85% is the new 110%
Are you stuck in the cycle of "giving 110%" every day (or at least trying to), only to feel exhausted, frustrated, and somehow still behind?
I know you pride yourself on being a hard worker. I get that.
And we’ve all heard it: "work harder, push more, hustle harder." The message is clear—maximum effort, maximum reward.
So, what do most lawyers do? They double down. First online in the morning, last offline at night. Revising emails three times, re-reading drafts until their eyes blur, staying locked in "performance mode" all day.
The logic seems sound: push harder, achieve more. The problem? Operating at 100% every day isn’t just unsustainable—it’s counterproductive.
Instead of feeling accomplished, you feel depleted. Burnout creeps in. Despite your best efforts, you’re second-guessing yourself, missing details, and feeling resentment toward work that’s supposed to "pay off" one day.
It’s disheartening to give it all you’ve got—and still feel like it’s not enough.
This is where the 85% rule comes in. Studies with elite athletes show peak performance happens when they operate at about 85%—not 100%.
Why? Because 100% effort creates tension, clouds judgment, and increases mistakes. At 85%, athletes are looser, more focused, and in flow.
What if we took a page out of their book? That might look like starting to:
💡 Stop chasing perfect: After your second or third review of a document, pause. Ask, "Does this meet the assignment’s goals?" If it does, stop.
💡 Check your internal dialogue: Notice when you're telling yourself to "push harder." Are you aiming for "perfect" or "excellent"? Choose excellent. You know the difference.
💡 Be strategic with effort: Identify 1-2 places where "extra effort" actually matters. Focus there. Let "good enough" be good enough everywhere else.
These small shifts make a big impact. As someone who’s coached many lawyers through perfectionism, I’ve seen how this shift increases output and decreases anxiety. It’s not about "doing less"—it’s about doing the right things with precision.
So, here’s my challenge for you: Stop aiming for 110% every day. Try 85%. Pay attention to how you feel and your work product. You might be surprised by what happens when you stop gripping so tightly.
