Why Working Hard Is Not The Solution, And What Is.

For years we have been told that the key success is simple. Work harder. But that’s not always the case.

It’s not that hard work isn’t’ required, it is, but hard work to the point of depletion, physical, mental and emotional exhaustion is not an ideal plan for a successful and happy life.

I spent years trying out productivity apps and software to make me more productive, prioritising and reprioritising my tasks, I tried every technique and hack known to man but it left me in a loop of overworking and overthinking that wasn’t getting me my goals.

I see it too often with the women I coach. Brilliant capable women who doubt their abilities, who overthink their decisions and actions and who overwork to compensate for their lack of self-worth or confidence.

So what to do?

The solution is a reset and that reset doesn’t mean giving up on ambition or not working harder, it means being clear about where you are going and on that journey honouring your energy as much as your effort.

Clear Goals

Too many people don’t set goals because they don’t know exactly what they want. But that is just fear hiding as uncertainty, fear of making the wrong decision, fear of failing, fear of succeeding or fear of the disapproval of other. Clarity never comes from waiting. If you don't take action you will never know whether the decision is the right one or not. You have to go with your best instinct at the time.

Managing your Energy

Effort alone can get you results, but at what cost? Burnout, resentment, and disconnection.

Energy management is about knowing when to push and when to pause. It’s listening to your body, tuning into your intuition, and honouring your natural rhythms. It’s not about doing less, it’s about doing what matters, with the right energy behind it.

Start noticing: What drains you? What fuels you? Where are you leaking energy by overthinking, people-pleasing, or pushing through misalignment?

Because when your energy is high, focused, and aligned, Ideas flow, confidence rises, and your impact expands effortlessly.

Creating the Habits

If you want to reach your goals without burning out, you need habits that support your energy, not just your productivity. That starts by building routines that nourish you mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Morning rituals that ground your energy. Boundaries that protect your focus. Breaks that recharge your nervous system. These aren’t luxuries, they’re leadership tools.

Track your habits to encourage you to keep going but reflect regularly. Are your routines supporting your energy, or draining it? Adjust accordingly.

High-vibration habits lead to high-vibration results. When your daily actions align with your energy and vision, you no longer need to hustle your way to success, you can flow there.

Ciara Conlon is a transformational coach, author, and speaker. Blending strategy with mindset, energy, and emotional intelligence, Ciara supports leaders and their teams increase performance without burnout, overwhelm, or sacrificing what matters most.

Check out her new podcast The High Vibration Reset on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

Ciara Conlon