To What End? Hustle, Health, and the Gift of Reset

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I recently saw a post from a successful entrepreneur that said: “I work 80 hours, so I don’t have to work 40 for someone else.”

At first, I thought: Fine, but is that sustainable? Then I made the mistake of diving into the comments. People were bragging about working 120-hour weeks, 17 hours a day, seven days a week. And I asked myself: To what end?

My Reality Check

This year, I ran two major projects as a solo entrepreneur. Twelve-hour days became my norm. I kept telling myself: Just make it to December.

Spoiler: I went on vacation, but didn’t take vacation. I worked every morning so I could “vacation” in the afternoon.

Fast forward, my body said, “Enough.” Pneumonia hit. Still chasing deadlines. When the PA asked if I’d take time off, I said: I work for myself. Her voice dropped: “Oh.” She told me to slow down. Did I? No.

There was one day I literally couldn’t get from point A to point B, but I still did the bare minimum to keep the projects moving. Three weeks later, sick again. Meanwhile, I’m a mom of two boys in flag football.

I landed from a business trip, thought I’d collapse in the airport, but drove straight to their games. Made it just in time for one kid’s medal. Missed the other’s final play because I was too tired to make it to the end of the game.

So again I ask: To what end? I love what I do. I chose this path to lean into my “why.” But is it realistic to normalize these hours? And at what cost?

The Holiday Season: A Chance to Reset

As the year winds down, the holidays offer something rare: permission to pause. But here’s the truth, rest doesn’t happen by accident. We have to choose it. And beyond rest, this season invites us to reflect and give back.

Why Reflection Matters

When we normalize 80-hour weeks, we risk losing sight of our “why.” Reflection helps us realign with what truly matters, our health, relationships, and purpose. Ask yourself:

• What did I learn this year?

• What do I want to carry forward?

• What do I need to leave behind?

Ideas for Resetting This Season

Here are a few practical ways to recharge and reconnect:

1. Schedule True Downtime

   Block off days where work is non-negotiably off-limits. No emails. No “just one quick thing.” Protect that space like a meeting with your most important client, because it is.

2. Digital Detox

   Pick one day to unplug completely. No phone, no laptop. Go for a walk, read a book, bake cookies, or simply sit in silence. Let your mind breathe.

3. Give Back

   Generosity resets perspective. Volunteer at a local shelter, donate to a cause you care about, or write holiday cards for seniors. Giving reminds us that success isn’t just about hours worked, it’s about impact.

4. Create a “Joy List”

   Write down activities that bring you joy, big or small, and commit to doing at least one each week during the holidays.

Closing Thought

Maybe the real flex isn’t 80-hour weeks. Maybe it’s building a life you don’t need to escape from. This season let’s normalize rest, reflection, and giving back. Because at the end of the day, success without health and connection isn’t success at all.