The Guilt of Not Being 150% Productive: When “Good Enough” Feels Like Failure

I watched her hold back tears as I shared a comment from the host of my favorite podcast, a simple sentence that hit a nerve: “I feel guilty if I’m not giving 150%.”

Her nod said everything I needed to know. She didn’t have to explain; I understood because I’ve been there too. The weight of juggling a demanding career, a home that doesn’t run itself, and the unspoken expectation to be all things to all people. It’s exhausting. And even when you’re giving everything you’ve got, there’s still that nagging voice saying, It’s not enough.

That moment stuck with me. It reminded me of the countless times I’ve felt the same—overwhelmed, stretched too thin, and unable to shake the guilt of slowing down. And I realized just how many women are silently battling this pressure, caught in a cycle of overachieving without pausing to ask, What do I really want for my life?

Why the Need to Overperform?

Quite often, we don't realize we're doing it but the pressure to be 150% productive shows up in different ways. For example:

• Being the Last One in the Office: Tasha, a senior manager, makes sure she’s always the first to arrive and the last to leave, even when her work is done. She fears that leaving “on time” will make her seem less committed, especially as one of the only Black women in her department.
• Saying “Yes” to Everything: Simone, a mid-level executive, can’t seem to say no. Whether it’s extra projects, mentoring, or volunteering for committees, she takes it all on—even when she’s stretched thin. Why? Because she feels like saying “no” might label her as uncooperative or ungrateful.
• Over-preparing for Every Meeting: Jada, a project lead in tech, spends hours over-preparing for meetings, creating detailed presentations and rehearsing her talking points. While her colleagues wing it, she feels she has to prove her expertise every time, fearing that any misstep might reinforce harmful stereotypes.
• Taking on Emotional Labor: Danielle, a nonprofit director, mentors junior employees of color, advocates for diversity initiatives, and serves as an unofficial therapist for colleagues dealing with workplace bias. While meaningful, this unacknowledged labor adds to her already overwhelming workload.
• Overcorrecting After a Mistake: Amina, a lawyer, made a minor error in a report and spiraled into overperformance mode, taking on extra cases and working late to ensure no one ever doubts her competence again.
• Ignoring Personal Needs: Carmen, an academic, avoids discussing her personal life at work and hesitates to ask for flexibility when family matters arise. She doesn’t want to risk being seen as “distracted” or less dedicated.

These examples highlight a common thread: the pressure to overperform isn’t about lacking ability—it’s about managing perceptions. For many Black women, the workplace is not just a place to excel but a stage where they feel they must constantly prove their worth, push back against stereotypes, and ensure they’re not “giving anyone a reason” to question their place.

While this extra effort might lead to short-term success, it often comes at the expense of mental and physical well-being.

How Did We Get Here?

Somewhere along the way, we got it twisted. We convinced ourselves that being “enough” wasn’t enough. That to earn our rest, our joy, or even our seat at the table, we had to give everything we had—and then some. Anything less than 150% effort? Pure guilt-inducing territory.

Sound familiar?

For many of us, particularly as high-achieving Black women, the pressure to constantly be productive is as ingrained as our morning coffee routine. Whether it’s tackling a project, juggling family obligations, mentoring others, or even planning out “relaxation,” we often feel that we must be doing something. But what happens when we don’t? What happens when we dare to pause?

Enter the guilt.

Why Do We Feel Guilty About Doing “Less”?

First, let’s be honest—society has done a number on us. For decades, we’ve been sold the idea that our value lies in how much we can accomplish. It’s no secret that Black women often feel the need to work twice as hard to be seen as equally capable. Whether it’s the expectation to be strong, endlessly capable, or the “fixer” in every situation, we’ve internalized the idea that we must constantly prove our worth to be taken seriously.

Add the relentless social media posts, where everyone seems to be “hustling,” launching something, or writing a bestselling memoir while sipping green juice, and suddenly your decision to take a nap instead of finishing that proposal feels like a personal failure.

But Here’s the Deal: Productivity Isn’t the Goal

Don't get me wrong, productivity isn’t inherently bad, but it’s not the end-all-be-all either. The real goal is living a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling—and that doesn’t always mean being “on.” Sometimes, it means stepping back, breathing, and simply being present in the moment.

So what if we redefined success not as doing more, but as doing enough? What if we gave ourselves the grace to acknowledge that rest, joy, and quiet reflection are just as valuable as checking off the next to-do?

Permission to Be Human

Here’s a little secret: no one—no matter how Instagram-perfect their life looks—operates at 150% all the time. The people who seem to be thriving aren’t necessarily working harder than you; they’re often just better at letting go of guilt. They’ve learned to embrace their humanity instead of fighting it.

Breaking Free from the Guilt

1. Ask Yourself “Why?”: When guilt creeps in, take a moment to question it. Are you feeling guilty because you’ve genuinely let someone down, or is it because of an internalized belief that you should be doing more?
2. Redefine Productivity: Rest is productive. Recharging is productive. Taking time to read, laugh, or sit quietly with your thoughts? Taking time for yourself isn’t slacking—it’s essential for your long-term success and well-being.
3. Set Realistic Expectations: You don’t need to tackle everything at once. Set priorities, and recognize that some days, crossing one thing off your list is enough.
4. Celebrate the “Small” Wins: Did you drink enough water today? Go for a walk? Handle a tough conversation? Those count too. You don’t need a monumental achievement to validate your day.
5. Shift Your Perspective: At the end of your life, will you wish you’d spent more time being “productive,” or more time living fully and authentically?

The guilt of not being 150% productive is a heavy burden, but it’s one we don’t have to carry. You are already enough, just as you are. Instead of striving for perfection, strive for balance. Let go of the guilt, embrace imperfection, and remember that doing “enough” is more than enough.

Let’s Take a Breath Together

I want to challenge you to do something small but powerful this week: carve out 15 minutes for yourself. No work, no distractions, no to-do lists. Just you, a quiet space, and a chance to ask yourself, What do I need right now?

You don’t have to have all the answers today. But giving yourself the space to ask the question is a powerful first step.

Trust me, the world will still spin, and you’ll be better for it.

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