Just to recap. In part 1 of this article, I began discussing the book titled High Performance Habits, by Brendon Burchard. In the book, the author maintains that high performance, or the ability to set and achieve goals, is a learnable skill. Furthermore, there are six core principles that have to be developed to become a high performer: clarity, energy, necessity, productivity, influence, and courage. Of these six principles, I discussed the first four. So, if Burchard is correct, achievement is not just the result of talent or luck, but instead, the intentional practice of key skills that anyone can master if they put in the work. In Part 2 of this article, we will discuss the remaining core principles of influence and courage, and then wrap things up with an overview of what all of this means in practical terms.
The fifth habit is developing influence. One of the most important points in the book is that success is not something you can do on your own. Although many “self-made” leaders like to talk about how they were completely responsible for their success, high performers succeed through meaningful relationships, and they all have had help. They build trust, offer support, and help others grow. True high performance and success come not from control but from generosity, empathy, and consistency.
Developing influence means paying attention to what people need. High performers learn about others’ struggles and goals. They encourage people when encouragement is needed and give them independence when that will help them succeed. This habit also includes asking for help without being discouraged by rejection. People become more effective by contributing to others and allowing others to contribute to them. Basically, if you want to get ahead, help others to do the same.
The sixth, and final, habit Burchard lists is demonstrating courage. High performers are willing to take risks, face uncertainty, and pursue goals that others will often criticize. Courage is not something you are born with. Instead, it is something developed through repeated action. Every time people choose a difficult path, speak honestly, or act despite fear, they gain courage. This habit matters because success often requires being uncomfortable. People who avoid struggle and failure limit their growth. High performers know that making mistakes is part of the improvement process.
So, what’s the takeaway? The big lesson is that high performance is holistic. It is not only about working harder or chasing achievement. It includes purpose, energy, motivation, productivity, relationships, and courage. These habits reinforce one another.
High achievement should be accessible to anyone if they’re willing to do the work. If performance depended only on natural talent, then most people (including myself) would be excluded before they even began. If Burchard is correct, performance depends on habits. Anyone can become clearer about their goals, manage their energy more carefully, connect work to deeper reasons, focus on important tasks, serve others, and practice courage. The process may be difficult at times, but it is available to everyone.
At the same time, things pop up in life that are out of our control and beyond effort. Habits matter, but external circumstances can also influence opportunity and success. Not everyone starts with the same resources, support, or freedom. Still, the usefulness of the author’s ideas is that it gives us practical areas we can control. It encourages us to stop waiting for luck or confidence, and instead develop ourselves through repeated, purposeful action.
High Performance Habits presents an optimistic view of achievement. That extraordinary results come from ordinary behaviors practiced with consistency. While other books and researchers use different terminology, these six habits offer a practical guide for personal and professional growth. They help people understand what they want, sustain the energy to pursue it, and connect their goals to meaningful work. They help build strong relationships and then act in the face of risk and failure.
High performers are not born; they are simply intentional. They shape their lives through repeated choices that build confidence and competence over time. For anyone feeling stuck by distraction or self-doubt, begin with one habit. Practice it consistently. Then let that improvement compound over time. Achievement is not a destination reached overnight. It is a way of living that develops with character, commitment, and determination. While not everyone in life is dealt the same cards, we all get to choose how we play the game.
