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The Truth About Hustle Culture: Why Slowing Down Can Actually Make You More Successful
What If You Stopped Hustling and Started Living?
“Don’t let the hard days win.”
We live in a world that glorifies the hustle. The grind. The idea that success only comes through pushing yourself to the limit, staying constantly busy, and never slowing down. But what if that mindset is actually holding you back rather than helping you get ahead?
For years, I thought I had to be constantly moving, fixing, and achieving to be successful. I believed that if I wasn’t grinding 24/7, I was falling behind. But the reality? I was exhausted. Burnt out. And despite all the effort, I wasn’t any happier or more fulfilled.
Then, I started slowing down—and everything changed.
The Shift: Breaking Free from Hustle Culture
Hustle culture teaches us that if we’re not constantly striving, we’re failing. But that’s not true success—that’s just survival. I realized that constantly being in a fight-or-flight mode wasn’t making me more productive, it was making me miserable.
So, I made a conscious choice to redefine success. Instead of rushing through my days, I started focusing on being intentional, slowing down, and prioritizing quality over speed. And what I found was that success isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what actually matters.
Slow and Controlled: A New Approach to Life
I started applying this mindset shift to different areas of my life:
In My Relationships: Instead of reacting out of frustration, I take a breath. I step back. I communicate more clearly and listen more deeply. I don’t let small annoyances spiral into unnecessary conflicts.
In My Health: I stopped believing I had to punish myself with extreme workouts or diets to see results. Instead, I focused on quality movement, better food choices, and listening to my body. The result? I feel stronger and more confident than I have in years.
In My Mindset: I used to rush through everything—chores, workouts, conversations. Now, I focus on being present. When I slow down, I make better decisions, feel less overwhelmed, and actually enjoy the process.
Recognizing My Own Patterns
One thing that helped push me toward this realization was something my husband once said: “Speed over accuracy for you.” At first, it stung. It felt like a criticism, but deep down, I knew there was truth to it. I had a habit of rushing through things, often sacrificing quality for the sake of getting things done quickly. Even though his words could have been delivered with a bit more kindness, (we’re working on this together lol) I now see that he was pointing out something I wasn’t fully aware of myself.
Instead of taking it personally, I chose to reflect on it. And in doing so, I realized that he was actually doing what a good partner should do—helping me grow, challenging me to be better, and holding me accountable. That moment made me more mindful of how I approach not just tasks, but life itself. It reinforced the idea that slowing down doesn’t mean falling behind—it means creating something stronger, more intentional, and more fulfilling.
Changing My Mindset Changed My Life
One of the most visible changes I experienced when I slowed down was in my physical health. I used to think that success with fitness meant going all-in—hitting the gym every day, tracking every calorie, and constantly pushing myself harder. But when I embraced a more mindful approach, focusing on quality movement, balanced eating, and sustainability, I started seeing results that actually lasted.
Physically, my body changed, but more importantly, my relationship with health, food, and movement transformed. I wasn’t punishing myself—I was taking care of myself. This shift in mindset led to my best physical and mental shape in years.
I hesitated to share a before-and-after photo—not because I’m hiding anything, but because, honestly, I don’t take many pictures of myself. (I’m usually the one taking the pictures) Plus, this article isn’t about weight loss. That was just a byproduct of shifting my mindset. My journey wasn’t about chasing a number on the scale or an aesthetic; it was about breaking out of old habits and learning to trust myself.
I’ve played sports my whole life—basketball in college, beach volleyball now—so my body has always changed depending on what I was doing. And on top of that? I grew a whole human and gave birth. My body has been through seasons, transformations, and challenges. And as a woman in a world obsessed with appearance, I’d be lying if I said I never feel self-conscious. Society pushes this impossible standard that women should be ‘skinny,’ but I’ve never fit into a single mold. My body is strong. It has carried me through my passions, motherhood, and change. Learning to appreciate it for what it does rather than how it looks has been one of the biggest shifts in my mindset.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Hustling harder doesn’t always mean getting further.
Weight loss is just one example of how slowing down and being intentional creates change—and it’s one that many people can visually understand. So while my transformation isn’t just about the number on the scale, it does show how consistency, patience, and letting go of the hustle mentality can lead to real, lasting success.
When I shifted from trying to do everything at once to moving at a steady, mindful pace, I started seeing real progress. Not just physically, but emotionally and mentally.
That being said, I still have to remind myself daily to slow down. I still make mistakes, and sometimes I fall back into old habits of rushing through things. But I’ve gotten better at noticing when I need to slow down and adjust. It’s a daily effort, but when I look at where I started, I can see just how much progress I’ve made.
Key Takeaways To Use in Your Daily Life:
For those who prefer a quick summary, here are six key takeaways from my journey. Each one highlights how breaking free from hustle culture and embracing intentional living can transform your life.
Hustle culture isn’t the only path to success.
Success doesn’t always come from working harder—it comes from working smarter. Hustle culture glorifies constant movement, but true fulfillment comes from aligning your efforts with what actually matters to you.
