In a world obsessed with optimization, where morning routines start at dawn and work never seems to end, it's no wonder we feel more depleted than ever. Drawing from two decades of research and consulting with organizations across thirty countries, Dr. James Hewitt reveals a startling paradox: as our knowledge of performance optimization has expanded, our sense of well-being has contracted.
In this groundbreaking book, Hewitt challenges both the relentless grind of hustle culture and the passive withdrawal of ‘quiet quitting’ instead offering a revolutionary third way: Regenerative Performance. Through compelling research and real-world examples, he demonstrates how sustainable success comes not from perpetual optimization, but from the rhythmic oscillation between effort and renewal.
Whether you are struggling with sleep despite tracking every metric, feeling overwhelmed by endless meetings, or caught in cycles of burnout and recovery, this book provides actionable insights to transform how you work and live. Hewitt masterfully integrates cutting-edge neuroscience, performance psychology, and his personal journey -- including his experiences as a full-time racing cyclist and a cancer survivor -- to show how we can thrive in an always-on world without sacrificing our well-being.
Regenerative Performance is not just another self-help manual – it is a science-backed framework for achieving exceptional results while maintaining the energy and resilience needed for long-term success. Forget optimization. Master regeneration.
About the Author :
DR JAMES HEWITT combines rigorous science with real-world experience to revolutionize how we think about performance. A former full-time racing cyclist turned human performance scientist, he founded The Knowledge Work Lab to help organizations thrive in an always-on world. James's research, consulting, and keynote speaking have impacted organizations in over thirty countries, from Fortune 500 boardrooms to Formula One paddocks. James helps leaders and teams move beyond optimization to embrace regenerative performance, enabling them to achieve extraordinary results without sacrificing well-being.
Review :
"Having Regenerative Performance in your hands is like having your own personal performance coach in your pocket. This isn't about quick fixes or rigid routines--it's about breaking free from the cycle of burnout and learning how to excel without sacrificing well-being."
--TOMMY HUGHES, HEAD OF PEOPLE PERFORMANCE, ASTON MARTIN ARAMCO FORMULA ONE(R) TEAM
"A game-changing blueprint for sustainable high performance. James Hewitt's Cognitive Gears model--viewing knowledge work as an endurance sport--is a standout concept that leaders can immediately apply to themselves and their teams."
--MARK KELLY, GLOBAL HEAD OF BENEFITS & WELLBEING, BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP
"Whether you're an executive, entrepreneur, or high-achiever looking for a better way, Regenerative Performance offers a blueprint for sustainable success that won't leave you drained and depleted."
--JOSH LINKNER, FIVE-TIME TECH ENTREPRENEUR, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR, AND VENTURE CAPITALIST
"James Hewitt brings the heavy artillery of data analysis and deeply understood medical research to blast away at pseudoscientific narratives."
--ERIC SCHURENBERG, FORMER CEO OF INC. AND FAST COMPANY
"Regenerative Performance gives us the road map, grounded in science, to reframe stress and overload so that we can sustainably thrive."
--DR. NATALIE NIXON, AUTHOR OF MOVE. THINK. REST.
"Be warned that this book comes with a 'health warning' this book will change your life--for the better!"
--HARRI SUNDVIK, FORMER VICE CHAIR OF BANK OF AMERICA
"James has been a guest on my podcast multiple times, and one of my favorite quotes from him remains: 'People tend to major in the minors; we need to major in the majors.' This book does exactly that--helping us focus on what truly matters for sustainable performance and health."
--GREG BENNETT, OLYMPIAN, FORMER WORLD NUMBER ONE TRIATHLETE, ENTREPRENEUR, AND HOST OF THE GREG BENNETT SHOW