Replace “Hustle and Grind” with Aligned Hustle
The phrase “hustle and grind” has become synonymous with the relentless pursuit of goals and success. It’s a mindset of hard work, determination and a tireless work ethic. Although this phrase promotes a proactive approach to achieving our goals, it sparks controversy for how it disregards work-life balance.
Hustle resonates with how I approach my work but I take issue with the word “grind.” There’s a subtle difference between the two that can really add up over time. Urban Dictionary defines grind as “when an individual pushes themself to attain a goal. Similar to gears grinding when they are worked beyond their capacity." This colloquial definition fits with the less-than-positive association most thought leaders have with “grind.”
What happens when we work beyond our capacity?
Working beyond capacity in sports might lead to an injury. In business and entrepreneurship, it might lead to burnout. In medicine, it may lead to a misdiagnosis or worse.
Someone who embodies grinding might find fulfillment in the chaos of moving quickly and juggling multiple tasks. They become addicted to being busy. They might be working hard, but are they working smart? There’s no time to answer that question. The phrases “no pain, no gain” and “I’ll sleep when I'm dead'' define their mindset. Even if they succeed in their chosen pursuit, they might experience serious setbacks or losses in other areas of their life.
Conversely, someone who embodies hustling ensures that their efforts align with their values.
This is what I call aligned hustle.
What is aligned hustle?
Aligned hustle means balancing your goals, energy and lifestyle and creating a holistic return on investment. When we are in a state of aligned hustle, we consider our well-being as a key indicator of our success.
Aligned hustling has three essential components:
Vibration management
Grit
The three Rs: rest, recovery, and reflection
The three essential components of aligned hustle
Vibrational Management
Managing your vibration means managing your energy. The law of vibration states that everything in the world, visible or invisible, has an energy that can be measured as a frequency or pattern. On a macro to a micro level, from the stars in the sky to a grain of sand, everything (including our very own thoughts!) has a vibration. So, what does this mean for you?
Your new goal is to raise your vibration, training it into a well-tuned manifestation machine.
Draw in what you seek by consciously choosing positive thoughts and feelings
On the other hand, if you are constantly aggravated, frustrated and upset, you inadvertently tell the Universe “more of this, please.” Your vibrational set point is either low or high, buzzing out a frequency that draws people, things and experiences with the same dominant energetic patterns back to you.
When you are conscious about focusing on the positive and cultivating a confident, kind and upbeat vibe, you activate the law of vibration. You seek ways to optimize your energy and clear the way for your aligned hustle to work its magic.
Focus on yourself instead of getting caught up in the end result
Release your resistance to the obstacles you see between you and your desired outcome. Instead of existing in a place of deficit ("I want a more fulfilling job"), you are allowing the Universe to deliver the goods ("I am aligned with the fulfilling job that is in my future.”) You awaken a feeling of calm confidence that unlocks new opportunities.
If you’d like to learn more about vibration management, check out my blog: Understanding and Mastering The Laws of Attraction and Vibration.
Grit
Angela Duckworth, psychologist, leading grit researcher and author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, defines grit as “applying focused attention, resilience, perseverance, and dedication to achieving specific long-term goals.”
Grit is a defining factor in our success. Duckworth, who has studied the phenomena for years, contends that it is the single most important variable in how much someone achieves in their life, even more important than natural talent, ability, and intelligence.
Grit helps us to focus on what we truly want and go for it no matter the odds. When we start the engine of our high vibration, grit is the fuel that moves us forward and keeps us moving even when the odds seem stacked against us.
Rest, Recovery, Reflection
Making time to step back for rest, recovery and reflection is what separates an aligned hustle from the “hustle and grind.” Rest, recovery, and reflection are the elements that keep everything running smoothly and prevent burnout.
When you’re tired or extremely tense you can make mistakes that you might not otherwise. According to NASA, “human error has been reported as being responsible for 60%‐80% of failures, accidents and incidents in high‐risk industries.” Similarly, when we are sleep deprived, our brains can’t perform at their normal level. Studies have shown that a loss of one hour of sleep is equivalent to the loss of two years of cognitive maturation and development.
It’s normal to feel anxious excitement when you’re working on a new venture or moving closer towards your goals. But, it’s important to step back when you feel yourself working beyond your capacity.
Aligned hustlers know it’s okay to work hard, but it’s equally important to rest, recover and reflect.
Be intentional about rest - schedule breaks during your workday, book that vacation, go to bed 30 minutes early
Be proactive about recovery - don’t wait until you’re feeling burnout to take a break
Be focused during your reflection - collect data to determine whether to push forward, pivot or shift
Aligned Hustle = Vibrational Management + Grit + Intentional Rest, Recovery and Reflection
The next time you are tempted to embody the “hustle and grind” mentality, remember that sustainable success and fulfillment isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. Elevate your approach and meet your goals in a tough but good way. That way when you meet those goals, you can wholeheartedly celebrate and sustain them.
Click the link below to book a complimentary consultation. Let’s discuss your aligned hustle.