistent,” according to Dr. Selk. High performers often use mental preparation techniques such as visualization, positive affirmations, and mindfulness exercises to help them stay focused and remain calm under pressure.

Resilience and Mental Strength

They know how to view setbacks as learning opportunities and are masters at maintaining a positive outlook despite the odds. 

“In my opinion, the essence of mental toughness is the ability to replace negative thinking with thoughts that are centered on performance cues or that contribute to improved self-confidence,” shares Dr. Selk in his book 10-Minute Toughness. The more you replace negative thoughts with positive self-talk, the more mentally tough you’ll be. 

High performers don’t just work hard—they recharge smart. They move, sleep well, and practice mindfulness. Driven, strategic, and sharp communicators, they own their success.

Harness Your Full Potential with a High-Performance Mindset

High performance isn’t one-dimensional — it begins with mindset. Whether you’re building a high-performance culture or striving to be your best, cultivating mental toughness and a growth mindset is essential. It means seeing challenges and setbacks as opportunities to grow, not barriers to success.

A skilled leadership and performance coach can help you uncover your strengths and blind spots, and set meaningful goals aligned with your values. Using proven tools like the Leadership Circle Profile® and Genos® Emotional Intelligence assessments, you’ll gain clarity on what drives your performance — and what may be holding you back.Ready to take the next step? Book a call with Upwyse today and start your journey toward becoming a resilient, high-performing leader.