Hustle Culture is Toxic | How To Be ALIGNED in Business Instead
Apr 07, 2025Are you an entrepreneur who’s tired of the constant hustle? Sick of feeling burned out and overwhelmed by the perceived struggle?
Hustle culture is toxic. It has glorified the grind—and it makes you believe you must push, push, push for success in your business.
But there’s another way.
There has been a growing movement towards a more harmonious and fulfilling approach to entrepreneurship. One that leaves your tank full instead of empty. And makes you inspired to work on your business.
I’m talking about alignment.
Wouldn’t it be nice to feel energized by your work? To generate massive income while also creating a positive impact on the world? It truly is possible.
So if you’re ready to explore a more sustainable and purposeful way of doing business—stick around and I’ll share how you can become more aligned in your business.
I’m Karen Gruber, and I empower spiritual entrepreneurs to ignite long-term wealth while fully expressing their purpose. My passion is to teach you how to embody your feminine power so you can build a successful business that’s soulfully aligned.
Below, I’m sharing 3 ways to become more aligned in your business—so you can experience increased fulfillment, better decision-making, enhanced creativity, and greater resilience.
Take a deep breath, settle in, and let's explore the transformative power of alignment for purpose-driven entrepreneurs.
Toxic Hustle Culture vs. Alignment: What’s the Difference?
The difference between hustle and alignment comes down to how it feels. When you’re in a state of hustle, you feel like you’re pushing—constantly going against the tide. This narrows your focus and keeps your heart and mind from staying open. It minimizes your opportunities. It limits your creativity.
In short, hustle blocks the natural flow of who you are. It’s toxic!
On the other hand, when you’re in a state of alignment, you’re not pushing. Instead, you feel pulled toward your goals. You’re motivated through inspired action. Everything feels exciting! When your business feels aligned—and good and right—it makes it easy to follow through with your goals.
And another perk? When you’re in a state of alignment, your ideal client is irresistibly attracted to your vibration.
Sounds pretty dreamy, right? Imagine effortlessly calling in clients who can’t wait to work with you!
So now the question is—how exactly do you transform your business into one that’s more aligned? Don’t worry, sweet sister. I’ve got you covered.
Here are 3 ways you can be more aligned in your business this week:
1. Become Aware
Awareness is everything. Think about your business. If I were to ask you what the number one thing you hate doing in your business is, what comes to mind? I’m willing to bet it’s probably something you’ve been told you “have to do.” But that doesn’t mean it aligns with your values. You may hate doing it because it doesn’t reflect who you are. Now, what feels right for you to do instead? Listen to your intuition.
2. Be Open
Sometimes, the best way to get in touch with your values is to get really quiet. Turn the volume on the world down for a while and listen. In fact, I’m going to challenge you today to set aside 13 minutes to sit in silence. If you’re up for it, share that you’re taking on this challenge in the comments—let’s hold each other accountable!
It might feel uncomfortable at first, but push through that initial resistance. See what ideas arise. Let your thoughts dance in your mind without judgment. Be open to your own inspiration, and then consider how you can bring those ideas into your business. You’ll be surprised by the brilliance just under the surface.
Then, think about how you can incorporate those ideas into your business. Allow yourself to think creatively. You’ll be surprised at the brilliance waiting for you just under the surface.
3. Take Action
You have the idea—now it’s time to bring it to life. If you’re an overthinker, this one will be your hardest step. Resist the urge to overanalyze. Stop yourself from researching for days. Don’t buy a course or listen to 10 podcasts on the subject.
Just do it. Tap into your inner courage and trust that gut feeling. That idea came to you for a reason! So what inspired action can you take with it today? How can you breathe life into it? What’s that first small step?
It might involve making changes to your products or services, shifting your marketing strategy, or changing the way you operate your business to better reflect your values and goals. This small step will be the first of many, and it’s how you inch your way closer to a soul-aligned business.
So now you know exactly how to resist toxic hustle culture and build an aligned business that reflects your unique values and purpose.
