Why ‘Trying Harder’ Won’t Always Make You Better

I’ve spent most of my career trying to understand productivity.What drives it.What breaks it.How to measure it.And—maybe most painfully—how elusive it really is.The more you try to force performance, the more it slips away.Yes, there are systems. Yes, there are tactics.But performance—like growth—is often more about creating the right conditions and then getting out of the way.Think about raising a child:You can encourage, guide, and support…But at some point, you have to let things unfold naturally.The same goes for doing good work.Sometimes what looks like “not working” is exactly what you need: • A walk. • A real conversation. • A weekend off.All the things we’re told are distractions might actually be the foundation.After reading everything I could get my hands on—and living through the pressure to “move up”—I’ve stopped chasing secret formulas.Instead, I ask: • Is this joyful? • Is this sustainable? • Am I proud of how I’m growing?If the answer is no, then I step back.Performance isn’t a finish line.