How Entrepreneurs Can Achieve Peak Performance

Entrepreneurship can be a wild ride. You’ll feel exhilarated as you scale new heights, satisfied as you conquer challenges, and take in the breathtaking views. In the pursuit of a scalable business with high performance, however, it comes at the expense of their physical and mental health. According to statistics, entrepreneurs are twice as likely to have depression in their lifetime, three times as likely to have bipolar disorder, and three times as likely to be addicted to substances. Furthermore, suicide attempts and psychiatric hospitalizations are twice as likely in this group.

Someone who knows this all too well is former NHL player Justin Roethlingshoefer.

As the co-founder of Own It Coaching, Justin applies this health and performance philosophy to a wide range of clients, from NHL stars to Fortune 500 executives to entrepreneurs looking to elevate their performance. He is also a best-selling author and creator of the Own It App, which provides simple data collection, insightful insights, and customized plans for improving performance, recovery, and health.

But, Justin also paid the price for this performance. In that regard, we will discuss strategies for developing the mindset and habits necessary for daily peak performance.

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Be Aware of the Price of Performance

Despite Justin’s athletic talent, his father’s wisdom guided his journey: “Some talent will get you noticed, but consistency will get you paid.”

Having adopted this motto, Justin has relentlessly pursued performance, initially seeking validation through physical fitness. It wasn’t long before this obsession turned into anorexia, the first of many addictions he would endure.

Justin is not alone. Despite not always being a popular topic, leaders often suffer from great stress that can turn into anxiety, depression, or physical symptoms. As such, prioritizing your physical and mental well-being is non-negotiable.

• Ensure your body is nourished. In order to sustain energy, you should eat a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks that can cause a crash.
• Move your body. Whether it is a brisk walk or a jog, exercise regularly. In addition to stimulating energy levels and mood, physical activity improves cognitive functioning as well.
• Get enough sleep. Each night, try to get seven to eight hours of quality sleep. The mind is sharper, more creative, and able to handle stress better if it is well rested.
• Mindfulness matters. To manage stress, improve focus, and gain self-awareness, use mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing.

And, sometimes this even means walking away from your passion.

Upon leaving the NHL and entering rehab, Justin started Own It, where he made it his mission became “to optimize health and wellness for high-performing people in a way that was very personal and holistic in nature.”

Don’t Seek the Approval of Others

Throughout our lives, we are taught to seek approval from others, including our parents, teachers, and other authority figures. However, being a successful entrepreneur requires taking risks and not seeking approval from others. In order to be confident in your own decisions, you must shift your mindset.

Justin describes a cycle of chasing validation through various addictions, such as food and exercise, hockey, education, and drugs. Although he had achieved success in each domain, Justin eventually hit rock bottom. And, he relaized that seeking the approval of others was holding him back “in certain ways from being able to truly lean into who I needed to be and the value system that I needed to operate in and living in integrity with who I was meant to be.”

To be a successful entrepreneur, you must forge your own path without worrying about what others think. It was this pivotal moment that fueled Justion’s journey towards self-discovery and healing, even though he was at his lowest point. By embracing his true self and letting go of external validation, he embarked on a path of personal growth..

Fuel Your Passion (and Purpose)

As already mentioned, Justin chose to leave the NHL, the pinnacle of his childhood dream, in order to follow his newfound purpose. As the co-founder of Own It, he’s dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of high performers. A significant part of this decision was breaking free from limiting beliefs and deciding to redefine his self-worth.

An entrepreneur’s passion drives them, but their purpose gives them direction. If you want to reconnect your passion to a greater purpose, here are the steps you can take:

• Remember your “Why.” Think back to what initially motivated your entrepreneurial journey.It’s possible to reignite your passion and motivation by reconnecting with your purpose.
• Celebrate milestones. Don’t forget to acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how big or small. Making progress fuels your drive and reminds you why you started in the first place.
• Connect with your tribe. Embrace your passion by surrounding yourself with supportive and inspirational individuals.Find mentors, advisors, and fellow entrepreneurs to help you succeed.

And, most importantly, learn how to love yourself so that you can serve others. 

Build Your Tribe

In Justin’s case, his journey was not linear. Among the challenges and setbacks he faced was the need to dismantle relationships based on his former status. Despite his unique “difference,” he found a new community and embraced it as a strength through self-awareness and commitment.

Further, it is not possible for an entrepreneur to thrive in isolation.Your success is amplified when you have a strong support network that provides you with invaluable resources. As such, to cultivate a support system, consider the following:

• Connect with peers. Connect with like-minded individuals by joining entrepreneur communities, attending networking events, and participating in networking events.
• Find a coach or mentor. Seek guidance and mentoring from an experienced entrepreneur.
• Build a strong team. Put together a team of talented individuals who complement your skills and share your vision.
• Delegate effectively. Give your team members the freedom to take responsibility for their own roles and trust them to do so.

Finding Value Beyond Performance

In Justin’s story, we learn that true fulfillment comes from accepting oneself and living authentically, rather than through external achievements. It is possible to unlock your true potential and make a positive impact on the world when you own your story, embrace your uniqueness, and connect with a supportive community.

Featured Image Credit: RDNE Stock project; Pexels, Thank you!