Don’t give 100% . . .

Over the past year, dealing with symptoms of over-exhaustion, has led me to a healthier way of working that is also more effective: consistently delivering at 85% capacity as opposed to operating at maximum capacity all the time. 

Why? The former is a lot more sustainable and yields better results. You can think about it like this — going to the gym 2-3 times a week at full exhaustion, will lead to muscle soreness and for you to start resent working out because over-straining yourself is not fun. Going 4-5 times a week doing lighter work-out allow your muscles to recover more quicker and ultimately you will get more practice and reps in over a longer time frame. 

Now here’s the caveat: by consistently up-skilling and being conscious about working smart not hard, your 85% will be enough for the desired outcome. The end outcome cannot be compromised by lack of effort . . . going at 85% consistently does not mean slacking off, it just means being more conscious of conserving your energy wisely, prioritizing your time and guarding your focus like it’s your biggest prize possession. 

Many elite athletes intentionally train and compete below their maximum threshold to perform better in the long run. The same applies to knowledge work.

• Eliud Kipchoge, the marathon world record holder, is known for training consistently, not manically. His coach insists on “no heroic workouts” — just precise, repeatable efforts that build over time.
• Tom Brady focused heavily on longevity. He structured his entire training philosophy around sustainability, flexibility, and recovery — not just power or intensity.
• Simone Biles famously stepped back during the Tokyo Olympics to protect her mental health. That wasn’t weakness — it was strategic energy conservation. Her long-term ability to perform at a high level depends on these choices. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Simone Biles delivered a remarkable performance, securing four medals.

In sports psych, this mirrors the concept of “deliberate practice” vs. “grind culture.” The best performers build endurance and precision, not burnout. The brain — like the body — needs recovery time to strengthen patterns, process learning, and make intelligent decisions.

Wishing every one an easter break with plenty of recovery and rest! ;)