The Sunday Paradox

“If you want excellence, you must aim at perfection. It has its costs, but it is worth the price.” -JRD Tata

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Dear Investors & Friends:

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Welcome to this week’s SundayReads.

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The recent remarks by a CEO advocating for a work culture that may extend to Sundays have sparked intense conversations. On one hand, there’s admiration for relentless effort and its role in achieving success. On the other, there’s concern about the toll such a lifestyle takes on health, relationships, and overall well-being.?

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As an entrepreneur, I find myself reflecting on both perspectives, having lived through the exhilaration of success fueled by long hours and the exhaustion that often accompanies it.?

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Most of us who’ve built something from scratch know what it feels like to operate in survival mode. In those early days, late nights weren’t a choice—they were a necessity. There’s a unique thrill in watching your hard work bear fruit: landing that first big client, hitting an ambitious milestone, or seeing your team’s effort come together. Those moments make the sacrifices—missed meals, short weekends, or endless to-do lists—feel worthwhile.?

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But it’s not just entrepreneurs. Look at startups, where small teams with big dreams pour themselves into their work. Or doctors, who put in grueling 24-hour shifts to ensure patients get the care they need. My son, working at Amazon, has experienced this firsthand—long hours, constant challenges, but also a sense of pride in meeting them.?

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Hard work has its rewards. Radhika Gupta, MD of Edelweiss Asset Management, captures it beautifully in her recent post on Linked in: every choice comes with a trade-off. Hard work builds resilience, sharpens skills, and often opens doors to opportunities we might never imagine otherwise.?

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Yet, we can’t ignore the flip side.?

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Doctors, revered for their dedication, are also among those most affected by the stress of long hours. Studies link overwork to burnout, anxiety, and even heart disease. How many stories have we heard of people running themselves into the ground, only to later realize the cost was too high??

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It’s not just about health either. Overwork chips away at the things that bring us joy—family dinners, unhurried weekends, time to simply breathe. In chasing success, do we sometimes forget to pause and ask ourselves: is this the life I truly want??

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And here’s the thing—working more doesn’t always mean working better. Studies show that productivity dips beyond a certain point. Mistakes creep in, creativity dries up, and the returns on those long hours diminish. Perhaps, as some argue, it’s not about working harder but working smarter.?

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So where does that leave us??

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I think the answer lies somewhere in the middle. There are seasons in life—times when pushing hard is necessary, whether for a big project, a product launch, or a personal goal. But those seasons shouldn’t stretch endlessly. Success is deeply personal. For some, it’s the next promotion or expanding a business. For others, it’s the joy of a balanced life. Defining what it means to you can be the first step toward finding the right balance.?

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But here’s the irony I can’t shake. As we debate overworking and long hours, many of us rely on help—drivers, maids, cooks—who work seven days a week. They make our lives easier, yet do we stop to think about their rest, their time, their well-being??

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Can we create environments where everyone—regardless of their role—feels respected and has the opportunity for balance?? Maybe the question isn’t whether hard work is worth it, but whether we’re making intentional choices and also extending the same empathy and understanding to those who work tirelessly around us??

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What do you think? Can success and balance coexist? Are we doing enough to ensure the people in our homes, our teams, and our lives have the same opportunities we seek for ourselves?

Do share your views.

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Until then, Ciao.

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Sincerely,

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Kavita Bothra

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Helping you think thoughts you may not have thought before.

#hustle Radhika Gupta , #worklife #balance #smallteambigdream