Mamaearth Co-Founder Ghazal Alagh Shares the “85% Rule” for Sustainable Success

Ghazal Alagh, co-founder of Mamaearth, advises entrepreneurs to follow the “85% Rule” rather than aiming for perfection every day. She believes striving for 100% constantly can lead to burnout and negatively impact decision-making. Instead, she recommends putting in 80-85% effort daily to preserve energy, stay productive, and make better judgments in the long run. Alagh compares this to top athletes who balance hard work with rest to perform optimally when it matters. This approach helps entrepreneurs focus on important tasks without exhaustion. Alagh also emphasizes that work-life balance is often misunderstood and should be defined individually. Many praised her advice, agreeing that sustainable success is about balance, not overdrive.

Mamaearth Co-Founder Ghazal Alagh Shares the “85% Rule” for Sustainable Success

Mamaearth co-founder Ghazal Alagh shares an interesting perspective on running a business. She believes that constantly striving for perfection can actually be harmful. Instead of pushing yourself to give 100% every single day, she recommends following what she calls the “85% Rule.” This approach, she says, can help build a strong and sustainable business without leading to burnout.

In a LinkedIn post, Ms. Alagh explained that working at full capacity all the time can lead to exhaustion and poor decision-making. Instead, she suggests maintaining a steady effort of around 80-85% daily. This allows you to conserve energy, stay focused, and remain productive over the long term. She compares this idea to how top athletes train. Although they work hard, they also understand the importance of rest and recovery. This balance allows them to perform at their best when it truly counts. Similarly, running a business is more like a marathon than a sprint—it’s about consistency and endurance, not just short bursts of effort.

By following the 85% Rule, entrepreneurs can focus on what truly matters, pay attention to important details, and avoid feeling overwhelmed. This strategy ensures that they have enough energy to give their all when it’s truly needed, like during critical moments or major projects. Ms. Alagh’s advice resonated with many people on social media, who agreed that it’s impossible to be at your absolute best every day. Sustainable success, they said, comes from finding the right balance between hard work and rest.

Earlier, Ms. Alagh also discussed the concept of work-life balance. She believes it is often misunderstood. In her view, companies should allow individuals to define what work-life balance means for them personally. Everyone’s situation is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. By giving people the freedom to create their own balance, businesses can help their employees stay happier and more productive.

In summary, Ghazal Alagh’s 85% Rule is about working smart, not just hard. It’s a reminder that constant perfection isn’t sustainable, and that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your business. By pacing yourself and focusing on what truly matters, you can build a successful company without sacrificing your well-being.

Her advice is a refreshing take on how to achieve long-term success while maintaining a healthy balance between effort and rest. In today’s fast-paced world, where burnout is common, her 85% Rule serves as a practical guide for entrepreneurs and professionals alike. It emphasizes the importance of pacing oneself and avoiding the trap of overworking. By not pushing to the limit every day, individuals can stay mentally sharp, emotionally balanced, and physically healthy. This approach not only improves productivity but also fosters creativity and better decision-making. Ultimately, it’s about working sustainably, so you can thrive in both your personal and professional life without sacrificing one for the other.