At work, there's always a high performer who becomes the go-to problem solver. With their strong work ethic, they will happily go beyond their job scope and take on problems outside their control to ensure positive outcomes for the company. But this is where things start to get ugly. They find themselves constantly fixing last-minute crises, stepping in where others won’t, and carrying a weight that’s not fully theirs. Over time, it leads to high stress and exhaustion. Sound familiar? If your heart is silently screaming "YES"👌🏻, then this article is for you. Let's explore how to shift from a very stressful "fixer" to a leader who empowers others and avoids burnout.
fast-track burnout recovery ritual
Have you ever felt so drained that even sleep couldn't fix it? That was me today. I couldn't get out of bed. No energy. No motivation. Not even the will to smile. I followed my rapid recovery ritual and, almost instantly, I finally felt like myself again. This ritual is focusing on creating small wins, because progress, no matter how tiny, keeps me moving. Having these rituals helps me stay resilient, no matter what life throws at me. And in any career, resilient isn't just useful, it's essential for growth and success. Life is an adventure where progress and challenges make everything exciting. If you see life the same way, maybe this strategy will work for you too!
pausing and thinking, active inactions
Thinking and contemplating are forms of active inaction. These are purposeful pauses to process, reflect, and plan. I know, in today's hustle culture, contemplating sounds unproductive. But when done right, it brings us clarity and time, to learn and strategise effectively.
start small, big changes, a better life
I used to see life as divided into two main time zones: working and everything else (learning, having fun, or simply doing what I wanted). I gave my all to my work, but outside of that, I lived without much structure. In short, I had no discipline. Then, I married someone who is the complete opposite, a deeply disciplined person and very accomplished. Now, I see the true yield of discipline. Witnessing my husband’s example has inspired me to train myself to build discipline—slowly, with intention, and with compassion for myself.
Book Review: Crying in H Mart (a memoir of food and grief)
I ended up reading and listening to 3 versions of this book on Libby because it took me over 3 weeks to finish it, balancing between work deadlines and expiring library loans! 😂 This memoir is so good and relatable for me, and I believe for many others as well. It tells a universal story about being a daughter, finding yourself, and the complex relationship we have with our parents. The author, Michelle Zauner, shares her memories with her mother, which are mostly tied to the flavors and traditions of Korean dishes. Her mom, just like my dad, truly savored every bite of her meals. My most cherished moments with my dad revolve around discovering and enjoying food together.
Curated Content: How to Prevent Anger from Killing You?
In my 13 years career journey, I've faced moments of intense anger at work, which not only led to emotional strain but also took a toll on me physically. I found Anthony's blog post about coping with anger through forgiveness, which is relatable and insightful. It sheds light on how intense anger affects our mental and physical health and offers practical advice on embracing forgiveness. I believe his perspectives could be beneficial to many of us. Let’s explore his approach to handling anger.
The Hayyan Chronicle 