How often do you hear people talk about giving 100%. Phrases like, "You either give 100% or don't give at all," or, "If you always give 100%, things will always work out in the end," are common. As a coach and trainer, I have a bit of an issue with these sayings. They suggest that the only route to success is to give everything you have, all the time, which can be really unhealthy. It can lead to burnout or, at the very least, overwhelm and stress.
Don't get me wrong—there's a lot to be said about the power of hard work and effort. Achieving great things usually requires putting in the work, but it’s not as simple as Hard Work + Hard Work + Hard Work = Success.
Take professional athletes, for example. The amazing individuals we see performing at the Olympics or other high-profile events are expected to perform at 100% only on the day of their competition. A sprinter doesn't spend 100% of their training time sprinting, and a swimmer doesn't swim at full pace all the time. To perform at their peak when it counts, they understand the importance of rest. They give their brain and body a break from high pressure and dedicate time to other supportive activities, like strength training, stretching, studying, eating right, and getting enough sleep. Their coaches insist on incorporating all these elements into their routine because they know it’s crucial for peak performance when it matters.
Now, consider someone with a more typical job. Is it realistic to expect them to perform at 100% all the time? An athlete might need to perform at 100% for a short duration—anywhere from a minute to a few hours—maybe once a week, a month, or even just a few times a year. In contrast, the average worker is often expected to give 100% for 40 hours a week, 47 or 48 weeks a year.
So, what’s expected of you at work? What about your teams? Is the narrative all about giving 100% all the time, or does your workplace understand the importance of ebb and flow, taking time and space to think, create, rest, and recover? We're seeing more organisations adopting strategies like flexible working, four-day workweeks, and hybrid models, acknowledging that people work differently and that different approaches can help them perform at their best. They understand that working at 100% all the time is not the most productive way.
The idea that we must always give 100% can be a myth that's more harmful than helpful. While effort and dedication are important, they must be balanced with rest and recuperation. After all, even the best athletes understand that peak performance is about more than constant exertion. So, instead of constantly pushing yourself to the limit, try to find a rhythm that allows for high performance when it counts and recovery when needed. Remember, it's not about giving everything all the time; it's about giving the right amount at the right time.