New Redefining Success

Why Hustle Culture Is Costing Your Health

Author

Erika Muralidhar
September 09, 2025

When you hear someone say, “I worked until 9 pm last night” or “I had to work this weekend,” what are your first thoughts? Most people would feel a mixture of two things:

  1. Self-conscious that they don’t do enough, or

  2. The speaker must be a hard worker and/or successful.

It’s not an uncommon response. Western society has instilled in us the notion that hard work and success are measured by the hours someone works and the money they earn. But is that a fair assessment? What if you can do efficient and high-quality work in half the time? Does that mean you aren’t working hard? What if you are primarily focused on balancing priorities at home? What if you own your own business and can set your own hours? What if you don’t talk about your job demands? Does that mean you aren’t a hard worker?

I would challenge you to consider an alternative perspective instead. What if we decided that someone who works hard and is successful is someone who wakes up with joy, peace, and excitement? What if a successful person is someone who shows up at work but also has boundaries that allow them to enjoy their life away from work? What if success is someone who works with focus and dedication, even when nobody else is watching?

For years, I was swept up in the mindset that I needed to do more, make more, and pursue the next best promotion. I was going to bed dreaming of work and waking up every morning feeling restless, tired, and annoyed about having to go to work. I was eating less, moving less, and complaining more. My health quickly started to decline. I began having back pain, my thyroid markers were elevating, and I developed really bad constipation.

When my doctor wanted me to get on medication for my thyroid, it was a wake-up call. I asked myself: why am I pushing myself so hard at a job that is destroying my health AND one I complain about every single day? Now, I couldn’t just blow up my whole life, change jobs, and stop working. That wasn’t something I felt comfortable with. So instead, I changed my attitude.

I began breaking down where this need for constant hustle came from. Was it an expectation I felt internally because of my belief system, or pressure I felt from others? I got intentional about what I DID want from my job and from my personal life. I decided that instead of pitting one against the other, I would find a way to make them work together.

I developed boundaries within myself for work. I applied my NLP training to reframe my perspective on my job, adjust my mindset when faced with challenges, and modify my behavior at work to prioritize self-care. Through Reiki, daily movement, a balanced diet, sleep, and supplements, I normalized my thyroid levels and improved my gut health—all while maintaining my job. I became proof that it wasn’t necessarily the job, but rather how I approached it, both mentally and physically.

If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to join me at my upcoming workshop:

This workshop is all about breaking free from hustle culture, redefining success on your own terms, and finding balance without sacrificing your health or goals.

Save your spot today and let’s rewrite what success really means—together.

OR if 1:1 coaching resonates more with you, I’m offering a 10% discount for the rest of the fall (use code fall) as part of a Fall Reset. This is an opportunity to delve deeper, receive personalized support, and achieve lasting, positive changes in your health and mindset.

Mark your calendar — some upcoming events:

If you want more personalized help meeting your health and wellness goals, schedule a free 15-minute call with me. Let’s explore your goals and put you on a path to success!

If you are ready for your transformation? Click here!

Mark your calendar — some upcoming events:

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