The Hustle is hot right now: "dream big, hustle hard" or "90% Grind; 10% Sleep #hustle."
Sayings like this might be catchy, especially when they make their way onto tee-shirts, mugs and memes. But just because they are catchy, doesn't make them life-giving.
The Hustle
The Hustle is rooted in fear: of being not enough, not being worthy, not being safe.
Fear isn’t a life-sentence or an irreparable situation. It is a function of our humanity, our human condition. Unless we face fear head-on, however, it has a tendency to undermine our lives, often unconsciously.
Here's the truth: Sometimes a part of us gets really activated and is afraid that we aren't enough or that there isn't enough {love, money, time, etc}. Sometimes a part is worried that we aren't worthy of love, attention, what we desire. Sometimes a part doesn't feel safe - sometimes in the past we haven't been safe...
These fears are scary! Yikes! What if there isn't enough money to pay my bills? That's a real fear! What if I'm not worthy of love? Oh! That feels awful to consider. What if I'm not safe? Then what?
We have developed very clever and {falsely} effective strategies to help us get through life, to keep these fears quiet. Those clever and {falsely} effective strategies? THOSE are the hustle.
You might be hustling if...
you carefully choose your words so that no one is ever offended;
you notice your voice gets louder and louder in an argument;
you agree with whatever the other person wants;
you know the best way to do things and wish everyone else would just get on board;
you flip out when the dish towel isn't put back in the right place...
In theory, the hustle is supposed to help. These clever and {falsely} effective strategies are devised to help us survive and keep the overwhelming experience of fear at bay.
In reality, it leaves the hustler feeling exhausted, unheard, annoyed and like a hamster on a wheel.
Because...Is it REALLY possible to choose the just-right words AT ALL TIMES so that you don't offend ANYONE? No. If somehow you did manage to never offend anyone, chances are you did an even more painful thing and abandoned yourself. That is definitely draining of vitality and life.
That's just one example.
In reality, hustling leaves you feeling exhausted, unheard, annoyed and
like a hamster on a wheel.
Think for a second about a hustle of your own: when all is said and done, how do you end up feeling?
The hustle is a cop-out.
So, here we are, facing the reality that the hustle is a cop-out. Ugh. That sucks.
It’s just data though. Nothing is inherently wrong with hustling.
It's just that hustling is not necessary. Hustling harder isn’t the answer. Wearing a clever t-shirt that celebrates the hustle doesn’t make it better. And no matter how you cut the cake, hustling leaves you feeling dissatisfied.
"Hustling" may be socially accepted but it will never really get you where you want to be.
"Hustling" may be socially accepted but it will never really get you
where you want to be.
On one hand, hustling is like settling because you don’t think you can get what you really desire, just by being you. {We'll talk about this in a subsequent post, so hang tight!}
On the other hand hustling is a way to prove to yourself and the world that you really are good, attractive, strong, lovable, hardworking, etc, because you are afraid that maybe the truth is that you aren’t.
Dear One, there is nothing you need to do or say to prove that you are more than enough, that you are worthy, or that you are safe within your own heart.
Dear One, there is nothing you need to do or say to prove that you are more than enough, that you are worthy, or that you are safe within your own heart.
If you would prefer a different experience, let me just say: It Is Possible.
What might that be for you?
What is the different experience you would like to have in life?
What would your reality feel like if you stopped hustling?
It’s time to stop the hustle so that you can live your life fully.
With love for the journey, Rachel ✨
For Reflection & further Growth:
How did this land for you? What resonated, what didn't? What you are thinking about right now? What questions do you have?
When you engage, that's when you move the needle on your own process - THAT is Exercising Your Soul!
And...If you are ready to Stop the Hustle, follow this link to learn more about this empowering 4-part online course.
You'll learn more about the ways that the hustle can show up and how it impacts your life. You'll also learn the antidote to the all those not-so-helpful hustle strategies and how to move forward in your fullest, most authentic and joyful life.
It’s time to stop the hustle so that you can live your life fully.
Rachel Sartori is an Embodiment and Wholeness Coach. She is kick-ass and heart-centered whether she is showing up as a workshop/retreat facilitator, a private coach, a writer or a speaker. Rachel invites you to exercise your soul, and participate in the healing of your own heart and the world around you. With Rachel, all is welcome, all the time.
Read: Exercise Your Soul: Ignite Healing and Wholeness in your Life and Live from the Inside Out
Follow Rachel:
Comments