THE #1 MISTAKE SMART PEOPLE MAKE OVERWORKING =/= OVERSUCCEEDING
Dr Bhamini Cherkatt (PhD)
ICF-certified life coach/I help working professionals to unlock their true potential/Personal & Professional Development Coach| Advocate for Well-being and Work-Life Balance/Best Selling Author/ IBR & ABR Records Holder
Hustle culture lied to you. Burnout is not a badge of honour—it is a barrier to brilliance.
We have been taught that success comes from sheer effort, long hours, and pushing through exhaustion. But psychological research consistently shows: when we chronically overwork, our brain moves into survival mode—creativity, decision-making, and emotional regulation suffer.
What if the real secret to success is not doing more—but doing the right things with a clear, focused mind?
The Myth:
More hours = more success.
The Truth:
According to a Stanford study, productivity plummets after 50 hours a week. Your prefrontal cortex, responsible for planning and focus, gets depleted. Beyond 55-60 hours, you are not just inefficient—you are self-sabotaging.
Cognitive fatigue is real. And it is the enemy of sustainable high performance.
The 3 High-Impact Shifts to Work Smarter (Not Harder)
1. Schedule Rest Like Meetings
Psychologists call this “implementation intention.” When we plan when and where we will do something, the likelihood of follow-through rises dramatically.
Block time on your calendar just for rest—yes, rest is productive.
Example: “Tuesday, 3 PM: Walk. No reschedules.”
Why it works: ➡ Boosts dopamine ➡ Improves memory consolidation ➡ Enhances creative problem-solving
2. Apply the 80/20 Rule
Your brain has limited cognitive bandwidth. If you scatter it across low-impact tasks, you dilute your results.
Focus on the 20% of work that creates 80% of outcomes. Cut the clutter. Protect your mental space.
Ask: 👉 What energises me and moves the needle?
👉 What drains me with little payoff?
Work smarter, not longer.
3. Set 'Stop Times' and Stick to Them
Our brains need psychological detachment after work to recover fully. Without it, stress hormones stay elevated, and long-term burnout risk spikes.
Example: “Log off by 7 PM—no matter what.”
Set boundaries to protect your mind. A well-rested brain is: 31% more productive 3x more creative More emotionally resilient
Where can YOU reclaim just one hour this week to rest and reset?
Drop a comment below — I will hold you accountable.
Let us rewrite the rules of success by honouring your brain, not exhausting it.
#coachbhamini #bsuccessblueprint #worksmarter