Hustle. There’s a renewed interest in this word and what it really means. It keeps popping up on Vlogs, Blogs, Podcasts, Articles, and Speeches.
Even one of my Rock and Roll (and business!) heroes of yesteryear recently wrote about it in a book. Several of the proponents of this “hustle & grind” philosophy of work and success encourage adherents to go without vacation, sleep little and sacrifice much only to be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor later. As much as I like and respect several of the evangelists preaching this message, I must disagree.
During my ministry over the past 25+ years, I have officiated at well over 1800 funerals and been at hundreds of bedsides sitting with people transitioning from this life to the next. I can tell you definitively that hustle and grind are not on the top of their list. No one has ever pulled me close on their deathbed and said, “I wish I would have spent more time at the office, bought more houses or had nicer cars. I wish I’d made more money.”
No, they talk about their regrets. Often, they regret spending too much time working, trying to please others, and living in fear. Many even feel unfulfilled wondering if their life mattered.
There’s a lesson for us. I believe that we have all been hardwired by our Creator to make a difference. It’s also true that this same Creator has entrusted you and me with our own DNA that makes us unique and one of a kind. That means that each of us has a distinct purpose and mission. Something that ONLY WE can do to leave this world a better place. Those who find that in this life have little regret going into the next one.
“Hustling & Grinding” aren’t necessarily a bad thing. We just shouldn’t sacrifice our mission and purpose on their altar. There’s more to this life. Much more.
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