Maximum Efficiency vs. Burn-out - Part 1

"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat."
~ Roosevelt, American President (b. 1858)

Most of us strive for maximum efficiency, whether in ourselves as individuals, our company, or employees that report to us. We want to get the most return for our money, energy and time. But maximum efficiency by definition means that if you go beyond, something will break. Right?

Or not?

This issue will focus on the individual aspect. Let’s start with the standards we hold ourselves to. What does it take for you to feel really productive? Is it hours put in, results achieved, financial reward, or some combination of all of these? How do you find out what you’re really capable of, unless you push the envelope?

A colleague of mine has a company that focuses primarily on this concept of finding your limit and pushing past it. He does it through the metaphor of a ropes course. One of the benefits is that you get to find out what that feels like, and gain the confidence to push yourself further than you might otherwise, in an environment that is quite safe, with the risk elements managed and minimized.

But what about in your own life, where the risks might in fact be as great as they seem? How far should you push yourself?

Most people can safely go way beyond their normal limit for a short period of time. Equate that to sprinting – you can run fast and hard, but not interminably. If you sprinted for too long, you’d collapse and perhaps do some real damage to your body.

If you’ve experienced times when you’ve worked sixty-hour weeks, or cared for someone who is terminally ill, you know that you can perform super-heroically for a while, with adrenalin and a strong enough purpose driving you. But you’ve also probably experienced getting sick or being completely drained energy-wise at the end of that run.

So where is the balance? You’ll need to make some decisions about how much you’re willing to risk in order tofind your own “Pointus Maximus.” Here’s a quick Cost/Benefit analysis for individuals:

1. Get clear about what you value most in life – is it relationships, career success, financial independence, contribution? How does your current life balance stack up against that ideal measure? You will always have more stamina and heart for endeavors that are in alignment with your highest values.
2. What are the risks? For example, if you’re busting your tail to make a company of your own successful, are you willing to risk:
   • Your own capital, and perhaps that of investors?
   • Relationships (family and friends) that may suffer for lack of time and attention?
   • Not having the time to broaden yourself through non-work activities such as sports, church, and classes?
3. What’s the pay-off? I sometimes find clients push themselves to the max without being entirely sure why they are doing so. Sometimes it’s habit, or a work ethic that we’ve inherited from a boss, colleague or parent. Sometimes it’s an addiction to being busy, or feeling indispensable.

Make sure that your pay-off is worthwhile. If you like to push yourself because it’s fascinating to you to discover what your potential is, fabulous! If you have a goal of working like a fiend for the next ten years so that you can retire early, go for it! If you’re not sure why you’re in constant overwhelm, but can’t seem to stop, it’s time to do some self-examination.

A coach can be a great partner in that process.

July issue:
The Top 10 Ways to tell whether you’re Coasting or Burning Out

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