Physicians hold a challenging role of power and significance, with many people depending on us—including patients, staff, colleagues, family, and others. We want to perform at our best because of our own standards, but there’s also an unspoken pressure to excel so that others can succeed as well. This is no easy task. However, when we are functioning at our best so that others can do the same, I call this peak performance. In this article, I will outline three strategies to support physicians in reaching peak performance.
Focus on Multiple Goals
It’s common to concentrate on a single goal and direct all efforts toward it. This “all or nothing” mindset can lead to unmet expectations, especially since some factors are beyond our control. Instead of one major goal, I recommend setting three goals at different levels:
- Bare Minimum. A micro-goal that builds momentum.
- Realistic. A moderate goal that we are satisfied with.
- Ideal. The best-case scenario goal we strive for.
Since we are accustomed to juggling competing priorities, having layered, achievable goals helps us maintain focus and recognize small wins that move us forward.
Focus on Helpful Thoughts, Not Just Positive or Negative Ones
I’m all for more positivity in medicine, and especially training. What often hinders us is the overwhelming negativity we face. This negative stream can block us from peak performance. Rather than fixating on negative thoughts (or positive ones to drown out the negatives), we should focus on helpful thoughts.
What is a “helpful thought”? It’s a mental cue that sets us up for success by keeping us focused on the task at hand. If you played baseball or softball as a kid, think “squash the bug”—a metaphor that reminds young players to engage their hips during their swing. It’s not a mantra; it’s a concise, action-oriented cue. During stressful moments or challenging situations, helpful thoughts help us perform at our best.
What helpful thoughts support your peak performance?
Practice Different Visualization Techniques
Visualization involves mentally rehearsing or imagining an important event, like a surgery or a business presentation, step by step before it occurs. Many of us already use this to prepare and reduce anxiety for important moments. I recently started thinking about working backward—from success to the steps that led there—which offers a different perspective and might lead to new outcomes.
I often visualize scenarios to anticipate possible outcomes and plan responses. We tend to focus on potential negatives and prepare for them, but I like the idea of starting with a positive result and working backward through the steps needed to achieve it, rather than trying to reach that positive outcome from a neutral starting point.
Peak Performance Is an Ongoing Journey
Achieving peak performance isn’t a fixed endpoint; it’s a personal journey that evolves with our goals, values, and experiences. SurgeonMasters believes coaching’s strength lies in meeting each of us where we are and guiding us toward where we want to go. A physician coach should be a trusted partner who understands the profession’s challenges and helps the client access their own wisdom and potential. By creating clarity, developing strategies, and fostering accountability, coaching empowers physicians to define and pursue their version of success on their terms.
Source:
Caron, Christina. “Sport Psychology Tips for Everyday Life.” The New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025, What Sport Psychologists Want You to Know About Mental Toughness The coaches help professional athletes achieve their goals through mental preparation – and they could help you, too..