BringYourAGame
Men and women who consistently deliver stunning performances at work, at home, and at play talk about the secrets that ballast their moves
Some people get lucky by being in the right spot when it starts raining dividends. But that is no longer always the case in a world where hard work and smart moves do not only bring in preferred stocks but also the twin engines of fun and fame. And with devices that can improve one’s performance within reach, more people are taking a shot at breaking the old record. Here are people who continue to deliver their personal best season after season share their success secrets.
BACKED BY SCIENCE
Medical and health professionals go through notoriously tough routines; here they talk about staying on top of their game.
DR. MELVIN LOOK
Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Consultant Gastrointestinal and Laparoscopic Surgery, PanAsia Surgery My work involves mental and physical exertion in problem solving and in performing the surgery itself. Each patient presents a unique condition, and I find it exhilarating to be able to apply my years of experience in devising a treatment plan and a follow through with the execution itself.
Surgery requires delicate psychomotor skills combined with an artisan’s skill in performing each operation perfectly every single time. When we are in ‘the zone’, the focus and flow of the process is clockwork, and puts us in peak performance. It’s hard to describe the science but it’s been well known among sportsmen and athletes as well. My reward is when patients get better and go home with their problems solved. It’s a great privilege to be a surgeon and I look forward to the challenges that each day brings. I believe that, first and foremost, you need to have a passionate interest in your work. Constantly finding new ideas and bouncing them off with a variety of people, including people outside of the industry, inspires sparks and direction that sustains interest. New ideas tend to pique interest, as well as release endorphins in anticipation of the challenge and enjoyment ahead.
Of course, a happy home and family life, and quality me-time for rest and reflection is fundamental. Family always forms the bedrock to fall back upon whenever on is tired or disheartened. A quiet moment for self-reflection away from set ideas allows for that ‘eureka’ moment. My secret to sustained peak performance at work is my morning yoga session. I need my 40 minutes of tranquility every morning to strategize the rest of my day – surgery, patient visits, etc.
What is the science behind it? Yoga improves strength, balance and flexibility. As a robotic thoracic surgeon, keeping my mental clarity and physique in tip-top form is extremely important. For a peak performance at work, I consume moderate complex carbohydrates and a cup of coffee. Instead of a large lunch and dinner, I have four small meals spread evenly throughout the day. This keeps me feeling energetic and helps control my mild gastritis.
Smaller meals curb overeating which helps in weight management. If I’m unable to have my meal at the usual time, I increase my protein intake to sustain fullness. Say, if I can’t have an early lunch, I add 1 to 2 eggs or a cup of Greek yogurt to my breakfast.
Complex carbohydrates burn slower and provide a sustained energy level. Instead of taking sugary food to boost energy and mood levels include moderate amounts of complex carbohydrates that digest and release energy slowly.
Coffee has caffeine which is a stimulant. Taken in moderation it increases vigilance and energy levels, and counters sleepiness. A good sleep, balanced meals, and adequate hydration help me sustain peak performance. When I sleep, I cut down blue light exposure from electronic gadgets and get ready for bed around the same time every day, I avoid activities that may cause anxiety, anger or worry before bedtime. Blue light exposure at bedtime may impair the secretion of the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin, and lead to insomnia. Thought- and emotion-triggering activities may affect sleep quality.
A nutritious breakfast keeps me energized for the day – wholegrains, lean protein, healthy fats, and healthy sugar and fiber. Balanced meals keep me full – they’re lower in glycemic load which fuels my body with a sustained supply of sugar, and reduce the likelihood of hunger pangs and ‘food coma’.
Throughout the day, I drink adequate water as dehydration may impair brain performance. Optimal hydration requires toilet breaks that can relieve sitting for a long time that in turn can prevent back pain, eye strain, and reduced work performance.
PAIGE PARKER Author, Podcast Host, and Tiger Mom “For as long as I can remember, I have been curious about successful people, and on 1 March, I launched my podcast ‘Pass the Power with Paige Parker’ – in order to chat with these amazing folks. This idea has been brewing in my mind for over a year, and the pause and mood caused by the pandemic sparked me to get busy and make it happen. Gushcloud International, an influencer, entertainment and talent company, helmed by Althea Lim, is producing the podcast with me, and I am grateful for their expertise on the production side.” Parker has a formidable line up of guests sorted out. She had Prof Tommy Koh as guest in the first episode, followed by Tracie Pang, Loh Boon Chye and Loh Lik Peng. Tan Shu Shan, Swan Gin Beh, Anil Thadani, and many others are also slated to spear on the podcast. “This podcast shares meaningful conversations of hope with today’s thought-leaders to inspire, educate, and entertain, so together we may Pass the Power on to listeners,” Parker says. “Guests from different walks of life share pearls of wisdom, and how to live life fully and with passion, both personally and professionally. Each episode is light-hearted, but packed with substance.”
WHAT DO YOU FOCUS ON AND HOW DO YOU DO IT?
I know from people, especially younger ones, these conversations are needed. Plus, many are reading less, since we absorb news and information online and via social media. With many of us overwhelmed with work and life, we want to experience content while multitasking, which a podcast permits. People now want on-demand content, specific to their interests, when convenient for them. Search engines also are including more voice assistants, and I believe this will play a significant role in the future of content. Podcasting is the new blogging. Additionally, being able to guide people to causes I support is a serious side perk. The episodes include discussions on the importance of education and the arts, walking the talk on gender equality, mentorship, local businesses, work life balance, and even parenting.
What other commitments keep you busy at the moment?
I volunteer and offer my energy to several organizations in Singapore, but the two at the top of my agenda are United Women Singapore and Singapore Dance Theatre, and I serve on the board of directors for both. These organizations are trying to find a way forward, operating during a pandemic, by offering online programming and content, as well as fundraising in different forms.
How do you prepare for the daily grind?
A few minutes of mindfulness, cayenne and lemon water, followed soon after with an almond milk latte, exercise – even if I can only grab 20 minutes, reading the news, writing, listening to podcasts, researching.
HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR MOMENTUM?
I am in a season of life where I have never felt more energetic. Even though I am in my mid-life, I feel I am still a work in progress: I am in a state of improving, not proving myself. I think exercise, a mostly healthy diet, time with those who charge me, and doing work and serving causes I believe in, feeds my soul, and helps me to benefit others.
HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU’RE PERFORMING WELL?
We know. We all know! Of course, we like praise and validation, which helps our egos, but when we are fully charged in mind, capability, and heart, our performance reflects this. And if you have a podcast, where you stand in the charts is pretty telling too!