The Hustle Is Real

There’s a fine line between hustling and being a hustler and with the rise of more 20 something entrepreneurial CEO’s in the world, it’s safe to say:

“The Hustle Is Real”

Or is it?

The definition itself has two very different meanings:

  • Busy movement and activity vs. A fraud or swindle.

And that’s my point, people are hustling but are they actual hustlers in disguise and does it even matter? How would you know the difference?

There are a lot people out there who claim to hustle as sign of status but when it comes to the actual bustle (of the hustle) they simply fall short with more talk and less walk. There are way too many quotes out there promoting the “hustle” and although some are quite witty, many lack any real substance. For example:

  • I’d rather hustle 24/7 than slave 9 to 5.
  • Passion & Hustle.
  • Hustle until you no longer have to introduce yourself.
  • The dream is free. The hustle is sold separately.
  • Life is 90% hustle and 10% sleep.

The substance comes in the form of success and what your “hustle” produced which is why this is probably the only one that makes any sense to me:

  • Hustle in silence and let the success make the noise.

Regardless of a pithy IG post or some brand proposition, nothing can substitute smart (and hard) work – along with passion, perseverance and potential. In case you still aren’t sure if you have what it takes to hustle, here are 5 signs that you lack the mindset of an entrepreneur:

  1. You dislike the spotlight. Every performance needs an audience. If you prefer clapping for others versus stepping on stage, chances are being an entrepreneur isn’t for you. All entrepreneurs, whether they are the face or the voice have to make themselves known at one point in time. It’s hard to have the limelight if you aren’t comfortable with the spotlight. Stick with the dimmer of life instead and wait for the next act.
  2. You enjoy working on someone else’s dream. We all know the famous quote, “Build your own dreams, or someone else will hire you to build theirs.” This is probably one of the most accurate quotes out there. We all have dreams but some people rent theirs out to those who are looking to buy. There is nothing wrong with working for someone or on something that you believe in, just make sure you agree with the direction that person, product or vision is heading.
  3. You prefer the security and normality of a 9-5 job. The life of an entrepreneur is by definition being in an unknown role. Every day is different and with it comes the ambiguity of figuring out how to get something done. Sometimes this could look like paying your rent/mortgage or keeping food on the table (that is of course you haven’t sold it to pay your rent). If you can’t be comfortable with being uncomfortable, it’s a sure sign you aren’t cut out for this life.
  4. You avoid conflict at all costs. This could actually mean “costs” in the sense that you lose money when you risk being risk averse. The life of an entrepreneur requires you to combat all types of people who you will undoubtedly believe were put on this earth to make your life miserable and challenge you relentlessly, but that’s not entirely true. Obstacles are merely opportunities in disguise, if you can’t see that, then it’s probably best to keep looking the other way.
  5. You prefer following versus leading. There’s a common saying that goes something like this, “leaders don’t create followers, but rather leaders” and although that statement could be seen as a true, I guess it depends on how you read it. There are many followers who are very happy where they stand. However, successful entrepreneurs had often take the lead on their dreams, vision and passions and it’s because of them we now have things like: Facebook, iPhone, PayPal, Tesla, Lyft, Airbnb and the list goes on.

Final thoughts: Whether you plan to start a business, back a new one or simply have the next big idea – chances are you will have to come out of the shadows and let the world you know exist. If that’s the case, here’s a little inspirational reminder for you:

Final thoughts: What’s one quality an entrepreneur must possess to be successful?

With leadership,

Joshua / www.JoshHMiller.com