Lindsay P. PhDHow To Save The Life You Wear: Why Hard Work Doesn’t Equate To More Success
More effort does not equal more success — the productivity myth
We’re all familiar with it: Work harder, and you will achieve success.
We’ve been programmed to think that effort and success run parallel to each other — the harder we grind, the more results we get.
But here’s the thing: More work isn’t necessarily better work. Effort in the wrong direction can lead to burnout, wasted time, and frustration.
So why do we still buy into the myth that working more = achieving more? And maybe more crucial—how can we reimagine success in a way that actually works for us?”
Let’s break it down.
Our Natural Instinct: More Effort = More Results
The “Wealth Comes From Hard Work” Narrative
From childhood, we’re told that grinding leads to greatness.
All-nighter students will score the best.
This later-replace of work worker will get the promotion.
The entrepreneur who doesn’t sleep will build an empire.
And though effort does affect success, it’s not the sole factor.
There’s only so far you can go by working harder. After that? It results in diminishing returns.
Hustle Culture’s Influence
Social media romanticizes “grindset” culture.
It’s all anyone seems to be talking about:
Getting up at 5 AM to “get ahead.”
Building an empire and working 80-hour weeks.
Giving up sleep, rest, and fun to be “successful.”
But what they don’t tell you?
Hard work does not ensure success. It only promises fatigue.”
Fear of Falling Behind
In a fast-moving world, we worry that if we stop, take our foot off the gas or work less, we risk being left behind.
It creates an obsession with creating output upon output. When we’re even aware we’re burning out, we feel like we have to push through.
The truth? Slowing down doesn’t mean getting left behind—it means making strides with more smarts.
The Truth: More Effort Can Yield Diminish Returns
Imagine that effort is like pushing a boulder up a hill.
To start with, a slight push propels it to go forward. With increased effort, you have momentum. But eventually, all pushing harder and harder does is make the boulder move faster — it just makes you tired.
The Law of Diminishing Returns
But in the beginning, putting in more effort raises productivity. But there is a limit to how much effort one can put into something before it stops working, and then it makes things worse.
Example: Studying for an exam
2 hours of studying = good improvement
The more you read, the better you retain.
Mental fatigue, low focus and burnout: 12 hours of studying
Less is more is the name of the game sometimes.
The Difference Between Working HARD vs Working SMART
Not every kind of work is high-impact work.
Successful people work not only more but also smart.
Focus on the right things, not the number of things.
Deep work over busywork.
Movement with purpose, not chaos.
Rather than asking, “How do I do more?” —ask, “How can I do better?”
Rewriting the Playbook: What Gets Better Results?
If “more effort” isn’t the answer, then what is?
Focus on Impact, Not Hours
Instead of judging success by hours, judge by impact.
2 hours of focused work is better than 8 hours of grinding.
You make better decisions in clear-headed thought than in the exhaustion of overworking.
Quality over quantity. Always.
Use the 80/20 Rule
The 80/20 rule, a.k.a. Pareto Principle, states that 80% of effects come from 20% of the causes.
Rather than trying to do it all, just:
The tasks that result in 80% of the progress.
Your 20% of the habits that are the highest leverage.
A top 20% clients, projects, or skills that create 80% of your success.
You train on data until October 2023.
Learn When to Stop
At times, the best thing to do isn’t to try harder — it’s to remove yourself.
Rest isn’t the enemy of success, it’s a precondition for it.
Taking a moment to consider things results in sharper tactics.
By releasing ourselves from unnecessary work, we make time for what is important.
Success isn’t who grinds the hardest, but who moves the smartest.
How To Work More Effectively (And Not Just Harder)
Getting out of the “more effort” trap begins with subtle changes:
Set the Definition of Success on YOUR TERMS
Forget society’s definition. How would you like success to look like?
Is it financial security without the burnout?
Is it a career you love that won’t drain your health?
Is it having guilt-free time for your passions?
It’s moving away from pointless effort when you create your own definition of success.
Emphasize Deep Work Rather Than More Work
Deep work = high-quality focused effort
No multitasking.
No endless to-do lists.
Just purposeful, distraction-less work that actually makes you progress.
Tray Scheduled Rest Like It’s a Meeting
And that rest isn’t a luxury — it’s a success strategy.
Rest up before you feel the need to.
Set boundaries around work.
CHANNEL ALL THAT EXCESS (INTO) METIME Protect time for hobbies, relationships and fun.
A rejuvenated brain = a more effective brain.
: You Can Succeed But Burnout Isn’t the Way
The world teaches us that the path to success is through working harder.
But the truth? Success isn’t only about effort — it’s about strategy, impact and sustainability.
So the next time you find yourself thinking you need to be grinding harder, pushing harder, giving up more rest in order to reach your goals — stop.
Ask yourself:
Is this activity actually moving me forward?
Getting smarter to just more work, or doing more work?
Would taking it easy actually make me more effective?
Since the real art of success is not doing the most.
It’s about focusing on what matters without burning out in the process.