Hello Fellow Entrepreneur,
“Hustle” has to be one of the most common word used for – and by – entrepreneurs.
Hustle is a popular term thanks to people like Gary Vaynerchuk.
Quick side bar about hustle… My wife, Kelli Ellis, recently did a keynote on stage with Gary. #familyhustle
Anyways…. let’s continue to talk about hustle (the good and the bad).
First, let’s go over the good.
It’s this simple; if you do not hustle, you will lose. The other person wins. You will earn less. You will not excel at your sport of choice. You will not experience as much in life. Your bank account will be smaller. It goes on and on.
But is there a “right way” to hustle?
100% YES.
First, realize personal and professional success is a marathon with many sprints along the way. You much have the mindset of settling into a pace that can be sustained, yet you can think of getting surprises/rewards/bonuses for periodic sprints that are 100% all out effort.
Hustle is not aimless. It’s not just movement. In biomechanics or sports performance, there is a term called “economy of movement.” This applies perfectly to hustle for your business/life. Economy of movement is having efficiency with effort. It’s mechanical effectiveness. It’s flow. It’s also about proper recruitment of muscle and certain physiological functions are the exact right time.
BUSINESS LIFE WORKS EXACTLY THE SAME WAY!
Never hustle just so you can tell someone you are a “hustler.”
Or, that when you say it to yourself, you feel important or validated in some way. “Yeah…. I’m a hustler!” Blah Blah Blah
Hustle with purpose, a plan, a team and any needed technology.
But what about burnout or “life balance?”
This is where it gets interesting….
Very few people who are ridiculously successful in sports, business, or anything else have “life balance.”
They have done extraordinary things to become world-class. By definition, that removed what we would term balance.
This is where the sprinting within the marathon comes in.
When it’s time to hustle, balance goes away…. it just does. Don’t search for it. It won’t be there.
However, as you likely know, the more frequently you sprint, the more you need breaks. Or, at a minimum, you need to slow your roll for a bit.
This isn’t stopping. It’s what I call an “active reset.”
THIS IS WHAT I DO:
1. I research everything I can about what I must do/need to do next – the hustle!
2. Once I’ve gathered enough information, I assemble my team, set objectives and execute the plan.
3. For “X” days, weeks or months, I’m relentless – obsessed. I’ve done this for each major objective in my life; 4 college degrees, building a fitness resort, doing the Ironman, competing in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu World Championships and most recently building my new penthouse on the Las Vegas Strip. No obsession = no result!
4. I realize I can do just about anything for a given period of time. So, I just tell myself what it will take, and I take action. No delays. No excuses. No whining. No complaining. Just work!
5. Along the way (to maintain my sanity while hustling in sprints), I get regular massage therapy, go to the chiropractor, meditate, sit in the jacuzzi, walk the dogs, and have date night with my wife.
6. Also, what I have done more frequently is hustle, hustle hustle, yet….. plan my vacations first. That way, they don’t get pushed aside.
You can accomplish A LOT in your lifetime.
Bill Gates has a famous quote: “Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.”
I agree with Bill.
You should, too.
I gotta go…. time to hustle!
JSE
PS: If you’d like to meet in person, and have me help you with your business, check out the coaching options I have for you here https://johnspencerellis.com/coaching
Beth Ann Dice says
Excellent post and perfect recap of my last few months. You see, I’m wrapping up 80 Day Obsession this week. When I went into it, I knew it was a huge commitment but I also knew that if I focused, really focused, that I could do it. To say it’s been life changing is not an exaggeration. I knew it would change my body, but I never imagined it would change just about every aspect of my life and really ignite my passion for fitness. And to really have my own business-not the pretend one I’ve had up to this point.
Wendy says
And tonite, I’m sitting down with the hubby and deciding where we go on vacation over a glass of wine. Kill 2 birds with one stone. We haven’t had vacation in 5 years!