The 100% Lie: Why You Should STOP Trying to Function at Maximum Capacity | Dr. Rami Nader

You have likely heard things like, “You have to give 110%”, “No days off”, “Live every day like it’s your last”. While these quote sound really inspiring and motivational, they are actually based on a lie and false notion that we can function at maximum capacity all the time. Always trying your hardest and giving 100% of your capacity is a recipe for burnout, stress, anxiety and depression. Although these types of attitudes are often encouraged, the notion of always trying your hardest has three main problems:
1) Things tend to break down and become less efficient as you approach 100% capacity.
2) Functioning at 100% capacity gives you no room for any new or unexpected demands that may come up.
3) Functioning at 100% does not give you any buffer in case you have a drop in capacity.
Therefore, the goal is to treat life like a marathon and pace yourself so that you remain as efficient and functional as much as possible. You don’t always have to give 100% and by not trying to function at maximum capacity all the time, you will likely be more efficient, less anxious, less stressed and feel better.
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[@tabithaormiston-smith590]

This is the best thing I have ever seen about workplace productivity, you don't just preserve your health by working calmly and steadily instead of going at it like a mad bull, you are MORE EFFECTIVE AT YOUR WORK. And when things really hit the fan, you have that bit extra in your tank. And you can keep it up in the long term, working sensibly. Back when I was working in the city my boss told me one day how she valued me because I 'worked so hard'. (yes, I was a legend at the job.) I told her that I really didn't; the huge productivity she loved so much came from WORKING ALL DAY. And what I mean by 'all day' is from 9 to 5, with sensible breaks. I.E. not spending 6 hours surfing the net for recipes and celebrity gossip etc. I would start in the morning and work in priority order at a sensible pace.

[@jessicagaudin4450]

I’ve been searching YT for years to find this kind of content. Thank you for your perspective and rationale! So much content is about how you should always do more and achieve more, but for some of us it’s difficult to do the minimum.

[@DrRamiNader]

Hi Jessica - thank you for your comment and I'm am very pleased you found the video helpful. The notion of always pushing yourself and trying to do more sound good in theory because that is pushed in our society. However, it's ultimately ineffective for most people and can make a person feel so much worse. Thank you for supporting the channel and I hope you find some of my other videos helpful as well.

[@danweir]

I sometimes listen to you vids when I go to sleep -- not because they're boring (on the contrary), but because I think you have a very soothing manner. Thanks for doing these.

[@DrRamiNader]

That's really nice to hear Dan. Thank you for your kind words.

[@rabiabelani1184]

The marathon metaphor is really helpful to understand the concept

[@rebeccajones9757]

I wish I had seen this fresh out of high school. I used to get sick a lot. I'm 41 and still have trouble saying no to things and not staying busy every waking moment (and some moments when I shouldn't be awake).

[@riorisa6613]

Thank you Dr Nader! Your talks are very down to earth practical. Never thought that if I do 100%, I would not have capacity for anything else and things happen and you cannot predict what will happen. For example on Thursday I made a long list with my tasks I was able to finish all of them but one. I started to watch a program to relax and they called me from my son’s school that he dislocated his knee cap. I was exhausted and it was such a great effect to summon all my strength and deal with this accident. Needless to say that I spend next two days only sleeping and taking care of my son and I was not able to do anything on my list for which I feel very guilty. But after your video not so much. My case is such a good illustration of what you explain in your video...to the dot. Thank you once again.

[@DrRamiNader]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. Glad you have found the videos helpful.

[@jackiedicarlo1557]

I just started watching your videos yesterday. I love your advice. It's very freeing and makes so much sense. I'm a recovering perfectionist, and I'm getting older, so I needed this.

[@DrRamiNader]

Welcome to the channel! I'm glad you have found the videos helpful!

[@kaydabot9368]

Appreciate you as always. You're helping me pick myself back up after falling.

[@DrRamiNader]

Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad you're picking yourself up and feeling better.

[@jayde7412]

Hi, Dr. Nader you are right life is a marathon but most of us act like it's a sprint. Working at a slower pace is a much better option and less stressful. You really do give great advice. Thanks!

[@DrRamiNader]

Hi Jayde - thanks for the comment and your ongoing support of the channel. Far too often people get the message that they have to push harder and work more to feel good, when in fact, that may be what is causing them to feel so miserable!

[@jaetillinghast2028]

Thank you Dr Rami Nader. I am newly retired and ever so thankful. I am learning how to maintain balance. I like this video. As a student I reminded myself that earning a B grade was good enough. I think that relaxing and having "down time" is really important. Thanks, Jae

[@DrRamiNader]

Hi Jae - so pleased you found the video helpful. "Good enough" is not always a bad thing.

[@bad_egg000]

That's what I did. Now, I ended up with anxiety for months. I feel so restless even if I sleep 8 hrs 😢

[@rayoftxsunshine]

This was helpful, thank you!

[@DrRamiNader]

You're very welcome!

[@neginpedersen1506]

Amazing video, thank you. Would be great if you could explain more or give examples how not to give 110?

[@DrRamiNader]

Hi Negin - good question. An example would be not overpreparing for a presentation or test. Prepare what would be a reasonable amount, without going over the top or an excessive amount of time for preparation. Hope that makes sense.

