Tips to Balance Long Work Hours

High performance in your job does not mean no work-life balance. This is the shortcut to getting burnout. As a high-performing executive, I struggled to find a balance too. I gave my all to my previous jobs, and the results? I was burnt out completely. Dedicating my entire time and energy to work, and falsely believing I was operating at the highest potential. Nothing could be further from the truth. This led me to 2 key realizations. 1. I wanted to thrive — in both work and life 2. I needed to make lifestyle changes for a fulfilling high-performance life. Here’s how I work as a high-performance executive while living a balanced fulfilling life — → Prioritize self and set boundaries - My day starts with spending time with myself. Meditation, exercise and planning my day give me a headstart first thing in the morning. - Setting boundaries at work helps me 10x my productivity Optimize meetings and no work calls after work hours help me perform my best. → Delegate and learn to say NO - You don’t have to say yes to everything. If you have a lot on your plate, learn to say NO. Don’t chase after quantity at work. Focus on quality work. - Delegate unimportant tasks. You can focus on high performance when you focus on the most important tasks associated with your title. → Implement Time Management Techniques - Use the timeboxing technique Timeboxing helps you prioritize work, and increase your productivity levels. - Implement the Pareto principle Focus on the 20% of tasks that will generate 80% of outcomes. Focus on deep work. You can be high-performing in your job, and still lead a fulfilling life. It is possible, and it starts with small changes. If you are ready to succeed as a high-performance executive without burning out, subscribe to my newsletter ‘Level Up without Burnout’. Join 12,000+ who receive actionable tips on leadership, productivity, burnout and high performance every Sunday. The link is in the comments!

My life as a Salesforce consultant. 7 daily habits I follow to be super productive (while NOT burning out): 1) Wake up at 7:30 AM I have clients on the East and West Coast. I get up early-ish to play catch up for my east coast clients. And stay ahead of the game for my West coast clients. To get 7 Hrs of sleep, I avoid blue light 1-2 Hrs before bed and start winding down at 10 PM. 2) Client work until noon I like to get the bulk of my work and communication with clients done in the morning. Client facing "hack": Contact your clients in the AM. It shows them you're on top of things. Getting your work done early also means you'll have more time in the evening to relax. 3) Run with my dog midday Nobody can work for 8 hours straight without a break. Running, walking or any form of exercise is a great way to break up your day. You'll come back recharged and ready to operate. Pro Tip: Schedule your breaks into Google Calendar. 4) Answer messages on Slack/adhoc I arrive home from my run at 1 PM. I answer any simple questions from my clients... Or give them updates if I don't have immediate answers. I do this until about 2:30 PM. It's a good way to ease back into work after my break. 5) 2:30 - 5:30 I work on my business I usually have a dip in energy at this point of the day. So I use it to work on tasks that fall outside of client fulfillment. I work on things that don't take as much mental bandwidth — like lead gen. It's important work, but far less technical. 6) Eat dinner I end my work day at 5:30 PM. This is usually when my wife and I have dinner. We stick to a diet that includes: • Mostly organic foods • Minimal refined sugar Since getting on this diet I've noticed a massive boost in my productivity throughout the day. I use an app called 'Lose It' to understand what's in my food and how many calories I consume per day. 7) Relaxation time This part of the day is so important. I use it to unwind and decompress after the busy work day. This also sets me up for a great night's sleep... So I'm ready to hit the ground running the next day. P.s. - How do you unwind after a long work day? 7 daily habits I follow to be super productive (while NOT burning out): 1) Wake up at 7:30 AM 2) Client work until noon 3) Run with my dog midday 4) Answer messages on Slack/adhoc 5) 2:30 - 5:30 I work on my business 6) Eat dinner 7) Relaxation time Thanks for reading. Follow me Jordan Nelson And share it with your network.

