1.Introduction
In the relentless pursuit of success, the phrase “hustle hard” has been glorified as the entrepreneur’s mantra. However, the hidden costs of this culture can be particularly detrimental to women entrepreneurs, who often juggle multiple roles both in their professional and personal lives.
2. Success… Until It Broke Me
I learned a serious lesson the hard way when my commitment to work and succeeding led me to a frightening wake-up call: an emergency rush to the hospital, hooked up to an oxygen machine, with monitors beeping around me.
In 2015, at the height of my business success—having surpassed all my goals—my brand was expanding rapidly from local to international regions. But the pace was too fast, and I couldn’t keep up.
3. The Cost of Pushing Too Hard
I was consumed with protecting the brand, building a team, and serving clients with excellence. But in doing so, I drove myself into chronic fatigue and serious health complications. That moment in the ambulance was a turning point. I realized that no level of success is worth sacrificing my health—or my life.
4. It’s a Common Story for Women Like Us
Many ambitious women face the same reality: constantly working doesn’t equal productivity or true success. In fact, it’s a health hazard. The culture of glorifying busyness and burnout isn’t just toxic—it’s dangerous.
I later discovered that many high-achieving women ignore the signals their bodies send. We dismiss fatigue, burnout, and stress until something forces us to stop. Just like I did.
5. Choosing Grace Over Grind
That health scare made me re-evaluate everything. I chose to ditch the hustle mindset and adopt a philosophy of growing with intention, grace, and flow.
True entrepreneurship isn’t about killing yourself to succeed. It’s about building something meaningful without losing your health, identity, or peace in the process.
6. The Science Behind the Burnout
This isn’t just about personal stories—it’s a pattern backed by research. Women, in particular, are more prone to stress-related health issues due to the dual demands of business and family. A study by the American Psychological Association found that high stress in women increases the risk of heart disease and stroke by 40%.
Hormonal imbalances from chronic stress can also lead to mental health issues and disrupt basic well-being. The consequences go far beyond fatigue.
7. Redefining Success on Your Terms
The hustle culture sells a lie: that working more hours means more success. But the real win is working smarter, not harder. It’s about making space for your health, clarity, and joy—so you can lead your business with your best self.
Pursuing success at the cost of your health, relationships, or sanity isn’t ambition—it’s self-sabotage.
8. Let Your Health Lead Your Hustle
When I shifted to this new mindset, not only did my health improve—but my business began to bloom in ways hustle never allowed. I started building from a place of clarity and energy, not exhaustion.
If you’re reading this, let it be a reminder: your health is your greatest asset. Don’t measure success by how busy you are—measure it by how well you protect your well-being while chasing your dreams.
Take a step back from the hustle. Prioritize yourself. Grow your business with grace and balance, and watch as your life transforms not just into one of success but of significance and satisfaction.
I’ve compiled my 23 years of lessons, tips, and guidance into my Life By Design Book.
Here’s a complimentary copy of my “Life By Design Guide: The Feminine Method for Business Women.” This guide is crafted to help you cultivate a holistic approach to entrepreneurship, one that champions well-being and self-prioritization as the cornerstone of success.
Grow With Grace.
Shelly
