Let's not overdo it (the 90% rule)

What if the key to our mental overload wasn’t realizing that... we’re simply doing too much?

At a time when performance and productivity are upheld as the trophies of a successful day, we might wonder about the implications of this tangled web of tasks on our well-being. Sure, we may enjoy the fruits of it at the end of the day (if we even do...), but at what cost in terms of mental load, of (de)regulation of our nervous system, the impact on our social interactions, etc.?

The 90% rule encourages us to limit our level of involvement (and the number of tasks planned) to a maximum of 90% of our full intellectual and creative capacity. This way, you create space for any unforeseen requests, like that phone call or notification, which won’t overflow the cup (since it wasn’t full in the first place).

By leaving room for the unexpected (and we know something unexpected will pop up on the way, every day), you ensure you can absorb new information without triggering your vigilance system into red alert.

Applied daily, this technique helps increase flow, improve the quality of social relationships, and enhance overall peace of mind. In short, it creates space. And it helps you become more “available.”

This way, you'll always have some time available for that coffee happily shared with a colleague, that unexpected friendly phone call, or that “check-in” requested by a co-worker, without disrupting the flow of your productive creativity.

What if we started valuing availability (to oneself, to others) over productivity?

So, does that mean we’re less efficient?

You can absolutely be at 100% of your concentration for 90% of your productive time. In fact, your attention span will be enhanced by these micro-breaks that you give your nervous system, allowing it to rest and regenerate its creativity before you get back to work.

The goal of unyielding, high productivity from 9 to 5 is an illusion. Your brain just isn’t designed to sustain long periods of full focus. It needs playful and restful breaks to recharge the batteries of efficiency and creativity.

In the end, you should be more efficient by aiming for 90% productive time and allowing yourself those restorative pauses that will boost both your results and your well-being.

Photos credits - Thanks to Unseen Studio sur Unsplash, Luis Villasmil sur Unsplash et à Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 sur Unsplash