And remember… Without taking action, nothing will change. You’ll stay caught in the grind—unsatisfied and unfulfilled. You were made for more. And I know you want more for yourself, too! You wouldn’t be here right now if you didn’t.
So if you need a little help taking action, I have a resource just for you. Grab the link below to take my Awakened Business Assessment. You’ll receive personalized results to empower you to take inspired action on the RIGHT goals—so you can increase your visibility, income, and impact. Because you deserve it, Brave Sister!
If these insights speak to you, you’ll want to check out this blog post! In the post, I share 4 keys to creating lasting prosperity, happiness, and joy in your everyday life—so you can feel aligned in every aspect of your life on a soul level.
For more tips and insights crafted for purpose-driven entrepreneurs, stay connected and keep exploring the resources here. Wishing you alignment, fulfillment, and unstoppable success!
Save for later! Pin This:
A few years back, I remember glancing at my color-coded planner and feeling this massive wave of overwhelm wash over me. My days began at dawn with Zoom calls, social posts, and back-to-back client sessions, and they didn’t end until late at night when I finally forced myself to collapse into bed. I had dreamed of “freedom” and “fulfillment” when I left my 9-to-5, yet somehow I’d built a new kind of cage out of relentless tasks and never-ending to-do lists.
In moments of stillness, my soul would whisper, Is this really the life you wanted? I’d long for a single afternoon off—time to sip tea, read a completely pointless (but delicious!) novel, and simply be. But the second I even entertained the thought, the guilt and mental chatter about my inbox and pending deadlines yanked me back. Before I knew it, I was working weekends, emotionally fatigued, and questioning my decision to become an entrepreneur in the first place. 
Then came one particularly sobering Sunday evening. As I caught myself dreading Monday morning, a little voice inside said: “But this is your business—why do you feel so trapped?” That was the turning point. I stumbled upon the concept of passive income and, at first, brushed it off as a silly fantasy. Making money while not actively working? It sounded too good to be true. But the deeper I dove, the more I realized that creating automated offers—like evergreen programs and digital products—could actually honor my spiritual values by letting me serve people around the clock and give myself the sacred rest I desperately needed.
The moment I launched my first evergreen offer, something magical happened. I suddenly had breathing room. Without jam-packing my schedule every day, I could take those midday walks, paint a little, or even brainstorm a brand-new workshop because I felt energized, not depleted. My creativity soared, and so did my ability to nurture truly meaningful client relationships.
If you’re resonating with this, please know there is another way. You don’t have to hustle yourself into burnout. You can build heart-centered, sustainable income streams that reflect your values and give you back the most precious commodity of all: your time. It might feel like a leap of faith, but trust me—it’s a step that aligns your work and your well-being in the most beautiful way possible.
Let’s clear something up: “Passive income” doesn’t mean spamming your audience with cold, automated funnels or selling cookie-cutter courses that leave you feeling disconnected. ✨ Yet, I see so many amazing, soul-led entrepreneurs who assume passive income must be impersonal—or they push it off for “someday” because they believe it clashes with their spiritual values.
#1 MISTAKE: They get stuck in the loop of trading hours for dollars, convinced their offers need constant live delivery to maintain authenticity. They want more freedom, but remain tethered to back-to-back sessions, hustling nonstop to make ends meet. Eventually, burnout creeps in—along with the nagging question: Is this really the life I envisioned when I started my business?
Here’s the truth: Passive income can be soul-centered, creative, and deeply personal. It’s not just about “automated evergreen streams.” It might look like:
-
Licensing your unique frameworks or meditations to other practitioners, so your gifts travel farther.
-
Affiliate Partnerships that align with your values, allowing you to recommend transformative products without building anything new.
-
Membership Communities that evolve with your tribe, providing evergreen support in a nurturing space.
Ready to call in more ease and abundance without sacrificing your authenticity? Here are 3 quick tips to help you create passive income streams that align with your spirit and free up your time for the things that truly matter.
