How can I start rediscovering who I was created to be?

Start by slowing down and spending time in prayer or reflection. Ask yourself who you are when the world goes quiet. Journaling and surrounding yourself with women who lift you up can help you remember the version of you that God originally designed.

What should I do when I feel lost in my identity?

When you feel disconnected, remember that your worth isn’t defined by performance or perfection. Take time to step away from distractions, read scripture, and remind yourself that you are already enough because of who created you.

How can I let go of perfectionism and people-pleasing?

Letting go starts with surrender. Recognize that striving for approval steals your peace. Shift your focus from doing to becoming—the woman God created you to be. Progress happens when you choose authenticity over performance.

I’m Exhausted, But I Can’t Slow Down: How Hustle Culture Disguises Itself as Faithfulness

Faith & Purpose

Nov 10

Written By Pam Rivet

I thought I was building my dream—

until it started breaking me.

Pam Rivet sitting with her Bible and journal, writing and reflecting on faith, rest, and slowing down after burnout. — This is the space where awareness begins — in quiet moments of reflection, not in the rush to prove yourself.

At the beginning of MBS, I lived by this mantra every single day. And honestly? I thought it made me dedicated. Passionate. A good steward of the vision God had given me.

But what I didn’t realize then is that exhaustion can sometimes look like faithfulness—until it breaks you.

When Hustle Becomes Fear

I was working 12+ hours a day, juggling my business, family, and career—all while leading a women’s group and convincing myself I was “doing it for God.”
In reality, I was holding onto control instead of surrender.

I thought my relentless hustle was obedience.
But it was actually fear disguised as dedication.

Fear that if I slowed down, everything would fall apart.
Fear that rest meant laziness.
Fear that stillness meant failure.

The Breaking Point That Brought Clarity

When my body, mind, and family finally forced me to slow down, something incredible happened:
More doors opened.
My creativity returned.
My peace resurfaced.

What I thought was “working hard for God” was actually keeping me too busy to hear His voice.

The Truth About God’s Timing

You can’t rush God’s process.
Every delay, every pause, every quiet season—it’s all preparation.

When we try to rush His plan, we miss the lessons, relationships, and sacred family moments designed to shape us.

Growth happens even when it feels like nothing is happening—especially then.

Your Exhaustion Is Not a Badge of Honor

Exhaustion isn’t proof of dedication.
It’s a warning sign.

Your exhaustion isn’t a badge of honor—it’s your soul asking for help.
Your constant motion isn’t productivity—it’s noise drowning out God’s whisper.
Your inability to slow down isn’t faithfulness—it’s fear of what the stillness might reveal.

Rest Is Surrender

Rest isn’t weakness—it’s worship.
Pause isn’t laziness—it’s trust.
Slowing down isn’t giving up—it’s making room for something better to emerge.

When you slow down, you create space for God to move again.
You find clarity in the quiet.
You find peace in the pause.
And you remember—you were never meant to do this alone.

Your Takeaway

You only have one life to live, and it’s meant to be filled with joy, not just productivity.
The people you love need your present version, not the exhausted one.

💭 What if slowing down isn’t the enemy of your dreams, but the pathway to them?
💭 What if the breakthrough you’re hustling for can only come when you finally stop running long enough to receive it?

📖 “Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10 (NLT)

If this story spoke to you, subscribe to my free Monday Identity Boost for weekly encouragement to help you live as the woman you were created to be.

Give Me The Boost

exhaustionburnouthustle culturesurrenderfaith journeyproductivityChristian motivationrestidentityspiritual growth

Pam Rivet