Letting go of the “hard worker” identity
Traditionally, hard work often equates success in the last century, it can be challenging to step back from the relentless grind in this information era.
For many, the identity of a “hard worker” is a badge of honor, a testament to dedication and perseverance.
But what happens when this identity becomes a burden rather than a blessing?
In this blog post, I’ll share my personal journey of letting go of the “hard worker” identity and how I am embracing a more balanced approach to work and life without sacrificing results (tips: it’s about working smarter, not harder).
Part 1: Hard Worker Identity
Like many entrepreneurs, I started my career with a fierce determination to succeed.
I believed that the key to success was to work harder, longer, and more diligently than anyone else.
Entrepreneurs need to “hustle” right?
The “hard worker” identity became my shield and my sword, my way of proving my worth in the business world.
I remember the early days of my business when I would work 16-hour days, seven days a week.
I would wake up before dawn, work through lunch, and often stay up late into the night, fueled by coffee and the adrenaline of ambition.
It was a relentless cycle of work, work, and more work.
However, as time went on, I began to see the consequences of this relentless pursuit of work. The physical toll was evident in my health, and the emotional toll was visible in my relationships and personal life.
To be honest, I didn’t have a life back then. My business was my life.
I recall a moment when I was sitting in a doctor’s office, listening to the advice to slow down and take care of my health.
It was a wake-up call, a realization that my identity as a hard worker was not only unsustainable but also detrimental to my overall well-being.
Part 2: The Struggle to Let Go
Letting go of the “hard worker” identity was a daunting prospect. It felt like I was losing a part of myself, like I was admitting defeat or giving up on my dreams.
I still remember the fear and anxiety that came with the idea of not being the “hard worker” anymore.
“Would I still be successful? Would I still be respected? Would I be less worthy of the success I achieve?”
These questions plagued me as I began to consider a different approach to work and life.
The journey to balance was not easy. It involved redefining what success meant to me and learning to value quality over quantity.
I started by setting boundaries for my work hours and making time for exercise, hobbies, and spending time with family and friends.
And I also implement an execution system that makes sure I focus on the key tasks that give 80% of the results. I don’t want to compromise the results I get — I knew I need to be strategic to make it work for me.
It was a slow process, but one that gradually brought more balance and joy into my life.
Part 3: Embracing a New Identity
The shift from a “hard worker” to a “smart worker” was a significant change in my mindset.
It was about being efficient, effective, and focused, rather than simply working long hours.
It was about working smarter and not harder.
I began to see the value in taking breaks, in stepping away from work to recharge and gain new perspectives.
I learned to trust in my abilities and to recognize that working less did not mean working less effectively.
I travel every quarter now, each time 1–2 weeks. I take at least 2–3 days off each week. I work 4–6 hours on the working days. And my business is growing better than ever.
Letting go of the “hard worker” identity brought numerous benefits, both personally and professionally.
First, I noticed a significant improvement in my physical and mental health as I started to prioritize self-care. I really value free time and mental space.
I’m the type of person that needs a ton of mental space to feel good. So I now have a spacious calendar and even if I don’t work that month, money would keep flowing in.
Second, spending quality time with loved ones became a priority, and that results in stronger, more fulfilling relationships, which I’m grateful.
Third (to my surprise, it may surprise you too), is increased productivity.
Contrary to what I initially feared, working fewer hours often led to increased productivity and creativity.
I remember a project where I had to complete a major task.
Instead of working all day and late into the night, I took a walk, had dinner with my family, and returned to the task refreshed.
The quality of my work was noticeably better, and I completed the project more efficiently.
I gave myself 3 hours to complete it, and I did complete it within the 3 hours. Better yet, I manage to focus well and deep work in those 3 hours.
Part 4: The Permission to Be Human
Letting go of the “hard worker” identity also meant accepting that it was okay not to be perfect, to make mistakes, and to have downtime.
One important lesson I’ve learnt is I stopped beating myself up over every missed deadline or every task that didn’t go as planned.
Things happen. Life happens. Unexpected things happen.
I learned to be kind to myself and to recognize that being human meant having ups and downs.
This journey is about giving yourself permission to thrive in your own way, to define success on your own terms, and to embrace a more balanced, sustainable approach to work and life.
I have to (and I hereby give you full permission to) recognize that worth was not solely defined by the hours of work.
In conclusion, letting go of the “hard worker” identity is a deeply personal and transformative journey.
It’s about redefining success, embracing balance, and giving yourself permission to be human.
By stepping back from the relentless grind, you can find a more sustainable, fulfilling path in both your work and personal life.
