Unlocking Peak Performance: Insights from Dr. Shai Efrati on The Worthy Physician Podcast
In a recent episode of The Worthy Physician, Dr. Sapna Shah-Haque sat down with Dr. Shai Efrati to discuss unlocking peak performance, going beyond the norm, and optimizing physician efficiency. This conversation was packed with golden nuggets that can transform how we approach our personal and professional lives.
Forget Normal—Strive for More
Dr. Efrati challenges the very idea of what’s considered "normal." As physicians, we are trained to accept specific standards for age, education, and performance. But is being "normal" truly enough?
"Forget the normal. The title of the book is Beyond Normal. Don’t refer to the normal as the desired thing." – Dr. Shai Efrati.
He urges professionals to think like elite athletes or top CEOs, always striving to improve and push beyond what is expected. The first step? Developing the desire to be better. Without that desire, we’re just going through the motions, surviving instead of thriving.
Identify Your Bottlenecks
A key takeaway from this episode is the concept of bottlenecks—those obstacles that prevent us from performing at our highest potential. These bottlenecks can be biological or non-biological, and addressing them systematically can unlock incredible performance gains.
"Every time you open one bottleneck, another one appears. It’s a never-ending story, but that’s the beauty of progress." – Dr. Shai Efrati.
He uses the analogy of a supermarket with only one cashier. No matter how much the store grows, the single cashier will always be a limitation. Similarly, identifying and addressing our personal bottlenecks in life and medicine can lead to remarkable improvements.
In today’s world, our attention is constantly under attack—from social media, emails, and endless notifications. Dr. Efrati explains how managing attention is critical for peak performance.
"If the first thing you do when you wake up is check your phone, you’re already lost. Your attention has been hijacked." – Dr. Shai Efrati.
He recommends setting clear priorities for each day. For example, he dedicates one day a week entirely to himself—no emails, no distractions—just structured, intentional thinking. He also implements short, focused check-ins with his phone to prevent constant interruptions.
The Importance of a Daily Mission
Dr. Efrati emphasizes the need to structure each day with a mission—one primary objective that must be accomplished. This keeps the day focused and prevents distraction.
"Every day should have one daily mission. Something you plan and execute. It doesn’t have to be big, but it has to be intentional." – Dr. Shai Efrati.
This approach prevents being overwhelmed by multiple demands and ensures daily meaningful progress.
Holding Space for Reflection
One of the most potent practices discussed in this episode is taking time each week for self-evaluation. Every Friday, Dr. Efrati sets aside time to reflect on the past week: what worked, what didn’t, and what needs to change moving forward.
"You have to judge your performance, not to beat yourself up, but to understand what worked and what didn’t." – Dr. Shai Efrati.
This practice is akin to how elite athletes review their performances after a competition, always striving for improvement.
The Power of Routine and Discipline
For many, the idea of waking up early to exercise is daunting. Dr. Efrati admits that he hates exercising, but he does it anyway. His strategy? Do the most challenging thing first.
"I start the day with what I hate the most. If I wait until later, it won’t happen." – Dr. Shai Efrati.
By prioritizing discipline over comfort, he ensures that essential tasks—like physical fitness—aren’t neglected. This principle applies to all aspects of life and medicine.
Mental Framing and Resilience
A significant portion of the conversation delves into mental resilience. Dr. Efrati has spent years researching PTSD and emphasizes that mental state profoundly impacts physical health.
"Everything is between our ears. We all share the same space but experience it in completely different ways." – Dr. Shai Efrati.
Our perception of reality dictates our experience, and mental resilience is the foundation for overcoming challenges and performing at our best.
Purpose: The Ultimate Driver
Dr. Efrati stresses that having a why—a clear sense of purpose—is critical for motivation and success.
"If somebody doesn’t have a why, they are lost. You will never be able to help them because there is no purpose for them to get better." – Dr. Shai Efrati.
He encourages physicians to check in with their "why regularly"—whether it’s their family, their passion for medicine, or a personal mission—because that purpose fuels everything else.
Practical Tips for Peak Performance
Here are some of Dr. Efrati’s most actionable insights:
Define your why. Without purpose, improvement is impossible.
Identify and remove bottlenecks. Constantly assess what’s holding you back.
Manage your attention. Avoid distractions, especially first thing in the morning.
Set a daily mission. Keep your day structured with a clear goal.
Review weekly performance. Take time to reflect and adjust.
Embrace discipline. Start your day with the most challenging task.
Strengthen mental resilience. Mindset directly impacts performance.
Lead by example. Practice what you preach in medicine and life.
Be a "thank you" collector. Make a positive impact on those around you.
Final Thought: Be a Collector of Thank Yous
One of the most beautiful takeaways from this episode was the idea of collecting "thank yous."
"If somebody says thank you, it means you did good. Be a thank-you collector." – Dr. Shai Efrati.
As physicians, our greatest reward isn’t just healing but making meaningful impacts on our patients and those around us. So, let’s strive to collect as many thank-yous as possible.
Want More?
Dr. Efrati’s book Beyond Normal explores these concepts further and provides a framework for enhanced medicine and personal growth. The book can be found on Amazon (link in show notes).
To connect with Dr. Shai Efrati, reach out via email at iefratishai@outlook.com.
Final Words from Dr. Efrati:
"We are here for a journey. Make it a beautiful one."
Tune into the Full Episode!
Listen to the full episode on The Worthy Physician Podcast for more insights into optimizing performance, mindset, and personal growth. And remember—never settle for typical. Strive for more.