Workplace Multiplier by Tola Akinsulire

Tuesday Edition: November 19, 2024

Welcome to the Workplace Multiplier newsletter. Published every Tuesday & Friday, we discover something crucial to help us on the way to winning at work and in life.

Why Skipping Holidays Could Be Killing Your Career Potential

According to estimates, about $125 billion to $190 billion a year in healthcare spending in the U.S. is lost to psychological and physical problems of burned-out employees.

It’s a sobering statistic and one I fought the hard way early in my career not to be part of.

In my first job post-graduation, I was eager to prove myself. I poured everything I had into my work. By the time I qualified for my first leave, I was excited to recharge.

I waited for some more months before making plans for it. But when I approached my boss about taking some time off, she said no. Her reasoning? “We can’t let you go away. We need you on the job”

Initially, I was frustrated. But, I wasn’t going to back down. Instead of arguing (could I even argue, small me like that), I presented a perspective she couldn’t ignore: "If I don’t take a break, I’ll likely burn out, fall ill, and the company will lose more time than just my holiday period. But if I go now, I’ll come back energized and ready to deliver better results. I’m just going to stay home to rest – I am not traveling”

It worked. Not only did I take that holiday, but I also returned to deliver more. That experience taught me a valuable lesson: protecting your energy isn’t just a personal win—it’s a professional strategy.

Why You Need a Life Outside of Work

I’d like to borrow a bit from Arnold Bennett’s 1910 timeless classic, "How to Live on 24 Hours a Day," (you can find it online to download if you want to)

He sheds light on the productivity trap many career professionals fall into.

Bennett argues that life isn’t just about grinding from 9 to 5; it’s about creating a balanced existence where work, rest, and personal growth coexist harmoniously.

Here are three standout principles from his book that can help you rethink how you approach your work-life dynamic:

1. Time is the Ultimate Equalizer

Everyone gets the same 24 hours in a day, but how you use them determines your results. Spending all of them on work leaves no room for personal rejuvenation, creativity, or reflection—the key ingredients for sustained high performance.

2. Rest Fuels Peak Productivity

Bennett emphasizes that rest is not a luxury but a necessity for maintaining mental agility. Neglecting rest leads to diminishing returns on your efforts, both professionally and personally.

3. Small Changes Have Big Impacts

Even dedicating just 90 minutes a few times a week to a passion outside work can refresh your mind and boost your overall effectiveness. Whether it’s learning a new skill, exercising, or simply reflecting, carving out this time pays dividends.

These principles aren’t just abstract ideas—they are strategies that work. Taking that holiday won’t just save you from burnout; the bigger picture is this: When you invest in yourself, you’re also investing in your career.

Why Ignoring Balance Is a Risk You Can’t Afford

Think about it: If you’re constantly “on,” how can you be at your best? Imagine an athlete training without rest days or recovery time—it’s a recipe for injury.

Yet, many of us treat our careers the same way, thinking relentless effort is the only path to success.

The truth? Hustle culture is outdated. What works instead is optimizing your energy, prioritizing tasks, and building a life that includes rest and joy. Not only does this make you more productive, but it also makes you a better leader, team player, and innovator.

Your 3-Step Action Plan to Win at Work and in Life

You already know that I won’t leave you without a plan of action. I confess I’ll be giving you something simpler

Here’s how to start reclaiming your time and energy without sacrificing career success:

1. Audit Your Day

Track how you spend your 24 hours for a week. Identify time leaks (scrolling social media, procrastination, etc.) and reallocate that time to rest or passion projects.

2. Schedule Your Holidays Now

Don’t wait for burnout to force you to take a break. Block time on your calendar for regular holidays or mini-breaks and treat them as non-negotiable appointments with yourself.

3. Build a ‘High-Performance Lifestyle’ Habit

Dedicate 90 minutes, three times a week, to a non-work activity that excites or inspires you—reading, fitness, or a creative hobby. This small shift can have a massive impact on your mental clarity and performance. This can even create something more impactful. Google's "20% time" policy allows employees to spend 20% of their work time on personal projects, aka Innovation Time Off, which is the source of successful products like Gmail, Google News, and Google Maps. Ain’t you glad someone got time to create Google Maps😍😍?

You don’t need to sacrifice your personal life to excel at work. Embracing balance is the fastest way to reach your career potential. Start small, be intentional, and remember: You’re not just working to live; you’re living to thrive.

💡 Ready to step up your game? Let me know your thoughts or share how you plan to make your 24 hours count. If you’re ready for personalized strategies to elevate your career and life, click to reply to this email—I’d love to help!

You can win at work and in life 

Tola Akinsulire

I am a Workplace Multiplier.

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Want to get in on some of the lessons I have picked up in my career? Get my eBook "21 Lessons I Learned in My Career - A Primer to Help You Become Better at Work". Get it here

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