“I’ll give you 100% when I’m in this role.”
It was my go-to closer in job interviews. And I meant it.
I prided myself on being a workhorse — constantly striving to give 100% effort to my career.
I believed this “level of commitment” would lead to great business results and personal recognition and career growth.
What did it lead to? Burnout.
That’s why I no longer give 100% to work, not even to my own businesses. And ironically, NOT giving 100% has brought me — and the companies I work with — greater success and well-being.
What does “100% effort” event mean?
It’s a vague, subjective concept we’ve turned into a sign of being a good employee.
No one knows how to define it, let alone measure it. So, striving for it doesn’t boost productivity. It only creates exhaustion and frustration.
Striving for 100% effort at work is a direct route to burnout.
It is widely known that chronic workplace stress and perfectionism are major drivers of burnout, a condition that impacts 77% of professionals during their careers.
Burnout doesn’t just make you tired — it depletes your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It’s why you might feel overwhelmed, disconnected from loved ones, and detached from activities that once brought you joy.
You’re a whole person with a full life.
In my Ultimate Life Upgrade Workbook, I help you review nine key areas of life — and career is just one piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture.
Here’s the hard truth: Overcommitting to work comes at the expense of your relationships, creativity, and personal satisfaction. And, it rarely produces the positive career impact you’re hoping for.
It’s the ultimate reverse Uno.
Looking back, I realize my 100% promise set me up to be a workhorse without boundaries.
Everything changed when I stopped focusing so much on giving 100% effort and started focusing on adding value.
Here’s how you can shift, too:
❓ Ask yourself: “In the absence of giving 100%, how else will I (and my company) know I’m succeeding in my career.
📆 Reclaim control of your calendar and time: You are not needed in all those meetings. That is effort, not necessarily value.
😎 Take time off and truly rest: If you are burned out, small breaks are better than taking one big trip.
🛑 Stop chasing perfection: Your good enough is someone else’s perfect. And complet “good enough” is always better than incomplete “perfection.”
✋🏾 Set boundaries and say no when needed: You must learn this skill (even with your boss, volunteers, board, etc.).
When you let go of the “100%” mindset, you’ll reclaim your energy, creativity, and peace.
And guess what? No one will notice the difference — but you will.
The pursuit of 100% isn’t noble—it’s draining. Instead, aim for harmony between work and life. Download my Ultimate Life Upgrade Workbook to get started.
Download your free Ultimate Life Upgrade Workbook to gain clarity, create balance, and design a life you love.This workbook is designed to help you visualize and evaluate your satisfaction with the nine key areas of your life so you have more of what you want … now.