-
Stop Focusing on One-To-One Delivery Only
Many spiritual entrepreneurs believe they must always be there in person (or on Zoom!) for every dollar they earn. The problem? You can easily burn out—or stall your growth altogether—because your energy becomes the bottleneck. Instead, consider leveraging a self-paced course, digital toolkit, or membership model that serves your audience while you sleep. I’ll be sharing more about soulfully creating these offers in our upcoming session. -
Start Treating Passive Income Like a Sacred System
One big hurdle is feeling icky or impersonal about the “set-it-and-forget-it” idea. But look at it this way: Having automated, evergreen elements in your business frees you to deepen your impact elsewhere—whether that’s doing higher-touch coaching, nurturing your community, or taking a well-deserved break to recharge. When you shift your mindset and see passive income as a sacred system rather than a soulless funnel, you open the flow of steady abundance. -
Share Your Why Through Stories
Even if something is “automated,” it should still carry your voice and passion. Let your community know why you created your products or programs, and how they fit into your bigger vision of service. When people see the heart behind your offers, they connect with you on a deeper level. I’ll dive into how to weave personal stories into your passive-income approach so that it feels meaningful and profitable.
You can find an approach that feels genuine to you—and that’s exactly what I’ll be covering in our upcoming Female Entrepreneur Society Power Circle, “Infinite Income: Creating Passive Income Streams That Work,” on Wednesday, April 30th at 9:00 AM MDT.
If you’re craving the spaciousness and trust that come with having income streams that support you (not the other way around), then join me: Click here to secure your spot!
I promise this training is anything but impersonal or cookie-cutter. Let’s break down the walls of old assumptions and welcome in a more abundant way of doing business—together.
If you are viewing this message after the event has passed, we invite you to explore our Upcoming Female Entrepreneurs Power Circles
As a Soul-driven spiritual entrepreneur, you’re on a mission to build a soul-aligned business. And your desire to make a positive impact is the driving force behind everything you do.
But when it comes to crafting a marketing message that truly resonates with your audience, it can be tricky to know where to start.
How do you stay relevant to your audience and their needs?
How do you convey the benefits of your offering while staying authentic?
Can you really do marketing in a way that aligns with your values?
Don’t worry for one second longer, Brave Sister. I’m here to help!
I’m Karen Gruber, and I teach spiritual entrepreneurs to build a business that’s soulfully rewarding and financially gratifying. My focus is to show you how to fully express your purpose, ignite long-term wealth, and cultivate soul-aligned success—all while embodying your feminine power.
Today, I'm sharing four transformational marketing tips for creating messaging that will not only help you connect with your ideal clients but also help you grow your business with ease, fulfillment, and joy.
Ready to dive in?
Marketing Message Tip #1: Speak from your heart
Let's start with the most important tip of all. When crafting your marketing message, it’s essential to speak from your heart. Your passionate enthusiasm will shine through, and your audience will be more likely to connect with you on a deeper level.
So, how do you speak from your heart? Start by asking yourself why you do what you do. What drives you to get up every day and work in your business? What about your job positively lights up your soul? What impact do you want to make in the world?
Once you have a clear understanding of your why, it’s time to be courageous! I want you to boldly bring your why into your marketing message so you can share it with the world.
Messaging Strategy Tip #2: Solve your client’s problem
Your marketing message should focus on the solution you provide, not the process or modality. It's all about the transformation that your clients will experience when working with you. Your audience really doesn’t care how you solve their problem—they just want to feel confident they’ve found a solution.
So don't get bogged down in the logistics of how you'll deliver your services. Instead, shine a light on the problem your clients are facing and share how you'll help them solve it. Your messaging should help them feel completely seen and validated in their unique struggle. In other words, it should be centered around empathy.
Step into your ideal client’s shoes and paint a picture of their future—so they can envision themselves struggle-free after their problem is solved. This is how you genuinely market your solution to an audience who genuinely needs it.
And doesn’t that feel better than the cringey marketing flooding the internet? This approach stands in stark contrast to the cringey, pushy marketing often found online. It’s genuine, values-driven, and resonates with the people who truly need your solution!
