How to Win Without Burning Out | Steve Magness
Today's guest is Steve Magness, a world-renowned expert on human performance and resilience. As the bestselling author of Do Hard Things and Win the Inside Game, Steve has coached Olympic athletes, executives, and high performers to break through mental barriers and sustain success. With a background in sports science and psychology, he explores the hidden forces that shape motivation, decision-making, and well-being. His latest book reveals why traditional success mindsets often backfire—and how shifting to a quest-driven approach can help you thrive in both work and life.
Join us for a powerful conversation with Steve Magness as he reveals why the mindset that drives success can also sabotage happiness and long-term growth. How does the pressure to achieve create hidden barriers to fulfillment? What separates those who thrive from those who burn out? Steve shares deep insights into performance psychology, the dangers of an outcome-obsessed culture, and the key mindset shift that elite athletes and high performers use to sustain success.
What to Listen For
Introduction – 00:00:00
Why does an outcome-obsessed mindset increase stress and sabotage long-term performance?
What can Olympic athletes teach us about shifting from a performance mindset to a quest mindset?
Escaping Survival Mode and Overcoming Anxiety – 00:13:19
What are the subtle signs that you’re stuck in survival mode?
Why does the human brain struggle with uncertainty, and how can you use that knowledge to your advantage?
Balancing Achievement and Enjoyment – 00:24:36
How do elite performers reframe failure to fuel their growth instead of destroying their confidence?
What three key elements make up a resilient personal narrative, and how can you develop yours?
The Exploration vs. Commitment Dilemma – 00:38:57
How does modern technology distort our expectations in relationships, careers, and personal growth?
What strategies can help you balance exploration with meaningful commitment?
Moving from Passive Consumption to Active Creation – 00:43:08
How can you design your environment to prioritize deep work and meaningful progress?
How do elite performers detach from short-term results while maintaining high standards?
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Resources from this Episode
Steve Magness’s website
Win the Inside Game: How to Move from Surviving to Thriving, and Free Yourself Up to Perform
Steve Magness on Instagram
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The Art of Charm is where self-motivated people, just like you, come to learn from the company’s coaches about to how to master human dynamics, relationships, and becoming your best self with the help of Johnny and AJ, the company’s founders. Johnny and AJ bring their 11 years of coaching experience from their famous Bootcamps, where they host clients in Los Angeles from all over the world and they share their stories, best practices and themselves on this weekly podcast. Not only does The Art of Charm help everyday people, including active members of the military, learn how to become higher performers, better spouses, partners, and coworkers, they dig deep into human behavior, the science behind it, and demystify what we do and why we do it.
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