Elevating Leadership: The Gentle Power of The Extra 5% Rule
If you’re a driven leader, you’ve probably heard phrases like “push through” or “give it your all.” But what if true, sustainable excellence came not from stretching yourself endlessly, but from finding small, intentional ways to go just a touch further: without crossing into burnout? Welcome to the Extra 5% Rule.
I’m passionate about helping high achievers like you balance ambition with well-being. At Caroline Mason Coaching, I work with leaders every day who want to break through their perceived limits, yet do it from a place of compassion, clarity, and self-care. Together, we can explore what “extra” really means: and why you don’t have to sacrifice your health for your goals.
What Is The Extra 5% Rule?
The Extra 5% Rule is a straightforward yet profound leadership philosophy popularized by elite CEO coaches. Here’s the core principle: when you think you’ve reached your absolute limit, there’s still another 5% of potential left in you: and that final burst can create outsized results.
Let me give you a practical example. Try this:
Lift your hands above your head as high as you can. Ready? Now, lift them just a tiny bit higher. Almost everyone discovers they had just a little more to give. Our perceived limits are rarely our true limits; they’re usually the point where comfort ends.
It’s not about running yourself ragged or tacking 5% more work onto an already overloaded schedule. It’s about strategically applying a small amount of extra focus, creativity, or kindness at just the right moments: the ripple effects can be big.
The Psychology of “Just a Little More”
Why does this work? Research and coaching experience both highlight that success is often found in the final stretch, where we’re tempted to settle for “good enough.” This isn’t about pushing through fatigue every hour of every day: it’s about knowing when to lean in, and trusting your body and mind to guide you to the right moments.
A lot of leaders I meet are already wired for more: more results, more impact, more forward momentum. Yet that drive, if unchecked, can morph into chronic stress, perfectionism, and burnout. The Extra 5% Rule flips that script. Instead of pushing indiscriminately, we learn to pause, ask, “Where would a small, conscious stretch make a meaningful difference?” and act deliberately.
Everyday Leadership Applications of The Extra 5% Rule
Here’s how I coach clients to find: and enjoy: their extra 5%:
1. Meetings & Communications
Before you launch into a meeting or send a key email, pause and ask:
“What’s one thing I can do to make this 5% more impactful?”
It could mean preparing a thoughtful agenda, being more present than usual, or ending with a succinct recap that clarifies next steps. That last-minute intentionality often leads to breakthrough ideas or smoother alignment.
2. Relationship-Building
High-achieving leaders are often so focused on results, they forget small touches. Try sending a quick voice note of thanks, acknowledging a teammate’s effort, or maintaining sincere eye contact on closing a video call instead of ducking out early. These things don’t take much time, but they build trust and lasting rapport.
3. Decision-Making
In crucial moments: big negotiations or complex decisions: ask yourself:
“Can I dig just 5% deeper into creative thinking?”
That may mean a last review of your solution, reaching out for a second opinion, or brainstorming one more option. Sometimes, your extra 5% isn’t more effort, but more curiosity.
4. Personal Well-being
This rule isn’t just about work. It might be holding your daily plank five seconds longer or taking one extra mindful breath before a stressful conversation. Over time, these small efforts build resilience: and confidence in your ability to grow.
Avoiding Burnout: The Compassionate Path to High Performance
Here’s what matters most: The Extra 5% Rule works best when it’s rooted in sustainability, not sacrifice.
How to Use the Extra 5%: Without Going Over the Edge
1. Be Intentional, Not Relentless
Instead of giving that extra 5% in every task, choose your moments. Focus that energy where it will have the greatest impact and let “good enough” be enough elsewhere.
2. Rest and Recharge
I encourage every client to pair effort with recovery, just as elite athletes do. After you push a bit further in a presentation or a deadline, schedule restorative breaks: walks, deep breathing, or a calming chat with a friend.
3. Make Quality Your North Star
It’s not about working harder or longer; it’s about working smarter and with heart. Enhancing the quality of your presence, ideas, and collaborations trumps mindless overexertion.
4. Check in With Yourself Regularly
Self-awareness is your compass. Create regular moments to ask: “Am I energized, or am I running on fumes?” Respect your limits. Trust that true leadership honors well-being as much as achievement.
How The Extra 5% Rule Differs From “More Is More”
You might be familiar with leadership frameworks like the “5% Rule of Leadership” by Anil Singhal (focusing energy at the start of a project), or John Maxwell’s “Rule of 5” (highlighting consistent daily actions). The Extra 5% Rule is uniquely about pushing slightly past your perceived boundary in crucial moments: not about constant adding-on or overwhelming routines.
This philosophy captures a key truth that I’ve seen transform leaders over and over:
Real growth happens at the gentle edge of our comfort zones, not in the chaos beyond them.
Building Your Extra 5% Mindset
Let’s make this practical. I suggest starting with tiny, physical examples: a longer plank, an extra minute of presence in a tough conversation: and notice what that extra 5% does for your confidence.
Next, look for opportunities in your workweek:
- A proposal you could polish with an extra review.
- A teammate you could encourage after a challenging call.
- A moment of calm you offer yourself before the next big step.
Small, consistent stretches rewire your brain for belief in your own growth. Over time, these micro-practices compound: and you’ll be amazed at how much farther (and happier) you can go.
My Mission: Compassionate Excellence for Leaders
Supporting your journey is what fuels my work. I know firsthand the drive to excel: and the weight it can carry. That’s why I blend purposeful coaching, stress management, and real-world leadership strategies, tailored for people who want to thrive and stay whole.
Whether you’re looking to sharpen your edge, restore your energy, or reimagine your goals, I’m here to help you unlock sustainable success: your way, at your pace.
Let’s Build Your Resilient, High-Performing Leadership Together
If “just a little bit more” speaks to you: but you’re not sure where to start, or how to keep burnout at bay: I’d love to support you. Together, we can identify when and where your extra 5% will unlock the results (and the fulfilment) you really want.
Explore my classes or book a one-to-one session for tailored coaching and compassionate guidance. I’m dedicated to helping high-achievers become resilient, impactful, and deeply satisfied leaders: without losing what makes you whole.
👉 Learn more or get in touch here.
Stay inspired, stay kind to yourself, and remember: sometimes, just a tiny stretch is all it takes to move from good to extraordinary.