As a CEO, my time is constantly getting pulled in different directions. Here are a few tips that’ve changed my approach to time management: 1)Energy First, Time Second: Before you plan your day, assess your energy. Tackle high-energy tasks when you're at your peak and save low-energy tasks for when you're winding down. 2)Warrior by Day, Mystic by Night: Adopt the mindset of being a warrior during work hours, fully focused and engaged. After sundown, transition to your mystic self – recharge, reflect, and connect spiritually. 3)Boundaries Are Non-Negotiable: Set clear boundaries around work and personal time. Negotiate these terms upfront, whether with clients, team members, or yourself. 4)Systems and Processes: Create systems that manage your business and life. This structure will free you to focus on growth and innovation while maintaining balance. 5)The Two-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. This principle keeps small tasks from piling up and overwhelming you. 6)Room for Surprises: Leave gaps in your schedule for the unexpected. Flexibility allows for creativity and opportunities that rigid schedules miss. Remember, time management is not about controlling every minute; It's about creating a rhythm that serves your life's mission. I hope this helps 🙏

You've all been told if you're not working 16-hour days you won't ever succeed because someone else will always outwork you. I disagree. I used to work 16-hour days because I was trying to grow my business. The result? Unproductive. Unfocused. Unhappy. Stressed. Burnout. Today my schedule looks very different. I have a 3-hour morning routine that helps me get mentally ready for the day including exercise, meditation, scripture study, and more. My work day doesn't start until about 9:30am. I take a full hour lunch break. Nothing work-related during this time and a few scheduled breaks (about 15 minutes each). I finish my day at 6:00 pm. Again, nothing work-related until the next day. Lastly, I go on at least 2 vacations per year. 1 with kids, 1 without kids. The result? 10x my business in one year. More productive and focused than ever. Happy. Stressed, but a mild/healthy dose. No burnout. You can't be at your best unless you're at your best. #WorkLifeBalance #ProductivityTips #MentalWellness #SuccessMindset #BusinessGrowth

Rest! I haven't shared this message in a while but "rest" assured, it is still very relevant. When we are rested, we are able to reap many rewards. Here are few strategies to achieve the rest you NEED: Scheduled Downtime: Treat rest as an essential appointment. Block off periods in your calendar for breaks, just as you would for meetings. Use this time to recharge, step away from your workspace, and clear your mind. Mindful Breathing: Take a few minutes throughout the day to engage in deep, mindful breathing exercises. This simple practice can help reduce stress, increase focus, and boost your energy levels. Digital Detoxes: Unplug from devices during designated times. Constant notifications can lead to burnout. Set boundaries by silencing notifications and allowing yourself to fully disconnect. Physical Activity: Engage in regular physical activity, whether it's a brisk walk, yoga, or hitting the gym. Exercise not only contributes to your physical health but also has a positive impact on your mental clarity and creativity. Hobbies and Passion Projects: Dedicate time to activities you're passionate about outside of work. Engaging in hobbies rejuvenates your mind, fosters creativity, and helps you maintain a healthy work-life balance. Quality Sleep: Prioritize sleep hygiene. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, limit screen time before bed, and ensure you're getting the recommended amount of sleep each night. Short Breaks: Incorporate short breaks during your work hours. The Pomodoro technique, for instance, involves 25-minute focused work sessions followed by a 5-minute break. This approach can enhance your productivity and prevent burnout. Social Connections: Spend time with friends and loved ones. Social interactions provide emotional support, reduce stress, and contribute to your overall happiness. Remember, rest isn't a luxury—it's a necessity for maintaining your peak performance and well-being. By integrating these strategies into your routine, you're investing in your long-term success as a professional. 🚀🌈 #RestForSuccess #Productivity #Wellbeing #WorkLifeBalance #SelfCare Let's start a conversation! How do you ensure you're getting the rest you need to thrive in your professional journey? Share your insights below! 👇👇

