Why hustle culture is the real creative block

I used to believe that if I wasn't exhausted, I wasn't working hard enough. That belief cost me two years of my health and almost killed my love for my work.

Hustle culture sells you a lie: that your worth is tied to your output. But creativity doesn't operate on a linear curve. It needs spaciousness, rest, and trust. The most brilliant ideas I've ever had arrived during a long walk, not a 12-hour workday.

Try this: for one week, cap your deep work at 4 hours. Use the remaining time for reflection, play, or doing nothing. Watch what happens to the quality of your decisions.