Everyone said, “Work harder and you’ll succeed.” They were wrong. Here’s what actually works.

For the longest time, I was a disciple of the “work harder and you’ll succeed” doctrine.

I remember sitting in my cramped studio apartment, the hum of my old computer serving as my only company, as I spent hours upon hours crafting business plans, writing proposals, and refining pitches.

The echoes of my mentors and peers reverberated in my mind: “Just work harder, Justin. Success is just around the corner.”

But the corner never came. I found myself falling into a void of exhaustion and disillusionment. My physical health deteriorated and my mental clarity blurred. The passion that I once had for dreaming big and innovating dwindled under the weight of this ceaseless grind.

And then it hit me like a ton of bricks. Maybe ‘working harder’ wasn’t the golden ticket to success everyone preached about. Perhaps there was a whole other dimension to achieving my goals beyond sheer hustle and grit.

So, I decided to shake things up, putting more emphasis on finding that elusive work-life balance. It didn’t take long for me to realize that true success isn’t about the hours punched or the tasks checked off.

All those voices chanting, “Work harder and you’ll succeed?” Turns out, they missed the mark. Here’s the real deal on what it takes to thrive…”

Unraveling the myth of ‘working harder’: Is it true that more effort equals more prosperity?

The age-old adage “work harder, achieve more” has long been ingrained in our societal beliefs about success.

But is this really the ultimate path to prosperity?

While hard work is undoubtedly important, it’s crucial to question whether it guarantees success in all aspects of life.

Are you familiar with the karoshi culture in Japan? It’s a phenomenon where working adults adhere to a culture of overwork, often resulting in death due to exhaustion.

While I greatly admire the Japanese work ethics, I don’t see the point in sacrificing your life for work.

How do you enjoy life when you’re not alive anymore?

True success shouldn’t come at the cost of one’s well-being and enjoyment of life. Obviously, overworking isn’t the pathway to success.

True prosperity extends beyond mere external gains like wealth and promotions. It encompasses holistic well-being, fulfillment, and personal growth.

Success should be measured not just by material achievements, but also by factors such as happiness, fulfillment, and meaningful connections. 

In today’s fast-paced world, there’s increasing recognition that sustainable success requires more than just sheer effort. It demands a balance between hard work and smart work, as well as a focus on personal development, self-care, and fostering meaningful relationships.

Breaking free from conventional beliefs

I once bought into the notion that success was directly tied to the sheer number of hours I poured into my work.

The belief was simple: the more I toiled, the closer I’d get to my goals. Yet, this pursuit of relentless effort wasn’t just draining my energy; it was eroding my well-being and straining my connections with others.

But with a shift in perspective, I saw the flaw in this thinking. Success isn’t merely about the grind; it’s about working smarter, not harder.

It’s about setting clear intentions, prioritizing my mental and physical health, and nurturing meaningful relationships. It’s realizing that true prosperity lies in balance and flexibility, not in a ceaseless sprint toward an elusive finish line.

So, I’ve recalibrated my approach to embrace success in a more holistic sense. Here’s how I’m chasing it now:

• Clarifying my values: I’ve taken the time to identify my core values and align my actions with them. This has allowed me to pursue goals that are truly meaningful to me, rather than chasing external markers of success.
• Embracing smart work: Rather than just working harder, I’ve learned to work smarter. This means prioritizing tasks, delegating when necessary, and leveraging my strengths to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Investing in self-care: I’ve come to understand the importance of self-care in maintaining overall well-being. I prioritize activities that recharge me mentally, emotionally, and physically, whether it’s through exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature.
• Continuous learning and growth: I’m committed to lifelong learning and personal development. Whether it’s through reading, attending workshops, or seeking mentorship, I actively seek opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills.
• Cultivating meaningful relationships: I place a great emphasis on nurturing authentic connections with others. Building a strong support network of friends, family, and mentors not only enriches my life but also provides invaluable support and perspective.
• Embracing flexibility and adaptability: I’ve learned to embrace change and remain adaptable in the face of uncertainty. Instead of rigidly adhering to a predefined path, I’m open to exploring new opportunities and adapting my plans as needed.

By pursuing prosperity through these avenues, I’ve found a greater sense of fulfillment, balance, and genuine success in my life.

It’s not about working harder, but rather about living intentionally, authentically, and in alignment with my values and aspirations.

Explore sustainable avenues to success

In our relentless pursuit of success, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overworking, sacrificing our health, happiness, and relationships along the way.

However, true prosperity lies not in the quantity of our work but in its quality and sustainability

The key is to embrace a balanced approach to success—one that allows you to prioritize your well-being while still achieving your goals.  

Exploring sustainable avenues to success involves setting realistic goals, prioritizing self-care, and maintaining boundaries between work and personal life. It’s about working smarter, not just harder, and recognizing that productivity thrives in environments where individuals are nurtured and supported.

Now, the ideal allocation of time between work, self-care, and cultivating connections can vary depending on individual preferences, commitments, and priorities. However, here are some general guidelines to consider:

• Work: Aim for a reasonable number of hours dedicated to work each day, typically within the range of 6 to 8 hours. This allows for focused, productive work while also preventing burnout from excessive hours.
• Self-care: Dedicate time each day to prioritize self-care activities that promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This could include activities such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, relaxation, and adequate sleep. Aim for at least 1 to 2 hours per day for self-care.
• Cultivating Connections: Investing in meaningful relationships requires time and effort. Allocate time each day to connect with loved ones, friends, and colleagues, whether through in-person interactions, phone calls, or virtual communication. Aim for at least 1 to 2 hours per day for cultivating connections.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different time management strategies to find a balance that works best for you, taking into account factors such as work demands, personal preferences, and overall well-being.

Remember that flexibility and adaptability are key, and it’s okay to adjust your schedule as needed to maintain balance and fulfillment in your life.

In conclusion, let’s shift the narrative away from glorifying overwork and instead celebrate holistic well-being.

At the end of the day, success is not measured by how much we work, but by how well we live.