It’s a turn-on. Everyone likes it! And it sells!
No, not porn (let’s not get into the stats to make the point, please). I’m talking about “Hustle.” We’re all obsessed by it. Seriously. We are. Especially the millennials. Of course, they deserve it! But let’s get real — we all like the “idea” of a hustle but don’t want to bust our butts actually doing it.
There! I said it!
I searched for the word on YouTube and was shocked! So much content that just talks about the art, science and everything in between of Hustle. (Noticed there are a few people with the name Hustle! Talk about commitment!) Head over to Google and you’ll get close to 8,28,00,000 results!
The question is this — what’s there to talk about hustle anyway? And what makes it so sexy?
Truth be said, hustle’s same as good ole’ hard work. You know — burning the midnight oil, going through the grind and then some? That’s what hustle is. And since ages, our ancestors have been talking about it. What’s new?
I’m not too sure. It’s ironical that we (just being modest, I actually meant the Gen-Yers) wouldn’t listen to our grandparents thinking they’re crazy or just too old fashioned but spend hours listening to some rant on “how” or “why” to hustle! Because it’s on video or a podcast? Probably. But would anything change if our gramp’s start making videos and podcast on the same damn message? I’m not too sure about that.
I can’t believe we would rather listen to 40-something entrepreneurs than someone in their 80s?
If that’s the case should anyone even care about Warren Buffet or Charlie Munger? You know the answer, right? But it doesn’t add up. Does it? It sure beats me!
Here’s what my conclusion is: we’re living in times where your social status (both online and offline) matters a lot more than your actual status (intellect, wisdom and other “vintage” aspects of a human being).
Could it be that our priorities have changed over the years? It seems our definition of wealth is directly related to everyone’s perception of you based on your Facebook and Instagram feeds than your actual wealth (both in terms of financial well being and personal growth). I’m not judging anyone but just sharing an observation. Because I bump into youngsters who want to hustle but can’t bear to go through the pain.
Every second youngster I know listens to Garyvee 25 times a day. They want to launch their startup but they can’t seem to take their eyes off of YouTube videos on the hustle. Nor can they imagine eating shit for the next decade as Garyvee would say. Yet, they’re confident that the universe will transpire to give them everything that they want in life.
That’s one hokey combination! The secret + unwillingness to actually work hard.
And yet, one set of our demography thinks they’re entitled?
What makes them think that way?
Could this be an addiction?
Should we do anything about it?