I have some thoughts about the “rise and grind” culture. You probably know what I’m talking about. It’s the thesis of every Gary Vaynerchuck podcast, the title of a book by Daymond John of Shark Tank fame, and splashed on t-shirts, coffee mugs, and notebooks everywhere.
I actually had to unsubscribe to Gary V’s podcasts awhile back because the dude gave me anxiety. I felt like the pressure was always to go and do and keep going and keep doing. It seemed like every podcast episode he basically says, “Shut up, quit making excuses, and grind. Grind all day every day. Grind ’till you can’t grind no more.” I respect where he’s coming from, saying that you can’t sit around dreaming up ideas all day… that you have to actually get out there and do the work. I get it. I have nothing but respect for Gary V, but I disagree with this mentality.
Now, let me explain why… why grind? Grinding sounds painful. Grinding sounds like something doesn’t quite fit and you’re wearing away the edges with nonstop laborious activity. Wouldn’t it be better to do something that feels more aligned with what you actually want to do? Wouldn’t it be better to find work that gives you life… gives you and the people around you energy? Instead of grinding your edges and constantly taking energy from you?
First, a disclaimer:
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with deriving energy from the words “rise and grind.” If that puts fire in your belly and hits you like a double shot of espresso, cool. Keep saying it and keep doing it.
But. And it’s an all caps BUT. It’s this kind of mentality that makes small business owners burn the candle at both ends, and more often than not, a slave to their business. Did you know small business owners are more likely than not to suffer from depression and anxiety? Burn out takes its toll on all of us at some point.
Now, don’t start throwing eggs at me if you don’t share the same opinions. You know I’ve always been 100% authentic in my emails. BUT. If everything about the phrase “rise and grind” gives you anxiety and makes you feel like you have to do all the things in order to ever be anything…
Stop.
Take a deep breath.
And take the time to step back and decide first what kind of business you want to be in and what your desired role in it is. Capture that thing that gives you life… and do that. Don’t just grind to grind. Let’s all ALIGN instead. Let’s look for the types of work and clients that give us energy and actually impact who we are and how we contribute on this planet.
Stopping and aligning didn’t come naturally to me. My natural inclination is to go go go and do do do. For example, when we have a new product launching, I always want to go go go until the whole thing is perfect. But I’ve seen myself in this mode (I call that person Dragon Lady when she emerges) and I don’t want to be that person.
Guys, we don’t have to be that person. We have God-given strengths and talents that we can leverage to pursue meaningful work. Whatever that is for you… pursue that with all your heart and mind. But don’t just grind to grind, okay? There are no awards given out at the end of our lives for who worked the most hours.
Instead of grinding nonstop on all of the things, how about reading these value-filled articles on the AMP’D website that we’ve written for you? These are some of our most popular posts and will help you create a business that gives you life.
- What Can We Learn About Our Customers Right Now?
- Read These Books (In This Order) To Grow Your Business
- The #1 Thing You Have to Do to Grow Your Business