How Toxic is Grind Culture?
Society teaches us that if we do not bleed, suffer from lack of sleep, or cancel social events whenever possible to help us succeed, we do not care about our future.
Whether it be for a job or our own businesses, we are taught to suffer through it for years until we start to make close to seven figures.
Grind culture takes and takes and takes until there is nothing left.
Identifying Grind Culture
Imagine, you are in your 20’s and this is the time that life seems to just begin lifting off. You have hopes and dreams for your future; you are young and strong enough to complete these goals, but you have to miss most of those fun moments with friends and family to achieve them.
Now, not saying that you have to completely miss life and the things that are going on around you, but this attitude that is, “if we do not work ourselves into the ground, how can we achieve what we want,” is not healthy.
Working hard has a great reward. Just knowing that you have this goal and vision in your mind that forces you to dive deep within yourself, is amazing. The discipline that comes with that is commendable.
You must determine when to let your grind take a pause. Is it worth it to miss your sister’s dance recital, your friend’s grand opening at a pop-up shop, or your parent’s anniversary party to finish one last thing that could lead into another project?
Yes, we must recognize those who have to work this hard to support themselves and their families with multiple jobs just to make ends meet.
This is for those that need help between balancing their personal lives and business.
Balancing Your Life
Unfortunately, we are not celebrities who can have 3 assistants to help take some of the burdens off, but we can help ourselves if plan accordingly.
This culture of “They sleep, we grind” is toxic for anyone. Start by taking a restful nap that will recharge your body and has you thinking clearly.
Plan out your day realistically. Too many times do we put too much on our plates for a full day, just for us to only achieve or remember to do at least three of those things.
Use a journal or the calendar on your phone to plan out your list. Your phone may suit you better if you are always on the go and you can pull it out to check off your “realistic” list as you go.
Your friend wants to hang out and you know it would mean the world to them if you did, even though you know you have work to do?
No problem, offer what time you can. Whether it be 30 minutes or 2 hours, give the people that you want to stay in your life a seat at the table, because if you do not they will not be there anymore when you reach the top.
Let your friends and family know that they matter and they will help in return. Helping your brother move into his new place when he knew you gave up time chasing your dream will lead him to want to help you get your premiere event started or help you look for an outfit for your first meeting.
Also, know when to pass on certain things. If you have a deadline set for yourself and your friends want to meet up at the usual bar every Friday, let them know you will pass on it and offer to meet next week.
Grind Culture Does Not Define You
You are who you are. You know what needs to be done in order to achieve your goals and you need to go for it with all your heart when you see fit.
Grind culture tells not to sleep, not to party, to work around the clock and that is healthy for absolutely no one. Even Beyoncé sleeps and attends parties, so why can’t you?
Who is telling you cannot sit back and enjoy life for second before it passes you by?
Enjoy and celebrate what you already have and gain what you do not.
