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Beyond the Rise and Grind: Finding Your Inner Drive as a Filipino Woman
- Health & Wellness
- By InLife Sheroes
- Apr 08, 2025
- 0 Comments
The hustle culture is loud. “No days off.” “Keep grinding.” “Sleep is for the weak.” You’ve seen the quotes. You’ve probably shared a few. But here’s a real talk moment: external motivation fades fast. And if you’re relying on hype alone, burnout is right around the corner.
Motivation is tangled in layers for many Filipino women: family expectations, cultural norms, and the pressure to constantly “show up” for others. But what if you don’t feel like showing up? What if the noise outside doesn’t match what you’re feeling inside?
That’s where internal drive comes in. Not the kind that screams “work harder,” but the kind that quietly says, “This matters to me.”
Why “Rise and Grind” Doesn’t Always Work
Let’s be honest. Filipino women are raised to be strong, selfless, and steady. You’re the ate, the tita, the breadwinner, the dreamer, the fixer, the one who holds it all together. Hustling isn’t just a choice—it feels like a duty.
But constant hustle disconnected from purpose leads to emptiness, not empowerment. Working hard isn’t the problem—it’s working hard for things that don’t align with you.
If you’re always chasing someone else’s version of success, you’ll always feel like you’re falling short.
Motivation vs. Conviction: Know the Difference
Motivation is external. It’s the pep talk, the playlist, the Monday morning coffee-fueled “Let’s go!” It gets you started—but it doesn’t always keep you going.
Conviction is internal. It’s anchored in your values. It’s the quiet, consistent belief that what you’re doing matters—even when no one’s watching, even when it’s hard.
To live with conviction, you need to know what you stand for. That takes reflection, not reaction.
Step 1: Get Clear on Your Values
Your values are not just buzzwords like “integrity” or “success.” They’re personal truths. They're the things that light you up and make you feel grounded at the same time.
To find them, ask yourself:
- When do I feel most at peace with myself?
- What kind of life would I be proud to look back on?
- What makes me feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be?
Write the answers down. Look for patterns. Maybe it’s creativity, freedom, contribution, or connection. Name your top three values, and keep them where you can see them.
Step 2: Audit Your Life for Alignment
Now ask the harder question: Am I living in a way that honors these values?
Let’s say one of your core values is “family,” but your current hustle means missing every weekend with them. Or maybe you value “growth,” but you’ve been stuck in a job that drains you.
Misalignment doesn’t mean failure—it means it’s time to recalibrate.
Start small. One change at a time. Say no to something that pulls you away from your values. Say yes to something that brings you closer.
Step 3: Listen to Your Inner Voice (Not Just the Loudest One Around)
This is especially tough in a culture where being “mahinhin” or “respectful” often translates to staying quiet. But your inner voice matters. It knows things Instagram never will.
Try this exercise:
At the end of each day, ask yourself, Did I do something today that felt true to me?
If the answer is often “no,” you’re not broken. You’re just due for a reset.
Step 4: Redefine What Success Means to You
Success doesn’t have to be a title, a bank balance, or a perfectly curated life. Success can be peace of mind. It can be a creative life, a steady one, or even a slow one. It can be choosing rest over hustle without guilt.
Here’s a secret: The most powerful women you know aren’t always grinding. They’ve just figured out what matters, and they move with purpose.
You Don’t Have to Be Loud to Be Driven
You don’t need to wake up at 4 AM or post motivational quotes every day to be serious about your goals. You simply need to be honest with yourself.
Let the world chase noise. You? Chase clarity. Chase conviction.
Because when your actions come from who you truly are—not who you’re told to be—you become unstoppable in a quieter, deeper, more sustainable way.
And that kind of power? It doesn’t burn out. It builds.
Ready to move beyond the noise? Start within. That’s where your real power lives.
When you’re ready, step out of your comfort zone and reach out to your community at InLife Sheroes.
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