Desmond Lim, co-founder and CEO of Workstream.
Courtesy of Desmond Lim
It’s often said that there is “no such thing as balance” in entrepreneurship, but startup founder Desmond Lim disagrees.
Balance is not only possible, but necessary, says the CEO and co-founder of Workstream, an HR, payroll, and hiring platform for hourly workers.
Mr Lim, who works an average of about 11 hours a day, said running the company was extremely taxing.
Not only are the working hours long, but they can also be mentally taxing. “Emotional ups and downs are always very difficult…the highs are very high and the lows are very low,” Mr Lim said.
“Every year, you still think the company could die. And I just try to say to myself… you’re still alive, you’re still healthy, and everything is fine,” he said. “And the other thing is, I can’t stop thinking about work. I dream about work.”
That’s why Lim believes it’s important for entrepreneurs to protect their health and energy. What is his strategy? Stick to a fixed daily schedule that works best for his body and brain. “My advice is to find your rhythm,” the 39-year-old said.
I try to remove non-negotiable items early in the morning (out of the way). For me it’s a sport.
Desmond Lim
Workstream Co-Founder and CEO
Mix two types of schedules
Inspired by an essay by Paul Graham, co-founder of startup accelerator Y Combinator, Lim follows what he calls a “dual schedule.”
Graham’s essay breaks down two types of time management. One is a manager’s schedule (usually crammed with one-hour meetings back-to-back), and the other is a maker’s schedule, designed for creators like programmers and writers who thrive on long, uninterrupted hours of work to focus and build.
“Actually, I like to mix up my schedule…I like to make phone calls, work hard, make phone calls, work hard,” Lim said. Rather than sticking strictly to one style, Lim said he can grow by combining both and following his own rhythm.
Here’s what Lim’s typical weekday looks like:
6:30am: Wake up 7:00am – 8:30am: Exercise or sports 8:30am – 9:30am: Have a protein shake and get ready for work 9:30am: Arrive at work 9:30am – 10:30am: Plan the day and get some things done 10:30am – 12:30pm: Meeting 12:30pm – 1:00pm: Lunch team 1pm to 2pm: More meetings 2pm to 4pm: In-depth work 5pm to 7pm: More meetings (sometimes with people from Asia) 7pm to 8:30pm: Finish the last task and work 8:30pm: Leave the office
On weekends, Lim says she puts her work phone away in the cupboard and focuses on spending time with her family.
Dig deep into your personal passions
In addition to devoting his weekends to family time, Lim also prioritizes his passion for sports and exercise by incorporating it into his daily schedule.
“One piece of advice (I would give) to founders and leaders is to thoroughly pursue each of your passions (non-work related),” Lim said. “For me, it’s been sports. I play basketball, swim, and do a lot of gym work. I think having that balance outside of work has really helped me.”
Workstream CEO Desmond Lim has been playing basketball since he was seven years old.
Courtesy of Desmond Lim.
Lim developed a love for basketball at the age of seven. He captained his school team from junior high school to university and also played professionally for the Singapore national youth team.
These days, he still starts each morning with 75 to 90 minutes of exercise, including calisthenics, gym training, and basketball. Often done with a friend to keep them accountable.
“I truly believe that you get better at moving (especially) as you get older,” he said. “I try to get the non-negotiables (out of the way) early in the morning. For me, it’s a sport.”
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