🕒⏳ Busy vs. Productive ⏳🚀 📈 It's not about how much time you spend working, but how effectively you use it! 💪 👨💻 Being busy often feels like a whirlwind, juggling tasks left and right. 🌪️ 🎯 Productivity, on the other hand, is about focus, prioritization, and results. 🎯 💡 Remember: It's not about the hours you put in, but the value you create! 💼✨ It's crucial to distinguish between being productive and simply staying busy. The key lies in making the most of your time and efforts. Here's what you can do to ensure you're on the path to productivity: 1. Set Clear Goals 🎯: Define what you want to achieve. Having clear, specific goals provides direction and motivation. 2. Prioritize Tasks ⚡: Identify the most important and urgent tasks. Use frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks into four quadrants: Important/Urgent, Important/Not Urgent, Urgent/Not Important, Not Urgent/Not Important. 3. Time Blocking ⏰: Allocate specific time blocks for different tasks. This helps you focus on one thing at a time, avoiding multitasking, which can lead to busyness without productivity. 4. Eliminate Distractions 🚫: Identify your distractions and minimize them. Turn off social media notifications, set specific times for checking emails, and create a clutter-free workspace. 5. Delegate and Collaborate 🤝: Don't hesitate to delegate tasks when possible. Collaboration can make you more efficient and free up time for higher-value activities. 6. Learn to Say No 🙅♂️: Overcommitting leads to busyness. Politely decline tasks or projects that don't align with your goals or are beyond your capacity. 7. Take Breaks and Rest 😴: Working long hours without breaks can lead to burnout. Regular breaks, even short ones, can boost your focus and overall productivity. 8. Continuous Learning 📚: Invest in your skills and knowledge. Learning and self-improvement contribute to long-term productivity. 9. Use Technology Wisely 📱: Leverage productivity apps and tools to streamline tasks, manage your schedule, and set reminders. 10. Reflect and Adjust 📈: Periodically assess your productivity strategies. What's working? What isn't? Adjust your approach accordingly. 11. Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management 🧘♂️: Stress can hinder productivity. Techniques like meditation and exercise can help manage stress and boost mental clarity. 12. Celebrate Achievements 🎉: Recognize and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. It keeps you motivated and reinforces a sense of productivity. Being productive is about achieving meaningful results efficiently, while busyness often involves running in circles without making progress. 🌟💼 #Productivity #TimeManagement #Efficiency

Busy Season Tips to Push on Through!! First of all, you got this!! Whether you are on the client side or a busy CPA in public accounting, deadlines are fast approaching. Busy season or not, effective time management is crucial for achieving professional success and personal well-being. Here are key strategies that can help you stay on top of your tasks without burning out: 1. Prioritize Ruthlessly: Not all tasks are created equal. Use the Eisenhower Box (urgent-important matrix) to distinguish between tasks and prioritize them accordingly. 2. Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time to different activities or tasks. This helps maintain focus and increases productivity by reducing the context-switching that drains energy. 3. Set Clear Goals: Start each day with a clear set of objectives. What do you want to achieve by the end of the day? This clarity propels action and reduces procrastination. 4. Embrace 'No': Protect your time. Politely declining additional commitments that don't align with your current priorities or values can save you hours of lost productivity. 5. Leverage Technology: Utilize project management tools and apps to keep track of deadlines, set reminders, and organize your tasks more efficiently. Remember, time management is not about squeezing as many tasks into your day as possible. It's about simplifying how you work, doing what matters, and getting things done in the most efficient manner. Let's share: What time management strategies have worked best for you? #TimeManagement #ProductivityTips #ProfessionalGrowth #WorkLifeBalance

