THE BLOG

My Struggle With The Hustle

Sep 16, 2024

As an introvert, I find energy in solitude or in the company of a few trusted people. I’ve always cherished this about myself, but at the same time, I’m ambitious. I love setting goals, challenging myself, and pursuing growth—both personally and professionally. However, these two aspects of my life, ambition and introversion, didn’t always coexist peacefully.

Now, in my forties, I’ve finally found balance through the practices I’ve developed in The Slowdown Method. But before discovering this harmony, my life was in a constant battle between my desire for growth and the demands of hustle culture. This relentless push to always be busy, to constantly "level up," and to showcase success was exhausting, and frankly, I didn’t fit into that mould. It seemed as though the world placed value only on how much we can accomplish in as little time as possible, and if you weren’t working yourself to the bone, you were somehow failing.

The societal pressure to constantly do more, achieve more, and show more quickly began to wear on me. As an introvert, the noise of hustle culture wreaked havoc on my nervous system. I found myself feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and physically unwell. My digestion flared up, and the constant comparison to others left me feeling like I wasn’t good enough. I wasn’t just tired; I was drained in every sense—mentally, emotionally, and physically. And the more I tried to keep up, the worse I felt.

What I’ve come to realize is that hustle culture doesn't just affect introverts. This constant rush and glorification of busyness is detrimental to so many people, regardless of personality type. It creates a sense of unworthiness in those who can’t or won’t keep up with its impossible pace. The reality is, the benchmarks of success that hustle culture upholds—endless productivity, packed schedules, and constant output—aren’t sustainable or healthy.

This is exactly why I developed The Slowdown Method.

For me, The Slowdown Method isn’t just a toolkit for managing stress; it’s a way of reclaiming our worth beyond productivity. By learning to slowdown, I’ve transformed how I approach both personal and professional growth. The process wasn’t overnight, and I had to consciously integrate these principles into my day-to-day life. But slowly, things began to shift. I realised that it was possible to grow—creatively, professionally, and personally—in a way that was aligned with a slower, more intentional lifestyle.

I stopped measuring success by how busy I was, and instead, began to appreciate the value of time, calm, and simplicity. I came to understand that real growth doesn’t have to be frantic or fast-paced. It can be steady, mindful, and deeply fulfilling. My sense of achievement looks very different now from what it once did. Today, I value things like a healthy digestive system, a calm and peaceful mind, and meaningful connections with the people around me. I no longer define myself by how much I can achieve in a short period of time, but by how deeply I can experience and enjoy the present moment.

Through The Slowdown Method, I’ve learned the power of simplicity and presence. I’ve found fulfilment in ways that support my well-being, rather than detract from it. Creativity flows more easily when I give myself the space to breathe, and I’ve come to see that real success is rooted in alignment with your values, not just ticking off goals on a to-do list.

The Slowdown Method is a collection of tools and techniques that have helped me find this balance, and I offer them in the hope that they can help others—like you—do the same. Whether you’re an introvert like me, or simply someone who feels exhausted by the hustle, there is an alternative path. You don’t have to choose between personal growth and a peaceful, intentional life.

Hustle isn't for everyone, and it certainly wasn’t for me. If you’ve ever felt like hustle culture isn’t the right fit for you either, I invite you to explore The Slowdown Method. You deserve a life that feels aligned, calm, and fulfilling—and The Slowdown Method is here to help you find that balance.

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