Like many young, ambitious individuals, I was once consumed by my desire to achieve more. I used to be a workaholic, sleeping only 5 hours a day and constantly obsessing over my job. It took me a couple of years of overworking to realise that it’s not the hours you put in that matter—it’s the results you deliver.
Growing up in an Asian country, where overworking is the norm and hard work is glorified, I had internalised the belief that sacrificing personal time for work was the only way to get ahead. However, I’m incredibly thankful for the series of events in my life that made me realise this mindset wasn’t sustainable.
So, how did I go from a burnout workaholic to a productive worker who scores at her work? Here are the key lessons I learned along the way.
1. Pick up a book, any book
Reading is easy, but building a habit of reading is hard. I know everyone thinks that reading is overrated, especially when there are YouTube and Online Academies that offer a bunch of amazing courses just 1 click away from you, but hear me out! Reading is not only a way of getting information but also a brain exercise. Unlike sitting and watching a video, your brain requires more power while reading. Research shows that reading can improve cognitive ability, language skills, and brain volume in the frontal and temporal regions while watching TV can have adverse effects on brain development, language ability, and behaviour. If you’re willing to google this topic, you know I’m not lying!
I started picking up books again when I needed something to distract me from working and burnout, and they surprised me with new perspectives and things that I forgot were there. Books like Atomic Habits by James Clear, Good Vibe, Good Live by Vax King and Surrounding by Idiots by Thomas Erikson helped me shift my mindset from valuing busy work to focusing on what truly matters. Through reading, I began to understand the power of intentionality—how small, consistent habits could lead to big results.
Reading didn’t just help me gain knowledge; it opened my mind to the idea that working smarter, not harder, could make me more successful. Now, when I have built a habit of reading, I learn things unconsciously, and to be honest, it becomes hard not to read.
2. Building Atomic Habits
The concept of Atomic Habits came across when I discovered Atomic Habits by James Clear. This book revolutionised the way I approached my daily tasks. Instead of trying to overhaul my entire workday, I focused on building tiny, sustainable habits that aligned with my long-term goals. I began with things like waking up earlier to get a head start on the day, prioritising the most critical tasks first, and creating a work environment that minimises distractions. Gradually, these small habits began to shift my workday from chaos to calm. I found myself with more time to unwind, reflect on my progress, and explore new interests.
3. Put Me First
Putting oneself first sounds like an obvious thing to do. However, we often forget about this as we overthink other people’s judgment, peer pressure and how miserable our lives are. Truth is, our brain tends to magnify worries that don’t matter—especially when we fail to care for our minds and bodies.
I made self-care a priority: I started getting enough sleep, eating better, introducing spa day and treat day in my schedule, automating my to-do list and cutting down on the unnecessaries. Learning to say “no” and giving myself permission to step away from work when I needed to recharge made a significant difference. By taking on less, my work output became much louder. I was able to focus better, perform at my best, and ultimately, be more productive.
4. Productivity Apps
Using productivity apps has helped me stay organised and focused.
I’ve used Notion to manage my daily tasks and personal projects. Notion has been my go-to for managing both personal and work-related tasks. With all the free, beautiful templates available, Notion makes checking your to-do list and seeing your achievements more interesting. I break tasks down into smaller chunks and track my progress, which keeps me focused on consistent results rather than just filling my day with busy work. And when the treat day comes, I know that a good month has almost passed, and it’s time to celebrate!
5. Never Limit My Limit
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is never to limit my potential. Having a routine and habits that work for me has given me the time and space to explore new interests. Every month, I challenge myself to try something new—whether it’s painting, experimenting with a new camera, learning about coding, or diving into financial reports. New means exciting! While I don’t expect to become an expert in everything, trying new things refreshes my brain and brings me closer to my big goals.
Conclusion
Looking back, I can’t believe how far I’ve come. I transitioned from being a workaholic, consumed by long hours and exhaustion, to someone who focuses on results and values balance. By embracing small, intentional habits, prioritising self-care, and finding smarter ways to work, I’ve been able to accomplish more while preserving my well-being.
If you’re stuck in the cycle of overwork and burnout, know that change is possible. It’s not about how many hours you work; it’s about how you manage your time and energy to achieve meaningful results.
and remember…
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” — Anne Lamott
#enjoylifewithlucycan 