Setbacks and Hustle Culture

Something I've been reflecting on lately...

Dear old soul,

I’ve just had a very unproductive 10 days. I’ve been sick, which forced me to pause—something I don’t often give myself permission to do.

While I watched my sketchbook and to-do list gather dust, I couldn’t help but notice a familiar feeling creeping in… that quiet guilt for not “doing enough.” Maybe you know it too? That constant nudge to stay busy, to stay visible, especially when you’re trying to build something from the ground up.

Lately, I’ve been questioning whether hustling is how I want to reach my goals. I’m having trouble keeping up with the pressure to show up everywhere, constantly. So, when I found myself sick and unable to do much, it felt like a setback at first. But then, something softened.

I began to wonder… does success come from relentless effort?

Can I grow as an artist without feeling like I’m a slave to algorithms?

Can I build something real without burning myself out in the process?”

My guess is there has to be a better way.

Hustle culture tells us that if we’re not working, we’re falling behind. That rest is for people who already ‘made it.’ But… is that true?

What if rest isn’t just necessary, but productive in its own quiet way?

We don’t talk about this side of the journey enough—the days when you step back, when nothing gets posted, when your only work is simply to be present with yourself. Yet I’m realizing those moments matter just as much as the busy ones, perhaps even more.

I’m still figuring out how to grow as an artist without feeling like I’m in a race with the internet. But this week reminded me that I don’t have to earn rest. And neither do you.

Take care,

Isabelle

P.S. I filmed a vlog this week sharing these thoughts. It’s a glimpse into my journey. If you’d like to watch it you can find it here. 🌸