Inner Workings of the Mind: Performance

Rethinking Success and Effort

Most of us have been taught that success comes from hard work, hustle, and grit. So when we hit a plateau or struggle at work, the solution seems obvious: try harder. But what if success wasn’t about effort?

In the second part of his Inner Workings of the Mind series, George Pransky turns this assumption on its head. He explains that the key to better performance isn’t working more—it’s understanding how your mind works.

The Invisible Link Between Mind and Performance

In this recording, George shares what he's learned over decades of working with executives, athletes, and high performers: the quality of your performance rises and falls with the quality of your mind in the moment.

When people are clear-headed, present, and connected to the deeper intelligence behind life, they do better—often effortlessly. When their minds are cluttered with overthinking, pressure, or self-doubt, performance suffers, no matter how hard they try.

It’s not about learning new strategies or staying in peak form. It’s about understanding how your mind operates, so you can find clarity when it matters most.

Why Trying Harder Isn’t the Answer

Trying harder often backfires. It adds more pressure, more internal noise. George explains that true performance comes from a natural state of flow—a state we all have access to when we’re not caught up in our thinking.

That’s why some of your best ideas come in the shower or on a walk—not during the moment you’re pushing the hardest. Performance improves when your mind settles, not when you pile on more effort.

This simple insight has transformed how countless professionals approach their work. And it’s one of the biggest shifts that leads to sustainable success, creativity, and confidence on the job.

Listen to the Recording

This talk is a powerful reminder that you already have what you need to perform at your best. You don’t need to force it—you just need to understand the role your state of mind plays in how you show up.

Whether you're striving for career growth, leadership excellence, or simply looking to enjoy your work more, this recording offers clarity and encouragement from a whole new angle.

To listen, click here.