Entrepreneurship often feels like a high-stakes game where success is the ultimate goal, and failure is to be avoided.
That comes with an ever-present shadow that almost nobody talks about.
A.k.a Fear of Chilling the F*ck Out.
It may sound absurd, but it’s a genuine fear that I, too, battled for years.
By the way, chilling out doesn’t necessarily mean crashing your sofa —it just can mean allowing yourself to take things a bit easier.
The Hustle Culture Dilemma
So, why is it so hard for us entrepreneurs to take things easy?
Well…
We live in a world that promotes “taking full control of your life”, “getting serious about working hard” and “10x-ing your productivity”. From this mindset, chilling down can seem like a cardinal sin.
Breaking Down the Fear
Let’s dissect the implications of fear and understand its roots.
1. What if I’m left behind?
You see others working 12 hours a day as the world seems to be spinning faster and faster.
This might trigger the fear that taking a mental break is a luxury you can’t afford.
Nobody wants to be left behind. Right?
2. What if Everything Gets Out of Control?
There’s a subconscious notion that things are only under control when we’re actively paying attention. We think that if we get distracted for even a moment, everything might crash down like an apocalypse.
That was actually a thing for me, for years. I was running a profitable business, and yet I lived in constant worry that it could spin out of control at any moment (spoiler: it never really did).
3. WWOT Syndrome
And here’s my favourite: what I call the “What Will Others Think Syndrome” (I just made it up).
We live in a culture where being busy is often equated with responsibility. At the other side of the coin, appearing relaxed might be interpreted as irresponsible or lazy.
Overcoming this concern might involve challenging societal norms. We are a highly social species, so we are very good at avoiding that.
Reality Check: Chilling Out is Not Irrensponsible
Here’s the truth: slowing down doesn’t equate to being irresponsible or lazy.
Those are notions we have learnt, because that’s what hustle culture has taught us.
I used to take pride in being considered “responsible” when praised by those around me. Little did I know, this reinforced my habit of staying alert all the time —even when it wasn’t really needed.
What if the irresponsible thing is to keep pushing your limits?
Here are some 3 fresh ideas to consider:
1. Investing in Yourself is The Responsible Thing To Do.
Chronic mental stress and overwork can lead to burnout.
Taking time to chill the f*ck out is a worthy investment in your most valuable asset—yourself.
2. Creativity Thrives When Your Mind Wanders
Some of the most innovative ideas strike when the mind is at ease.
It’s no coincidence that you have more breakthroughs in the shower than in the office.
3. When You Slow Down, Everything Is Simpler
Slowing down allows apocalyptic issues to become simpler.
We make better decisions when our mind is clear. That means taking things easy can actually be great for business in the long run!
Overcoming the Fear of Chilling the F*ck Out
So, how does one overcome this fear?
The truth is, you don’t have to actively do anything to “overcome” it.
Instead, recognize that keeping yourself mentally stressed is not a wise choice. Giving yourself a break isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential.
As you have this realization, your mind will naturally start to adjust to this new, healthier reality.
Happy chilling down!
