Hustling

The beauty of hustling is that you lose track of time. Is that a good thing? Absolutely! Because when you're alone, caught in a whirlwind of thoughts, trying to do what you love but struggling to start, it’s easy to get lost in distractions. You might think about reading, only to stop after a couple of pages, grab a snack, prepare a meal, take a hot bath, or call someone. Before you know it, you're bouncing between activities—eating, walking, or doing anything but what you intended. Your mind wanders, untrained and unstructured, and at the end of the day, you might find yourself binge-watching shows with snacks, indulging in skincare routines, or chatting with someone you'd rather not talk to.

But here’s the point I want to make: Discipline.

Structure is key. It’s about having an organized day—Activity 1, 2, 3, 4, followed by 5, 6, 7, with short, well-deserved breaks in between. Remember the structured days of school? Timed classes, short recesses, and clear transitions? That system worked for a reason. But as adults, we often abandon those principles. Hustling, with its urgency and momentum, brings back a semblance of discipline—if you don’t let it overwhelm you. It forces focus, order, and a sense of accomplishment as tasks get ticked off one after the other.

Take parenting as an example. Imagine not waking up on time when you have kids. Who’s going to get them ready, pack their bags, make breakfast, polish their shoes, or tie their laces? If you’re lazy, they’ll miss school, and you’ll miss your precious “me time” because they’re still home.

While relaxation and unwinding are crucial—whether through small breaks during the day or a vacation—hustling brings a discipline that’s hard to match. It’s okay to embrace mediocrity some days, to wake up, follow a routine, and not overthink things. No philosophy, no deep strategies, no obsessing over the past, present, or future—just following the rules of the day. It’s a mentality we might have resented as kids when our parents pushed us, but adopting a military-like precision occasionally can be incredibly freeing. Overthinking can take a backseat.

Personally, I’ve tried this method, and it works. Start the day with a clear plan: wake up, tackle tasks, eat breakfast, get ready for work, and take short breaks (maybe a laugh over coffee with colleagues). Work on what’s assigned, prioritize tasks, and stick to the essentials. Don’t overcomplicate things with unnecessary ideas or opinions. Plan meals, prepare exactly what’s needed, exercise or go for a walk to unwind, and get to bed on time.

The key? Keep your mind clear. No grudges, no regrets, no overthinking about anyone or anything. Just follow the plan, stick to the routine, and get things done. It’s a simple, effective way to keep moving forward.