What is #FtheHustle?

This has been a long time coming.

I thought it would make sense if I explained what #FtheHustle is before putting it out in the world (even though to a certain degree, it’s pretty self-explanatory).

I’m on a bit of a mission to change the way people think about building and growing an online business.

Let’s make one thing clear…

This is not about NOT “doing the work.”

I’m a firm believer in doing the work. In fact, I think I’ve gotten much clearer on what that means and how impactful it can be for your business.

Like many other entrepreneurs, the idea of freedom and working for myself is what drew me to start my business.

In March of 2021, I’ll be celebrating 13 years in business online.

NONE of which has been “easy.”

While the possibilities of everything the internet promised me is partly what drew me towards this, never once did I think it was going to be “easy.”

Did I think it was going to be as hard as it’s been?

HELL no.

Had someone told me when I started that it would take as long as it has I would have thought they had lost their mind.

I’ve never been afraid of hard work.

But the work required to grow and scale an online business is much different than the work I had been used to. 

I wasn’t technical at all when I started my business, but I knew with absolute certainty it was for me. 

Man.

I won’t go sideways with this, but if I could tell myself ONE thing when I was starting out it would be to focus on writing. 

ALL the writing:

• blog writing
• copywriting
• emails
• storytelling

I’m sure I’m missing something in there, but you get the point.

The more time and attention you spend on writing, the easier everything else will be (yes, podcasting, video, all of it). Just about everything you do online will require writing (descriptions, titles, headlines, sales, all of it).

Back to #FtheHustle.

I think way back when social media was first making a splash and everything was still “newish”, you could hustle and do well.

Think early adopter.

Any time you can be an early adopter and be consistent with it, you’ve got a potential advantage. 

I say potential because if what you’re creating is crap, well then… good luck. 💩

Language is everything

When you start paying attention to the words you use and how they make you feel you can’t “go back.”

I’ve always loved silly words or made up words for this very reason. A simple example is when you’re frustrated or angry.

And I’m not referring to something unjust or a tragedy… I’m talking about the day-to-day stuff that can cause these feelings.

If you were to say “I’m pissed off!”, you can instantly feel the anger.

Now, instead of saying how pissed off you are, try “I’m bugged”… BIG difference, isn’t it?

One is like pouring gasoline on a fire and the other is letting it smolder out.

THIS is why I’m so over the “hustle” culture and mentality.

I’m sure part of this is age and life experience. The other part is empathy for anyone who feels like they’re never doing enough.

And that’s the kicker, isn’t it?

Because when it comes to an online business you’re never really done.

There is ALWAYS more you can do.

More you can create, more you can promote, someone else you can connect with, something else you can share…

It can be exhausting.

IF… you buy into this nonsense.

The person who proudly claims to be “hustling” still only has 24 hours a day. And all of our life circumstances are different.

If you’re not the primary breadwinner or have a lot of support at home (or are only responsible for yourself), your world is going to be very, very different than the single Mom who has to do everything herself (or single Dad, but let’s be honest, this is still skewed. Of single-parent households, only 16.1% are male, even though that number is rising).

My hope with the #FtheHustle Newsletter

Stop glorifying the hustle.

I’d like to remove the pressure people unknowingly put on themselves to always be doing more.

Let’s focus on mastery and love of what we do.

Create intentions, master your craft, be consistent, and dare I say it? #JustShowUP.

Do whatever works for YOU.

Some of you may simply want to pay the mortgage while other people (myself included), want a 7-figure business.

Neither is better than the other, they’re simply different.

What good are goals if we don’t enjoy the journey?

Click the image below to receive the weekly #FtheHustle newsletter. Every week I’ll share inspiration, articles, tools, resources, and hopefully, something to lighten the mood (humor goes a long way, doesn’t it?).