High Performance is Dead - Long Live Sustainable High Performance
In the relentless pursuit of productivity, the concept of 'high performance' has become a way for us to beat ourselves up for failing to achieve "success".
We've normalised a culture of constant hustle, hero-worshipped folks who pull all-nighters or wake up at 2am (hello Mark Wahlberg), and forced ourselves to believe that stress, exhaustion or even burnout could somehow be a necessity to achieve maximum performance.
But at what cost? The lies of traditional high performance have left a whole category of overachievers feeling overwrought, overstressed, and, ultimately, over it.
This isn't a eulogy for high performance; it's a call to change our definition of success in this modern work culture. This starts with throwing out the playbook on unsustainable, obsessive productivity and instead designing an ethos that champions long-term resilience and fulfilment — Sustainable High Performance.
The traditional model around high performance is broken
Once upon a time, the high-performer was a beacon of inspiration; the role model whom many aspired to emulate.
Alas, this narrative failed to include the morning-after effect — burnout, health issues, and chronic stress disorders. The reality is that the push for peak performance at all costs is both economically and socially unsustainable. It's a costly race that we're all too often running just to stand still.
A study by the American Institute of Stress found that job stress is the major source of stress for American adults, with 83% of workers suffering from work-related stress. This statistic underscores the unsustainable nature of traditional high-performance cultures that prioritises productivity over well-being and being well.
The World Health Organization has recognised workplace stress as a 'global epidemic.' In the light of this, a report from Gallup highlighted an equally troubling statistic: 76% of employees experience burnout at least sometimes, and only 4% report never experiencing burnout at all. This stark data vividly illustrates the widespread prevalence of burnout, underscoring the dire need for a fundamental shift in how we approach productivity and success in the workplace.
Further contributing to the conversation, a study conducted by Harvard Business Review found that 96% of senior leaders reported feeling burned out to some degree, with one-third of them identifying the burnout as extreme. This statistic highlights the pervasive and detrimental effects of the traditional high-performance, not just on the general workforce, but for those at the very top of their leadership game.
I can keep going.
The evidence is clear however: it is imperative for us to reevaluate our definitions and pathways to success.
Not only for the sake of a sustainable work culture. But for the sake of our own sanity and health.
Short-term Gains vs. Long-term Sustainability
At a company level, the relentless pursuit of high performance can lead to short-term wins that come at the expense of long-term organisational health. Ruthless productivity may increase immediate output, but studies demonstrate a correlated decrease in quality and employee engagement. The 'now, now, now' culture undermines the steps necessary for continuous, sustainable growth.
If a business is a sum of its parts, it stands to reason that stressed, overburdened parts contribute to a crumbling whole. Individuals who push themselves beyond reasonable limits face not just their personal breaking points but also the increasing inability to function as a cohesive, innovative team. Productive teams are those who trust, respect, and collaborate; not grind each other into the ground.
“The greatest wealth is health.”
This timeless quote by the ancient Roman poet resonates deeply with today’s workplace challenges. It underscores the fundamental truth that without our health - both mental and physical - all our achievements are but hollow victories. Our well-being, and us being well, are the foundation for sustainable success.
The new kid on the block: sustainable high performance
Sustainable high performance is a paradigm shift.
It's moving from a sprinter's mentality — where projects are rushed and resources depleted — to that of a marathon runner, where endurance and pacing are the keys to lasting success.
This shift isn't just warm and fuzzy; it's strategic, pragmatic, and beneficial for the bottom line.
What is sustainable high performance?
Sustainable high performance isn't about working harder; it's about working smarter.
It's a systemic shift that requires the tools, processes and mindset to embed 3 key changes:
Building up emotional resilience: resilience is our ability to adapt and bounce back from setbacks, challenges, or adversity. Sustainable high performers exhibit resilience by maintaining a positive attitude, staying focused on goals despite obstacles, and effectively managing stress. They're able to view setbacks as opportunities for growth, learning, and improvement rather than mountains impossible to climb.
Finding balance in what we prioritise doing: balance refers to maintaining equilibrium across different aspects of life, including work, personal well-being, relationships, and fun. Sustainable high performers prioritise work-life balance, recognising that sustained success requires maintaining health, relationships, and overall well-being. They are pros at establishing boundaries, managing time effectively, and allocating resources wisely to ensure they can sustain high performance without sacrificing their physical or mental health.
Becoming more adaptable to changes thrown our way: adaptability is our ability to respond effectively to changes, uncertainties, and evolving circumstances. Sustainable high performers demonstrate adaptability by being open to new ideas, embracing change, and continuously seeking opportunities for growth and innovation. They embrace a growth mindset, actively seeking feedback, learning from experiences, and adjusting their strategies or approaches as needed to stay relevant and competitive.
Each of these tenets, when practiced regularly, helps leaders shift from unsustainable patterns of high achievement to something more sustainable, and enjoyable.
Sustainable high performance isn't just about surviving; it's about thriving.
It's shifting the conversation away from quantity of output to quality of outcomes.
How do you get started with sustainable high performance?
Adopting a sustainable high performance model requires practice. Especially if you're a chronic overachiever, an overthinker, a perfectionist or a people pleaser.
Here are 7 shifts to consider when getting started with sustainable high performance:
Prioritise self-care: This means taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Make time for exercise, healthy eating, quality sleep, and activities that bring you joy. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup.
Set boundaries: Learn to say no when necessary and establish clear boundaries around your time and energy. Avoid over-committing and over-extending yourself. Say no when you're considering saying maybe.
Embrace imperfection: Accept that perfection is unattainable and embrace the imperfections in your work and life. Learn from mistakes, rather than beating yourself up for them. Live by this rule: done is better than perfect
Seek support: Don't be afraid to ask for help or seek support from colleagues, mentors, or coaches. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network can make all the difference. Struggling with getting something done: ask for help. That doesn't mean you're weak, it shows a strength in character and helps you build trust with the folks around you.
Cultivate a growth mindset: Continually challenge yourself to learn and grow, viewing failures as opportunities for growth rather than signs of defeat. If you're not failing, you're not learning. One of my favourite quotes of all time - try embracing that.
Be open to feedback: Actively seek feedback from others and be open to constructive criticism. Use it as an opportunity to improve and evolve. Ask for specific feedback, and allow yourself to accept the positive bits rather than just focus on the negative parts.
Reflect and recalibrate: Take time to reflect on your progress and make adjustments as needed. Remember, sustainable high performance is an ongoing process, not a one-time achievement. Try a weekly retro: what went well this week? what could have been better? what's one thing I could try differently next week?
So why should you strive for sustainable high performance?
It's about taking care of yourself while also achieving long-term success. It's about finding balance and fulfilment in both your personal and professional life. And ultimately, it's about creating a positive impact in the world around you. So embrace these principles and continue your journey towards sustainable high performance. Remember, it's not about being perfect, but rather making progress every day. Keep pushing forward and see where it takes you.
Don't let fear or self-doubt hold you back from getting started.
Conclusion
The transition from traditional high performance to sustainable high performance is not only necessary; it's a declaration of intent for a better, more balanced and meaningful, future. Especially at work.
It's time to re-imagine our definition of success and to redefine the benchmarks by which we measure achievement. More than that, it's a matter of leadership — of stepping back from the brink and providing a path that values the wellbeing of the many, not just the might of the few.
It's a means for us to achieve work that fuels us, not depletes us.
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