The Myth of Maximum Capacity
Why Giving 110% Every Day is Unrealistic and Harmful.
In our fast-paced world, phrases like “give 110%” or “go all out” have become commonplace. The narrative that we must always operate at maximum capacity has become deeply ingrained in our culture and is often viewed as the benchmarks for success. However, this relentless pursuit of perfection and overachievement is not only unrealistic, but also potentially harmful.
The Reality of Human Capacity
Human beings are remarkably resilient, but we are not invincible. Our energy levels and emotional states fluctuate naturally. Expecting to operate at peak performance every single day overlooks the simple fact that we have limits. For instance, consider an athlete who trains hard for a competition. They don’t push their bodies to the extreme every day; they incorporate rest days and recovery periods to ensure they perform optimally when it counts. Similarly, in our daily lives, we need to recognise and respect our cognitive and physical limits.
Too often, we fall into the trap of living an additive lifestyle. Reflecting on my teenage years now that I am well into my thirties, I marvel at how I could spend countless hours playing PlayStation. Then, it hits me: back then, my only real responsibilities were taking care of myself and making sure I was at school on time. As we grow up we absorb more and more responsibilities; career progression, loan repayments, household chores, grocery shopping, school pick-ups… constantly piling more onto our plates. Yet, every time we take on new responsibility, we immediately search for more time in our day to fit it in. This results to our days magically extending from eight hours, to nine hours then ten hours, and before you know it, we are still awake at 3am in the morning just trying to fit everything in.
Continually overextending ourselves is like trying to run a marathon at a sprint pace. It’s unsustainable and can lead to serious consequences, both mentally and physically. Burnout manifests as chronic fatigue, detachment, and a sense of inefficacy. It's not a sign of weakness, but a signal that we've pushed too far for too long. To maintain long-term productivity and well-being, it's crucial to balance periods of intense work with adequate rest and recovery. Ignoring this balance can result in decreased performance, increased errors, and health issues.
You can only give what your mind and body is willing to do. Acknowledging we are human and require periods of rest and recovery will ultimately improve your productivity and performance over time.
Reframing the Narrative
Instead of striving to give more than what’s realistically possible, focus on giving 100% of what you have each day. This approach acknowledges that some days, your 100% might look different. Perhaps today, 100% is handling basic tasks while taking care of your mental health. Other days, 100% could mean tackling complex projects with full energy. By embracing this mindset, you honour your current state and work within your realistic limits.
We often judge ourselves harshly on days when we aren’t at our best, forgetting that variability is a normal part of the human experience. Imagine a musician who performs a flawless concert one night, but struggles during practice the next day. Does that struggle negate their talent or dedication? Of course not. Similarly, our off days don’t define us. They are just part of our natural rhythm. Understanding and accepting this variability can help us approach our work with more compassion and realism.
Quality Over Quantity
As a society we often equate speed and volume with productivity and success. However, true productivity is about the quality of our work and the value it creates. Completing tasks quickly might provide immediate satisfaction, but if the quality is compromised, the long-term impact is negative. Focus on delivering thoughtful, well-crafted work, even if it means taking a bit more time and having to say no to committing to something else. It’s saying no that is often the hardest part, but as a society we need to become more comfortable with saying it to protect our wellbeing. This shift in perspective not only enhances the quality of our output, but will hopefully contribute to a more fulfilling balance in life.
It’s difficult to say no, especially in the workplace. Saying no often is commonly linked to being defiant or not a team player. However, it’s also not sustainable to say yes to everything. Finding a balance that allows you to complete tasks to a high standard requires you to manage your responsibilities like a wardrobe. When you add something new in, you need to take something out. If you simply keep adding things without doing a spring clean, eventually your wardrobe will explode.
Practical Tips for Sustainable Productivity
Set Realistic Goals: Start each day by assessing your energy levels and mental state. Set achievable goals that align with your current capacity. This helps prevent overwhelm and maintains a steady pace of progress.
Prioritise Self-Care: Incorporate self-care into your routine. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and hobbies that bring joy are essential for maintaining high energy levels and mental clarity.
Moments of Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices can help you stay grounded and reduce stress. When feeling overwhelmed, take a few moments to centre yourself and refocus. It’s as simple as taking a moment to have your favourite cup of tea, or going out for some fresh air.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out for help when needed. Whether it’s delegating tasks at work or asking for emotional support from friends and family, collaboration can lighten your load.
Celebrate Progress: Recognise and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This positive reinforcement boosts morale and encourages continued effort. You unpacked the dishwasher before work this morning! That’s deserving of an extra shot of caramel in your coffee today.
The Take Away
The myth of giving 110% every day sets an unattainable standard that can lead to frustration and burnout. By reframing the narrative to focus on giving 100% of what we have on any given day, we create a more compassionate and sustainable approach to productivity. Remember, it’s not about how quickly we complete tasks, but the quality of our efforts and the integrity of our actions.
Being productive is not about pushing ourselves to the brink, but about understanding our individual rhythms and working within them. It’s about embracing our humanity and acknowledging our limitations that will ultimately allow us to thrive both personally and professionally. By adopting a realistic approach to productivity, we not only enhance the quality of our output, but also safeguard our well-being.
