If you want better results, do you simply need to try harder? According to high-performance coach Michael Schiel, pushing harder can actually make it more difficult for your brain to focus, think creatively, and perform effectively.

In this episode, Michael explains the neuroscience behind stress, pressure, mindset, and peak performance. We discuss why some pressure improves performance while too much works against us—and how intentional breaks, realistic optimism, visualization, identity, and a strong sense of purpose can help us perform at a higher level without burning out.

We also discuss:

What stress does to the brain

Why high performers take purposeful breaks

How to reset your nervous system in just a few minutes

The difference between positive thinking and realistic optimism

How visualization prepares us for obstacles

Why mindset can influence performance

How identity, values, and purpose shape our actions

Why focusing on the process can produce better results

If you’ve been pushing yourself harder but still aren’t gaining traction, this conversation will help you understand how to start working with your brain instead of against it.

Learn more about Michael Schiel, his work, his free resources, and his app that helps you live a thriving life:

https://invictus.coach

His podcast: The Art and Science of Thriving.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-and-science-of-thriving/id1659101146

https://open.spotify.com/show/3FodJLyf42ZXtp0tdEjH2Z?si=07d2dd496e844c8e

Michael Schiel is a high performance coach and transformation consultant. He uses neuroscience, sport psychology, and high-performance evidence based tools to help people and teams achieve meaningful goals and reach peak performance—while sustaining balance, well-being, and fulfillment.

Michael has been coaching and consulting for over 26 years, working with community organizations, non-profits and large private sector organizations. He provides 1:1 coaching, leadership development and team coaching. Through practical, evidence-based strategies, he helps leaders and teams gain clarity, take focused action, and achieve meaningful goals while building a life that is both high-performing and deeply fulfilling.

Michael has spent significant time studying the neuroscience and psychology behind mindset and beliefs, and uses that to coach senior teams and leaders to understand how their mindset can make or break their ability to thrive and reach their goals. Michael has a monthly membership helping people of all stages create a thriving life, runs several different leadership courses, and is host of the podcast "The Art and Science of Thriving".

If this conversation resonated with you, subscribe for more discussions about how belief and mindset influence our actions—and lead to real success in every area of life.