Ghazal Alagh advocates an '85% Rule' for business success

Ghazal Alagh, co-founder of the skincare brand Mamaearth, shared her business philosophy on LinkedIn, introducing what she calls the "85% Rule." This concept suggests that entrepreneurs should not aim to give 100% effort every single day. Alagh believes that doing so can lead to burnout and may actually harm productivity. Alagh compares her rule to the training habits of athletes, who know the importance of rest in their routines. She states that just as athletes take time to recover, business leaders must also pace themselves to maintain long-term success. According to Alagh, aiming for 80-85% effort daily allows for better focus on important tasks. She emphasizes that building a successful startup is a marathon, not a sprint. By working strategically at an 85% output, entrepreneurs can avoid exhaustion while still achieving their goals. Alagh’s method focuses on working smarter rather than pushing to the limit every day. Ghazal Alagh co-founded Mamaearth with her husband, Varun Alagh. The brand specializes in toxin-free beauty products and has become popular in many households. As Chief Innovation Officer, she plays a key role in the company's success.