In today’s world with so many generations in the workplace and mixed views towards work, is hustling still relevant? Whether it’s building a career, starting a business, or chasing personal goals, we are often encouraged to grind hard. Are the age-old advice of effort, determination, and sacrifice still the keys to success? The other side to this coin which is gaining prominence: balance—the ability to maintain physical and mental well-being, and personal satisfaction without burning out.
While hustling can lead to impressive achievements, balance ensures sustainability. Without it, even the most driven individual may eventually go nuts. This article explores how different professionals manage between hustling and a balanced life, offering some tips to help you thrive in both your career and personal time.
Understanding the word Hustle
Source: Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2024
Learnt something new. Always thought hustling is related to relentless effort or the ‘hustle culture’ of putting in more hours to seize opportunities or achieve goals because many successful people attribute their achievements to this attitude. Plus other life lessons of discipline, perseverance, and resilience etc.
One Millennial friend who achieved >$100k savings before 30 and is deemed by others as ‘the over-achiever’ summarised nicely that it depends. Just like personal finance is personal, so does what one deems as success. Is it worth it to earn a super high salary at the cost of health, time with family and other sacrifices? Another friend who ‘hustled’ from the early 20s by having a full-time role + freelancing on nights and weekends is enjoying the fruits of labour now after 10 years, but both agreed it was both physically and emotionally tiring.
The Importance of Balance
Balance places an emphasis on moderation, well-being, and sustainability. It could still involve working hard but also focusing on enjoying the journey, staying healthy, and nurturing relationships. Maintaining balance doesn’t mean lying flat per say, more of integrating it with other aspects of life to create long-term fulfillment.
Some benefits are:
Improved mental and physical health: Overworking without proper rest can lead to high stress, poor health, and possibly burnout. Incorporating relaxation and hobbies helps recharge energy.
Better productivity: Surprisingly, taking breaks, enjoying leisure, and managing time effectively can enhance focus and productivity. When you are well-rested and mentally clear, you are more likely to work efficiently and have new ideas.
Personal satisfaction: A well-rounded life allows you to feel fulfilled not just by professional success but also by other achievements, meaningful relationships, and self-care.
Striking it Right for Yourself
Set Clear Boundaries: This was given top votes that it helps. Define when it’s time to work and when it’s time to rest. For example, set timings, even if you are an entrepreneur or freelancer, and honour those hours. At meals or after a long day of hard work, commit to putting aside your phone, or shutting off your laptop and spending time with family and friends or engaging in a hobby.
Prioritise Rest and Recovery: Whether you are hustling in a traditional job or pursuing personal projects, rest is essential. Sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for high performance. Make time for sufficient sleep, regular exercise, and mental breaks throughout the day. Even short mindfulness breathing techniques or walks around the office or park can help.
Set Achievable Goals: Hustling often leads people to stretch themselves too thin with a long list of goals. Instead of trying to achieve everything at once, focus on a few meaningful ones that align with your values. Breaking down large goals into smaller tasks also reduces overwhelm and helps you track progress effectively.
Use Time Management Tools: Effective time management allows you to hustle productively without constantly feeling behind. Use tools like calendars with block out periods or no-meeting days, to-do lists, or screenshot messages to follow up on etc that help you prioritise or even remember tasks. Avoid multitasking which can fragment your attention too.
Assess Your Progress: It’s important to regularly evaluate where your efforts are going. Are you achieving the results you want, or are you just busy or worse a busybody? Make sure your hustling aligns with long-term goals rather than simply keeping you active without direction. Slowing down can allow for more clarity and better decision-making.
Find Joy in the Process: Hustle culture often places emphasis on the destination—wealth, success, recognition. But it’s equally important to enjoy the journey. Find satisfaction in the process itself, whether it’s learning something new, solving problems, or working with people you admire. You decide what makes a great day.
Do Delegate: A major aspect of balance is learning when to ask for help. If you are an entrepreneur, delegate tasks that don’t require your direct involvement or outsource the admin stuff. If you work within a team, collaborate rather than take on everything yourself. Delegating allows you to focus on high-impact tasks especially if you are managerial level and above.
Cut social media: Too much content can unknowingly feed comparison. Excessive social media use is one of three factors significantly linked to mental health symptoms among youths, according to findings from a study by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).
Practice Gratitude: A mindset of gratitude helps shift your perspective from always wanting more to appreciating what you have. By celebrating small victories and acknowledging the progress you have made, you reinforce a positive mindset that can make both work and balance more fulfilling.
Talk to People: Last but not the least, it sounds easy but also very difficult, is to talk to others. Be it complaining about work, sharing sad or happy emotions with someone who cares is part of wellbeing. Seek professional help if you are constantly feeling down.
The Myth of Hustle & Success
Success doesn’t have to come from constant hustle, nor does balance mean compromising your goals. A more effective approach to long-term joy involves integrating both. The myth that you must choose between hustling and enjoying life is just that—a myth. The key is understanding that every season of life requires different levels of hustle and balance. Financial fitness helps though, it provides a certain peace of mind when your bank account is not always running low.
At certain times, like when launching a business or pursuing a big promotion, you may need to hustle harder. During other times when focusing on relationships and family, personal growth, or mental health, balance takes priority. The true art lies in recognising when to adjust your own scales and finding contentment. Do recognise that you can’t have it all at once.
Hustling and balance are not mutually exclusive. By setting boundaries, managing time effectively, and prioritising well-being, you can pursue goals without sacrificing your personal life. Usually the most successful and happy people aren’t those who work the hardest, but those who know how to work smartly, maintain resilience, and enjoy the journey.
Master Your Finances Wisely,
Value Vaulter
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