[@neginpedersen1506]

@@DrRamiNader Yeah it does make sense. Thank you for the reply!

[@DrRamiNader]

@@neginpedersen1506 You're welcome!

[@7friesen]

So true!

[@walnutrd]

Thank you so much for the very helpful content. You have a gift for explaining while at the same time making it immediately applicable and giving hope. Through these lockdowns I realize expecting less from myself is more realistic and self-compassionate.

[@DrRamiNader]

Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. I'm glad you found the video helpful.

[@joanryan2242]

This makes so much sense..im always feeling im not doing enough..hens my anxiety Thank you for your inspiring talk .

[@DrRamiNader]

You're very welcome!

[@melciad8980]

Wonderful, very helpful

[@DrRamiNader]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@damnthisuser]

This makes sense to me.

[@DrRamiNader]

I'm glad to hear that.

[@fordfalcon85]

Love your videos Dr Nader. I was struck down with physical symptoms like LPR/GERD and IBS in Jan 2019 after years of severe generalised anxiety, panic and finally a traumatic event. Then about a month later, on the 25th Feb, I woke up with derealisation (took ages to discover what it was) which was very frightening and has turned my life upside down even 3 years later (although I am managing better after switching to a less stressful job). Would love to see a video on DPDR and some of your useful tips. Thank you from Australia.

[@DrRamiNader]

Hi Chris - derealization and depersonalization are on my list of future videos to do, so I will get to those topics at some point. Thanks for supporting the channel!

[@fordfalcon85]

@@DrRamiNader Thank you, looking forward to them.

[@amandapirela6703]

Thank you so much for this content ❤ I was needing this :(

[@DrRamiNader]

Hi Amanda - you are very welcome. Glad you found it helpful! Take care.

[@chitskrish]

Totally agree with you

[@DrRamiNader]

Glad you found the video helpful.

[@rsoin]

Thank you for all your videos. Your knowledge, insights and explanations are very informative and helpful.

[@DrRamiNader]

Thanks for the feedback! I'm glad you found the video helpful.

[@lynda8852]

Thank you for this video it is so useful . It makes me wonder if you do break down how would you look after yourself mentally

[@lynda8852]

When it it does happen how do you get well from it Lynda

[@DrRamiNader]

I always recommend to people to start small and set goals that match their level of energy and motivation - doesn't matter how small the goals are or how simplistic they seem. It's just about succeeding at something, no matter how small it seems.

[@FuegoJaguar]

"Live every day like its your last!"?? If today is my last day, I'm giving 1%. I'll be listening to music, eating pizzas, smoking joints, and lounging with my loved ones. Actually that sounds like great advice now that I think about it, just not in the way the head mic guy thought ;)

[@LeonidSpartanKing]

Sir more on social anxiety pls 😊

[@DrRamiNader]

There are some coming in the next few months, so keep an eye out for them

[@dtgiabao9915]

Thankssss

[@DrRamiNader]

You're welcome. Glad you found it helpful.

[@ajmosutra7667]

But what if i feel even more depressive not giving 100%, for what i couldve done before and then, felt more fullfilled. What if my depression is a result od not being able to give my best and succed and influence those around me? What if i want a meaningfull life but it requiers me giving my all to only qualify.

[@DrRamiNader]

Hi Ajmo - I'd encourage you to take a look at this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYrbeKp_rZ5jfqc

[@Gemparkzz]

Your mode of explaining reminds me of the way most islamic scholar (ustadh) prefer i.e. through day to day experience analogy.

[@jeankipper6954]

Wish I'd heard this earlier.

[@rebeccajones9757]

Also, let me say that I got a lot done yesterday and today I am sore.

[@supersmart671]

My ex-boss expected to give my 100% and I was of the understanding that (after CBT) realized that you should not burn yourself out. I tried that and I lost my job, lost my respect within my family and this caused a considerable tension. And that lead to me another episode of depression. Still recovering. In retrospect I should have given my 100% all the time. I should have stayed late in office. Worked on weekends. I would have been in the good books of my boss...I think we should aim for 100% then only we can hit at least 80% if you aim for 80% you will only get 60%.

[@DrRamiNader]

Sorry to hear about your experiences. Ideally it would be great if we could function at 100% all the time. But it's just not possible or realistic.

[@supersmart671]

@@DrRamiNader Yes, but these days, employers are expecting the employees to give 100%..If not, one finds oneself unemployed. There is greater risk of relapsing into depression. So, it is better to at least strive to work 100% in order to stay in the good books of your employers.

[@venusdoom90]

You should never give 100% Just because someone sacked you for not doing extra it's their problem. And also why want to impress your family anyway?

[@supersmart671]

@@venusdoom90 Family is my only support system. They feel I have let them down and my relationship is at all time low and I am sinking deeper into depression

[@venusdoom90]

@@supersmart671 I know exactly what you feel, and btw I'm not here to lecture you in any way and if I came across rude in first comment please take no offence as I suffer with depression myself and have thoughts of failing my family. Your family Is there to support you and I don't think you should feel obligated to excessively burning yourself in order for them to see you as someone worth supporting.

[@ardaduman3131]

Breathe breathe this world is a lie