People often ask me how I manage to stay motivated and avoid burnout despite working long hours and juggling multiple projects. Over the years, I’ve developed a system that allows me to be productive while still living a fulfilling life. Here’s an inside look at how I make it work.

  • Waking up at 4.30 am – I realise that most people think 4:30 am is absurdly early, but it’s been revolutionary for me. I used to feel hurried when I woke up, already behind on emails, and like I was plunging into pandemonium. My secret weapon is getting up before the sun comes up. There is silence in the home, no one nearby to divert my attention, and I am free to be. Usually, I am alone for the first thirty minutes or so. This is my time. Planning my day. I feel peaceful and clear after doing that small routine. I feel like I’ve had some quality “me time” by the time my partner wakes up.
  • Coffee and Discussion – My partner and I talk about our objectives, the day ahead, our thoughts, and even our sporadic dreams from the previous night while we get coffee together. Although it’s a simple daily routine, it dramatically improves our relationship. We have the opportunity to rekindle our relationship, remind one another that we are all in this together, and establish a positive tone for the day. Although it may seem insignificant, I’ve discovered that these morning talks make us feel closer and more in sync. It’s also the best time for sex as testosterone levels are the highest, and it ensures we are connected before the obligations of the day even arise.
  • Tennis for Two Hours – For most of my life, I considered exercise to be an optional bonus for a long time. That was a grave error. I now spend two hours every morning playing tennis because, to be honest, I can’t envision my life any other way. For me, tennis is more than simply a way to work out; it’s an opportunity to decompress and focus on the present. You really can’t worry about emails or deadlines while you’re trying to concentrate on the ball, your form, and your opponent’s plan. Furthermore, nothing compares to the endorphins produced by a good sweat exercise. I feel more attentive, more self-assured, and more at ease after playing tennis. My brain feels both calmer and sharper at the same time. I use that energy to go through my shift and maintain a positive attitude. You won’t want to skip a day of exercise once you find one you genuinely enjoy, so if you’re having trouble finding one, keep looking until you do.
  • A morning of Indulgence- If I didn’t set out a specific day each week to treat myself, I’d definitely still crash and burn despite my morning routine and tennis schedule. I’m giving myself permission to take it slow and pay attention to what my body needs. Sometimes that entails getting a massage, and other times it just involves listening to a book or podcast whilst gardening at home or taking care of the many plants at the offices.

I am reminded that I am not a machine by this ritual. My body and mind require rest and attention to perform at their peak. It’s also a fantastic way to rejuvenate your creativity. I’ve found that when I’m at ease and not actively trying to solve any problems, some of my most creative ideas come to me. In addition to being self-indulgent, taking care of myself is strategically crucial for my general productivity and well-being.

  • Time with people I love – I make it a point to visit my parents on a regular basis because I firmly believe in fostering the ties that are most important. That in-person interaction is beneficial, even if I only drop by for a quick breakfast or coffee. Spending time with folks who have known me my entire life and don’t care about my “to-do” list is reassuring. Similarly, I enjoy going to breakfast with friends before the day starts. I get to hear about their lives, laugh with them, and remember that life is more than just meeting deadlines at work. These connections give me perspective and make me feel part of a wider community, which is crucial for being emotionally balanced.

Weekends: A Mix of Fun and Downtime

Weekends are for recharging. Sometimes, that means planning a fun outing, hosting a casual dinner, or exploring a new coffee shop. Other times, it’s about slowing down—gardening, repotting plants, or simply appreciating their progress.

There’s something incredibly therapeutic about working with plants. Seeing something grow under your care is a reminder that progress—whether in work, personal growth, or life—takes time and consistency.

  • Why I Don’t Do To-Do Lists – One of the most significant shifts I’ve made is ditching to-do lists and relying on calendar scheduling instead. To-do lists create an illusion of productivity. You feel like you’re accomplishing something by adding tasks to a list—but that doesn’t mean they’re getting done.They don’t account for time. A long list of tasks doesn’t tell you when you’ll realistically complete them.They can be overwhelming. Seeing an endless list of tasks makes it easy to feel like you’re never making real progress.Instead, I schedule everything directly into my calendar. If something is essential, it gets a time slot. This forces me to prioritise, prevents overloading, and ensures that my work gets done within a realistic timeframe. When my calendar is complete, I know I need to either delegate or reschedule—not just keep adding things to a never-ending list.

I don’t just manage my time; I also plan my finances, personal commitments, and downtime. This proactive approach ensures that I’m not constantly reacting to work stress or unexpected pressures. Instead, I control my schedule, making intentional decisions about how I spend my time.

  • Surrounding myself with the right people
    Another crucial part of this is delegation. I work with an incredible team, and we focus on playing to our strengths. Instead of trying to do everything myself, I trust my team to handle what they do best, while I focus on my own areas of expertise.

This not only makes the team more efficient—it also prevents burnout. When you try to do everything, you end up exhausted and ineffective. Knowing when to let go and delegate is a skill every leader should develop.

Final Thoughts: Work Hard, Live Well

Avoiding burnout isn’t about some magic trick—it’s about building a lifestyle that includes both ambition and self-care.

For me, that means:
✔️ Waking up early for alone time
✔️ Playing tennis every morning
✔️ Having coffee and meaningful conversations with my partner
✔️ Scheduling a day to take care of myself
✔️ Staying connected with family and friends
✔️ Enjoying gardening, audiobooks, and fun weekend activities
✔️ Using a calendar system instead of to-do lists
✔️ Planning to ensure balance in all areas of my life
✔️ Delegating to my team so we all perform at our best

Work is essential at the end of the day—but so is everything else. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and ask yourself: Are you living, or just working? The answer should never be one without the other.

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