Australian millionaire Mark Bouris reveals his secret health battle - and the three things he did to stop burnout and change his life forever
Australian millionaire and entrepreneur Mark Bouris has recalled the moment he hit rock bottom after he pushed himself so hard it landed him in hospital.
The high-profile businessman and media personality, 67, is the founder of Wizard Home Loans and the chairman of mortgage-broking business Yellow Brick Road.
He also hosts two podcasts, Straight Talk and The Mentor, where he interviews leading entrepreneurs, business figures, and politicians.
In a candid blog post this week, Bouris wrote that he had learnt the value of hard work from his father, but that same drive had almost destroyed him in 2009.
He reflected on the dangers of burnout, admitting that despite his success, he had paid the price of ignoring the warning signs.
'I didn't slow down. I thought I didn't have a choice,' he wrote.
'I worked myself into the ground, and it landed me in hospital with a serious illness.'
That experience, he said, changed his view point forever.
'That was a wake-up call,' he wrote.
'I'm sure you've also heard stories of people suffering serious physical and mental consequences from burnout. I became one of them.'
Now, Bouris advocates for sustainable performance and health in his industry by urging entrepreneurs to treat themselves as their most valuable asset.
In his article, Bouris stressed that success isn't about working 24/7, it's about working smart, maintaining discipline, and knowing when to stop.
'I often tell business owners that prioritising your health is non-negotiable,' he said.
Adding that the secret isn't in fads or extreme routines, but in nailing the basics, sleep, exercise and recovery.
He also warns against blurring the lines between work and rest, something he believes many business owners get wrong.
'We're so worried about charging our phones but forget to recharge ourselves. Rest doesn't mean heading to the pub or replying to emails after hours. It means giving your body and mind real time to unwind,' he said.
Bouris said it was vital for business owners to know their purpose and their 'why'.
He said that when life in business gets chaotic, what gets you through is knowing why you're doing it in the first place.
'There'll be times when your routine goes out the window. Late nights, early starts, and everything in between,' he said.
'When that happens, purpose gives you that extra gear, like a boxing world champion digging deep in the final round.'
Bouris's message is clear, burnout is real, and no one is immune to it.
'Stop ignoring the basics,' he wrote.
'When it's time to work, get it done. When it's time to rest, actually rest.'
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