You can leave work at five every day. You can disconnect in the evenings and enjoy your weekends. You can prioritize exercise, be present with your family, and still run a successful business. Not only is this possible, but it’s also essential for your well-being and the success of your venture.
Growing up, I was steeped in hustle culture. My father was always on the go, rushing through meals and racing out the door to keep up with the demands of our family businesses. His life was a constant whirlwind, where work always came first, leaving little room for anything else. It wasn’t just a job; it was a way of life that consumed everyone involved, even the children.
This relentless pursuit of work shaped my early years and set a precedent for how I approached my own career. I found myself caught in the same cycle during graduate school—juggling teaching, coursework, a practicum, and a dissertation, all while sacrificing sleep and social life in the name of productivity. It was a breeding ground for anxiety, and by my 30s, I was overwhelmed.
A turning point came when I enrolled in a yoga class. It was there that I discovered the power of pausing, of breathing, and of making space for life beyond work. I realized that I had been filling every moment with tasks, believing that constant hustle was the only path to success.
When I became pregnant with my first child, I was determined to take control of my time. I quit my job to start my own coaching business, envisioning a life where I could balance work and family. But the reality of simultaneously running a business and caring for a newborn quickly revealed the flaws in my thinking. I was still trapped in the mindset that hard work alone would lead to success.
It wasn’t until I read The E-Myth Revisited that I had a breakthrough. I realized that grinding away isn’t the key to entrepreneurial success—it’s a recipe for burnout. Meeting the author years later, I asked how to build a sustainable business that didn’t rely on me doing everything myself. His response was simple yet profound: “You have to think differently about your role.” It wasn’t about working harder; it was about working smarter.
I started asking myself a new question: “What’s possible?” This shift in perspective led me to redefine my goals. I wanted a business that supported my life, not the other way around. I set a boundary of working no more than 25 hours a week, allowing me to be present with my family and prioritize my health. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Setting limits forced me to innovate. With only 25 hours a week, I had to focus on the activities that truly mattered—the ones that generated the most value. I learned to delegate, to build systems, and to trust my team. My business continued to grow, and so did my well-being.
Over the years, I’ve made mistakes and learned valuable lessons. As a coach, I’ve guided thousands of entrepreneurs, helping them balance profitability with quality of life. Through research and assessments, I’ve identified clear patterns that distinguish those who thrive from those who burn out. The data is striking: 90% of entrepreneurs are on the verge of burnout, while only 10% manage to maintain both a successful business and a fulfilling life.
My mission is to disrupt the hustle culture that dominates entrepreneurship. This culture insists that success requires sacrificing your health, relationships, and happiness. But I believe in a different possibility—a reality where work enhances life rather than detracting from it.
I didn’t share my 25-hour workweek with clients for years, fearing they would see my business as less legitimate. But when a team member praised my approach, saying, “You have a really cool business,” I knew it was time to embrace and share this philosophy.
Limits, when embraced, can be powerful. They compel us to create systems, to delegate, and to innovate. You can leave work at five each day, turn off your phone in the evenings, and take weekends off. You can exercise, spend quality time with your family, and still run a thriving business. By prioritizing your well-being, you not only improve your life but also enhance your business.
About the Author : Harry (Hemant Kaushik), Elite Global Advisor & Business Consultant
Harry (Hemant Kaushik) is an American global advisor and business consultant, renowned for his strategic insights and high-impact consultancy. He specializes in advising and coaching elite individuals, including business tycoons, world leaders, and top corporate leaders. His expertise has been sought by Presidents, Prime Ministers, influential politicians, CEOs, and industry leaders worldwide.
Recognized as one of the Top 10 Global Advisors and Business Consultants by PWC International, Harry has transformed the lives of thousands across more than 100 countries with his unparalleled guidance. He has also been honored as one of the Top 10 Life and Business Strategists, shaping the success of global business leaders and visionaries.
Harry’s influence has earned him prestigious accolades, including recognition by the CEO Times Magazine as one of the 10 Most Powerful People in Global Business Consulting, Business Times News as a Top 10 Business Consultant, and Business Weekly Times as one of the Top 10 Business Advisors in the World, offering consulting services to billionaires, celebrities, and high-net-worth individuals.
A Wall Street Times cover story famously dubbed him the “Elite Global Advisor & Business Consultant” for his deep understanding of business dynamics and leadership strategies. Based in San Francisco, United States, Harry is widely respected for his international economic expertise, market analysis, and strategic business acumen. His collaborations with global brands and corporations have positioned him as a thought leader, contributing to the business world through insightful articles on global economic trends.
Learn more: https://ceosadvisory.com