Marketing Message Tip #3: Sell what your client wants, not what they need
This is a big one. We all know that our clients need confidence, to take risks, and to step into their potential—but that’s not what they’ll pay you for. They simply don’t realize that’s what they need yet!
In your marketing message, it’s essential to connect with your ideal clients’ wants instead of their needs. What they need is confidence, but what they want is relief or ease—they’re seeking an immediate solution to their problem. Yes—the problem we talked about in the last tip!
What specific outcomes does your audience want to achieve in their life or business? Is it higher income? More free time? Happiness? Speak to those outcomes—and how you can help your clients achieve them—as much as you can in your marketing materials.
When you do this, you become a client magnet—naturally drawing in the people who align with your purpose and value the exact solutions you’re offering.
Marketing Message Strategies Tip #4: Identify who you're talking to
Last, be sure you're speaking directly to your ideal clients. Somewhere in your message, you should call out who you're speaking to so they can identify with what you’re saying. And I want you to be very specific here—which means you’ll need to know exactly who your ideal client is.
If you haven’t pinned down your ideal client yet, be sure to check out this blog post to get you started: Inspiration for Entrepreneurs: How to Reignite Your Business When You Feel Stuck.
This is crucial, Sweet Sister. If you’re not clear about who your solution is for, no one can resonate with your message. They won’t know if it’s for them or not! Don’t let your ideal clients slip through your fingers. Be clear. Call them out so they know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you’re a perfect match for them.
So there you have it! Now you know how to create a marketing message that speaks to your ideal clients—so you can balance authenticity with your massive income goals.
And now that you’re armed with tips—let’s arm you with something equally as important… support. I invite you to join my FREE Facebook community, the Female Entrepreneur Society. We’re a supportive group of like-hearted women who share your passion for building a soul-aligned business. Join our community today and get inspired, share your wins and challenges, and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs who understand your courageous vision.
Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to surround yourself with a community that will empower you to reach your big, brave goals. Click the link below and become part of our sisterhood today!
And if you’re curious about how to market your services as an introvert—especially if you hate self-promotion—be sure to check out this blog post! In it, I teach you how to market your services as an introvert—even if you hate self-promotion.
Stay tuned for more insight on entrepreneurship and growing your soul-driven business. Wishing you all the alignment, success, and joy you so deeply deserve!
Save for later! Pin This:
Are you a spiritual entrepreneur seeking soulful success, but you’re struggling to achieve your goals?
Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by your daily tasks and lacking joy in your work?
As a coach who has worked with many women like you, I know that success isn't just about being productive. It's about cultivating a mindset and environment that aligns with your values and purpose.
Believe it or not, the simple daily habits that fill your life have the power to propel you toward the success you deserve.
But they have to be the RIGHT kind of habits…
I’m talking about the kind that build upon each other and work collectively to help you achieve your goals…
The kind that keep you clear and focused…
The kind that make way for more ease, fulfillment, and joy!
Curious to know which habits I’m referring to? Keep reading, Brave Sister, and I’ll fill you in.
I’m Karen Gruber, and I work with spiritual entrepreneurs to build a business that’s soulfully rewarding and financially gratifying. My mission is to teach you how to fully express your purpose, ignite long-term wealth, and cultivate soul-aligned success—all while embracing your feminine power.
Below, I'm sharing five daily success habits that can help you break through to new levels of prosperity and inspiration without limits. These habits for success have proven to be transformative for myself and my clients. I'm confident they can help you, too.
So, get ready to take notes, and let's dive in!
Success Habits #1: Have a Morning Practice
When you begin your morning with intention, it sets the tone for the rest of the day. For that reason, I recommend incorporating movement, meditation, and gratitude into your morning practice. These practices work together to help you create a sense of inner calm and focus that carry you throughout the day.
Movement + Meditation + Gratitude
Movement can be as simple as stretching or doing a few yoga poses. It doesn’t necessarily mean a full workout. It doesn’t need to take up much time—a few minutes will do! Just getting your body moving and blood flowing can make a big difference in how you feel.
