The Hidden Cost of Unrealistic Expectations for Leaders & 3 Mindset Shifts to Let Go

The Hidden Cost of Unrealistic Expectations for Leaders & 3 Mindset Shifts to Let Go In this episode of the Get Organized at Work Podcast, leadership coach and working mom Kayla Fahey-Ahrndt reveals the hidden cost of unrealistic expectations and why people-pleasing quietly drains your energy, joy, and impact at work. Learn how to spot the signs of unrealistic expectations—like guilt when resting, overcommitting, and tying your worth to productivity—and how to break the “pressure cycle” that keeps high-achievers stuck. Kayla shares practical mindset shifts that help self-aware leaders lead with clarity instead of guilt. You’ll also get this week’s reflection prompt: “What’s one ‘should’ I can release this week?”—and a reminder to download your free Realistic Leadership Reflection Journal inside the Get Organized at Work Community App. ✨ Missed the live Sprint? Don’t worry—get access to The Organized Leader Sprint Lite, a self-paced version of Kayla’s signature program that helps you move from reactive to proactive leadership on your own time. Learn more at www.kfaconsulting.org/sprintlite. Realistic Leadership Series Episodes: Week 1: Redefining Your Best: How Self-Aware Leaders Build Realistic Expectations Week 2: The Hidden Cost of Unrealistic Expectations for Leaders & 3 Mindset Shifts to Let Go Week 3: You Don’t Have to Hustle to Be a Great Leader: How to be a Purpose Driven Leader Keywords: get organized at work, realistic expectations at work, signs of unrealistic expectations, people pleasing at work, leadership mindset, stop being hard on yourself, self-aware leaders, productivity guilt, leadership boundaries, proactive leadership, capacity-based planning, organized leader sprint, realistic leadership journal HOW TO SUPPORT KAYLA & GET ORGANIZED AT WORK PODCAST 📱Join My Free Podcast Community for Professionals (get 20% off Merch inside the community, plus that's where all my freebies live!)Leave me a rating or review wherever you listen to podcasts! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Apple Podcasts Show Link🛒Shop My Amazon Storefront📒📘☕Grab Podcast Branded Merch: Check out our Get Organized at Work Podcast Shop -- RECENT EPISODES: The Consistency Blueprint: Why Leader Standard Work Actually WorksConsistency Wins: Leadership Lessons from a Half IronmanBurnout-Free This Fall: How to Stay Consistent Without Losing Balance with Automations, Templates, and DelegationHow to Build Consistent Work Rhythms That Survive Even Your Worst Day (🎉Merch is Here!)The 80/20 of Work Systems: What Actually Matters MostThe Hidden Costs of Inconsistency at Work (& How Can I Show Up More Consistently at Work?)Why You Don’t Need to Organize Your Email or Notes (and What to Do Instead)7 Game-Changing Lessons I’ve Learned from Hosting the Get Organized at Work PodcastWhat’s Stopping You? The Career You’d Choose If Fear Wasn’t a Factor - Reclaim Your Fulfillment at WorkSoft Life Systems: Organizing Your Work for a Less Hectic LifeUnplug to Recharge: Smart Summer Scheduling for LeadersHow to Ask For Help at Work WITHOUT Saying "I'm So Busy"How to Get Promoted by Getting Organized: The Real Secrets They Don't Teach YouKaren Read’s Attorneys - What Leadership Skills Can We Learn from Them?🏆20K Downloads! Consistency Wins: Why Rough Drafts are OK & Takeaways from the May ChallengeReflect & Celebrate: How Small Check-Ins Keep You Consistent at Work (Week 4 – May Consistency Challenge)Build Your Leadership Rhythm: 3 Daily Habits That Stick (Week 3 – May Consistency Challenge)Celebrate the Small Wins: How 10 Minutes a Day Builds Real Progress (Week 2 – May Consistency Challenge)Master Your Focus: The One-Thing Rule for Consistent Progress at Work (Week 1 - May Consistency Challenge)How Your Why Fuels Consistency at Work (and in Leadership) - Sharing MY WHY with YouStuck in the Procrastination Cycle? How to Beat it with Consistency over Perfection!Get Organized at Work Blueprint Course is LIVE TODAY! 6 Major Career Lessons I've LearnedMarch Madness Hacks: 5-Min Tips to Boost Work Productivity (That You Might Not Have Thought Of!)3 Signs You Need Better Organizational Systems at Work - Which One is Holding You Back?Spring Forward - How to Get Organized at Work in 6 Simple StepsHow to Get Promoted at Work: Prove Your Value, Tips for Career AdvancementEfficiency Hacks - How to Be Your Own Project Manager with Asana, ChatGPT, and Bullet JournalsFeeling Stagnant in Your Career? Here’s How to Fall Back in Love with Your WorkUsing My Amazon Productivity Planner: Key Takeaways for Better Time ManagementHow to Get Piles Off Your Desk: Organizing Your Paperwork & Digital FilesThinking Bigger: How Leaders Can Drive Culture Change & InnovationWhy Your To-Do List is Failing You: Why Leader Standard Work is the Ultimate Solution for Getting Organized at WorkBuild Your Personal Brand at Work: Tips for Standing Out and Thriving with 16Personalities CONNECT WITH KAYLA: 📱Join My ...