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We’ve been told that working harder, setting big goals, and pushing through with sheer willpower is the key to achieving success in your career.
But if that were the case, you wouldn’t still feel stuck.
The truth, however, is that these approaches won’t help you achieve lasting fulfillment in your career—not if you’re aiming for a career that feels meaningful to you.
The Problem with Hustle Culture
The problem with hustle culture is that it teaches you to believe that success comes from working harder, putting in more hours, and pushing through burnout. However, the reality is that this approach leads to a cycle of overwork and exhaustion. You end up confusing constant busyness with real progress, pushing yourself into roles that drain you rather than align with your true self. More hustle doesn’t bring clarity; it just distracts you from asking the important question: what kind of work will truly fulfill me?
Why Goal-Setting Won’t Fix Your Career Confusion
When it comes to goal-setting, the traditional approach assumes you already know where you’re headed. But if you’re feeling stuck in your career, setting more goals won’t help—clarity is what you need first. Without clarity, you may find yourself chasing promotions, new job titles, or salary increases, only to realize they don’t bring happiness. You might stay in a job that looks impressive on paper but doesn’t feel right for you, or keep moving forward without ever questioning if you’re on the right path.
Why Willpower Fails (Every Time)
When it comes to willpower, relying on it to force yourself into decisions often leads to ignoring what excites you, pushing through work that drains you, and blaming yourself for not being disciplined enough. But the truth is, you don’t need more willpower—you need a strategy.
A Smarter Way to Build a Career You Love
So, what’s really behind the failure of hustle and willpower? They overlook the most important factor: YOU. Your unique strengths, your values, and the way you work best are ignored.
So, what should you do instead? Start by figuring out what really matters to you. Understand your values, strengths, and what makes you feel happy and fulfilled. Create your career path based on what matches your skills and personality, not just what looks good on paper.
