Why Hustling Harder Won't Get You What You Want

By: Javonna MaeRhys

How often do we find ourselves scrolling through social media, bombarded by the same relentless message: hustle harder, push further, never stop? It's as if the world is fixated on productivity at all costs. But what if that constant grind isn't the answer? What if, instead of pushing forward, the real power lies in taking a step back to pause and reflect on what truly matters?

The Illusion of Hustle Culture

For far too long, hustle culture has been presented as the only route to success. We're told that if we work just a little harder, sacrifice a bit more, we'll eventually reach our goals. But as someone who’s lived through the constant pressure of leadership, I’ve seen the toll it takes—on myself, my colleagues, and even the schools we work so hard to serve. The cost? Burnout, disconnection, and a constant feeling of running on empty.

My Journey to The Pause

I used to believe that the more I did, the more valuable I was. As a high school principal juggling countless responsibilities, I embodied the hustle. But eventually, the pressure caught up to me—stress, weight gain, and health challenges began to pile up. So, I made a decision. I sold my house, left my role, and moved to Borneo, where I gave myself permission to pause and take a real look at my life.

That pause was transformative. It allowed me to see that hustling harder wasn’t the key to success or fulfillment—it was stepping back and reconnecting with what mattered most: my health, my joy, and my purpose. This personal journey became the foundation for The Hiatus Space, a reminder that sometimes the most important thing we can do is to stop and reflect. Because in that space of stillness, we gain clarity on what really drives us.

A New Approach to Success: Sustainability, Mindfulness, and Accountability

It’s time to rewrite the story, not just for ourselves but for those we lead. Success doesn’t have to come at the expense of our well-being. In fact, stepping away from the grind can be the most powerful move we make. Here’s how we can shift towards a more sustainable and mindful approach:

Prioritize Well-being: It’s not just about cutting back on hours; it’s about enhancing the quality of your life and your work. When we take time to pause, we can make more intentional, aligned decisions that foster both success and health.

Embrace Mindfulness Strategies: One of the most effective ways to create balance is through mindful practices like yoga, meditation, and journaling. These practices help us ground ourselves, reconnect with what matters, and process the daily pressures in a healthy, restorative way. At The Hiatus Space, I encourage a combination of these tools to slow down, reflect, and reset.

Leverage Accountability Through Coaching: Sometimes, even when we know what needs to change, it’s hard to stay on course. That’s where having a coach as an accountability partner can be a game-changer. A coach offers not just guidance, but the support to keep you focused, ensuring you stay aligned with your goals—whether that’s achieving balance, reclaiming your time, or reshaping your role to fit who you truly are.

Build Supportive Communities: Having a community that values balance and well-being is essential. Open conversations about mental health, work-life integration, and sustainable success can transform the culture of your school, district, or workplace.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Pause

We don’t have to burn out to be successful. In fact, it’s often in the pause that we find the clarity and strength to move forward in a more meaningful way. Slowing down allows us to achieve more by focusing on what truly matters.

So, if you're feeling overwhelmed, I encourage you to take a moment of pause. Reflect on what’s driving you, and ask yourself what changes you can make to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life. Share this with someone who needs to hear that it's okay to stop, reflect, and reset. And if you're ready to dive deeper into this conversation, check out my latest YouTube video where I discuss how to reclaim your sanity and stop the hustle for good.