If You Do One Thing for Your Body (And Career) This Year, Make It This

Why gut health is the non-negotiable foundation of peak performance in 2026

Hey friend,

New year energy always hits a little different, doesn't it?

There's something about January that makes you quietly think, "Okay… this is the year I actually feel better."

More focused. More energized. More in control of your body, your mind, and your life.

So let me tell you something I wish everyone knew:

If You Could Change One Thing

If there's one thing you could do this year that would make the biggest impact on your body, your mood, your focus, and your performance…

it's your gut.

I know, not glamorous. But wildly powerful.

Your gut is basically the command center of your nervous system.

About 90% of your serotonin (your feel-good, calm, emotionally steady chemical) is made there.

So is a big chunk of your dopamine, the thing that gives you drive, motivation, and momentum.

What Happens When Your Gut Is Off

Which means when your gut is off, everything feels off:

  • Your mood

  • Your cravings

  • Your energy

  • Your stress levels

  • Your ability to focus

And here's one of my favorite nerdy facts:

When you're under stress, your body literally pulls blood away from your gut and sends it to your brain and muscles so you can "survive."

Digestion slows. Inflammation rises. Your nervous system stays in fight-or-flight.

The High Performer Trap

So, if you're ambitious, driven, high performing, which I know you are, your gut is under more pressure than most people's.

This is why so many high achievers feel:

  • Wired but tired

  • Sharp one day, foggy the next

  • Motivated in the morning, exhausted by 3pm

It's not a willpower problem.

It's a biology problem.

The Beautiful Part

The beautiful part?

You don't need a total life overhaul.

You need non-negotiables.

A few small habits that tell your gut and nervous system:

"We're safe. We're supported. We can perform."

Things like:

  • Eating protein before coffee

  • Walking after meals

  • Drinking water with electrolytes

  • Getting fiber in daily

  • Protecting your sleep

These aren't "health tips." They're performance tools.

Because when your gut is regulated, your brain gets clearer, your emotions stabilize, and your capacity for stress, pressure, and success goes up.

The Real Message

That's why I keep saying:

Your body is either amplifying your genius… or quietly sabotaging it.

So, as you step into this new year, don't just set goals.

Set up the biology that makes those goals easier to reach.

Start with your gut.

Everything else follows.

Ps- If you know someone in a leadership position, a founder, executive, or CEO, who would benefit from feeling more focused, energized, and resilient this year, I'd love an introduction.

This is the work I do, and the people I'm here to serve.

Just reply to this email and connect us.

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Now I’m also available for conversation on Substack

Tee McConnell
Founder, The Human Side of Innovation™
Peak Performance by Tee