October 13, 2025

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

19 minutes

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

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By Kayla Fahey-Ahrndt | MPH, MLS (ASCP) SBB, Laboratory Manager, Healthcare Leader, Scientist

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