Stu Smith: Are High Performance Strategies Used by Professional Athletes Really Relevant to My Life?

In this special episode of Scoreboard’s Behind the Scenes of Sport mini-series, Chris Titley is joined again by Stu Smith for a practical and honest conversation about human performance, daily habits and whether the tools used by elite athletes can genuinely apply to everyday life.
The episode begins with Chris reflecting on his own experience through the Vitalis Institute program, and the habits that have stayed with him. From reducing screen time and putting the phone away before bed, to breathing, journaling, sitting outside without devices and being more prepared for the next day, the conversation shows how small changes can start to shift energy, headspace and relationships.
Stu explains why high performance is not just for professional athletes, CEOs or people on big stages. The same principles that help a cricketer walk out to bat or a snowboarder prepare for a run can also help a parent get through a busy week, a business owner manage stress, or anyone trying to be more present at home. The focus is on clarity, emotional control, recovery, physical capacity, relationships and a stronger sense of agency.
A big part of the conversation centres on phones, screens and the pull of easy dopamine. Chris talks openly about becoming more aware of his own phone habits, how often he was reaching for it, and the impact that can have on family life. Stu breaks down why attention matters, why constant stimulation can affect headspace, and why learning to pause before acting on an impulse is such an important skill.
The episode also explores self-talk, the “chimp” in your head, victim mindset, acceptance, resilience and the power of shifting language from “I have to” to “I get to”. Chris and Stu discuss how these ideas show up in sport, work and family life, and how small moments of awareness can help people move away from frustration, comparison and distraction.
This is a conversation about control, responsibility and building better habits one choice at a time. The message is simple: high performance strategies are not reserved for elite athletes. They are tools for anyone who wants to feel better, think clearer, connect more deeply and perform well in the life they are already living.