What’s Really Holding You Back? | The Psychology of Performance with Dr. Chris Friesen
What’s really holding you back from performing at your best? Your personality? Your habits? Or the way your brain responds to discomfort?
This week on Wired to Work, Jess Chapman sits down with Dr. Chris Friesen, sport and performance psychologist, neuropsychology expert and author of Achieve, to explore the psychology behind human performance, and why even highly capable people sometimes struggle to reach their potential.
Drawing on his work with elite athletes, executives and entrepreneurs, Chris explains how our personality traits influence the way we think, lead and work, why our brains are wired to avoid discomfort, and how self-defeating beliefs can quietly sabotage our success.
Together, they explore: Personality and performance: How the Big Five personality traits shape our strengths, challenges and behaviour at work. Motivation and self-sabotage: Why avoiding discomfort can be more powerful than chasing rewards. Goals versus values: How to stop endlessly chasing achievements and start making more intentional choices. The power of recovery: What workplaces can learn from elite athletes about rest, resilience and sustainable performance. Changing the way we think: How to recognize and challenge the beliefs that keep us stuck.
Whether you’re leading a team, building a business or looking to perform better in your own career, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the neuroscience and psychology behind what drives us — and what gets in our way.
https://drchrisfriesen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/i7a5cu9xa4ol91y3iheufk7dz8e6.jpeg600600ChrisFriesenhttps://drchrisfriesen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Friesen-Performance-Logo.pngChrisFriesen2026-11-10 22:34:522026-11-10 22:49:26Wired to Work | Neuroscience, Psychology & Leadership
