Slow Down To Go Fast (Why Optimizing Isn't the Answer)
In this episode, we dive deep into what it truly means to sustain high performance—without losing ourselves along the way. We explore why the relentless pursuit of optimization can leave us exhausted, disconnected, and ultimately unsatisfied, even as our productivity dashboards look more impressive than ever.
We sit down with Dr. James Hewitt, a human performance scientist and author of Regenerative Performance, who challenges the contemporary obsession with “optimization.” Instead, he offers a fresh perspective: success is about rhythm, not balance. We discuss how alternating between periods of intense focus and intentional renewal is not just effective, but necessary.
Also joining us is Jim Murphy, author of Inner Excellence, whose coaching of elite athletes and leaders centers on training not just the mind, but the heart. Jim’s journey—including a literal desert retreat—led him to believe that excellence is grown from within, through the cultivation of peace, confidence, and love, especially under pressure.
Together, we examine why greatness isn’t something you manufacture through sheer effort. It’s something that arises when you let go, reconnect, and cultivate an inner life that is in sync with your values and goals.
Five Key Learnings from the Episode:
- Optimization Fatigue Is Real: Tracking and optimizing every aspect of life can actually diminish well-being and life satisfaction rather than increase it.
- Rhythm Beats Balance: Sustained high performance depends on deliberate alternation between deep engagement and meaningful renewal, not on chasing a mythical state of balance.
- Recovery Requires Intention: Proactive, scheduled breaks—including exposure to nature and engaging in supportive social interactions—are critical for true restoration and creativity.
- Excellence Comes from the Heart: Training your heart—clarifying your life purpose, embracing vulnerability, and mastering the ego—is more impactful than simply mastering skills.
- Self-Centeredness Is the Core Obstacle: Overcoming the default setting of self-focus opens the door to authentic creativity and connection, but it requires the courage to face discomfort and uncertainty.
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Jim Murphy
Author/Performance Coach
#1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Murphy is a Performance Coach to some of the best athletes and leaders in the world. He began his career as a professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization. After experiencing vision issues that ended his playing career, Murphy coached with the Texas Rangers as well as the South African Olympic baseball team. He has worked with some of the world’s best golfers, including world champions, FedEx Cup champions, and world #1’s. The majority of Murphy’s clients have the best year of their careers in their first year working with him. In addition to coaching professional athletes and executives, Murphy leads Inner Excellence offsite retreats around the globe. He is the president of the Inner Excellence Freedom Project whose mission is to build communities to alleviate spiritual and physical poverty around the world.
Dr. James Hewitt
Human Performance Scientist
Dr. James Hewitt is a Human Performance Scientist and expert in sustainable high performance, equipping leaders and teams to thrive in an era of relentless demands.
After competing as a full-time racing cyclist, James turned his focus to the science of performance, earning a PhD in Performance Science and serving as a Visiting Fellow at Loughborough University, ranked #1 in the world for Sport, Exercise and Health Science by the QS World University Rankings.
He is the pioneer of Regenerative Performance, a science-backed framework used by global organizations and teams to sustain peak performance without burnout, boosting productivity, resilience, and long-term business success. This approach is detailed in his latest book, "Regenerative Performance."
Through The Knowledge Work Lab, his human performance consultancy, James has conducted groundbreaking research and worked with Fortune 500 executives, elite athletes, and world-class teams, from Formula 1 paddocks to global boardrooms.
His innovative experiments reveal the science behind sustainable high performance, translating cutting-edge insights into practical strategies for today's demanding work environments. This unique approach combines rigorous scientific methodology with real-world application, allowing organizations to measurably improve both wellbeing and performance outcomes simultaneously.
James’ insights have reshaped how leaders and teams achieve high performance across a wide range of industries and sectors, including finance, pharmaceuticals, technol… Read More