For as long as I can remember, I’ve sprinted into everything—business, workouts, new projects—pushing at 100 percent and expecting myself to sustain that pace. But every time, I crash.
In this episode, I step back and analyze that approach. What if success isn’t about how hard you push, but how well you pace yourself? Drawing from manufacturing principles, endurance training, and my own experiences, I explore:
- Why running at 100 percent capacity isn't sustainable (for machines or humans).
- How Zone 2 heart rate training applies to business, productivity, and life.
- The importance of managing physical, mental, and emotional batteries.
- How to balance urgency with sustainability—working smarter, not just harder.
This isn’t about giving up ambition—it’s about applying it in a more strategic, sustainable way. If you’ve ever found yourself burning out, this episode is for you.
Summary Notes / Key Takeaways:
- Sprinting into everything leads to burnout. I’ve done it over and over—pushing hard, then crashing.
- Machines and people both function best at around 75 percent capacity. Running at 100 percent increases breakdowns and downtime.
- Zone 2 training teaches endurance over intensity. Working at a steady, sustainable pace lets you go further.
- The Battery Model: Managing physical, mental, and emotional energy is key to avoiding burnout.
- Urgency vs. Sustainability: The real challenge is balancing quick wins with long-term growth.
- Reframing Success: It’s not about how much you do—it’s about what you sustain over time.
Reflection Questions:
- How do you currently manage your capacity?
- What would it look like to slow down and optimize your output over the long term?
- Where are you sprinting when you should be pacing yourself?
