Seven ways to overcome workaholism
HEIDI’S JOURNAL ENTRY | November 2025
Mindset | Work-life Balance
Beyond Burnout: Redefining Success in the Age of Workaholism
8 Proven Tips to Break Free from Overwork and Rediscover Fulfilment in Life and Career
By Heidi Hauer
How to Regain a Healthy Work-Life Balance Despite Your Career And Live Your Life on Your Own Terms
Workaholism isn’t only about long hours – it’s about the meaning we attach to work and the hidden fears that keep us pushing beyond healthy limits. Many of us grow up believing that self-worth is measured by titles, salaries, or endless productivity. While ambition can lead to success, it often comes at the cost of wellbeing: chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, and the nagging sense that nothing is ever enough.
From my experience as a career coach, I’ve seen how the deep desire to be needed and validated can trap professionals in cycles of overwork, over-caring, and micromanaging. Work can absolutely be a source of fulfilment and purpose – but only if we learn to pause, step back, and create balance. Balance doesn’t mean perfection. It means noticing our changing needs, making small adjustments, and building routines that support us rather than drain us. It's about reducing stress by becoming more mindful of your thoughts and adopting the right mindset. This also involves learning to set boundaries.
The good news? You can achieve excellence and career success without exhausting yourself. By redefining success and shifting how you approach work, you can prevent burnout and create a more balanced, meaningful life. Here are eight strategies to help you break free from the cycle of overwork and to find a healthy work-life-balance:
Start with Your Why
Clarify what balance and fulfilment mean to you. A strong inner compass turns vague wishes into concrete, motivating goals.Listen Inward
Exhaustion often stems from hidden beliefs or inner conflicts, not just workload. By recognising these patterns, you can set boundaries and practise self-care.Observe Your Thoughts
Your mind can be your greatest ally or harshest critic. Tools like mindfulness, meditation, or breathing exercises help you notice thought loops and regain clarity.Numbing Isn’t Rest
Scrolling, binge-watching, or emotional eating may distract you, but they rarely restore your energy. True balance comes from activities that genuinely recharge you.Set and Hold Boundaries
Define clear work hours and stick to them mentally as well as practically. Jot down ideas outside working hours to stay present without losing them.Anchor Daily Wellbeing Rituals
Small routines like a mindful morning, a short walk, or an evening wind-down bring energy back. Just five minutes a day can shift your state. It is the first step towards achieving a better work-life balance.Nurture Your Relationships
Joy needs space. Schedule time for friends, family, or hobbies and consciously disconnect from work during these moments.Create Structure for Success
Order, priorities, and realistic goals provide a sense of control and protect against overwhelm. A clear structure beats to-do lists which are endless for workaholics.
Breaking free from workaholism takes time. A holiday may relieve short-term stress, but only consistent small changes reshape your relationship with work. By defining success on your own terms, you prevent burnout and reclaim a life that feels whole, joyful, and deeply fulfilling.
If you’re tired of pushing yourself to the brink and want a better way forward, my 1:1 leadership coaching offers exactly that. I help high-performing professionals like you redefine success, reclaim your energy, and find clarity about where to focus your time and attention. Through a blend of strategic frameworks, emotional intelligence work, and wellbeing practices, we’ll unearth the hidden drivers behind your overwork, co-create habits that support sustainable performance, and build a roadmap toward a life that feels both meaningful and balanced.
Would you like to make an impact in your professional life while maintaining a sense of balance?
As a holistic leadership coach, I provide you with the tools, insights and encouragement you need to succeed – while leading a healthy and meaningful life. Discover my coaching for executives and senior leaders – your tailored journey to leadership with impact.