I was a workaholic until not long ago, but after experiencing burnout twice, I learned valuable life lessons that made me re-evaluate my approach to work.
I believe that people who work all the time don’t value their time appropriately, as work shouldn’t be their only identity in life. Although work is important, it should not consume us completely. We must make time for other essential aspects of life, such as our loved ones, hobbies, and health.
Work should have meaning and purpose. We should feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of a workday. Similarly, meaningful work should inspire us to return to it with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
I think work should serve as a means to an end. Not be an end in itself.
We should aim for eight hours of focused, intense, and prioritized work; and avoid overworking ourselves, which can lead to burnout. So it’s essential to step away to rest and recharge our minds, bodies, and souls.
I believe it’s crucial to cultivate a well-rounded and fulfilling life that includes spending time with loved ones and engaging in personal growth through reading and learning, traveling, exercise, meditation, prayer, or simply doing nothing.
Originally posted on Tiny Letter #4.
Richard Chan 