For years, I thought I had it all figured out.
Like many MSP leaders, I wore long hours as a badge of honour. Eighty-hour work weeks were routine. Sleep was optional. Growth was everything. I told myself this was the price of success.
But what I didn’t realize at the time was that I was slowly burning out and heading toward something much worse.
The Breaking Point
Everything changed after my concussion in 2012.
In the months that followed, my world turned upside down. I couldn’t speak for the first few months. Simple conversations became impossible. On top of that, I developed severe anxiety.
My body began to betray me.
- Numbness in my hands and legs
- Heart palpitations
- Sweating
- Severe nausea
- Panic attacks—two to three per day
Each episode would knock me down completely. I’d have to lie down for hours just to recover, only to go through it all over again.
It wasn’t just hard on me it was devastating for my family.
I remember one moment vividly. I turned to my wife and gave her permission to leave me. I truly believed that I had become a burden too heavy to carry.
But she didn’t leave. My family didn’t give up on me.
And for that, I will always be grateful.
Searching for Relief
Like many people dealing with mental health challenges, I searched for answers everywhere. I took a year off work to recover and find answers.
I tried acupuncture and herbal remedies.
I tried tai chi.
I tried anything that might give me even a bit of relief.
But nothing seemed to work.
Until I did something simple: I started moving.
The Turning Point: Movement as Medicine
It started with a 15-minute walk every day.
That was all I could handle.
But something changed. I felt a small sense of relief, just enough to try again the next day.
Fifteen minutes quickly turned into thirty.
Eventually, it became an hour every day.
Over time, I built a routine that included:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Meditation
Exercise became my therapy. It didn’t cure everything overnight, but it gave me control, something I had completely lost.
It helped me rebuild.
Rewriting My Life: The 8-8-8 Rule
My experience forced me to rethink everything, especially how I lived and worked.
Today, I follow a simple principle: the 8-8-8 rule.
- 8 hours of rest (I used to survive on 5)
- 8 hours of focused work
- 8 hours for life – family, friends, exercise, and things I truly enjoy
This isn’t just about time management, it’s about protecting your energy, your health, and your future.
Because without those, none of the rest matters.
A Message to MSP Leaders
In our industry, burnout is normalized. Hustle culture is celebrated. We push ourselves and our teams, to the limit.
But here’s the truth:
There is no success without sustainability.
As MSP leaders, we need to:
- Create boundaries
- Build guardrails
- Be disciplined about protecting our time and energy
You can run a successful business and live a calm, balanced life.
But it requires intention. It requires routine. And most importantly, it requires a willingness to change.
Final Thoughts
My concussion didn’t just slow me down, it forced me to rebuild my life from the ground up.
It was one of the hardest chapters of my life.
But it also became one of the most transformative.
If my story resonates with you, take it as a sign.
⇒ Slow down.
⇒ Take care of yourself.
⇒ And remember, your health is your most important asset for you and everyone else.
About the Author
Miguel Ribeiro is the CEO and Founder of VBS IT Services, an award-winning managed IT services provider based in the Greater Toronto Area. With nearly two decades in the MSP industry, Miguel is recognized for helping businesses leverage technology, cybersecurity, and AI to drive growth and efficiency.
Following a life-changing concussion and personal experience with burnout, Miguel has become a passionate advocate for mental health and work-life balance in the MSP community. He serves as a board member of MSP Well, where he is committed to raising awareness, sharing his story, and helping fellow leaders build healthier, more sustainable businesses.
Miguel welcomes conversations with fellow MSP leaders and business owners navigating similar challenges. You can connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguelribeiro or reach out to him to learn more about his story at https://vbsitservices.com/meet-miguel