Overcoming Toxic Girlboss Mode for Sensitive Entrepreneurs.

September 26, 2024 Hayley Carr

Episode 82 - Available 27 Sep 2024

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Let’s talk about the girlboss mentality for a sec. It came roaring onto the scene in the 2010s, telling us women we could build empires, rise to the top, and do it all with ambition and style. It felt empowering, right? The idea that we could take control of our careers and make success happen on our terms was a game changer.

But here’s the thing—if you’re like me, maybe empathic, introverted, or highly sensitive, the girlboss mentality doesn’t always work out as promised. While hustling 24/7 might work for some, for those of us who need downtime and quiet to process, it can be downright exhausting. In this post, I’m going to break down why this hustle culture doesn’t serve us and show you how to build a business in a way that actually works for sensitive entrepreneurs.

What is the Girlboss Mentality?

The term girlboss gained major traction thanks to Sophia Amoruso’s book #Girlboss back in 2014. The whole vibe was about women taking charge of their careers, ditching traditional corporate expectations, and becoming their own bosses. Social media made it even bigger, with women flaunting their success and showing us that we, too, could hustle our way to the top.

But somewhere along the way, the girlboss movement became more about glorifying constant hustle—working late nights, skipping breaks, and always pushing for more. While it might have started out empowering, it became exhausting, especially for sensitive entrepreneurs like us.

Why the Girlboss Mentality Doesn't Work for Sensitive Entrepreneurs

If you’re someone who feels deeply, craves balance, or needs space to recharge, the girlboss hustle probably isn’t serving you. I know it didn’t serve me! Here’s why:

Burnout Disguised as Success
Hustle culture often celebrates burning the candle at both ends—late nights, jam-packed calendars, always being on the go. For highly sensitive people, this kind of non-stop work quickly leads to burnout. Sure, you’re ticking things off the list, but it’s leaving you drained and detached from the very thing you’re working so hard for.
Pressure to Always Be Visible
One of the hallmarks of girlboss culture is being constantly visible. You’ve got to show up on social media, network at events, always be “out there.” But if you’re introverted or sensitive, that kind of exposure can feel overwhelming. It’s not just about being nervous; it’s about feeling completely drained from taking on the energy of others and the world.
Perfectionism and Overworking
Girlboss culture can also ramp up perfectionism. The constant pressure to nail everything—your business, your relationships, your self-care—creates these impossible standards. For sensitive entrepreneurs, that means overworking, overthinking, and always feeling like what you’re doing isn’t enough. Sound familiar?

Signs You’re Stuck in the Girlboss Hustle

So how do you know if you’ve been girlbossing a little too hard? Here are some signs:

You’re constantly tired, but you keep pushing yourself because you feel like you should be doing more.
You feel guilty for taking time off, and when you do, you’re not really relaxing because work is always in the back of your mind.
Success feels a bit hollow—you’ve hit milestones but you’re not as excited as you thought you’d be.
Perfectionism is running the show—you’re stuck overthinking and obsessing over the smallest details.

The Better Alternative: Slow Business for Sensitive Entrepreneurs

So, what’s the alternative? It’s time to ditch the hustle and embrace a different way of working—slow business. Slow business is about building something that’s sustainable, purposeful, and aligned with your values, not someone else’s. Here’s how you can start moving away from the girlboss mentality and build a business that supports you as a sensitive entrepreneur.

1. Set Clear Boundaries

Boundaries are your best friend. You need time off, and you need to protect it. Set work hours and stick to them—seriously. If you don’t unplug at the end of the day or on weekends, burnout isn’t far behind. One thing I do? I set a time to stop working every day, no matter what’s left on my to-do list, and I book my holidays in advance. It makes all the difference.

2. Redefine Success

Success isn’t just about revenue or constant growth. For me, success means being able to spend time with my family, especially the simple moments like painting my grandma’s nails while she tells me stories. It’s about balance—and that looks different for everyone. What does success look like for you, beyond just the numbers? It might be the freedom to travel, time to yourself, or picking up your kids from school. Redefine it on your terms.

3. Embrace Imperfection

Newsflash: You don’t need to be perfect to succeed. I’ve launched so many things before I felt they were 100% ready, and guess what? No one noticed. When you’re a high performer, your 40% is often someone else’s 80%. So let go of perfectionism and just get things out there. You’ll be surprised at how much progress you can make when you stop waiting for everything to be “perfect.”

4. Prioritise Purpose Over Profit

Let’s be real—profit is important. But if that’s all you’re chasing, you’re going to lose sight of the bigger picture. Remember why you started your business in the first place. When you prioritise purpose—whether it’s helping others, creating a positive impact, or doing work that aligns with your values—the money will follow. And it’ll feel a whole lot more fulfilling.

5. Build in Rest

I cannot stress this enough: rest is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. Take weekends off, stop working nights, and build breaks into your workday. After big launches or stressful projects, give yourself time to recover. Athletes build rest into their training routines—so should you.

Moving Away From the Girlboss Hustle

While the girlboss mentality might have started as a way to empower women, it’s become clear that constant hustle isn’t sustainable, especially for sensitive entrepreneurs. You don’t have to burn out to succeed. By embracing slow business, setting boundaries, and redefining success on your terms, you’ll find a way to build a business that feels aligned and actually supports your well-being.

If you’re ready to step into a business model that honours your unique needs, check out my Fierce Salon or Bloom Business Incubator—both programs designed for people like you, who are ready to thrive without the pressure.

Hustle culture might be glorified, but for highly sensitive entrepreneurs, it’s often a recipe for burnout. By slowing down and focusing on what really matters—your purpose, your wellbeing, and your own version of success—you can still create a wildly successful business, without losing yourself in the process.

So, let’s leave the hustle behind. Slow down, stay curious, and remember—everything you want is closer than you think.

HAYLEY CARR