A Strong Work Ethic Does Not Mean Burnout
- Mar 15, 2022
- 3 min read
Written by: Kitty Lai, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
I’ve been told by others that I have ‘a good work ethic’ many times, but what does that actually mean?
Most of us have all been there working late trying to get last-minute things done before a presentation.
A work ethic is a set of moral principles that you use in your job and it encompasses a number of traits: dedication, productivity, cooperation, character, integrity, sense of responsibility, emphasis on quality, discipline, teamwork, professionalism, respectfulness, determination, reliability/dependability, and more.
During my corporate days, I found myself working late in the office most days and until midnight on several occasions when important presentations needed to be pulled together for early morning meetings, and often due to last hour changes and additions too.
I was an all too familiar face with the night security guard… but without complaint, I had a job to complete and I knew I had to get the task done no matter what, and my being rather meticulous on detail and perfection I knew I would and could deliver.
Missing deadlines is not in my nature… I’m one for getting things done, not to let the side down and most importantly not to let myself down. I’ve always had it instilled in my childhood to do things right without cutting corners and give it my best.
In all honesty, I hate working under pressure but I know that’s where I am at my best, I’ve always thrived in these environments, that moment keeps you alive… but only in short bursts because I think burnout would have happened one way or another, so being my own boss has it benefits these days although the pressure is still there, at least I can stop when I need to.
Working for a corporate company felt like forever fire fighting. Was is it bad scheduling or just consistently work overload? How can we avoid this before we burn out?
Here are some tips whether you are in a role now or your own business owner ‒
Ask for help
If you feel like you are if you feel under pressure or overworked there’s no shame in asking for a helping hand or for extra resources. Delegate to others if you have to.
Take some time out
We are not machines so it’s important to have your own headspace. You can try meditation or a day off away from your daily job.
Say No more often
Sometimes we need to be honest if the job is not feasible with unrealistic deadlines. Take that stress level right down and just say ‘No’.
Block out time
Blocking out your calendar to concentrate on the important tasks. Whether it’s an hour, a day or a week you should use this time without getting distracted.
Note things down
We generally have a list of things to do in our heads but that’s not efficient if you don’t write out down. If you are not using management tools and note-taking then ‘take note’ (excuse the pun!)
Helpful Tools such as: Evernote, Slack, Trello, Asana, Notes on iPhone (create folders), google drive and even the good old spreadsheet if that works for you! Etc, etc.
FINALLY… Enjoy what you do
It doesn’t matter how hard you work but make sure that you enjoy what you are doing.
Kitty Lai, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Kitty Lai is a Branding Strategist and Visual Communicator, Founder of ME Brand ‒ a Personal Branding service. She is one of the leading authorities in the UK, with over twenty years' experience working as a brand designer and Head of the graphic design teams for iconic British retail brands such as Ted Baker and Cath Kidston, bringing businesses alive through visual and brand communication.
Kitty totally exudes the drive, passion and energy that's needed to be a successful entrepreneur. She wholly embodies the value of self-development and keenly practices a growth mindset in the running of her own business.
Kitty shared her extensive expertise as a keynote speaker at a number of events, and is inspired to help entrepreneurs and success-driven individuals to develop their Personal Brand so they make an impact and confidently attract their ideal clients.