And meditation can be intimidating for some, but it doesn't have to be. You can start with just 60 seconds of focused breathing or visualization. Then, you can gradually work your way up to longer sessions. The goal is to quiet the mind and create a sense of stillness and peace.
Last, expressing gratitude is a powerful way to cultivate a positive mindset and attract more abundance into your life. Take a few moments each morning to write down or speak out loud about a few things that make you feel grateful. Shift your focus towards the positive aspects of your life—so you can approach your day with a greater sense of optimism and energy.
Success Habit #2: Plan Your Top 3
As a busy entrepreneur, it's easy to get overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do list. That's why I recommend taking a few minutes each night to plan out the top three tasks you want to accomplish the next day. These tasks should be the most important, impactful, or urgent ones that will move you closer to your goals.
By focusing on your top three tasks, you'll be able to prioritize your time and energy—and avoid feeling scattered in the morning. Plus, there's something satisfying about crossing off those three tasks at the end of the day!
Daily Habit #3: Spend Time in Nature
Nature has a way of grounding us. It provides a sense of peace and calm. Whether it's by taking a walk in the park, sitting outside for a few minutes, or simply looking out the window at some greenery, make it a habit to spend time in nature each day. Even if you live in a city, there are often parks or green spaces nearby that you can access.
In addition to being a natural de-stressor and mood booster, spending time in nature can also stimulate creativity and inspire new ideas. Sometimes when we're stuck on a problem or feeling blocked, a walk in nature can provide the clarity and inspiration we need to move forward.
Success Habits #4: Write Everyday
Daily writing practice can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and problem-solving. One of my favorite prompts is to think of a challenge you're facing in your business and ask yourself, "What do I need to know about this?" Then, take some time to write and see what insights come up.
Even just five minutes of writing can help you clear your mind and gain clarity on what steps to take next. You can also use writing to track progress, reflect on accomplishments, or simply connect with your thoughts and emotions. If you're new to journaling—don't worry—you can find plenty of prompts and guided journals online or in bookstores.
And remember, it doesn't have to be perfect. The important thing is to just get started and let it flow! If you’re a perfectionist like many other female entrepreneurs, this might be a challenge for you. But I encourage you to release yourself from the expectation to “get it right.”
When it comes to journaling, there’s no “right” way. Let your words flow and see what revelations come forth.
Success Habit #5: Clear Your Space
Finally, take a few minutes at the end of each workday to clear your physical and digital space. Clean up your desk, organize your work area, and set out any materials you'll need for the next day based on your top three tasks. This allows you to start the next day with a clean slate. It gives you a sense of control over your environment. And that’s how you set yourself up for success!
Now you know my top 5 daily success habits! Incorporating these daily habits into your routine may take some time and effort, but the benefits are well worth it. With dedication and patience, you'll be on your way to creating long-term wealth and soul-aligned success in your business.
If you’re looking for support to encourage you and keep you accountable on these new habits, you’re invited to join my FREE Facebook community, the Female Entrepreneur Society. In the group, you’ll find inspiration and connection with a group of women who are on the same courageous journey you are.
For more encouragement,, I know you’ll love this blog post! In it, I share the routines and practices of successful women entrepreneurs who have paved the way for you to overcome the struggles you’re facing right now.
Wishing you all the best as you embark on this journey toward greater prosperity, purpose, and joy. May each day bring you closer to the soul-aligned success you deserve!
Save for later! Pin This:
As a purpose-driven entrepreneur, you have a vision for your business, a passion for what you offer, and a desire to make a positive impact in the world.
But when it comes to selling, you may struggle with confidence and feel uncomfortable promoting your offerings.
The thought of putting yourself out there makes you want to crawl in a hole. It feels too vulnerable, right?
But I’m here to tell you…
You can bring your vision to life.
You can have a massively positive global impact.
You can generate long-term wealth and prosperity.
AND you can do it confidently.
