There is no one perfect way to hacking success and high performance. Sometimes it’s just about finding something that works for you. Sometimes that can be pushing yourself like an athlete. Super Performing at Work and at Home by Dr. Robert Cerfolio tells you how.
This high performance and athletic approach is what Dr. Robert Cerfolio talks about in his book Super Performing at Work and Home The Athleticism of Surgery and Life. As a former college baseball player Dr. Cerfolio knows how hard it can be to stare down challenges. His personal story is remarkable and personal, sharing both his professional obstacles and the emotional and psychological challenge of losing his wife in her battle to cancer.
At the core of Cerfolio’s philosophy is that any situation can garner a win. That is, there is no such thing as a “no-win” situation. This is a philosophy that has helped him achieve in his career as an athlete and become known as the “Michael Jordan of lung surgery.” In his book, Cerf (as he is sometimes called) talks about techniques he has used to perform in high pressure situations such as:
- Controlling your breathing
- Engaging in positive self-talk
- Staying in the present & connecting to the “now”
- Recalling previous successes as extra motivation
The book offers some very practical suggestions along with stories from Cerfolio’s own life, which makes it an interesting read even if you aren’t a doctor or personally interested in medicine.
What I personally like most about this book is Cerfolio’s no-nonsense attitude and the ability to make meaning from challenging times in his life and career. Admittedly, sometimes his approach can feel a bit tough and isn’t going to be the best fit for everyone. Others will view it as just what they need to get unstuck.
I also appreciate Cerfolio’s willingness to talk openly about this family and loss. It takes a lot of courage to open up about such sensitive experiences yet he handles it well, often weaving in stories from his athletic past, to provide a bit of coach-like experience to his writing. This approach makes his message accessible and tenable even when he’s talking about some pretty involved surgical procedures or deep emotional issues.
If you’re looking for a little extra motivation to get you out of your rut then this might be the book for you. To learn more about his life and work, you can learn more about Dr. Cerfolio on his website.
Happy reading!
Author: Jor-El
Jor-El is Co-founder of Viva Wellness and a foodie and film buff. He most often writes about mental health, relationships, food and mindfulness. When he’s not busy working, he typically can be found lounging or walking around NYC with his pup Nomi.
