Peak performance isn't simply about working harder—it's about developing the mindset, habits, and resilience needed to consistently perform at your best without sacrificing your well-being. Whether you're leading a team, competing in sports, working in healthcare, or building a business, long-term success depends on balancing productivity with physical and mental health.
The Stanford Psychology for High Performance online micro course, developed by Stanford Medicine and delivered through GetSmarter, helps professionals apply evidence-based psychological principles to improve performance, build resilience, and develop sustainable habits. Rather than focusing on motivation alone, the course teaches practical strategies for cultivating a growth-oriented mindset, improving cognitive flexibility, and optimizing performance through better sleep, nutrition, exercise, and habit formation.
According to the official course page, organizations can expect an estimated 12x return on investment for every $1 spent on employee well-being, while presenteeism costs the U.S. economy approximately $1.5 trillion annually. These figures reinforce the growing importance of investing in personal well-being as a driver of long-term professional performance.
Why We Recommend This Course
Many performance courses emphasize productivity hacks or motivational techniques. Stanford's Psychology for High Performance micro course takes a more sustainable, science-backed approach by focusing on the psychological and lifestyle factors that influence long-term success.
Participants learn how to reframe success and failure, strengthen cognitive flexibility, manage overwhelming thoughts, and build healthy habits that support consistent performance. Because the course blends psychological theory with practical exercises, learners can immediately begin applying what they learn to both their professional and personal lives.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is ideal for:
- Business professionals
- Managers and team leaders
- Executives
- Healthcare professionals
- Athletes and coaches
- HR and learning professionals
- Entrepreneurs
- Wellness professionals
- Technical specialists
- Anyone interested in improving performance and well-being
No psychology background is required, making this an excellent introductory course for professionals across a wide range of industries.
Quick Course Overview
| Course | Provider | Experience Level | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology for High Performance | Stanford Medicine via GetSmarter | Beginner to Intermediate | 2 weeks | Professionals seeking sustainable performance, resilience, and well-being |
What You'll Learn
Throughout the course, participants develop practical strategies for improving performance while protecting their mental and physical well-being.
Key learning topics include:
- Growth-oriented mindset
- Cognitive flexibility
- Performance psychology
- Redefining success and failure
- Managing difficult thoughts
- Exercise and performance
- Nutrition and productivity
- Sleep optimization
- Habit formation
- Sustainable high performance
Rather than relying on short-term motivation, the course emphasizes long-term behavioral change through practical, evidence-based techniques.
Course Curriculum
The official curriculum includes:
Orientation
Module 1: Mindset – Cultivating Skills to Enhance Performance
- Redefining success and failure
- Developing cognitive flexibility
- Managing conflicting and overwhelming thoughts
- Lessons from elite performers
Module 2: Lifestyle Modifications for Peak Performance
- Exercise and psychological well-being
- Nutrition for optimal performance
- Sleep and recovery
- Building lasting habits through effective goal setting
Although compact, the curriculum provides actionable techniques that participants can immediately integrate into their daily routines.
Why Performance Psychology Matters
High performance is increasingly recognized as a combination of mindset, resilience, healthy behaviors, and emotional regulation rather than simply intelligence or talent.
Professionals who understand how psychological principles influence decision-making, stress management, productivity, and personal growth are often better equipped to navigate demanding work environments without experiencing burnout. Stanford's focus on sustainable performance helps participants build habits that support long-term success rather than temporary gains.
Key Features
Stanford Medicine curriculum
Developed by Stanford Medicine and guided by Dr. Francesco Nandkumar Dandekar, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University.
Practical psychology tools
Learn evidence-based strategies that can be immediately applied to improve performance, resilience, and overall well-being.
Lifestyle optimization
Discover how exercise, nutrition, sleep, and healthy habits contribute to sustained personal and professional performance.
Interactive learning experience
The course includes videos, podcasts, discussions, quizzes, live sessions, and practical exercises designed to reinforce learning.
Official digital badge
Participants who successfully complete the course earn an official Stanford Medicine digital badge that can be shared on LinkedIn and other professional platforms.
Learn More
Ready to advance your skills?
To learn more about this program, you'll be redirected to the official GetSmarter course page, where you can review the complete curriculum, tuition, upcoming start dates, certificate information, and enrollment requirements. If the course aligns with your professional goals, you can enroll directly through GetSmarter.
Pros
- Developed by Stanford Medicine
- Short two-week commitment
- Practical, evidence-based strategies
- Applicable across industries
- Strong emphasis on well-being and resilience
- Interactive learning experience
- Official Stanford Medicine digital badge upon completion
Things to Consider
This is a personal and professional development micro course rather than an academic psychology program.
If you're seeking advanced clinical psychology, counseling, or neuroscience training, you'll likely need more specialized coursework. This course is designed to help professionals improve everyday performance using psychological principles.
Is the Stanford Psychology for High Performance Course Worth It?
For professionals who want to improve productivity, resilience, and overall well-being without committing to a lengthy executive education program, the Stanford Psychology for High Performance micro course offers excellent value.
Its greatest strength is its practicality. Rather than presenting abstract psychological theories, the course focuses on simple, research-informed techniques that participants can immediately incorporate into their daily work and personal routines. The combination of mindset development, healthy lifestyle habits, and sustainable performance strategies makes it relevant for professionals across virtually every industry.
If you're looking for a concise, science-based introduction to performance psychology from Stanford Medicine, this course is well worth considering.
Continue Building Your Leadership and Well-Being Skills
Developing high-performance habits is an ongoing process. As workplaces continue to evolve, professionals who understand how psychology influences resilience, productivity, and decision-making are better equipped to lead effectively, adapt to change, and maintain long-term success.
If you're ready to unlock your full potential, visit the official GetSmarter course page to explore the curriculum, review upcoming start dates, and learn more about enrolling.