As architects operate in a profession so demanding mentally, the need for peak performance in the workplace can become a relevant and much-needed desire. How does one capitalize on the intellectual challenges faced on a difficult design problem, construction site, or management setback? Author and leadership development leader, Tim Tobin says that the answer lies in "thinking about fitness in new ways." 

According to Tobin, there are three types of fitness: mental fitness, social fitness, and physical fitness.

Mental fitness includes seven practices that range from getting a good night's rest to having adequate "play time." It is grounded in activities that promote mental health and increase sources of energy that help us achieve focus in clarity in our cognitive pursuits and ambitions.

Social fitness "refers to how we interact with others across situations." It is our ability to communicate what's important to us amid "situational pressure" and ultimately creates fruitful collaborative outcomes. In short, it is our capacity to relate and work with other people.

Physical fitness speaks to what most of us are probably most familiar with — proper nutrition, adequate exercise, etc.

It is the combination of these three aspects of fitness that Tobin says will allow us to achieve optimal performance as well as "adaptive and resilient organizations." In the pursuit of great architecture and its dependency on effective collaboration and problem-solving, Tobin's views may provide some actionable value for the project team.