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The Hustle Lie: Recovery Isn't Retreating. It's Reloading.

What if one of the biggest assumptions we've inherited about business and success simply isn't true?

What if working longer doesn't create better results?

What if exhaustion isn't the price of achievement?

And what if recovery isn't a retreat from success—but one of the very things that makes sustainable success possible?

In this Season Three finale of The Inspired Entrepreneur, Deborah Hartnett sits down with entrepreneur, business owner, and author John Briggs to challenge one of the most deeply rooted beliefs in modern business culture: that hustle is the path to growth.

Drawing from his upcoming book, Take Breaks. Work Better., John shares the science behind sustainable performance, the surprising research that inspired the 3.3 Rule, and why intentional recovery may be one of the most overlooked competitive advantages available to entrepreneurs and leaders.
But this conversation isn't really about taking breaks.

It's about challenging the assumptions we've inherited about business, leadership, and success, and exploring whether there's a better way to build a business and a life.

In this episode, we explore:
• Why hustle culture has become so normalized.
• The science behind focus, recovery, and sustainable performance.
• The surprising research that inspired the 3.3 Rule.
• Why measuring impact often matters more than measuring hours.
• How intentional breaks can increase productivity and profitability.
• What high-performing teams have in common.
• The hidden cost of chronic busyness.
• Why presence may be one of the greatest gifts we can give our families and ourselves.
• How to build success without sacrificing the life you're trying to create.

One of my biggest takeaways:
Perhaps we've inherited a story that says success requires sacrifice, exhaustion, and endless hustle.
I'm not convinced that's true.
I've spent more than a decade working alongside business owners and leaders, and I've experienced something different. I've watched people build thriving businesses while becoming more present in their leadership, their relationships, and their lives.
It isn't always easy.
It takes intention.
It takes practice.
But I know there's another way.
And I think you'll hear that possibility woven throughout this conversation.

Connect with John Briggs:
📚 Take Breaks. Work Better.
🌐 https://incitetax.com/
📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnbriggs/
💼 LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealjohnbriggs/
📺 YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@therealjohnbriggs/

About The Inspired Entrepreneur
The Inspired Entrepreneur exists to challenge the assumptions we've inherited about business, leadership, and success, and explore whether there's a better way.

If this conversation resonated with you:
⭐ Follow the podcast.
⭐ Leave a review.
⭐ Share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur or leader.
Because maybe the future of business isn't about working harder.
Maybe it's about building businesses—and lives—that allow us to thrive.

Music Credit: “Who I’ve Always Been” by Beza, licensed via PremiumBeat (License #7089927, Order #5573317) © PremiumBeat.com / Shutterstock Canada, ULC

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Music Credit:
 “Who I’ve Always Been” by Beza, licensed via PremiumBeat (License #7089927, Order #5573317) © PremiumBeat.com / Shutterstock Canada, ULC

Legal Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult qualified experts for medical, legal, mental health, or business matters. 

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Website :www.inspired-bp.com
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Facebook: @deborahannhartnett