Finding a balance between ambition and well-being has never been more important. Canva’s co-founder and CEO, Melanie Perkins, recently shared her reflections on sustaining energy and focus in the face of modern challenges. Her journey from relentless overwork to a more balanced and intentional approach offers invaluable lessons for anyone striving to succeed without burning out.

Perkins candidly recalls her early entrepreneurial years, working seven days a week and barely pausing for rest. Like many of us, she believed this level of commitment was necessary to achieve her goals. Over time, however, she realised that such a pace was unsustainable. Today, she advocates for working smarter, not harder, and has embraced habits that help her recharge and remain focused. 

Here are the five transformative practices she’s adopted:

Taking Real Breaks
For years, Perkins skipped weekends, thinking constant effort was key to success. Now, she intentionally carves out time to pause and recharge. These breaks help her reset, offering clarity and renewed energy for the week ahead. As she explains, taking time off can actually boost productivity by preventing burnout.

Setting Walking Goals
Several years ago, Perkins challenged herself to walk 100 km each month. These walks became a vital part of her routine—a time for brainstorming, reflecting, and reconnecting with nature. For 2025, she plans to reinstate this habit, underscoring the importance of movement for both physical and mental health.

Daily Meditation
Meditation was not always easy for Perkins, as her mind often wandered to work. However, by practicing regularly with tools like the Calm app, she has experienced its transformative benefits. Meditating for just 10 minutes a day has improved her sleep, self-talk, and overall well-being.

Leveraging AI Walks
Embracing innovation, Perkins combines her walking routine with AI tools. She records her thoughts using AirPods and lets AI organize her ideas into actionable steps—sometimes even visualizing them in Canva. This approach illustrates how technology can enhance mindfulness and productivity.

Building Simple, Intentional Habits
Perkins highlights the impact of small rituals, like journaling, spending time in nature, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. These seemingly minor actions create a foundation for sustainable growth and success.

Perkins’ journey reminds us that true success isn’t achieved by sacrificing well-being, but by integrating it into our lives. Whether you’re launching a business, growing your career, or navigating challenges, her practices offer inspiration for thriving in 2025.

What habits resonate with you? Share your strategies for balance and success—we’d love to hear them!