Breaking Free from Hustle Culture...

​A Wake-Up Warning for Women Entrepreneurs

In the relentless pursuit of success, the phrase "hustle hard" has been glorified as the entrepreneur's mantra. However, the hidden costs of this culture can be particularly detrimental to women entrepreneurs, who often juggle multiple roles both in their professional and personal lives.
I learned a serious lesson the hard way when my commitment to work and succeeding led me to a frightening wake-up call: an emergency rush to the hospital, hooked up to an oxygen machine, with monitors beeping around me.
In 2015, at the height of my business success, surpassing all my goals, my business hit critical mass locally and began extending to international regions. It was moving and growing faster than I could keep up.
I was so focused on protecting the brand, building my team, serving the clients, and maintaining the standard that I drove myself into a state of chronic fatigue, which led to more scary health complications.
My moment of clarity made me realize that no level of success is worth my health or life.
Many of us face the reality that constantly working does not equate to being productive or true success; it's actually a health hazard. Embracing a culture obsessed with busyness and chronic stress isn't just unsustainable; it's potentially life-threatening.
It's a harsh lesson that many of us women learn only after pushing our limits too far. For me, lying in that ambulance was a stark indicator that the "go hard or die trying" philosophy was not only flawed but downright dangerous.
I later realized this was quite common amongst high-performing, ambitious career women juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. I also realized that, just as I did, many ignore the signs our body sends, letting us know it's time to rest and recuperate to step back a bit to heal.
It prompted a significant shift in my lifestyle and business practices. I chose to ditch the hustle culture for a philosophy of growing with intention, grace, and flow.
The truth is that chronic overworking and neglecting personal well-being leads to burnout, chronic fatigue, and a plethora of other serious health issues. This isn't just about physical health; it's about mental and emotional resilience as well.
As women entrepreneurs, we must prioritize our health as the foundation upon which we build our successes. Embracing balance and life harmony isn't a luxury; it's a necessity.
For women, the stakes are even higher. Statistically, women are more likely to experience work-related stress due to the dual pressures of business and family obligations. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, women who maintain high levels of stress have a 40% increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, the hormonal impacts of stress can exacerbate health issues unique to women, affecting everything from menstrual cycles to mental health.
The hustle culture sells the myth that more hours mean more productivity. However, effective entrepreneurship is about working smarter, not harder. It's about making strategic decisions that prioritize your well-being so that you can be at your best, both in business and in life.
Pursuing success at the cost of your meaningful relationships, well-being, and health isn't just counterproductive; it's self-sabotage.
True success should enhance your quality of life, not compromise it. As I adopted this new mindset, I improved my health and found that my business began to thrive and bloom in ways that "hustle culture" never allowed.
As you read this, consider this a gentle reminder that your health is your greatest asset. Don't fall into the trap of measuring your worth or success by how busy you are; rather, measure it by how well you can maintain your health, relationships, and happiness alongside your ambitions.
​
"Challenge yourself to redefine and design success on your own terms."

Take a step back from the hustle. Prioritize yourself. Grow your business with grace and balance, and watch as your life transforms not just into one of success but of significance and satisfaction.

Life By Design:The Feminine Method

I've compiled my 23 years of lessons, tips, and guidance into my Life By Design Book.
Here's a complimentary copy of my "Life By Design Guide: The Feminine Method for Business Women."  This guide is crafted to help you cultivate a holistic approach to entrepreneurship, one that champions well-being and self-prioritization as the cornerstone of success.
Grow With Grace.
​Shelly

---