Hustle culture glorifies overwork, even to the point of burnout. In fact, 45% of people proudly proclaim that they are members of hustle culture. As the theory goes, being “always on” means you’re a tough, dedicated, loyal employee. And on the surface, this makes sense. Skipping vacations, living on coffee and fast food, and checking your email long into the night certainly paints the picture of someone who will be there when your company needs you. It can also make you feel powerful like you have a purpose, and like you can overcome basic human needs and limitations.
The Reality of Hustle Culture
Unfortunately, like most other cultural phenomena, hustle culture isn’t as glamorous as it seems. Rather than living authentically, creating your own best life, you become a slave to both internal and external pressures and demands. You live your life in service to the clock, and spend most of your time on autopilot rather than being present in the moment. Over time, this can destroy your relationships, your mental and physical health, and even your ability to define yourself as an independent human being.
A Better Option
Working hard is certainly necessary if you want to succeed, but there’s a better way to go about it. The key is to change your mindset and take back your personal power. Start by centering yourself, focusing on calmness, connectedness, and curiosity. Learn to be mindful, staying present in every moment rather than spiraling into worries about the future, or regrets from the past. Also, change the way you talk to yourself. Instead of “should,” use the word “could.” Take ownership of your decisions by saying, “I choose” rather than “I have to.”
Next, learn to set boundaries. Realize that you can only give your best when you are at your best, so prioritizing self-care actually makes you a stronger employee, as well as a better parent, partner, and friend. Take time off. Unplug. Exercise every day, and watch what you eat. Take at least five minutes each day to meditate, allowing yourself to quiet your mind and tune into your heart.
It’s not easy to make these changes, but if you stick with it, over time, you will become calmer, more assertive, and better able to make important decisions. You will be able to work hard in ways that you never could as part of the always-exhausted hustle culture, and you will also know how to tune out the noise and take care of yourself and your loved ones.
If you’re ready to take the first steps into your future, contact Pro Resources today.