It ensures you have the bandwidth to handle unexpected demands and engage in creative and strategic thinking. Plus, it preserves your energy, allowing you to dial up your effort in moments that are critical for your visibility and career advancement.

An added bonus – and an important one – is the reduction in stress. This can improve overall workplace wellbeing and help maintain a better work-life balance. By not always maxing yourself out, you create room for personal growth and recovery, which are essential for long-term success and health.

How to optimise your performance at 85 per cent

While it’s not a precise science and everyone’s 85 per cent will look different, here are three strategies our clients have found beneficial.

1. Maintain an achievement portfolio. Compile a concise record of your contributions and their impact on the company. Use an Excel spreadsheet to log tasks, your involvement, and results like cost savings or revenue generated.

Include measurable achievements and screenshots of positive feedback from stakeholders or management. This portfolio acts like your personal career highlights reel, underlining your value to the company and strengthening your case for career advancement.

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Share it with management well ahead of performance conversations to ensure your contributions are recognised.

2. Get better at prioritising. Focus on key tasks that have a significant impact on your success. Spend most of your energy on these tasks and consider delegating less critical ones. Mastering prioritisation can help preserve your energy and prevent feeling overwhelmed.

3. Learn to say “no”. Manage your capacity by tactfully declining tasks that don’t align with your main responsibilities or where you’re at your capacity limit.

You could say, “Thank you for considering me. I’m currently focused on X, Y, and Z. Perhaps this could be a great opportunity for [a less busy colleague] to develop their skills?” Or “I think Sally is better suited for this task given her expertise in _____.” This protects your time and encourages a collaborative team environment.

Embrace the wisdom of the well-known saying: “It’s not about working harder, but smarter.” Sometimes, less really is more when it comes to sustainable success and wellbeing.

Shadé Zahrai is a behavioural strategist, and award-winning peak performance educator to Fortune 500s. Co-founder of Influenceo Global, she advises global brands on matters spanning leadership, culture and performance. Follow her on LinkedIn here.

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