I’m Karen Gruber, and I empower spiritual entrepreneurs to create a business that’s soulfully rewarding and financially gratifying. My focus is to show you how to fully express your purpose, ignite long-term wealth, and cultivate soul-aligned success—all while embracing your feminine power.
Today, I’m sharing 3 entrepreneur tips that will help you communicate the incredible value of your offerings—so you can learn how to sell services and products with confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for a while, these tips will help you overcome any hesitations you may have and empower you to confidently sell to a soulfully aligned clientele.
Let's dive in!
Selling with Confidence Tip #1: Be Persistent
If you’re a female entrepreneur—chances are—selling your products or services can feel pretty uncomfortable. Or even downright intimidating. PLUS there’s the added social conditioning that pressures you to stay small and quiet.
But, listen. One of the key traits that successful entrepreneurs possess is persistence. You always hear “consistency is key,” and selling is no exception.
So what does that mean? It means having the determination and grit to keep going, even when you’re faced with obstacles or setbacks. It means continuing to put yourself out there, even if you’re not everyone’s cup of tea.
It means you have the courage to keep sharing your idea—over and over and over again. Yes, this is going to feel repetitive to you. But—Brave Sister—I want you to push through that and keep sharing anyway.
Once is not enough! Push through any discomfort or fear of repetition, and keep sharing anyway.
A good way to keep yourself motivated is to write down or speak aloud a mantra—like “Consistency is key!”—and repeat it whenever self-doubt creeps in.
How to Sell Services and Products With Confidence Tip #2: Ask for the Sale
Let’s address the fears you likely have about selling your offerings—because acknowledging those fears is truly the most important step. When you shine a light on your fears, they have less power over you.
So what are yours? Are you worried about being rejected? Or are you afraid of not being liked? Or maybe you don’t feel worthy enough to take up space in the first place.
If you’re dealing with these crippling feelings, know that you’re not alone. Many female entrepreneurs struggle with the exact same fears. But it’s imperative that you recognize your worth and ask for the sale—in spite of these fears!
And when you do ask for the sale, make sure you do it clearly and confidently. Your potential client needs to understand the value of what you’re offering and exactly how it can benefit them. Don’t hide your enthusiasm for your offering. And don't be afraid to be direct and ask for what you want.
Selling with Confidence Tip #3: Believe In Your Offering
To fiercely believe in your offering is what it means to be a purpose-driven entrepreneur. It’s what sets you apart! Your product or service exists because it aligns with your purpose and values.
When you're selling something you believe in, it feels fulfilling and meaningful—not like you’re just making a sale. It’s how you cultivate true prosperity—the kind that’s dynamic and all-encompassing.
So it’s worth it to hone your offering to grow more aligned with who you are. If you want to feel pure joy when delivering your product or service, it’s essential to become unshakeably aligned with what you’re selling. Then, you’ll absolutely believe you can deliver on your promise. And, SweetSister, that’s what it’s all about.
There you have it! Now you’re in on 3 of my best entrepreneur tips for selling with confidence as a purpose-driven business owner.
And did you notice that all 3 of these tips can be distilled down to one thing? Yes—mindset! As a female entrepreneur, it’s crucial for you to discover what's blocking you from a mindset of abundance and success. Because these obstacles can prevent you from achieving your full potential and living out your soul-aligned purpose.
If you’re ready to identify exactly what’s blocking you from long-term wealth and success, I have the perfect resource for you: The 7 Biggest Mistakes that Keep Female Entrepreneurs from Generating Massive Income.
This FREE report will help you clarify your blocks, reframe how you think about money, and release doubt once and for all. THIS work is what empowers you to take risks, make bold decisions, and persevere through obstacles. And ultimately, it’s what brings you the prosperity you deserve.
If you found these insights valuable, you’re going to LOVE this blog post! In it, I teach you how to overcome a scarcity mindset—so you can move toward an entrepreneur mindset of abundance.
For more guidance and inspiration tailored specifically to purpose-driven entrepreneurs, stay connected to the resources on my website. Wishing you soul-aligned success and unstoppable confidence as you share your gifts with the world!
Save for later! Pin This:
