Ep 155: Jonah Oliver - The psychology of high performance

Inside the Rope with David Clark

In a somewhat different episode, David engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Jonah Oliver, an esteemed psychologist and performance coach to Australian professional golfer Cam Smith. The episode delves deep into the intricacies of decision-making, values, and the psychology of high performance. The discussion starts with Jonah emphasising the importance of embracing discomfort as an integral part of the decision-making process. He sheds light on how individuals often shy away from making tough decisions due to their aversion to discomfort, hindering their growth both personally and professionally. Jonah passionately advocates for the need to confront and endure discomfort, asserting that it is a vital component in making choices that align with one's core values. Jonah also underscores the significance of individuals understanding their own values and introduces a valuable tool, the values finder, to aid in this self-discovery. He explains that values go beyond intentions; they manifest as behaviours that effectively guide everyone’s daily decision-making. Throughout the episode, Jonah also shares a treasure trove of insights on the necessity of distinguishing between the outcome and the quality of decision-making. He emphasises that success is not always guaranteed, but consistently making decisions in line with one's values ultimately leads to more favourable outcomes over time. The discussion offers a distinctive perspective on decision-making in diverse fields, from sports to finance, encouraging listeners to utilise their values as a guiding compass for making meaningful life choices. The episode imparts a wealth of wisdom to those seeking to enhance their decision-making skills and attain high performance in both their personal and professional pursuits.