I’m all for a strong work ethic, passion and motivation. I’m bouty-bout big dreams and kicking goals. But I’m not down with this cultural glorification of “ the hustle” anymore. It’s so 1996, you guys. Flow is the new hustle. 

Don’t tell Jay-Z, but it turns out you can knock the hustle.  Let me explain…

YOU CAN KNOCK THE HUSTLE

Hustling is forceful, pushing, and aggressively “chasing” our dreams. At all costs. And sometimes those costs are high – exhaustion, depletion, frayed relationships and missed signs. 

When we hustle, we’re so focused on our goal that we lose sight of the big picture. Our heads are down, charging forward with blinders on. We miss the signs that sometimes come our way, suggesting we reroute or change course. We’re so focused on the outcome that we forget the importance of the process and the value of being willing to head in a different direction. 

YOU’RE A SEASONAL BEING

Furthermore, hustling asks us to override the seasonal, cyclical aspect of our energy, creativity and inspiration. Hustling demands that we be in a perpetual Summer when sometimes we desperately need to sink into the hibernation of Winter to restore ourselves and regather our resources (creative and otherwise).

We can get results in the short term, but by refusing to honor our cycles in the long term we head straight toward burn out. 

FEAR OF FAILURE FORCES THE POINT

But the reality is, we’re too afraid to rest anyway. Because beneath the pride of hustling is the fear of failure. Operating from a place of fear is never a good strategy long term. Feeling fear is super useful when you’re being chased by a bear. Not so useful when you’re building a business, or pursuing a passion or even trying lose weight. When we are in a place of fear, we can’t possibly align ourselves with the energy we need to manifest anything positive.  

FEEL ME FLOW

So in this world where we’ve been taught to hustle and drive for results, what do we do instead? Focus on stepping into the flow. Slow your roll. Honor your creative and energetic cycles. Remember that the process is usually just as valuable as the outcome, and that a holistic, flexible process can actually deliver richer results. Stay true to your passion. Mind your intuition. Pay attention to the signs. Change your course accordingly. You’re being guided, so act like it.

Don’t chase your dreams, let them lead you. Fuck the hustle. Follow the flow.  

P.S. If you’re feeling this 90s hip-hop vibe, let’s keep it going: Holla if ya hear me though, come and feel me flow.