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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 that burnout.

But if that were the case, you wouldn’t still feel stuck.

However, the reality is that this approach leads to a cycle of overwork and exhaustion. You end up confusing your 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 you 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 even 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.

The problem is that goal-setting and willpower 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 impressive.