Startup Founder Desmond Lim Balances 11-Hour Workdays With Family and Fitness: ‘Find Your Own Rhythm’

Startup founder Desmond Lim, CEO and co-founder of Workstream, believes that balance in entrepreneurship is not only possible but essential. While many in the startup world claim “there’s no such thing as balance,” Lim maintains that a structured routine and personal discipline allow him to manage long work hours, family time, and fitness without compromise.

Running a company is demanding, Lim admits, requiring both stamina and mental resilience. “The emotional ups and downs are always very challenging ... The highs are very high, the lows are very low,” he said. On average, he works about 11 hours each day. “Every year, you still think the company could die. And then I just try to remind myself ... you are still alive, healthy, everything is good,” he said. “And the other thing is, you cannot stop thinking about work. I dream about it.”

For Lim, maintaining health and energy is non-negotiable. His approach centers on establishing and maintaining a routine tailored to his own rhythm. “My advice is, find your own rhythm,” the 39-year-old said, emphasizing the importance of listening to one’s body and mind to sustain productivity over time.

Man in front of a laptop | Source: Pexels

Mixing Two Kinds of Schedules

Lim’s workday follows what he calls a “dual schedule,” an idea inspired by Paul Graham, co-founder of the startup accelerator Y Combinator. Graham’s essay outlines two modes of productivity: the “manager’s schedule,” filled with back-to-back meetings, and the “maker’s schedule,” which prioritizes long, uninterrupted periods of focused work for creators and builders.

“I actually like to have my schedule mixed ... I like to have calls, deep work, calls, deep work,” Lim explained. Rather than adhering strictly to one style, he combines both, structuring his day around alternating periods of meetings and concentrated work. This hybrid structure, he said, allows him to stay productive while maintaining mental clarity.

Lim’s weekday routine is meticulously planned. He wakes at 6:30 a.m. and devotes the next 90 minutes to exercise or sports before preparing for work. From 9:30 a.m., he alternates between meetings and “deep work” sessions throughout the day, often extending his schedule until 8:30 p.m. Evening meetings sometimes include calls with colleagues in Asia. Despite the long hours, Lim ensures his weekends remain work-free, setting aside time exclusively for his family. “On weekends,” he said, “I lock away my work phone in a cupboard and focus on spending time with family.”

Man in front of a laptop | Source: Pexels

Going Deep on Personal Passions

In addition to his structured work schedule, Lim prioritizes physical activity as a cornerstone of his well-being. He attributes much of his balance to maintaining a passion outside of work. “One advice [I have] for founders and leaders is ... to go very deep on one passion you have that is not work [related],” he said. “For me, that has been sports ... I do a lot of basketball, swimming, and gym. I think having a balance other than work has been very helpful for me.”

“I really believe in being able to move well ... [especially] as you grow old,” Lim said. By dedicating his early mornings to exercise, he ensures that his “non-negotiables” — health and fitness — are completed before the day’s work begins. “I try to get the non-negotiables out [of the way] in the early morning. For me, it’s sports,” he added.

For Lim, success as an entrepreneur comes not only from building a business but from building a sustainable way of life. His formula — blending discipline, structure, and self-awareness — serves as a model for leaders seeking longevity in both work and personal well-being.