How I Keep the Balance

On August 13th, 2024, one of the best things in my life happened: My son Liam Lio Hoessly was born 👶

However, in the months after I didn't do much besides caring for my baby and my startup. No time for friends, hobbies, myself.

January came and the January Hole hit me hard (that's how we say it in Switzerland). My motivation dropped, I procrastinated and I felt down quite often. But I thought: “It's the January Hole — let's just sit it out!”

Then February came. And March came. Flowers started to bloom — but not my mood. So I knew I had to change something. But how could I integrate some self-care in my daily routine? Having a baby is a 24h job — and running a startup too!

I stumbled across a book called The 5AM Club and listened to its summary on Blinkist. It changed my life!

Now every morning I get up, workout, meditate, journal, and take a cold shower. Then my baby boy Liam gets up and we hang out while I prep Müesli for the family.

And ever since I've been feeling way better. I'm focused, I'm motivated, I'm happy.

And every task I need to do I just do.

I don't know why it works so well — maybe because of the endorphins released by the workout? Or the therapeutic effects of meditating and journaling? Or because starting with some 'hard’ tasks trains the surmounting parts of the brain?

I haven't made it to the 5AM Club yet, but I'm the proud founder of the 6AM club. Also I don't do the exact routine the book suggests — but still, thanks a lot to the author Robin Sharma!

I've had a couple of struggling periods in my life — which finally led me to found a purpose-driven startup. Because I genuinely want to help others who struggle too.

Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation? If yes, what did you do to escape it? PM me or leave a comment!

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Michael

P.S.: Here's the soundtrack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaEG2aWJnZ8