Work Allergies

What kind of work are you trying to master even though it consistently drains you? In episode 115 of the Working Genius Podcast, Pat and Cody explore why people should not try to become great at their Working Frustrations. They explain how spending too much time in draining work can create a “work allergy,” making people resistant even to small, necessary doses of that work later on. The conversation encourages listeners to honor their natural gifts, avoid proving themselves through frustrating work, and practice moderation when unavoidable tasks arise. Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) Why Frustrations Shouldn’t Become Goals Pat explains why people should not try to become excellent at the types of work that frustrate them. He argues that mastering frustrating work takes energy away from the gifts and competencies people are actually meant to develop. (02:03) The Cost of Getting Good at What You Hate Pat lays out several reasons why becoming good at a frustration can backfire, including sending the wrong message to others. Cody adds that trying to compete in someone else’s area of genius can create isolation instead of connection. (05:58) Pat’s Personal Work Allergy Pat shares how years of forcing himself into tenacity and enablement created an aversion to discipline. He compares the experience to being forced to eat vegetables constantly and then resisting them entirely later in life. (08:34) Burnout, Exposure, and Aversion Cody connects the idea of work allergies to allergy treatment, explaining that small exposure can be helpful but overexposure can make aversion worse. Pat uses a basketball analogy to show how being forced into an unwanted role can make someone reject even small, necessary parts of that role later. (12:01) Finding Moderation and Honoring Gifts Cody notes that every job involves all six types of work, which means people will still need to do some tasks that fall outside their genius. Pat closes by encouraging listeners not to feel