How High Performers Thrive Under Pressure: Stress Management, Nutrition, and Mindset Tips
Many high-achieving individuals—from business leaders to entertainers—face relentless demands on their time, energy, and focus. The stakes are high, and the pressure is constant. So, how do the best of the best manage to thrive in such challenging environments?
In reality, most of us have heard of someone or known someone who is juggling multiple projects or businesses at one time, and yet they seem to be thriving. And everyone else is left wondering how high achievers manage stress.
Well, the good news for you is that we recently sat down with Brad Feinberg, founder of The Feinberg Method, to uncover the strategies that help high performers not just survive but excel under pressure. Plus we will be discussing powerful strategies for physical and mental health, as well as overall well being.
The Intersection of Stress and Performance
Brad has spent years working with elite individuals, from Grammy Award-winning artists like Imagine Dragons to entrepreneurs managing multi-million-dollar businesses. Through his work, he’s identified a common thread: high levels of stress and the need to perform at peak capacity 24/7.
“Stress is the crux of everything,” Brad explained. “It’s a double-edged sword. On the one hand, stress can drive adaptation, growth, and improvement. On the other hand, if unmanaged, it can lead to burnout and breakdown.”
The key, Brad emphasizes, isn’t to eliminate stress—an impossible goal—but to learn how to leverage it effectively.
Lessons from High Performers: Managing Stress Effectively
It's not so much about trying to reduce stress but managing it more effectively. One of the most fascinating insights Brad shared was the importance of systems and processes—not just in business but for the body and mind. Just as a company needs a robust infrastructure to handle market shifts, individuals need systems to manage their physical and mental stressors.
The Role of Nutrition and Gut Health
The saying “you are what you eat” holds true, especially for high performers. Brad highlights the connection between gut health and mental performance, explaining how the gut communicates directly with the brain through the vagus nerve.
“If your gut is off, your mind will be off,” he said. “It’s like having a broken marketing funnel in your business; everything downstream suffers.”
Brad’s approach includes:
Prioritizing high-fiber foods, fermented foods, and diverse vegetables to feed the “good” gut bacteria.
Avoiding overly processed foods and added sugars, which can disrupt gut health and create a cycle of addiction.
Experimenting with food sensitivity tests and best-tolerated foods to tailor nutrition to individual needs.
A lot of us like to talk about self care and then we forget that diet is a major compenent of it. How could you improve your diet today?
Why Exercise is Essential for Peak Performance
Exercise is another obvious but often underutilized tool for stress management. Beyond building physical strength, exercise triggers the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, which help combat stress and improve mental clarity.
“When your body is strong, your mind is strong,” Brad explained. “It’s like fortifying the foundation of a building. Without it, everything else crumbles.”
Brad emphasizes the importance of:
Strength training to build resilience and handle physical stressors.
Cardio activities to boost cardiovascular health and mental stamina.
Morning workouts to kickstart the day with adrenaline and focus.
The Impact of Sleep on Success
Sleep is often overlooked, especially by those who pride themselves on grinding and hustling. However, Brad argues that sleep is a non-negotiable factor in high performance.
“One night of bad sleep can amplify anxiety and depression,” he noted. “And over time, poor sleep quality can wreak havoc on your hormones, energy levels, and overall health.”
Brad’s recommendations for better sleep include:
Prioritizing 7-8 hours of sleep for men and 8-9 hours for women.
Creating a consistent bedtime routine to improve sleep quality.
Addressing lifestyle factors, such as alcohol consumption, that disrupt sleep patterns.
Now just in case you got to this point and are thinking that you are not a high achiever, so you can function on less sleep, you are sadly mistaken. Sleep is potentially the most beneficial thing all of us can do. Think back to college for those of you who attended. How was your academic performance on minimal sleep? That's what I thought.
So, do you get enough sleep?
Shifting the “Grind” Mentality
One of the biggest challenges Brad encounters with his clients is their attachment to the hustle culture mindset. Many high achievers believe that sacrificing mental and physical health is necessary to achieve success, only to find themselves spending their wealth later in life trying to regain their health.
“If you don’t make health a priority now, you’ll be forced to make it a priority later,” Brad warns.
To break free from this cycle, Brad focuses on:
Helping clients shift their perspective on the value of rest and recovery.
Teaching simple time management strategies to balance work and health, such as being able to set boundaries.
Setting realistic expectations for progress, emphasizing that small, consistent changes can yield significant results over time.
The Mindset of High Achievers
Another defining characteristic of high performers, according to Brad, is their mindset. “Their commitment to themselves and their vision is what sets them apart,” he said. “It’s not just talent or opportunity; it’s their ability to push through challenges and stay focused on their goals.”
Brad uses visualization techniques to help clients stay motivated. He shared how one client, Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons, expressed a desire to reach an elite level of physical fitness. By tailoring nutrition, exercise, and recovery plans to Dan’s needs, Brad helped him achieve a remarkable transformation, both physically and mentally.
Practical Steps to Start Thriving Today
If you’re looking to improve your health and performance, Brad recommends starting with these simple steps:
Get Data: Invest in tools like gut biome tests or food sensitivity tests to understand your body’s unique needs.
Start Small: Focus on foundational habits like drinking more water, eating whole foods, and getting consistent sleep.
Prioritize Accountability: Whether through a coach, a mentor, or a support group, having someone to guide and motivate you can make all the difference.
Visualize Your Future: Picture the version of yourself you want to become and let that vision drive your daily decisions.
Final Thoughts
Brad’s journey—from being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age five to becoming a world-renowned personal trainer—is a testament to the power of discipline, resilience, and a growth-oriented mindset. His message is clear: health isn’t just about looking good or feeling good; it’s about creating the foundation for success in every area of life.
As Brad puts it, “What do you really want? Once you know the answer, the path becomes clear. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.” Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a healthcare worker, or an entertainer, these lessons apply universally.
👉 Ready to take the first step toward becoming the best version of yourself?
📲 Contact Brad Feinberg at The Feinberg Method or follow him on Instagram @bradfeinberg88 for personalized coaching and insights.
For high achievers looking to take their business to the next level, contact Best Practice Strategies to unlock proven strategies for growth and success.
