When the Grind Catches Up: Lessons from the Emergency Room
In November 2024, I found myself in the emergency room—twice. This wasn’t due to an accident or illness, but from the relentless pursuit of my passion. For months, I had been focused on building initiatives, processes, and projections for the work I’m blessed to do. I deeply love my work, and I cherish every company I have the privilege to support. The joy of crafting strategies, driving profitability, and booking demos has been central to my life.
However, the truth is, the effort required to sustain this grind is often underestimated. The work isn’t just about showing up—it’s about constant thinking, rethinking, and refining. In this cycle of trial and error, where ideas work momentarily but fail to sustain long-term success, I hit a breaking point. The demands of building and scaling began to outpace my capacity, and the toll was devastating.
The Wake-Up Call
My first trip to the ER was terrifying. My blood pressure soared to 204/160—a level doctors call stroke or heart attack territory. I had ignored weeks of high blood pressure and a rapid heart rate until a thunderclap headache woke me at 2 a.m. My wife insisted I go to the hospital. Unable to wake my three-year-old daughter to bring her along, I drove myself into the night.
In that hospital room, after undergoing a battery of tests, including a CT scan, I faced a sobering reality: I was nearing a breaking point. What if this had been my last move? Or worse, what if I were sidelined for days, unable to work or provide for my family? Yet, in that moment of solitude, I wasn’t alone—Jesus was with me. I knew something had to change.
Learning to Let Go
I’ve always struggled with delegation. I love my work and often believe no one can do it better than me. If you’ve ever felt this way, you’ll understand the challenge. But this mindset wasn’t sustainable. I had to start trusting others, teaching them to manage parts of the process, and letting go of my need for control.
Delegation isn’t about lowering standards—it’s about focusing on what only you can do while empowering others to handle the rest. By doing so, you create opportunities for growth, both for yourself and your team. It’s not giving up control; it’s redefining it.
The Second Trip to the ER
Despite my resolve, I found myself back in the hospital later that same week, this time with a severe migraine and blood pressure again exceeding 200. It became clear this wasn’t a one-off situation. My health—and my ability to continue doing what I love—was at serious risk.
This time, I took decisive action. I sought medical advice, started prescribed medication, and restructured my schedule to prioritize rest and stress management. These changes weren’t about slowing down the grind; they were about working smarter. Whether through rest, focused effort, or gratitude, I committed to making every minute intentional.
Stop Wasting Time on the Trivial
The hard truth is that burning the midnight oil aimlessly doesn’t serve anyone. Scrolling through LinkedIn for likes while pushing real work to the late hours is a trap. Likes don’t pay bills or create impact. Instead, focus on what truly matters. Pursue your purpose with discipline, clarity, and intention.
A Moment of Worship
During my second hospital visit, as I was wheeled into the CT scan room, I played worship music on my phone. If those moments were to be my last, I wanted them filled with faith and truth. By God’s grace, they weren’t my last. Instead, they were a wake-up call and a chance to reassess how I live and work.
The Takeaway
This isn’t a call to slow down—it’s a call to focus. Work hard, but work smart. Delegate tasks where possible. Rest intentionally. Invest your time and energy in what truly matters. Build a sustainable rhythm for yourself and your family, one that allows you to thrive while keeping sight of what’s important.
One day, you won’t be here anymore. What will you leave behind? If you don’t care about the answer to that question, you might already be doing things right. But for the rest of us, this is a chance to make it count.
Let this be your wake-up call, just as it was mine. Prioritize your health, focus on your purpose, and remember that your time on this earth is finite. Work hard and smart, but never at the cost of what matters most.
