You Don’t Have to Max Out

Just because you could be doing more doesn’t mean you’re not doing enough as it is. You don’t have to max yourself out to prove that you work hard, that you’re committed to your goals, that you’re a dedicated employee, or anything else. Sometimes it is better to give more of your attention to a small amount of tasks and projects than it is to divvy out a small amount of attention to a lot of different things. 

In fact, you are more effective in your work when you are not overloading your schedule. There’s a misconception that being busy means being productive, but some of our most productive moments come when we allow ourselves time to rest and recover between important tasks. In order to take care of your responsibilities, you must first take care of yourself. People often overlook the impact that enough sleep, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and creative outlets can have on your professional success. When you take care of your mind and body, you will feel it in all aspects of your life.

On the other hand, pushing yourself to the limit will quickly lead to burnout. Once you start feeling the effects of burnout, it is difficult to get your momentum back. Additionally, excessive stress can lead to physiological changes. You may start feeling weak, tired, shaky, and a number of other negative effects. An influx of cortisol weakens your immune system. When I max myself out, I find myself getting sick. There have been several instances where I pushed myself until my body made me step back and slow down. It is important to stay ahead of the crash by resting your mind and body throughout the week. It is also why I am a big supporter of taking your vacation days and why I think you should never feel guilty for it. Helping yourself helps your work output, which in turn helps the organization as a whole.

Think of it like putting the oxygen mask in an airplane on yourself first before you can assist anyone else. Taking care of yourself is the first step in being an effective employee, so start treating it as the essential task it is and stop maxing yourself out. Again, just because you could be doing more doesn’t mean you aren’t already doing enough. 

-Meghan Slaughter