An Unpopular Opinion – HUSTLE
I use the word hustle in my narrative and communication – it is a constant. It’s not just about working hard and isn’t just a word for me; it’s a way of life, a commitment to getting things done, saying what I do, and doing what I say. It’s about showing up when it matters most, and in the realm of achievement, it’s the secret sauce that sets people apart when consistency and outcomes are the currency.
The world is constantly moving; success favours those who can keep pace. The note here is defining YOUR PACE.
Defining your success and pace is up to you, as well as delivering those outcomes.
I don’t think of hustle being a chaotic frenzy of activity; it’s a strategic dance. It’s the art of moving purposefully, navigating challenges, and seizing opportunities. When I am in my focused hustle mode, every action is a piece of a grand puzzle, a step closer to my aspirations. It supports my mindset—that part that thrives on discipline, determination, and the persistent pursuit of excellence.
My heartbeat of hustle is consistency. It’s not a one-time sprint; it’s a marathon, and every day is a chance to lace up my shoes and hit the pathway. Whether I’m chasing a career milestone, helping a client build a business, or honing a skill, consistency is the fuel that powers my journey. It’s about making a habit of success, showing up day after day, and proving that I’m in it for the long haul.
Hustle is not just about moving; it’s about me moving with intention. Clarity in action is the ability to discern what truly matters and channel my energy into those key objectives. It’s about setting clear goals, breaking them into actionable steps, and executing them.
In my hustle, every move is deliberate, every decision is purposeful, and every action is a stepping stone toward my objectives.
As a dedicated lifelong hustler, I don’t get distracted by the noise of what others are telling me I should be posting, saying or supporting. Knowing myself and allowing myself to be distracted can be a HUGE blocker to my progress and, therefore, my client’s success. As a hustler, I’m determined to navigate the chaos. One of my tag lines is helping you move from chaos to clarity.
Yes, when needed, I am a queen at maintaining tunnel vision on the objectives for the project, learning to say ‘no’ to the non-essential, and forging ahead with unshakeable resolve.
Saying What You Do, Doing What You Say is my mantra. I wholeheartedly trust that it is the currency of my hustle. When I declare my intentions, make promises, or set expectations, the true measure of my hustle lies in delivering on those commitments. It’s about building a reputation as someone who not only talks the talk but walks the walk.
There has been a growing movement against the hustle culture (and the reason why I sat down to write this blog post), advocating for a more balanced and sustainable approach to work.
While the anti-hustle sentiment is well-intentioned, it’s necessary to remember that not all effort is harmful.
The key is to differentiate between the mindless hustle, doing the wrong thing and focused on busy work with poor outcomes – that lead to burnout- and the focused effort that propels us forward.
I am throwing in some thoughts on the ‘burnout’ narrative. I’ve recently seen burnout being used interchangeably with hustle.
Burnout is an entirely different beast.
Burnout is defined as a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion; burnout is a result of prolonged exposure to stress, often accompanied by feelings of cynicism and detachment. (Note, if you recongnise this in yourself, then take yourself over to BACP website to find somebody specialist to talk to, to support you to make a plan that’s helpful for your current season.)
It is crucial to distinguish burnout from focused, consistent work to avoid perpetuating the misconception that all hard work is detrimental.
As we navigate the balance of hustle and focused work, redefining our understanding of success is vital. Success is not about the quantity of tasks we accomplish but the quality of our efforts. By acknowledging the difference between burnout and focused consistency, we can liberate ourselves from the toxic cycle of the negative narrative of getting work done and cultivate a more sustainable, fulfilling approach to work and life.
The journey towards success is a nuanced dance between effort and well-being. By embracing focused, consistent work, we empower ourselves to make choices that lead to a life of purpose and fulfilment.
It’s time to rewrite your narrative and pave the way for a new era of success—one that prioritises mindful, intentional effort over the empty pursuit of busyness.
There are pivotal moments that have defined my career journey. It’s not only about being present; it’s about showing up with purpose, passion, and gratitude. Whether it’s an important meeting, a challenging project, or an opportunity that knocks once, the true hustler inside me is always ready to rise to the occasion. For me, it’s the difference between success and mediocrity—the willingness to be present and fully engaged when it matters most.
My hustle is more than a buzzword; it’s a philosophy that transforms my hopes, dreams and desires into reality. That also translates into success for my clients and them getting their desired outcomes.
It’s the unwavering pursuit of greatness, the embodiment of consistency, clarity, focus, and integrity.
So, lace up your boots, embrace the rhythm of YOUR consistent action, and let the world witness the magic when you commit with purpose.
And if the word hustle doesn’t work for you, find one that does.
I can help you choose a word that enables you to transform your hopes, dreams and desires into reality. Book a conversation HERE today.