Radical Wisdom: A 7-Day Journey for LeadersSample

Hustle

If I didn’t love hustle, I wouldn’t love mentoring younger guys so much. In my staid and stoic mature life, hustle is fun to see and be around. 

Jon Acuff, a smart guy who has amassed a huge tribe in the digital world, defines hustle as . . .

“Doing important things others aren’t willing to do.”

Simple but profound.

Let’s start with doing. That’s different from analyzing, strategizing, collaborating, planning, and all that stuff. Doing means acting. My friend John said to me, “Action reveals options that analysis never will.”

Next is important things. He didn’t say all things. He didn’t say urgent things. When was the last time you sat down and listed the ten most important things you could do to grow your business? Strengthen your marriage? Improve your health? Deepen your relationship with God? 

Finally, others aren’t willing to do. When my son Ross finished his medical training and decided to start his own practice, he got up early each day and delivered boxes of donuts to the offices of doctors who could refer patients to him. It was important for those potential referrers to know him. It took effort and humility on his part. 

Doing something “below your station” that others might not be willing to do is hustle. Hustle has a lot of connection with the idea of working heartily, as in Colossians 3:23 . . .

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.”

Question: Hustle is a lot about saying “yes.” Are you willing to say “yes” to a little hustle? Think of 5 important things others aren’t willing to do. Write them down. Pray. Then hustle!