The Toxic Hustle Lie: Why “Doing More” Is Destroying Your Health

08/12/2025 16 min
The Toxic Hustle Lie: Why “Doing More” Is Destroying Your Health

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Episode Synopsis

Send us a textIn this deeply honest solo episode, Justin Roethlingshoefer opens up about a triggering moment that forced him to confront the cultural lie of “hustle harder.” After seeing a client publicly champion a work-until-you-break mentality—the very mindset that once led them to burnout—Justin reflects on the destructive pursuit of worth through achievement.He unpacks how striving steals our peace, fractures our identity, and disconnects us from God’s rhythms. Drawing from past personal battles with burnout and insights from his recent conversation with worship artist Pat Barrett, Justin explores the life-changing power of contentment: needing nothing, proving nothing, and operating from God-given identity instead of worldly ambition.This episode is a call to pause, evaluate the lies you’ve believed about success, and realign your life with the rhythms God designed you to thrive in. Whether you’re on the brink of burnout or simply tired of the chase, Justin offers a path back to peace, presence, and purpose.TakeawaysThe world’s version of success often leads to decay, disconnection, and burnout.Striving for validation costs your health, peace, and relationships.Contentment—not achievement—is what unlocks true creativity, freedom, and capacity.Boundaries are spiritual: they create presence, peace, and protection.Integration doesn't mean constant work—it requires intentional separation and presence.You can’t operate in your calling while living in chaos.Your body signals misalignment through anxiety, exhaustion, weight gain, and brain fog.God designed rhythms of rest, obedience, and peace so you can thrive.Living by the world’s expectations leads to destruction; living by God’s design leads to purpose.Healing comes from alignment—not more effort, but more surrender.Sound Bites“The world applauds burnout—but it destroys your soul.”“A content person is dangerous because they need nothing from anyone.”“If you have no boundaries, you have no presence. Without presence, you have no peace.”“Striving steals your health, but obedience restores it.”“Your body is telling you the truth—even when the world is lying to you.”Chapters00:00 — Welcome & Introduction01:30 — The Instagram Post That Triggered Everything03:00 — The Dangerous Lie of Work-Obsessed Culture05:00 — Wisdom from Pat Barrett: The Power of Contentment06:30 — Why Needing Nothing Makes You More Creative07:30 — Integration vs. Disintegration: The Misuse of “Balance”10:00 — When Work Consumes Family, Health, and Identity11:30 — The Real Cost of Hustle Culture12:30 — From Burnout to Breakthrough: A Client’s Story14:00 — Worldly Success vs. God-Given Design15:00 — How the Body Reveals Misalignment16:00 — Moving Back Into Alignment With God’s Rhythms17:00 — A Call to Self-Awareness, Correction, and Surrender===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Own It Show HERE:➡︎ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@justinroethlingshoefer➡︎ Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3KCyN3j➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3F58Ez4lbIKQ6kMu2pfpIG===========================Resources:⚡️CHECK OUR PROGRAMS: https://ownitcoaching.com/programs/⚡️BOOK: https://thepowerofownershipbook.com/=========================== Connect with Justin Roethlingshoefer on Social Media:➡︎ linkedin.com/in/justin-roethlingshoefer➡︎https://www.instagram.com/justinroeth/?hl=en

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