In my 9-to-5, I was a hustler. I got a lot done, and I did it well.

The companies I worked for benefitted from my hustle, and I thought I would benefit, too.

I believed hustling and grinding would gain me respect, trust, money and opportunity. But, more often than not, it just gained me more work.

Guess what else it created?

Stress, overwhelm, burnout, anxiety and dissatisfaction.

So, when I left my 9-to-5 to create more balance and freedom in my own business, I expected the hustler would stay behind.

NOPE.

She packed her bags and her bullsh*t and came right along with me.

In my business, I had freedom at my fingertips, but I didn’t know how to take advantage of it.

All I knew was hustle.

So, I hustled.

I overworked and over-thought, and my dream business started to feel just as overwhelming and unsatisfying as my 9-to-5.

UGH.

So, I took a long look at how and why I hustle.

Here’s what I discovered:

There’s nothing wrong with hustling when it comes from a helpful place – like being accountable to myself, managing my time, sprinting to the finish line on a project, or scooting away from an angry bear in the woods.

Hustling becomes concerning when it comes from a place where I think being busy and doing all the things increases my value.

It becomes hurtful when I hustle to avoid slowing down and feeling my feelings.

It becomes problematic when I hustle because I can’t tolerate being alone, quiet or at rest.

It becomes an issue when I hustle because I don’t know how to say “no”.

And, hustle is a business and career killer when it is the ???????????????? way I am existing.

With that clarity, I now know when to hustle and when to flow.

I know when to light a fire under my tail and when to cheer for myself as I log off for a much-needed nap.

Here’s the deal: hustling is not inherently good or bad.

Knowing how and why you hustle will let you know if it is helping or hurting you.

So, take some time to get curious today. Ask yourself why you always have too much on your plate. Get curious as to why you are feeling depleted and stuck in the hustle.

Keep this self-reflection judgement-free and just get real about your reasons why.

If you like the reasons you are hustling, stick with it.

But, if (like me) you don’t like your reasons, it might be time to make change.

If you feel like your business and life have become nothing but hustle and grind and you want a more balance and bliss, we should work together. Feel free to set a time to discuss coaching with me.