Mamaearth’s Ghazal Alagh Talks About Burnout in The Startup Space; Says “You Shouldn’t Give Your 100% Every Single Day”

Entrepreneurship is often associated with relentless hustle, late nights, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. However, Mamaearth co-founder Ghazal Alagh has a different perspective. 

In a recent social media post, she challenged the notion of giving 100% every single day, instead advocating for what she calls the "85% Rule" - a balanced approach that prioritises sustainability and strategic effort over constant overexertion.

Ghazal Alagh’s 85% Rule

The Mamaearth co-founder believes that if you are serious about building a solid business, you shouldn’t give your 100% every single day.

In her LinkedIn post, Ghazal Alagh shared that. “Over the years, working around the clock, I have realised that constantly pushing for a perfect 100% can actually backfire. Instead, one should learn focused effort and strategic prioritising. I call it the 85% rule.”

She also added, “Think about your favourite athletes. They train hard, no doubt, but they also know when to rest and recover. That downtime is just as important for them to be able to give their absolute best when it really counts.”

The startup culture often glorifies hustle and nonstop work, but Alagh warns that this mindset can be counterproductive. Overworking without strategic breaks can lead to fatigue, poor decision-making, and eventual burnout.

Ghazal Alagh added, “Trying to go all-out every single day isn't sustainable. By aiming for a solid 80-85% effort daily, we can really focus on the important stuff, pay attention to the little things that matter, and ultimately get more done without burning out.”

She ended her insightful post by stating that it's about working hard and being smart about it, so one can have the energy and focus left for those crucial moments when there’s a need to give your 100%.

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Netizens Reactions

Several LinkedIn users came out in support of Ghazal's working style, commending her for her simple and realistic approach.

One user commented, “The 80-20 rule is golden at my company. And ensuring that your colleagues & employees abide by the same rule is crucial too for their creativity to be at optimum.”

Another user said, “Giving your 100% every day without giving yourself the time to recharge is a bigger risk than doing nothing.” They added that working tirelessly makes the job a relentless drive that stops nowhere, and not something you look forward to. 

A third user shared, “This is such a crucial perspective, Ghazal! The 85% Rule is a game-changer, especially in the high-stakes world of business and startups. Consistency, not constant overexertion, is what builds sustainable success.”

Someone also commented, “Very relevant post, as the 85% rule not only helps to rejuvenate and restart again the next day, it also gives you a good mental health.” 

They further added that there are times when, as an entrepreneur, one starts questioning their own progress, as not every day is the same, and it's always a relief to know that you did your best that day. 

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