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Even high performers can only work in peak mode for about two hours at a time, and risk tipping the balance from "good stress" to "bad stress" when they don't, a leading coach warns.

In his new book, Beating burnout, finding balance, mindfulness and performance coach Melo Calarco says that for some high performers, pushing themselves out of their comfort zone has an "addictive" element.

When things go right it can be rewarding, challenging and fulfilling to make courageous decisions, motivate a team, and constantly deal with fear and uncertainty. But it also takes considerable energy, so they need to be aware of their limits, he says...