The Gift Of…

A few days ago I sent this tweet out:

Coach Scott Brooks on Kevin Durant: “He works like he has no talent. He works every day like he wants to make the team. That’s his mindset.” #hustle

Since hitting send, it has become the most retweeted tweet I have ever sent.

Everyone loves the idea of HUSTLE, so why is it so rare?

There are a few things about HUSTLE that not everyone has figured out:

  • It’s not just working a lot…it’s how you approach your life.
  • It’s a FREE resource that can give you an advantage over your competition.
  • Hustle comes with a cost…sweat.
  • It’s one of the few things that you’re always in control of – no one else gets to control your work or how you approach your work.
  • Everyone likes the idea of Hustle, but few people like the execution of it.
  • Hustle will seperate you from the pack.
  • Hustle trumps talent.
  • Hustle magnifies strengths.
  • Hustle comes from passion, not books, quotes, tweets, or talk.
  • Hustle amplifies data.
  • Hustle requires the extra 2% that makes a big difference.
  • Hustle isn’t very sexy.
  • Hustle takes work.
  • Hustle never gets satisfied.
  • Hustle hates entitlement.

The truth is people who are willing to hustle understand that what they GET to do is a GIFT. They cherish that gift because they know how special it is and how rare it is for people to get to do things they love. They never take that for granted and they respect the fact that they’re blessed with an opportunity. When we embrace this concept, we realize we have to stay hungry, stay focused, and stay willing to do whatever it takes. Hustle is about stewardship, not chatter.

So let’s go create. Let’s make amazing stuff…like HISTORY…and let’s do it understanding the amazing blessing we get to live. Who’s with me?

17 Responses to “The Gift Of…”

  1. Eric June 7, 2012 at 3:48 am #

    Great stuff. I love hustle because it’s my opportunity to take my average talents and gifts and make them work powerfully for the good of others in a way that inspires. Nothing helps lead your team like when they see you bustin your tail for them. @Eric_Conn

    • admin June 7, 2012 at 12:27 pm #

      THAT IS SO TRUE Eric!

  2. John Tibbs June 7, 2012 at 6:39 am #

    Me. I’m with you.

    Love this: ‘Hustle isn’t very sexy.’

    Thanks for this.

    • admin June 7, 2012 at 12:27 pm #

      Thanks for reading this!

  3. Rob Still June 7, 2012 at 6:42 am #

    Inspiring post Steve! I love how you frame hustle as being a good steward of the gifts and opportunities we have. So true. I’m with ya bro!

    • admin June 7, 2012 at 10:37 am #

      LOVE IT ROB! Lets make history.

  4. dan June 7, 2012 at 7:10 am #

    I’m in.

    I love what I get to do.

    • admin June 7, 2012 at 10:37 am #

      Thats step 1 Dan.

  5. Jenna B. June 7, 2012 at 8:16 am #

    Hustle is about stewardship.
    So awesome.
    Gonna go hustle today.

  6. Ben Arment June 7, 2012 at 8:43 am #

    Stephen you’re the godfather of hustle. Saw this quote the other day by high school athlete Caleb Blance @blanceboy: “If someone is better than me, its going to be bcz god gave them more athletic ablity than me not bcz they worked harder than me.” Love that.

    • admin June 7, 2012 at 12:29 pm #

      Oh man Ben, that is an amazing quote. It is how I have lived my life. I will never be the most talented but I can control how hard I work. You are a huge inspiration to me Ben.

  7. Johnny Clay June 7, 2012 at 10:07 am #

    love this post dude!! #hustle is the newest word in my daily vocab

    • admin June 7, 2012 at 12:29 pm #

      Keep grinding.

  8. tam June 7, 2012 at 10:09 am #

    i’m in hustle mode now. and it’s pretty crazy awesome!

  9. Juannyo June 7, 2012 at 1:53 pm #

    I’m with you. I love this post. Question…what are some of the macro and micro wins/goals that fuel your hustle. How do you personally keep that edge or cultivate that kind of “killer instinct” creatively?

  10. DYBA June 7, 2012 at 2:53 pm #

    I’m in. Hustle for life.

  11. Todd Weiden June 8, 2012 at 8:33 pm #

    You slayed it once again. This has been me & my team’s mantra since 1/1 (“year of the hustle”). Oh and it works, #1 market in the whole company right now. Zero to Hero thx to Hustle.

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