Our hustle culture forces us into the mindset to work harder and achieve more. But this mindset is hurting us. Here's why you should use intentional margins.
80% of Americans have debt. On top of that, 41% of Gen Z plans on becoming entrepreneurs. Terms like "side hustle" have existed since the 1950s, but soared in popularity since the last recession in 2008.
When put together, what does all this mean? It's created a hustle culture focused on generating wealth (to dig ourselves out of that mountain of debt) and getting ahead.
And while the hustle culture promises success, productivity, and a stress-free life once you get ahead, it's actually hurting us.
It's time to rethink the hustle culture and start living your life intentionally. Here's how.
What is Hustle Culture?
Hustle culture essentially means you should always be working. Of course, you have your usual day job, your 9 to 5 that pays the bills and keeps food on the table.
But you'll never get rich doing that. So you need to start a side hustle too, something that will someday take off and change the world, so you can make money doing what you love. And that's a full-time job in and of itself.
Then, of course, there's that mountain of debt to pay off (the average American household debt is now $137,063!) So you should be driving for Uber, or filling out surveys, or working a part-time side gig to help you pay down that mountain before it crushes you.
That's How Side Hustle Started
There are more ways than ever to be making money now, thanks to the gig economy. That part is great! The problem is it's encouraged a belief that if you aren't working, you're slacking in society, and falling behind your peers.
On top of that, things like email and Slack allow us to remain in constant contact with coworkers. So even after work hours are long over, there's still work to do and work calling your name.
Damages of Hustle Culture
Hustle culture doesn't help you get ahead. Instead, it raises stress levels, compromises your sleep and health, and keeps you from living your best life in balance and with intention.
Here's What to Do Instead
First, you have to learn to let go of the hustle you're already a part of. What elements of hustle culture can you drop?
Then, start to focus on self-care and finding harmony in your life. What do you truly love that you've been neglecting - or worse, trying to monetize? Go back and find your passion and pursue it.
Learn to create intentional margins throughout your day, and throughout your life. It's like creating the white space on a page, to help you rest and find the breathing room you need.
It's Time to Let Go of Hustle Culture
Hustle culture promised to help us live our lives to the fullest. It promised someday we would be rich, fit, and healthy. But it left us burnt out, stressed, and exhausted.
It's time to drop hustle culture and instead, focus on living life with intention. It's time to create white space and do what relaxes us, rejuvenates us, and helps us live the life we want.
Curious about how to start living more intentionally with only ten minutes every day? Learn how to set your morning intentions here.
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