When pushing your limits becomes too much
#33 How to recognize and manage burnout while striving for success
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Now jumping into today’s blog:
Cố Lên, Just a Tiny Bit More … We all have these situations—maybe it was for an exam where you had to study into the night or work overtime to finish a project. First, let me tell you: I salute your spirit to push your boundaries. I admire your hardworking nature to no end, and I believe that self-discipline is key to a fulfilled life.
The Early Days: Embracing the Grind
Around six years ago, I came back to Ho Chi Minh City to build a startup with two friends. Naturally, I had loads of energy and was excited to learn more and shape the startup into the company I envisioned. Motivational books and videos inspired me to work late into the night and wake up early at 5 AM for a run—a routine I took pride in. I was proud of living the "entrepreneurial lifestyle," working 100-hour weeks and practically living in the company.
Fast forward, the startup grew into a small business with 25 staff members, capable of sustaining itself. The effort we put in as a team during those early days was indeed worth it.
But one of my interns once asked me, "Would you do the same if you could go back in time?" The answer is:
No.
Knowing When to Slow Down
There are times in life when you have to work really hard and put in a lot of effort. But when is "just a tiny bit more" too much? When is trying your hardest too hard on yourself?
Back then, when we were building our startup, I had zero experience in business. Being "young and stupid" helped me go with the flow. Looking back now, I understand the difference between "pushing a bit more" and "creating a stressful lifestyle."
Yes, there were times when we had to work hard to solve problems quickly. For example, when the lockdown was announced, we definitely had to move fast. But on other days, I now believe it would have been wiser not to force myself to create one more worksheet for my students at 10 PM. Often, those late-night worksheets were full of spelling mistakes that I had to correct the next morning.
#mydailylearning
Taking time to relax and create a more balanced life might have been the better option. By using that time to recharge, I might have worked more productively. Although I worked really hard, I was fortunate enough not to burn out—probably because of the wonderful team and community that gave me so much support and love. But I realize now that it wouldn't have taken much more to break me.
Cố lên, just a tiny bit more is fine. Pushing the limits is fine. Stepping out of your comfort zone is fine …
as long as you're honest with yourself and recognize when "too much" is actually harming you.
Ask yourself:
Is the quality of my work still superb?
Is my body reacting strangely?
Do I still have an appetite?
If the answer is no, then it might be time to slow down a bit, recharge, and recover.
Thanks for reading to the end and I wish you an awesome day full of kindness and positivity. See you next Sunday morning for a new blog of #sonofavietkieu. 🥰 And remember: #yeudoi
Bài viết thuộc thử thách Viết Đều và Hay của Writing On The Net Alumni. #wotn #vietdeuvahay