Summary

The article advocates for "Radical Rest" as a counter to the "Hustle Culture," particularly for individuals with chronic illnesses, as a means to achieve success without compromising health.

Abstract

The article titled "The 1 Extreme Alternative to Hustling That Will Lead to Success" argues that constantly working long hours and neglecting self-care, as promoted by hustle culture, can lead to adverse health outcomes, especially for those with chronic illnesses. It suggests that the pressure to continuously strive for more success and wealth can result in burnout and disappointment. Citing studies, the author emphasizes the risks to cardiovascular health and mental well-being associated with overworking. The personal narrative of the author, who has Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Long Covid, illustrates the incompatibility of hustle culture with chronic illness. The proposed solution is "Radical Rest," which involves intentional periods of complete inactivity to prevent burnout and protect health. The article provides practical advice on incorporating radical rest into daily routines and underscores its necessity for achieving success in life and

The 1 Extreme Alternative to Hustling That Will Lead to Success

Especially if Chronically Unwell

“Without hustle, talent will only carry you so far.” — Gary Vaynerchuk

A quote by Gary V that could instil panic and sorrow into ambitious people with a chronic illness.

People with a job and/or a business. People with a chronic invisible illness who physically and mentally pay the price for hustling.

People like me.

The Hustle Culture

Hustle culture, also referred to as grind culture or burnout culture, promotes the idea that success will only be gained via constantly working long hours and neglecting self-care.

It’s the culture of more, more, more! Promoted extensively by many successful entrepreneurs with a powerful social media influence, it instils the belief that failure is inevitable if you don’t hustle.

There is a societal expectation and pressure to be seen hustling. Gaining more success, more acclaim, and more money with all the trappings of wealth.

Striving, Striving, Striving!

But maybe never reaching their ultimate goal and destination. The goal posts keep shifting when you buy into the hustle culture. True and lasting perceived success and fulfilment remain elusive, and for many can result in disappointment and burnout.

The Consequences of the Hustle Culture

Numerous studies highlight the adverse physical and mental consequences of working long hours.

Much focus has been on the risks to cardiovascular health with the evidence accumulating and suggesting an increased risk from overworking, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.

Long working hours in highly educated white-collar workers has been found to result in anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances.

Entrepreneurs face unique challenges which may adversely impact upon their mental health. These include isolation; financial uncertainty; living with risk; and lack of a work-life balance. These combined with the need to hustle could ultimately lead to burnout.

And failure — which wasn’t the aim of the original game!

The Hustle Culture and Chronic Illness

I’ve tried to hustle.

I’ve worked with coaches and mentors who hustle and encouraged me to do the same.

I can’t hustle. Why?

Two decades ago, I was working long hours as a young academic. I collapsed with a suspected heart condition. My heart turned out to be OK, but I was not. The following months saw a deterioration in my health and I was diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). Also referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

I spent four years recovering and eventually found a way to work and live with the diagnosis. It no longer stopped me from working and I’ve had a successful career and multiple businesses since.

The pandemic brought me a new diagnosis of Long Covid and a flare of my familiar ME symptoms, especially Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM), where if I push too hard mentally or physically, I ‘crash.’ My body just shuts down and I can’t function.

I certainly can’t hustle.

What’s the Alternative to Hustling?

So, what’s the one extreme alternative solution for people like me?

A solution for anyone working too many hours in their career or business?

Radical Rest!

Radical Rest — The Alternative to the Hustle Culture

“Radical Resting…is [the opposite of hustle culture], it’s literally doing nothing! Not reading a book, not listening to music, not chatting, not texting on the phone, not binge-watching Netflix.” Dr Ruth Miller-Anderson (Me! Quoted in Cosmopolitan, July 2023)

Introducing radical rest to your daily schedule will help to prevent burnout, protect your physical and mental health, and ultimately increase your chances of success.

“But Ruth! I haven’t time to radically rest!”

You do. You must. Here’s how.

How to Introduce Radical Rest into Your Life

You’ve maybe heard of the productivity tool time blocking.

Time blocking is where a period of time is divided into smaller segments or blocks for specific tasks or to-dos. It integrates your calendar with your to-do list.

Add radical rest, even for just 30 minutes daily, to your to-do list.

Time-block radical rest and make it non-negotiable. Turn off your phone and notifications, put a ‘do not disturb’ sign on your door.

Don’t read. Don’t think. Don’t worry.

Do absolutely nothing!

Important Note to Self— This is not being lazy!

This is one thing you must do, especially if you suffer from fatigue or PEM associated with chronic illness, to help you on your journey to goal achievement, and life and business or career success.

Embracing Radical Rest

It’s time for me to practice what I preach.

Now I’ve provided you with one alternative to the hustle culture, it’s time for today’s radical rest.

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