The problem with high performance
While watching a video of Tim Ferris and Dr. Gabor Maté discussing “high performers,” I had an epiphany.
“Look at that word ‘performers,’” Maté said. “What does it mean to perform? One meaning of it is to put on a show.”
My life has always been about putting on a show: earn good grades; get into good schools; act like a lady (i.e. don’t be so emotional); play the piano well; publish award winning articles; marry well; be a good parent; work with big name firms, etc…
Some of my ancestors were high performers in politics, business, aviation, foreign policy, banking, philosophy, mathematics, art, style, strategic marriages, mountaineering, and philanthropy.
Isn’t that what we all want? Fame? Accomplishments? Awards? Accolades?
Dr Maté continued.
“… a lot of people who perform well are actually deeply troubled inside. And, of course, there are many famous examples of that.”
Then, Ferris summarized high performance wonderfully: “Outwardly successful, inwardly tortured.”
Maybe working with humans—not high performers—is where we need to be.
Here’s the link to the video.