In today’s fast-paced world, we are constantly being told to “give 110%”. The result (so we are told) is that we will lead a satisfying life in which we enthusiastically say “yes” to all that life has to offer.
It’s a great concept, but it is actually more of a prescription for burnout.
While I firmly believe that it is important to be focused on completing the necessary tasks required to achieve the goals that we want, trying to give more than what is humanly and mathematically possible (i.e., anything over 100%) is misguided.
What’s worse than being told by our managers to “give 110%” is when these expectations are self-imposed – and extend beyond business to all other aspects of our lives. Because giving more than 100% is impossible, not only are we burned out but we are also exhausted and more likely to fail.
I’ve discovered that “giving 110%” usually involves buying into three specific (but misguided) paradigms:
- “Giving 110%” requires multi-tasking and multi-tasking is necessary to achieve success.
- “Giving 110%” demonstrates the extent of our passion and commitment.
- “Giving 110%” views our brains and bodies as inexhaustible resources.
Multi-Tasking Can Sabotage Success
“Giving 110%” is closely related to multi-tasking – which has become an inaccurate catch-all phrase for “efficiency.” The sad truth, however, is that multi-tasking works best for tasks that require manual repetition.
But many of us work in situations that require judgment. These higher-level situations require creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and decision-making. Multi-tasking these types of activities actually undermines our efforts – making us less efficient and even less effective.
We are the most effective when we commit completely to an activity in the moment – whether is is completing a task, helping a friend, or even taking time for ourselves. This concept of mindfulness (or being present in the moment) means no cell phones, no social media, no television, and no activities that deflect our attention from the task at hand.
Instead of multi-tasking, perhaps we should focus more on single-tasking in order to succeed.
“Giving 110%” Can Also Sabotage Our Passion and Commitment
“Giving 110%” is often viewed as the equivalent of wholeheartedly saying “yes” to something or someone. Such a “yes” is something that many of us want – from others and ourselves.
There is no better reinforcement of our estimation of the other person’s worth to us than when we focus intently on them and their needs. Similarly, there is no better reinforcement of our worth to the other person than when we focus intently on the task that they have requested us to do. In both cases, we are choosing to focus (or single-task) on helping them.
But vowing to “give 110%” to another person’s requests requires going beyond our innately human capabities and limitations. Not only can it create burnout, but it can also potentially ignite resentment toward the person demanding that we “give 110%.”
When we are angry and resentful, it is difficult (if not impossible) for us to retain our initial levels of passion and commitment to the task.
Sleep Is a Sacred Act of Renewal
Our brains and bodies are miraculous in their ability to process a vast array of our conscious thoughts as well as those simultaneous autonomic responses that keep us alive: heart rate, breathing, digestion, etc. With all this expended effort and energy, it is crucial to our physiological and psychological health that we take time for renewal.
Unfortunately, sleep (or the lack thereof) is often the first indication that our attempts to “give 110%” have depleted our resources. Sleep disturbances and insomnia make it impossible for our brains and our bodies to replenish.
Sleep is sacred, sacrosanct, and critical for human survival. Without sleep to renew us, we cannot even begin to take the necessary steps to succeed.
In business, we all know that if our expenses (what we give out) are 110% of our income (what we take in), then we will run a deficit and face potential bankruptcy. Why can we understand this simple mathematical concept when it comes to money…but ignore it when it comes our people?
Dr. Geri Puleo, SPHR, is the President and CEO of Change Management Solutions, Inc., an eLearning and Coaching company focused on eradicating workplace burnout through the B-DOC Model. An entrepreneur for over 25 years, keynote speaker, author, blogger, business coach, university professor, and researcher, you can see her “in action” by watching her TEDx Talk on YouTube. To contact Dr. Puleo, please go to www.gapuleo.com.
A New Way to Work 
Geri, keep up the terrific work on “Job Burnout” In almost every job, occupation,etc. we are PUSHED to do MORE and then if we do, we get our names on the “Goodie Board” to celebrate our 110%+ performance. …and we sit at our desks seeing we now belong to the “Good Doobe’s Club” Yeah!!!! If we all continue to buy into that nonsense we are doomed and at the end of the road – “Burn Out” …and it has a domino effect on our relationships with family, friends and loved ones. Always remember our first priority in life is ourselves (NO this is not being selfish). We can not be of help to any job, person(s) or any other situation unless we are fit ourselves: mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Remember, there is life after “Job Burnout”. I know — I am a “Job Burnout” survivor!!!!!
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment on my post! I agree that, even as adults, we are all still trying to get the “gold stars” and “brownie points” that we tried to achieve as children. Taking of yourself first is NOT selfish — even flight attendants teach that parents traveling with small children should put the oxygen masks on themselves first so that they are then able to take care of their children. Congratulations on being a job burnout survivor!
Great post! Going at a high pace level is not sustainable in the long run. It often brings success, but with success brings higher expectations and greater responsibility. I’ve recently found myself in a situation where I needed to take a step back to rest, rejuvenate and evaluate. Your post hits home! Thanks for posting!
Congratulations on having the courage to step back from an unrealistic hectic pace! Although we all intuitively know that we can’t keep going on overdrive forever, it is still very difficult to take a much needed break. Since your handle is “Going On Sabbatical,” I’ll bet you’ve gained a lot of great insights and a new attitude toward work as a result. Best of luck!