Joanna is a pioneering advocate for mental well-being & the founder of Brown Girl Coaching. She has cultivated BGC into a safe space, where Women of Color & Black women living in predominantly white societies can explore their identities, confront societal pressures & embark on a transformative journey towards self-love & fulfillment.
In today's fast-paced world, the notion that relentless hustle is the only path to success has become deeply ingrained. However, this belief often leads to an endless cycle of struggle and hard work, overshadowing the importance of mental health and overall well-being. It’s time to reconsider whether the hustle culture is truly beneficial or if it's driving us toward burnout and dissatisfaction.
My family’s stories of their relentless struggles to build a life have always been a source of inspiration. They faced significant challenges, yet persevered. However, our modern adherence to the "No hustle, No success" mentality is leading us down a precarious path. This mindset, while motivating, often neglects the importance of mental health, leading to increased stress and burnout.
As a woman of color in Germany, I felt an added layer of pressure. The societal narrative suggested that success was unattainable without exceeding expectations and going far beyond the minimum effort. The lack of recognition from my teachers only compounded this pressure, leaving me feeling undervalued and frustrated.
Watching my peers succeed effortlessly while claiming, "Oh, I didn’t even study," was disheartening. In response, I overcompensated in ways that I later regretted.
Choosing a career based on perceived external expectations rather than personal passion led me to a path of dissatisfaction and depression. I became convinced that a life of ease and joy was out of reach.
The turning point
The discovery of Human Design marked a transformative moment in my life. It provided clarity and understanding that reshaped my perspective.
Here are the most impactful insights I gained from Human Design:
Understanding my true self: Human Design explained why I am the way I am, helping me embrace my unique traits.
Breaking free from social conditioning: It highlighted that my struggles were influenced by societal conditioning, not personal failings.
Embracing my innate gifts: It validated that I possess unique talents that can lead to a joyful and fulfilling career.
My Human Design chart revealed who I am meant to be, offering a roadmap to a more fulfilling life.
Reimagining work and success
In the competitive job market, it's crucial to reassess what success truly means. The traditional hustle mentality might not be the key to a fulfilling career. Instead, a balanced and personalized approach can enhance both satisfaction and mental well-being.
The drawbacks of the hustle culture
Burnout and mental health issues: Constantly pushing ourselves to the limit can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression, significantly impacting our mental health.
Lack of fulfillment: Achieving traditional success markers often leaves individuals unfulfilled, as they pursue societal expectations rather than their true passions.
A new approach to career and success
Self-discovery and personal growth: Tools like Human Design offer valuable insights into our true nature and strengths, allowing for more informed and authentic career choices.
Balance and well-being: Prioritizing well-being and balancing work with personal life is essential. A fulfilling career should not come at the expense of health and happiness.
Embracing individuality: Everyone's path to success is unique. Embracing our distinct qualities and aligning work with our values and passions can lead to more meaningful careers.
Moving forward
As someone who has experienced the challenges of finding career fulfillment and overcoming the pressures of hustle culture, I am now dedicated to guiding others on their journeys. As a career coach, I specialize in supporting multi-passionate individuals, utilizing coaching techniques and modalities like Human Design to help them discover more fulfilling and sustainable career paths. Together, we can break free from traditional success constraints and create lives that align with our true passions and desires. Let’s embark on this journey together, building careers that enable us to live lives we truly love, prioritizing mental health and overall well-being.
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Read more from Joanna Lawrencia Gähwiler
Joanna Lawrencia Gähwiler, Mental Well-Being & Systemic Coach
Joanna is a pioneering advocate for mental well-being & the founder of Brown Girl Coaching. She has cultivated BGC into a safe space, where Women of Color & Black women living in predominantly white societies can explore their identities, confront societal pressures & embark on a transformative journey towards self-love & fulfillment. Her coaching philosophy is rooted in encouraging individuals to reclaim agency over their narratives. Through 1:1 sessions & community events, she has created a vibrant network of support that fosters empowerment. She continues to inspire & catalyze positive change in the lives of individuals, leaving a lasting mark on the landscape of mental well-being & personal transformation.
