“I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.” 

You’ve probably seen this quote pop up in your feed, especially if you’re a woman in tech. I used to have it pinned in my Notes app, right next to launch ideas and brand voice notes.

But every time it resurfaced—usually when I was teetering on burnout—I’d tell myself: Just keep going. Don’t quit. Persevere.

That mindset got me through some tough seasons. But let’s be honest: how many of us have confused perseverance with self-sacrifice? With overextending, over-delivering, and undervaluing ourselves in the name of “success”?

We’ve been fed a version of leadership that equates worth with work, and it’s no coincidence that hustle culture has left so many ambitious women feeling depleted instead of empowered. It’s the same culture that celebrates all-nighters and glorifies burnout as proof of commitment.

I’ve done that dance. I’ve worn the badge of “busy” like it meant something. And I’ve decided to give it back.

Because here’s the truth: real perseverance isn’t about pushing through at all costs. It’s about staying the course with clarity, resilience, and intention.

When I looked up the actual definition of perseverance—“continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition; steadfastness”—what struck me wasn’t the grind. It was the focus, the resolve.

What if we reimagined perseverance as strategic consistency instead of endless hustle? What if we built businesses and lives rooted in values, boundaries, and well-being?

This is especially important for women building brands and leading teams. We need our energy for big thinking, bold moves, and boundary-pushing ideas—not just keeping the wheels turning.

So yes, persevere. Be steadfast. But do it on your terms.

Without the burnout. And with a lot more power.
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So, yes, let’s persevere. Let’s not give up when things get difficult. Let’s find healthy and sustainable ways to continue working toward our goals. But let’s NOT equate perseverance to overworking.

I actually vote we forget that “badge of honor” altogether.⁠ It’ll likely be better for us all.