Every high performer wants to feel like they’re at the top of their game, and many turn to supplements for a competitive edge. But what if your supplement strategy is actually killing your momentum? After working with high performers for over a decade, I’m sharing the most common mistakes people make with their supplement routine—and how to fix them.

DO YOU ACTUALLY NEED SUPPLEMENTS?

Good question. There are two extreme schools of thought on this. One side believes you can get all your nutrients from food—unless you’re sick or have a chronic condition. The other side takes dozens of supplements daily, thinking more is always better. Neither is ideal.

Here’s the reality: Our food isn’t what it used to be. Modern farming has depleted soil quality, decreasing nutrient density. Processed food consumption is also at an all-time high, leaving many people with nutritional gaps. We saw this constantly when we were consulting clients one-on-one.

That’s why supplements should be part of a healthy morning routine—but not in excess. I’ve seen “influencers” pop 30+ pills a day, overwhelming their liver and making wellness a burden instead of a benefit. A balanced approach is key. Most people need some supplementation to optimize performance, but let’s keep it sustainable.

So, let’s dive into a simple supplement routine for busy people and the seven biggest mistakes to avoid.

#1 TAKING TOO MANY

High achievers love going all in, so it’s not surprising that we can fall into the trap of overdoing it when it comes to supplements. But more isn’t always better, and if we’re honest, we know that habits need to be simple and easy in order to stay consistent. Long lists of supplements can quickly become an impossible chore. If you’re really going to make wellness and longevity part of your daily rhythm, it has to be sustainable.

#2 MISSING THE BASICS

With endless supplement options, it’s easy to hyper-focus on one trendy ingredient while missing the essentials. Obsessing over one antioxidant while completely forgetting to take a good multivitamin is not a great approach. It’s what I call “microscope mindset” where the focus is the bark on the trees instead of the entire forest. There’s nothing wrong with prioritizing specific areas, just don’t neglect the foundational elements in the process.

There are 3 key supplements that we’d recommend as a great foundational starting point:

• A high-quality multivitamin
• A probiotic for gut health (especially if you have digestive issues)
• Omega-3s for brain function, memory, and focus

From there, you can personalize based on your needs. For me, that includes adaptogens for stress, B vitamins and iron for energy, and Vitamin D for hormone support.

#3 NOT USING A PILL PLANNER

High performers thrive on efficiency. Opening multiple supplement bottles daily wastes time and creates friction in your routine. I learned this the hard way—the demands of our businesses, homeschooling, and daily responsibilities meant I often skipped my supplements just because grabbing multiple bottles felt like a herculean effort.

That’s when I invested in a Dosey pill planner. I fill it once a week (or every other week), and instead of fumbling with bottles, I grab the planner. It’s been a game-changer, especially for travel, making it much easier to stick to my routine.

#4 BUYING GENERIC OR LOW-QUALITY SUPPLEMENTS

The supplement industry is flooded with low-quality products. While it might seem easier to grab whatever’s on the shelf at your local store, this is definitely not a great strategy. The quality of your supplements directly impacts their effectiveness. Cheap options may be ineffective at best (a waste of your money)—or harmful at worst.

This is why we mostly stick to physician-grade supplements—they’re often third-party tested, high quality, and, in our experience, consistently deliver results. If you’re going to invest in supplements, make sure they’re worth your time and money.

#5 NOT KEEPING SEASONALITY IN MIND

Your body’s needs aren’t static, so your supplement routine shouldn’t be either. In warmer months, my family spends a ton of time outside—biking, swimming, gardening—so we naturally get plenty of opportunities to soak up Vitamin D. But when colder weather keeps us indoors, I beef up our supplement strategy for immune support (for the family) and hormone health (for me).

And it’s not just about weather. Our business puts on two big live events each year, and during those weeks, Dr. Jones—my husband—takes different supplement stacks to support his energy and focus because he has to present, talk, and interact with so many people. During the holidays, when we’re eating heavier, digestive enzymes can save us from a night of indigestion. Supplements should be a secret weapon to enhance your daily life, not an aggravating effort that creates friction.

#6 NOT LISTENING TO YOUR BODY

Wellness isn’t about blindly following a routine—it’s about physiological awareness. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to ignore how our bodies respond to supplements – especially for high performers. This group tends to juggle much more than the average person, so “tuning in” requires much more intention.

Here’s a few simple questions to ask yourself: 

• Do I feel any different (good or bad) with this supplement?
• Is it giving me the results I expected?
• Do I need to adjust based on my age, stress levels, hormones or season of life?

A simplified regimen (vs. the 30+ bottles a day) makes it easier to track what’s working—and ditch what’s not.

#7 HAVING NO SUPPLEMENT STRATEGY AT ALL

Most people will need supplement support to optimize how they feel and function. For high performers, we have to be even more focused in this area because we spend so much energy each day on everything we’re up to. The right supplements can give you a competitive edge over people who haven’t figured this out.

THE #1 ACTION TO TAKE FROM THIS ARTICLE

If you have no supplement regimen at all, get started with one. Check out point #2 above and create a simple daily routine with the 3 key supplements mentioned. If you have an existing regimen, ensure the essentials in point #2 are covered. If your routine feels too clunky or overwhelming, evaluate and make some choices on where you can cut back. What can you change, switch, or add to support your wellness if you feel like you’re not getting results?

Now, we’d love to hear from you! What’s been your experience with supplements? Do they feel like a chore, or have you found a rhythm that works?