"Don't burn yourself out: know your limits" It's crucial to recognize that we all have our limits. Overstepping these boundaries often leads to burnout, a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. Recognizing the Signs: Burnout doesn't happen overnight. It creeps in slowly, marked by signs like constant fatigue, a cynical attitude towards work, and a drop in productivity. It's vital to recognize these early signs and act on them. Setting Realistic Goals Ambition is a double-edged sword. While it propels us forward, unrealistic ambitions can set us up for failure and frustration. Achievable Objectives: Set goals that challenge you but are still within your reach. This balance is key to maintaining motivation without overstraining yourself. The Power of Saying No In our eagerness to grow and succeed, we often take on more than we can handle. Learning to say no is not just about declining offers or opportunities; it's about prioritizing your mental and physical health. Prioritization and Focus: Every time you say yes to something, you're saying no to something else. Make sure what you're saying yes to aligns with your personal and professional growth goals. Creating a Sustainable Routine Long hours and sleepless nights are often glorified as the hallmarks of a dedicated professional. However, a sustainable routine that includes adequate rest, exercise, and leisure is more productive in the long run. Balance is Key: Incorporate activities that rejuvenate you. This could be exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. A well-rounded routine ensures you're not just productive, but also happy and healthy. Embracing Imperfection Perfectionism is often a contributor to burnout. The pursuit of perfection can lead to excessive stress and a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction. Progress Over Perfection: Aim for progress rather than perfection. Understand that mistakes are a part of growth and learning. Accepting imperfection helps in reducing unnecessary stress. Building a Support System A strong support system of colleagues, friends, and family can be your biggest asset. They provide a different perspective, emotional support, and can often spot signs of burnout before you do. Seek and Offer Support: Don't hesitate to reach out for help or offer support to others. Sometimes, just talking about your challenges can lighten your load. Conclusion Knowing your limits isn't a sign of weakness; it's a crucial aspect of sustainable growth and productivity. Illustrated by Jade Bern #productivity #motivation #work #growth

In today's digital era, many of us are glued to our desks, navigating through a sea of emails, calls, and virtual meetings. While technology offers unmatched convenience, it unfortunately promotes a sedentary lifestyle, especially in the workplace. Sitting for prolonged periods isn't just uncomfortable; it's a significant health risk. The solution? Regular, intentional movement breaks. Here's how incorporating brief, active pauses can transform your workday and enhance your overall health: ✅ Extended sitting has been linked to numerous health issues, including heightened risks of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, worsened back pain, and diminished mental health. Our bodies crave movement; they're not built for sitting still for hours. ✅ Physical Health: Short, active breaks boost circulation, mitigating sedentary behavior's health risks. They also ease muscle tension and combat the stiffness from long periods of sitting. ✅ Mental Clarity: Briefly stepping away from work clears your mind, lowers stress, and heightens focus. This mental refresh can spur creativity and improve problem-solving upon returning to your tasks. ✅ Productivity: Far from reducing productivity, regular breaks can actually enhance it. By warding off fatigue and maintaining energy and focus, you'll likely complete tasks more efficiently and with greater quality. Incorporating Movement Into Your Routine 🎯Set a Timer: Use reminders to take a break every hour. Many apps are designed to integrate these pauses smoothly into your workday. 🎯Stand and Stretch: Utilize breaks to stand and stretch your body. Simple stretches or yoga poses can relieve tension and improve flexibility. 🎯Take a Short Walk: A brief walk, even just around your office or home, offers both mental and physical refreshment. 🎯Deep Breathing: Include deep breathing exercises to oxygenate your brain and body, enhancing the rejuvenating effect of your break. 🎯Stay Hydrated: Drink water during your break. Proper hydration is crucial for energy and focus, often neglected during intense work sessions. 🎯Duration: Keep breaks brief, about 5 minutes, to rejuvenate without losing work momentum. 🎯Mindful Transition: After your break, realign with your tasks. A moment to refocus can help you return to work with renewed energy and purpose. Regular movement breaks are a straightforward yet profoundly effective strategy to boost physical health, mental well-being, and work performance. Movement is more than a physical health necessity; it's a key to unlocking creative and productive energy. Set that timer, and make movement an essential part of your day. #Build4Life #OWNit #EARNit #B4L #WorkplaceWellness #ProductivityHacks #HealthyHabits #MovementIsMedicine #ProfessionalWellbeing