Say Goodbye to Hustle Culture

Hustle culture can be described as a lifestyle that touts overworking as the only path to success, self-worth, and earning respect from others. Hustle culture would have you believe that the more you do — the more valuable you are, and that to be ‘good enough,’ you must squeeze out every last ounce of productivity from your day, often sacrificing self-care, rest, friendships, or hobbies. Hustle culture lures you with the promise of ‘having it all’, if only you work hard enough.

The problem with the hustle culture belief system is that it doesn’t serve human beings. We were not designed to work long hours or to be singularly focused. Research shows that human beings experience the most contentment and meaning from multifaceted lifestyles. When a person’s life is filled with varied hobbies, types of rest, exercise, friends, work, and new experiences, they report having the most joy and satisfaction in life. Additionally, research shows that a balanced life breeds more productivity. So, the question is, why are we sold all of the hype if it doesn’t work?

Because rooted in hustle culture is the belief that you can rise up, improve your situation, find a deeper purpose, and excel at anything you wish to excel at. This is, naturally, a universal longing, and a legitimate one. However, as Inigo Montoya said so well in the Princess Bride, “I do not think it means what you…