You Don’t Need to Be Available 24/7
This week we’re joined by Blake Guichet, branding expert and host of the Confessions of a Crappy Christian podcast. Blake shares her personal journey of buying into hustle culture—and how it led her to total burnout, adrenal failure, and anxiety. Her message is clear: you don’t need to be available 24/7 to be successful.
She reveals how redefining her boundaries saved her health, family life, and business. Blake reminds us that you can hustle with intention, but when the hustle turns into exhaustion, it’s time to reassess.
From Burnout to Boundaries
Blake’s story of overworking herself to the point of adrenal fatigue is a wake-up call. Despite years of entrepreneurship, she was swept up by the promise of hustle culture—until her body forced her to slow down. After medical testing revealed dangerously high cortisol levels, her doctor prescribed rest. That was her turning point.
Her recovery journey included therapy, quitting caffeine, taking medication, and redefining her work-life balance. Now, Blake sets firm business hours, and her clients know exactly when she’s available. She lives proof that you don’t need to be available 24/7 to run a thriving business.
Rest as a Business Strategy
Blake has more on her plate now than she did at her burnout peak—but it’s manageable because she works from a place of rest. Her non-negotiables (like taking medication, moving her body, and getting to bed on time) are a daily checklist to prevent regression.
She’s learned that being productive doesn’t mean being busy around the clock. It means being intentional. Her story is a great reminder that your ambition doesn’t disappear when you slow down—it becomes more sustainable.
Boundaries Build Better Business
Blake takes on one branding client at a time and schedules interviews only when her energy aligns with her cycle. She shares the five non-negotiables she sticks to daily and how knowing her limits actually makes her more productive.
We also talk about setting office hours, and how Blake includes hers in her email signature. Her availability is clear: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Outside of that, she’s not at her clients’ beck and call. And neither should you be. This kind of structure lets her create without burning out.
Instagram, Messaging, and Mental Health
Blake also opens up about using Instagram stories for authentic connection. While she loves the engagement from her audience, she sets healthy boundaries by turning off notifications. She replies on her schedule, not at the mercy of her phone.
She encourages us to stop glorifying being “always on.” Just because someone else works nonstop doesn’t mean that’s the path to success. You don’t need to be available 24/7—in fact, you’ll do better when you’re not.
Take the Challenge: Turn Off Notifications
Blake’s challenge for listeners: Turn off notifications for one week. No red bubbles, no email alerts, no social media pings. Check your email and DMs on your terms, not constantly. Protecting your peace is good for business and your mental health.
A Toast to Jeanette
At the end of each episode, we toast someone special. This week, Blake gives a heartfelt shoutout to her best friend Jeanette Tapley—producer of both Hustle Humbly and Confessions of a Crappy Christian. Jeanette is a podcasting powerhouse and mentor, and we’re thrilled to honor her.
If you’re thinking about launching your own podcast, check out Jeanette’s upcoming course: It’s Time for Your Podcast.
Subscribe, Review, and Connect
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @hustlehumblypodcast. Have a topic idea or a question? Email us at hustlehumblypodcast@gmail.com. Don’t forget to leave a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode!
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