Over the years, there’s been a significant shift in how we view hard work, especially in the online business world. Mindset coaches and gurus have made it seem like working hard is somehow a bad thing, or that you can build a successful business without putting in the effort. But here’s the truth: building something from scratch takes time, dedication, and yes, hard work.
Embracing the Hustle (Without the Burnout)
Let’s get one thing straight—there’s nothing wrong with hustling. Do I believe in hustling 24/7? Absolutely not. There are seasons for everything, and you should be proactive in your business so you can prioritize rest when you need it. But I also love working. I love using my brain, my degree, and my years of experience to help and serve other women. And I’ve stopped feeling bad about that.
If you have to work late to finish something because life happened, that’s okay. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for working hard. The hustle only becomes a problem when we let it control us—when we don’t plan ahead, block out time that matters, or take care of ourselves.
The Approach: Balance Hard Work & Rest
One of the best things I did last year was take an hour for lunch every day away from my desk. That small action made a huge difference in how I felt and helped me avoid the burnout I’d experienced before. It’s not about working non-stop; it’s about working smart and taking care of yourself along the way.
Getting up before your kids, working on a Saturday, or having a day where you work 10 hours because you’re on a roll—there’s nothing wrong with that. Building a business takes work. Just because our businesses are online doesn’t mean we don’t have to work hard. If you had a brick-and-mortar business, no one would tell you that.
Real Talk: Success Requires Hard Work
Look at successful people—business owners, celebrities—they’re working hard. Yes, they might take time off, but they’ve earned it. They’ve hustled to get where they are, and so will you. You have to earn your stripes, and that takes blood, sweat, and tears. If you’re not willing to do that, then you need to reconsider if this is the right path for you. But I know if you’re reading this, you’re not afraid to work hard.
The Takeaway: Don’t Feel Guilty About Working Hard
Hard work is okay. If you find yourself burning out, it’s probably because you’re not planning ahead. And that’s where I come in to support you.
Just because someone on the internet tells you that you can make a million dollars in three hours a week doesn’t mean that’s your reality. You don’t know what chapter of business they’re on, but they likely paid their dues.
Yes, we can learn from others and shorten our growth curve, but there’s still a process. Until you reach a point where you can hire a team or get help, the hustle is there. And you don’t have to feel guilty about it. You’re amazing for showing up every day and doing what you do. Whether your kids see it, your spouse sees it, or the people around you see it, I see it. Keep going, get the right support, and stay the course. You’ll get where you want to go.
Final Thoughts
This is a short one today, but if you haven’t already, make sure you check out my free private podcast, The Anti Guru Method.
It’s a series of seven mini episodes, each under seven minutes, that explore why you might feel stuck in your business and why following guru advice isn’t getting you where you want to be. It’s full of stories from my clients who’ve been in your shoes, so go grab it—it’ll change the way you think about your business.
Read these blog posts for strategies you can implement to work smarter & avoid the burnout:
