What do top performers do DIFFERENTLY? The secret is in this single-item checklist!
|
|
| For today, let’s talk about another insightful coaching comment my friend and colleague, Professor Joel Litman, delivered to his workforce. Continue reading below to learn about this checklist that transforms the way you approach work and life. What do top performers do DIFFERENTLY? The secret is in this single-item checklist! It starts with a forgotten promise… A decision we said we’d revisit. A habit we swore we’d form. A small, powerful moment we told ourselves we’d make time for— tomorrow. Then tomorrow comes, and we’re buried in deadlines, distractions, and demands. So we skip it… again. … but what if that overlooked moment was the very key to unlocking better work, better relationships, and an altogether better life? In an age of complexity, where decision fatigue is real and cognitive overload is constant, checklists —simple, practical, and repeatable—have become unsung heroes. However, for one highly respected voice in finance and leadership, the most transformative checklist of all isn’t a sprawling list of tasks, reminders, or metrics. In fact, it only has one item. Professor Joel Litman , Chairman and CEO of Valens Research and Chief Investment Officer of Altimetry Financial Research, is renowned for his ability to distill financial and operational complexity into actionable insight. Yet, in one of his coaching comments, he revealed what may be his most impactful piece of advice. No, it’s not about markets, investment strategies, or analytics; it’s about the mind. “Meditate daily. That’s the checklist. That’s it. Your life gets better. It’s pretty amazing.” At first glance, this sounds simple—even trivial. However, simplicity is deceptive. Behind this single action lies a universe of research, neuroscience, and transformative personal experience. According to Professor Litman, it’s the difference between functioning and flourishing.
Why Checklist Matters—Even If It’s Just One Thing Professor Litman begins his coaching comment to his workforce with a universal truth: Smart people forget things too. The sharpest minds, the busiest professionals, the most organized leaders—they all need systems. He states people who don’t use checklists, no matter how smart they are, can’t possibly remember everything. After all, a checklist becomes a tool for clarity, consistency, and execution. So, he built one checklist he swears by. He says whenever he uses this checklist, he’s literally better at everything. When he doesn’t, he’s not as good. He’s not as optimal. Meditate daily. Just to clear out misconceptions, meditation is not about becoming a monk or attending a silent retreat, nor about finding an hour you don’t have. It’s about a shift —from doing to being, from reacting to reflecting. According to Professor Litman, it could be as little as 60 seconds. Just a minute of conscious breathing, silence, and stillness is better off than not doing it at all. This isn’t just advice born from personal preference. The scientific literature backs it up. Regular meditation—even in small doses—has been shown to:
… and perhaps most interestingly for high-performance professionals like Professor Litman and the many executives he coaches: It sharpens the mind. Professor Litman also addresses a common hesitation among beginners: “I don’t have time.” His response? “Everybody can find two minutes.” Once you start, two minutes often becomes four—maybe 15… but you don’t need more than 20. He says: “There’s a lot of research on that… but you already get a lot of benefits from just 60 seconds.” Meanwhile, for those who feel prayer is their path to reflection? Professor Litman makes a distinction: Gratitude-based prayer —the kind filled with “thank yous” or silent presence—mirrors the same brainwave benefits of meditation. In contrast, prayer focused on requests and needs doesn’t provide the same neurological payoff. Still, he encourages whatever form works for you, as long as it brings that sense of quiet presence and grateful awareness. Here’s the thing: If meditation is this good, why don’t more of us do it? Professor Litman doesn’t shy away from the irony: Even with a one-item checklist, he still forgets to do it sometimes. However, that’s precisely why the checklist exists! It brings us back and reminds us that this tiny pause might just be the most important part of the day. Professor Litman’s message is as human as it is practical. He doesn’t preach; he shares. He doesn’t demand discipline; he invites awareness. In doing so, he makes a powerful case for the one habit that could change everything—not just for productivity, but for peace. The Bottom Line In business, we often chase complexity. We admire systems with depth, solutions with layers, advice wrapped in frameworks… but sometimes, wisdom is stark in its clarity. Professor Litman—CEO, professor, financial expert, and coach—offers this: “Make a checklist. Let the first (and only) item be, ‘Meditate daily.’” Then, do it for two minutes. Do it imperfectly. Just do it. … because better decisions, better work, better relationships, and better lives do not necessarily come from doing more. Sometimes, they come from simply being still. That’s not just good advice. According to Professor Litman, this is the smartest checklist you’ll ever follow in your life. Ready to enter into the power that comes from meditation? EXCITING NEWS AHEAD The world of work has shifted, and there’s no going back. The barriers to entry have never been lower for talented professionals to work independently, and today’s massive external workforce is hardly a pandemic-produced fad. Business owners can only survive in the new work landscape by partnering with this deep talent pool. With decades of experience in both small-business entrepreneurship and executive management at PwC, I truly believe that the future of work is independent. With that, I’m happy to share with you that my book, co-authored with Walter Scott Lamb, is now available on Amazon! Free Birds Revolution: The Future of Work & The Independent Mind This new bestseller is an essential read for both independent professionals and corporate executives. Here, we provide educational and practical guides to unpack the ever-growing workforce and offer you crucial ways to become a client of choice. Click on the link above to order your copy. Let this bestselling book help you future-proof your career and organization in the new world of work. For a daily version of this newsletter, please subscribe here. |
Miles Everson
CEO of MBO Partners and former Global Advisory and Consulting CEO at PwC, Everson has worked with many of the world's largest and most prominent organizations, specializing in executive management. He helps companies balance growth, reduce risk, maximize return, and excel in strategic business priorities.
He is a sought-after public speaker and contributor and has been a case study for success from Harvard Business School.
Everson is a Certified Public Accountant, a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants. He graduated from St. Cloud State University with a B.S. in Accounting.
