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I am frustrated because I have witnessed hustle culture being celebrated for a long time. Working too much isn’t a good way to achieve respect. Forget about it. The meaning of “hustle” is crystal clear to me because I am a small business owner. I do it every day. I think it’s important to be deliberate about how hard we work because, well, we’re only humans.
Running metaphors help me think about things better. The belief that you can run at a high speed indefinitely is promoted by hustle culture. But obviously, that can’t happen. You will be flung face-first onto the ground when your legs finally give out. However, hustling on purpose is like running the 100-yard dash multiple times. You go out to accomplish something, you succeed, and then you get some downtime to recharge. Its sustainability is the most crucial aspect.
Working too much prevents you from spending quality time with loved ones and also prevents you from taking on challenges that could advance your profession. Both burnout and the importance of rest and self-care for your body are genuine concerns.
Dreams are very beautiful. In 2018, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine conducted a study that compared individuals whose regular sleep duration was 7 to 8 hours to those whose duration was 5 to 6 hours. Those whose duration was less than 5 hours had a 29 percent greater productivity loss compared to those whose duration was 7 to 8 hours.
There will be ebbs and flows in both your professional and personal life. Discovering the ideal middle ground is more important than striving for perfection. If you want to make the most of your time and energy, you need to be aware of your strengths and weaknesses.
If you take the time to plan ahead and reflect on your interests, you can channel your efforts and professional development into pursuits that truly excite you. Focus your energy on pursuits that bring you joy. If you’re doing something you love, you’re less likely to get burned out.
You lose sight of life’s finer details when you put in too many hours at the office. If you’re in a mad dash to finish a job at work, you might miss a breathtaking sunset. On the flip side, when you decrease your workload, you make more room in your schedule to savor small moments, rejuvenate, and prioritize the people who matter to you.
You have to take your eyes off your phone or computer to appreciate all the amazing objects and people in the world. Taking the time to wander and observe my surroundings strengthens my work, as any creative person can tell you.
You need to be deliberate about your hustle strategies. While a strong work ethic is highly beneficial, the concept of ambition as a way of life is not.