Slowing down allows you to make better decisions, not just faster ones
When you rush, you react. When you slow down, you respond. Mindfulness allows you to think more clearly, avoid burnout, and make choices that serve your long-term goals instead of just immediate gratification.
Consistency is more important than intensity
You don’t need to go all-in overnight to see results. Small, steady actions done consistently over time will always outweigh short bursts of extreme effort followed by exhaustion. Remember…small, mindful changes lead to long-term transformation.
Being present leads to better relationships, better health, and more peace of mind
When you slow down, you become more intentional in how you show up for yourself and others. Your relationships deepen, your stress levels decrease, and you feel more connected to the world around you.
Mistakes don’t erase progress—they’re part of the process
Slowing down doesn’t mean getting it perfect every time. Mistakes will happen, but they’re opportunities for learning, not reasons to quit. Progress isn’t linear, and every step—even a misstep—is part of the journey.
You are always evolving. Give yourself grace while continuing to improve
Personal growth isn’t a finish line—it’s a lifelong process. Slowing down allows you to appreciate how far you’ve come while still working toward where you want to go. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now.
Healing Starts With You
These takeaways are the foundation of what I’ve learned through shifting my mindset. Whether you read the full article or just absorb these key points, I hope they inspire you to rethink hustle culture and embrace a life that feels more balanced and fulfilling.
Hustle culture isn’t the only path to success. Intentional living leads to real fulfillment.
Slowing down allows you to make better decisions, not just faster ones.
Consistency is more important than intensity. Small, mindful changes lead to long-term transformation.
Being present leads to better relationships, better health, and more peace of mind.
Mistakes don’t erase progress. They are part of the process.
You are always evolving. Give yourself grace while continuing to improve.
Seeking Support: The Power of Professional Guidance
Sometimes, breaking free from hustle culture and slowing down can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re used to measuring your worth by your productivity. If you find yourself struggling with stress, burnout, or feeling lost in the process, speaking with a professional or therapist can be incredibly helpful.
Therapy isn’t just for when things are “bad.” It’s a tool for self-discovery, healing, and learning how to navigate life with more clarity and intention. A therapist can help you recognize unhealthy patterns, manage stress, and develop new ways to approach challenges.
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you’ve been feeling stuck, anxious, or exhausted from the pressure to always be “on,” consider reaching out to a trusted mental health professional. You deserve support on your journey to slowing down and truly living.
Online Therapy Options:
If in-person therapy feels out of reach or you prefer the flexibility of online support, platforms like Calmerry and Online-Therapy.com offer convenient and affordable ways to connect with licensed professionals. (They even offer TEXTING!)
✨ Special Offer: Use code THERAPY20 for 20% off at Online-Therapy.com. And CARE20 for 20% off at Calmerry. Plus they now have financial aid options!
Therapy isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s an investment in your well-being and your future.
"The journey is where you grow."
Resources for Further Reading And Education
- FREE Book Guide for Mindful Living, Personal Growth, and Positive Transformation
Mindful.org – A great resource for learning mindfulness practices in everyday life.
I am a big believer of keeping books and bookstores alive, but sometimes the convenience of Amazon is nice. lol So I have provided two options if you wanted to grab your own copy from a local store. Every purchase through Bookshop financially supports your local and independent bookstores near you! Or if you get all your books through Amazon (you don’t need to explain your reasons) I have also linked it through Amazon.
I make sure that I support local bookstores the best I can by purchasing some of my books through them when I can, but Amazon is a great resource too. So you know, it’s called balance…just like everything in life. 🙂
Atomic Habits
An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
By: James Clear
“If you’re having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn’t you. The problem is your system. Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don’t want to change, but because you have the wrong system for change. You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems. Here, you’ll get a proven system that can take you to new heights.”
Rest
Why You Get More Done When You Work Less
By: Alex Soojung-Kim Pang
Overwork is the new normal. Rest is something to do when the important things are done–but they are never done. Looking at different forms of rest, from sleep to vacation, Silicon Valley futurist and business consultant Alex Soojung-Kim Pang dispels the myth that the harder we work, the better the outcome.
The Joy of Half a Cookie
Using Mindfulness to Lose Weight and End the Struggle with Food
By: + Jean Kristeller
Anyone who’s tried to lose weight through sheer will power knows how difficult, if not impossible, it can be. In this practical and paradigm-shifting book, Dr. Jean Kristeller presents a new alternative–a program for weight loss based on her successful Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training Program.
Final Thoughts:
If there’s one thing I’ve taken away from this journey, it’s that success is different for everyone—and it’s not always about working harder. Slowing down doesn’t mean being lazy, and stepping away from the hustle doesn’t mean giving up. It means being intentional, making better choices, and living in a way that actually feels fulfilling.
Let’s Grow, Heal, and Live More Intentionally—Together.
Looking for mindful inspiration, personal growth insights, and ways to live with more balance? My newsletter is a space for those who want to slow down, live with purpose, and create a life that feels good—not just one that looks productive.
P.S. No spam, just thoughtful insights and feel-good vibes (because we all deserve better).
