The 85% Rule - The Power of Doing Less at Work
19 June 2026

The 85% Rule - The Power of Doing Less at Work

9 to 5 Wellness

About

In our fast-paced world that's constantly pushing for perfection, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle cycle.Β 

In this podcast episode we're diving into a pressing work-life issue raised by a listener, Brittany, who feels overwhelmed by the constant chase for productivity. Here's a breakdown of the key insights and actionable steps to break free from this exhausting loop.

Understanding the Problem

People often tie their self-worth to productivity, leading to a relentless pursuit of goals that eventually cause burnout. High achievers frequently feel guilty for taking breaks and continually set higher goals without pausing to celebrate achievements.

The 85% Rule: A Sustainable Solution

The solution to breaking free from the overwork trap lies in adopting the 85% Rule, a concept embraced by elite athletes and now gaining traction in workplaces for fostering sustainable productivity. By aiming for 85% instead of 100%, you allow room for rest, creativity, and efficiency without hitting the burnout threshold.

Steps to Implement the 85% Rule

    Awareness and Dialogue: Begin by discussing the impact of current work expectations with your manager or team. Propose workshops to share the science and benefits of the 85% philosophy, paving the way for healthier work practices.Set Compassionate Goals: Shift from pushing your limits to setting realistic, achievable targets. Recognize the importance of pacing yourself for long-term success rather than short-term perfection.Cultivate Wellbeing: Introduce wellness programs at work to balance physical and mental health. From meditation to ergonomic training, these initiatives support a more holistic approach to work.Mindset Shift: Evaluate your performance based on qualitative measures like creativity and teamwork, not just quantitative outputs. Encourage a culture that values innovation alongside traditional productivity metrics

Check out our full podcast episode for a deeper dive into these concepts.

Remember to leave us a review for a chance to win a Starbucks gift card this month. Your wellbeing is worth the investment!

00:00 Welcome and Listener Question

02:00 Signs Youre Hustling Wrong

03:43 Introducing the 85% Rule

05:31 Athletes and the 85% Sweet Spot

08:53 Why 100% Backfires at Work

11:35 Science of Sustainable Effort

14:55 How to Apply the 85% Rule

19:01 Mindset Shift and Wrap Up

Send us Fan Mail

🌟 🌟 🌟 If you liked this episode and would like to learn more about wellness training and workshops offered by 9 to 5 Wellness, email us at info@aeshathair.com. You can learn more about our programs at:  https://toneandstrengthen.com/workshops-trainings/. 🌟 🌟 🌟

My passion is helping organizations create a culture of wellness, and I do this by setting up health programs that prioritize the most important asset they've got – their employees. Cheers to a healthier and happier journey ahead!

🌟 🌟 🌟 You can learn more about ME- the host at https://www.aeshatahir.com 

Β Follow me on IG and LI to learn more

https://www.instagram.com/tone_and_strengthen/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeshatahir/