In a world obsessed with achieving greatness, psychotherapist Israa Nasir, author of Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Always Demands More, offers a refreshing perspective: everything doesn’t have to be extraordinary. Although difficult things are essential for growth, the constant pursuit of greatness can lead to burnout.

“Doing difficult things is important,” explains Nasir. “When we challenge ourselves, when we learn something new, it not only helps us feel more competent and resilient, it actually prunes our neural network in our brain. So our brain becomes sharper every time we learn something new or pushing ourselves.”

Psychological research and performance research support this. Stepping outside our comfort zones activates neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and grow. This is where real learning and development happens – outside of our comfort zone. For example, a study published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience shows that learning challenging new skills strengthens neural pathways, increasing mental agility and resilience.

However, Nasir cautions against equating all difficult things with greatness. “The goalpost keeps going on what’s good,” she says. “It’s a recipe for burnout.”

Nasir emphasizes that not every aspect of life needs to be exceptional. “Life is meant to be a mix of average, mediocre and exceptional all together,” she says. That’s what makes life dynamic.” Personally, this is one of the most profound statements I’ve heard in a long time, especially in a social media society where people preach excellence in every area of ​​one’s life.

This approach encourages individuals to focus their energy on what really matters and accept mediocrity in less critical areas. It’s okay to eat a mediocre dinner, wear an average outfit, or sometimes perform just “good enough” at work. By prioritizing what aligns with your values, you can channel your best efforts where they count most.

Growth happens in discomfort, but staying in a constant state of challenge is unsustainable. As I wrote in ‘The Everyday Warrior: A No-Hack, Practical Approach to Life’, Nasir emphasizes the need to oscillate between pushing limits and resting. Growth does not happen without recovery. And growth without recovery leads to burnout. Similarly, Nasir emphasizes that rest and reflection are as crucial as the challenge itself.

Rest allows us to process what we have learned, solidify new neural pathways, and prepare for future challenges. Without it, we risk physical and mental exhaustion.

1. Identify your difficult things:
2. Choose one or two areas to challenge yourself. These should align with your long-term values, such as improving a skill, improving relationships, or pursuing a meaningful goal.
3. Accept mediocrity elsewhere:
4. Let go of the need to excel in everything. Save your energy for what really matters.
5. Step outside your comfort zone:
6. Take on tasks or activities that make you uncomfortable but are manageable. Whether it’s public speaking, learning a new language, or physical endurance, discomfort is a sign of growth.
7. Build rest into your routine:
8. Balance hard things with intentional rest. Reflect on what you’ve learned, celebrate progress and recharge.
9. Avoid comparisons:
10. Stop moving the goalpost of greatness based on the achievements of others. Define success on your own terms.

Nasir’s advice is a liberating call to focus on what really matters, embrace challenges selectively, and recognize the value of rest. Her book, Toxic Productivity, explores how we can break free from the relentless pursuit of “more” and find balance in a world that demands greatness at every turn.

“Doing hard things is critical to growth,” says Nasir, “but hard things are not always good things.” Accepting this truth can promote meaningful progress, protect your mental health, and create a more fulfilling life.

Discover more transformative strategies in Israa Nasir’s book Toxic Productivity: Reclaim your time and emotional energy in a world that always demands more.