Outwardly performing brilliantly in a high-profile role, Ariana* races through her days. When her baby sleeps, she jumps on calls, replies to messages, sometimes squeezing in a few exercises to try to stay fit. When the baby wakes, the loop begins again. Despite exhaustion, Ariana holds herself to her internal standards of high output and pace.

Many media commentators have labelled this way of living “the cult of productivity”. It’s compounded by popular “hustle culture” – do more and do it faster!

In our work we increasingly see people struggling not because they are failing at productivity and hustle, but because they are succeeding at it too well.

Phil* sought guidance after a health scare. A successful senior manager at a national health service (this irony wasn’t lost on him), his days were always hectic with back-to-back meetings, a huge team to manage, and operational duties that made it difficult for him to take time off. Despite noticing more fatigue and slowed decision-making, Phil struggled to prioritise his rehab.

Murray* reached out after experiencing debilitating panic attacks at work. Professionally successful, he was juggling a complex workload with a busy blended family and caring responsibilities for an ageing parent. “I know I’m in that sandwich generation........

© The Guardian