The Hidden Cost of being "too good" at your job

Have you ever felt like you're constantly pushing to operate at 100%, thinking that's what's expected to get ahead?

I used to think that pushing myself was the ticket to advancement. That relentless productivity would lead to recognition and rewards.

But here’s what I’ve learned...

Being “too good” at your job might actually be holding you back.

It's true.

Let me paint a picture: You’re the go-to person in your team, the one who gets things done quickly and efficiently. You excel, and everyone knows they can rely on you.

BUT, instead of being rewarded, your workload just keeps growing. More responsibilities, higher expectations – because hey, “you handled the last task so well!”

Sound familiar?

Here’s where it gets tricky. Your competence is building your reputation, yes, but it can also lead to burnout.

Why?

Because being “too good” can unintentionally signal to management that you can handle even more — and suddenly, you’re swamped, without the recognition or compensation you deserve.

Maybe they call it “a great opportunity for growth” or “a chance to prove your potential,” but we both know what’s really happening. It’s a sign of a culture that values output over well-being.

For those seen as “too competent,” there’s another layer of pressure: the fear of letting others down, the need to prove your worth, and the constant weight of expectations. And if you’re part of a minority group, that pressure can feel even heavier.

Here’s another risk:

When you’re always operating at full capacity, you’re exhausted. So when a real opportunity for advancement comes along, you’re too burnt out to take it. You miss out, and the cycle of exhaustion and anxiety continues.

But , it doesn’t have to be this way.

That’s where my “85% Rule” comes in.

The idea is simple: Work consistently at 85% capacity — no more, no less.

This approach keeps your productivity high without stretching yourself too thin. By operating at 85%, you preserve energy for the moments that really matter — those critical moments that can boost your visibility and career growth.

Plus, it reduces stress, which is key for maintaining well-being and balance.

Here are three strategies to help you work smarter, not harder

(and hit that sweet spot of 85%):

1. Keep an Achievement Portfolio

This is a must! Document your contributions and their impact — whether it’s a spreadsheet or a journal, log tasks, results, and even feedback. This portfolio becomes your personal highlight reel, showing your value and strengthening your case for advancement. Share it before performance reviews so your hard work doesn’t get overlooked.

It can be as simple as a table with three columns: (1) Task, (2) Skills Applied, (3) Result/Impact.

2. Prioritize Like a Pro

Focus on tasks that have a real impact on your success, not merely 'busywork' that makes you feel productive, but just distracts you. Spend most of your energy here, and delegate the less critical ones. Prioritizing helps you conserve energy and avoid overwhelm. For example, instead of spending hours perfecting your slide formatting (I tend to get distracted by things like this), focus on drafting a compelling message that drives action. Delegate the formatting tweaks to a team member (or even an AI tool)... Your time is far better spent crafting the strategy behind the presentation.

3. Learn the Art of Saying “No”

Protect your capacity by tactfully declining tasks that don’t align with your main responsibilities. Try, “Thanks for considering me. I’m focused on X, Y, and Z this week. This might be a great opportunity for [a less busy colleague] to develop their skills.” This protects your time and fosters collaboration.

(That said, if it's an opportunity to grow or showcase your strengths in a new way, evaluate whether it aligns with your long-term goals. If it does, you might say, “I’d love to help with this! I just need to adjust my current priorities first. Can we discuss how to make that work?” This makes sure you're intentional about your commitments without overloading yourself.)

Scrap working harder — you want to be working smarter. Sometimes, less really is more when it comes to sustainable success and well-being.

Take it from someone who’s been there... Giving yourself permission to operate at 85% might just be the smartest move you can make for your career and your health.

This article was written for The Sydney Morning Herald (click here). A modified version appears in this blog post.