How to Overcome Work-Induced Overwhelm | Brigid Schulte

Are you caught in the grind and wondering if it’s slowly wearing you down?

Ever feel like no matter how hard you work, there’s always more to do? Like the endless hustle has become so normalized that we’ve forgotten what balance even looks like? If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. We live in a world where being constantly “on” has become the default. But at what cost?

Do you feel guilty when you’re not working, even though your energy is depleted? Or maybe you’re pushing yourself so hard that you can’t even remember the last time you truly enjoyed a moment of rest. If any of this resonates, this week’s newsletter will change how you think about work, productivity, and what success really means.

It’s time we ask: is the pursuit of endless productivity worth sacrificing our health, happiness, and relationships? What if there’s a better way to work—a way that not only fuels our success but also nurtures our well-being?

Brigid Schulte joins me this week on the SPARKED podcast to explore how the current work culture is quietly but significantly eroding our lives. But here's the thing: change is possible. Small shifts can lead to big results. Let's explore how..

1. The Hidden Costs of Overwork: It’s Not Just Burnout

Chronic work stress is now one of the leading causes of death. In fact, research shows that the way we work today—endless hours, toxic bosses, and juggling responsibilities—is contributing to long-term health issues, from heart disease to diabetes.?

Many of us feel we can power through, but the reality is these pressures build up, eventually taking a toll on our bodies and minds. What’s worse is that it's not the obvious stressors that hit hardest, but the chronic, day-to-day grind. If you’re feeling constantly exhausted, it might be time to rethink your work habits before it impacts your health more than you realize.

2. Redefine Success: Move from Input to Impact

In many workplaces, we still equate long hours with dedication and success. But as Brigid pointed out, this mindset is outdated and counterproductive. The most innovative companies today aren’t tracking how many hours you spend in the office—they’re measuring the quality and impact of your work.?

Shifting from an “input culture” to an “output and impact culture” isn’t just better for your well-being; it also boosts creativity and productivity. Start by asking yourself: What are the high-impact tasks that really matter? Focus your energy there, and leave behind the busywork that drains you.

3. Leverage the Power of Boundaries: Design Your Workday for Well-Being

One of the most powerful tools at your disposal is boundary management. It’s easy to fall into the trap of letting work spill into every part of your day. But you have more control than you think. Schulte suggests rethinking how you structure your time to make space for what truly matters.?

Imagine your calendar not as a pantry where you stuff everything in, but as a carefully curated art gallery. Only display the most important pieces, leave white space around them, and give yourself time to prepare and reflect. This approach can transform your day from a frantic rush to a more thoughtful, intentional flow.

4. The Four-Day Workweek: Productivity Isn’t About Time Spent

The idea of reducing work hours might seem counterintuitive, but experiments in places like Iceland have shown that shorter workweeks can actually increase productivity. When you cut down hours, people naturally focus on what matters most, streamline their processes, and eliminate time-wasting activities.?

If you can’t control your hours at work, try starting with your own tasks: prioritize the high-value activities, and don’t be afraid to question if everything on your to-do list is truly essential. This isn’t just about doing less, it’s about working smarter.

5. Small Actions Create Big Changes: Start Where You Are

It’s easy to feel like you don’t have the power to change the system, but change often starts small. Schulte encourages us to begin with our own lives—find your own “pain points,” make small adjustments, and share what works. This could mean advocating for a different way of working, finding allies within your organization, or simply learning to say no.?

Even leaders at the top often struggle with these same challenges. Whether you’re in a leadership role or not, focusing on your own work-life redesign is the first step to shifting the larger culture around you.

The culture of overwork isn’t sustainable, and the cost is far too high. But change is possible—both at the individual and organizational levels. Start by redefining success, managing your boundaries, and questioning the work culture that surrounds you. By doing so, you’ll not only protect your well-being but also unlock new levels of productivity and fulfillment.?

For a deeper dive into these ideas and practical ways to implement them, listen to the full conversation with Brigid Schulte on SPARKED.

Five Tips to Improve Your Focus: Feeling overwhelmed by endless tasks and constant distractions? You're not alone. In today's fast-paced world, maintaining focus can seem like an impossible challenge. But it doesn't have to be. In this video, Ali Abdaal—doctor-turned-entrepreneur and the world’s most-followed productivity expert—shares five evidence-based strategies to sharpen your focus. These tips will not only help you get more done but also guide you in building a life you truly love. Dive in and take control of your productivity!

What Does It Mean to Be Time-Poor? We've all heard that “time is money,” but it’s also crucial to our happiness and health. A study from Harvard Business School reveals that many of us suffer from “time poverty”—a chronic sense of having too much to do and not enough time. Time is precious and, it is also our one nonrenewable resource. When a dollar is spent, you can earn another. When a day is gone, it’s gone for life. So, how can we move forward, making sure that we live more intentionally and spend our time wisely so we won’t have regrets in the end? In this Good Life Project episode, Jonathan is joined by Cassie Holmes, a UCLA professor and author of Happier Hour. We explore strategies to overcome time poverty and focus on what truly matters. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on making the most of our most precious resource.

Five Skills That Build Resilience and Combat Work Stress Are you constantly battling work stress and feeling drained? Ever wondered how you can build resilience and protect yourself from burnout? It’s time to take charge with five key skills that can transform your work life. Learn how to harness self-awareness, effective self-regulation, meaningful connections, a positive mindset, and proactive recovery techniques to fortify your defenses against overwhelm. Dive into these practical strategies to not only manage but thrive amidst work pressures and create a more balanced, fulfilling career.

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