The Power of Strategic Underperformance: Why Doing Less Can Make You More Successful with Nathan Tanner

The Power of Strategic Underperformance: Why Doing Less Can Make You More Successful with Nathan Tanner

Author: Jim Harshaw, Jr. February 17, 2025 Duration: 35:44

#496 The Power of Strategic Underperformance: Why Doing Less Can Make You More Successful with Nathan Tanner

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Action Plan: https://jimharshawjr.com/ACTION

Free Clarity Call: https://jimharshawjr.com/APPLY


If working harder was the answer, wouldn’t you already have everything you want? 

The best leaders, top performers, and elite athletes all have one thing in common… they know when to quit.



What if working harder is actually holding you back?

We’ve been sold the idea that success comes from grinding, hustling, and doing more. But what if the real secret is knowing when to do less? 

Sounds counterintuitive, right? 

But that’s exactly what executive coach and author, Nathan Tanner, discovered after navigating some of the biggest challenges imaginable— like the collapse of Lehman Brothers (yep, that financial disaster) and the chaos of scaling DoorDash from 250 to 5,000 employees.

Nathan isn’t just another productivity guru preaching “work smarter, not harder.” He’s lived it. 

From training for an Ironman while balancing a demanding career to learning the hard way that trying to be great at everything is the fastest way to fail at what actually matters, Nathan shares how strategic underperformance might be the key to unlocking your next level of success.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, burned out, or stuck in the endless cycle of doing more but achieving less, this episode is your wake-up call. 

Press play now and let’s rethink success before you waste another year chasing the wrong things.

If you don’t have time to listen to the entire episode or if you hear something that you like but don’t have time to write it down, be sure to grab your free copy of the Action Plan from this episode— as well as get access to action plans from EVERY episode— at http://www.JimHarshawJr.com/Action.  




There's a particular drive that comes from a background in sports, a mindset forged in competition and discipline that doesn't just switch off when you leave the field. Success for the Athletic-Minded Man taps directly into that energy, translating the core principles of athletic performance into tools for everyday life. Host Jim Harshaw, Jr. understands that the same clarity needed to execute a game plan, the focus required in a critical moment, and the consistency of daily practice are the exact traits that define winning in business, relationships, and personal health. This isn't about finding more hours in the day; it's about applying a strategic, trained approach to all of it. Each episode feels like a conversation with a coach who's been in your shoes, addressing the real tension between ambitious career goals, being a present father and partner, and maintaining physical fitness without letting any single priority suffer. You'll hear practical discussions on management, self-improvement, and the mental frameworks that help you stop shortchanging the areas that matter most. The podcast moves beyond theory, offering actionable insights for men who aim to build a life of sustained achievement, where success is measured across the board, not just on a scoreboard.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Success for the Athletic-Minded Man
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