10 Questions with Dr. Jim Loehr

In 2013 my wife and I spent a week at the Human Performance Institute to help us both become the best version of ourselves. While at the center we learned that everything revolves around your purpose, and that to live a good life you need to manage your energy (not just your time), your nutrition, and your movement.

The center was founded by Jim Loehr, EdD . For a complete biography see the end of this article.

I recently caught up with Dr. Loehr and asked him 10 questions to share his advice with you.

1. You've written or co-authored at least 18 books on the psychology of human performance in sports. Which do you believe had the most impact and why?

Dr. Loehr: After four decades of work in applying psychology to human performance, I truly believe my most important book is my latest, entitled "Wise Decisions" and subtitled, "A Science-based Approach to Making Better Choices". I co-authored ti with Dr. Sheila Ohlsson Walker, whose specialty is behavioral genetics. I've come to believe that decision making is the most important competency we possess as human beings. Asingle bad choice can derail our lives in tragic ways. We'll make more than 12 million decisions every year, and the process by which those decisions are made is unclear for most people. This book provides a science-based, practical approach to making better choices.

2. How have you seen human performance, either in athletics or the business environment, change the most over the last few years?

Dr. Loehr: Consistent high-performance under pressure now focuses on the whole person: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Health in all dimensions ignites performance. The highest priority is the person first, and the performance second. Dysfunctional health in one dimension affects all dimensions and can completely undermine performance and the decision making process.

3. In your book "The Power of Story" you talk about Old and New Stories. What is it about stories we tell ourselves, and why are they so important?

?Dr. Loehr: Human beings are storytellers. Stories simply represent our take on reality. They can be reality-based or tragically flawed. Great stories help us navigate successfully in life and have the following components:

1. They are factually true and based in reality.
2. They reflect our deepest values and beliefs.
3. They take us where we want to go in life.
4. They give us hope and Inspire us to take constructive action.

4. In your book, "The Only Way to Win", you mentioned a new scorecard about life based on character. Why is this new kind of scorecard "the only way to win"?

Dr. Loehr: I refer to it as the hidden scorecard. Society has its own scorecard and it is everywhere: wealth, fame, notoriety, titles, championships, and external achievement of all kinds. The hidden scorecard is character based. It involves intrinsic assets that govern one's treatment of others. Included are competencies such as honesty, integrity, kindness, caring, respect for others, humility, gratefulness, and caring. In our living laboratory at the Human Performance Institute, spanning nearly three decades, enduring success, happiness, and fulfillment came from scoring high on the hidden scorecard. Winning with character is the only way to win and it's also the only way to lose!

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5. You've recently written a new book, "Wise Decisions" that offers readers a practical, science-based system for decision making in today's modern world. Why is this book so important today?

?Dr. Loehr: I'm sure decision making has always been important but it took advances in neuroscience and psychology to deepen our understanding of exactly how decisions are processed in our brains and bodies. That's what "Wise Decisions" is all about.The research by Dr. Daniel Kahneman is an example. He wrote a book called "Thinking, Fast and Slow". His insights and research were instrumental in writing "Wise Decisions".

6. With all the writing and speaking (presumably still playing tennis!) you do, how do you define a great day on vacation?

?Answer:

1. Wake up early

2. Write something original

3. Play golf with my three sons

4. Workout

5. Dinner with family

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7. What's something most people don't know about you?

?Dr. Loehr: I love cars, and the faster the better. I would like to have been a race car driver earlier in my life. I've had a passion for cars since I was a teenager.

8. Beer or wine?

Dr. Loehr: Both!

9. What has been the most motivated time of your life, and why?

Dr. Loehr: Founding and operating the Human Performance Institute was electrifying. It literally was a dream come true. I was so excited to get to work everyday with extraordinary clients and faculty. We sold HPI to Johnson & Johnson. I miss it dearly!

10. What advice would you give someone who is looking to lead a successful career and a fulfilling life?

Dr. Loehr: I would have them go to the end of their life and create the tombstone that reflects the values they most want to represent in the reality of their life. Write six words or two short sentences and then work backwards to the present day. The things you listed on your Tombstone must be earned everyday. Embrace them and make them the core of your life and the core of your leadership.

"Wise Decisions" is available at Amazon via: Amazon.com: Wise Decisions: A Science-Based Approach to Making Better Choices: 9781119931409: Loehr, James E., Walker, Sheila Ohlsson: Books

For more on Dr. Loehr's work: Jim Loehr | Performance Psychologist (jim-loehr.com)

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A special thank you to those of you who have posted comments to share your experience and advice. I'm grateful as these interactions inspire me, and I'm certain it has helped others in their journey.