Let me start by saying, I’ve been working since I was 13 years old. It’s not because I had to, but because it prevented me from heading in a different life direction.
I was a bad kid for a small period in my teens, until I was given the opportunity to work at a outdoor marketplace for $100 a day under the table. After convincing my parents to let me, I was on board to discover the true meaning of hard-earned money.
Little did I know, this new venture would soon lead to a door open to great opportunities and an out-of-control ambition.
A true hustler is someone willing to give up luxury and titles, someone doesn’t care to juggle multiple jobs in order to reach his or her goal. A hustler is humble, frugal and true to him or herself, but will work 24/7 to obtain any vision he or she may have of life.
Here’s how you can be a true hustler:
Quit your 9-to-5 Job.
This was terrifying to me. How could I not depend on a fixed check?
If you know how to manage your money and can possibly quit without a care in the world because you have enough savings, then by all means, do it.
Work a 9-to-5 job until you have that stack of change that allows you to do what you really want to do. Whether it’s taking your time to find a job in what you majored, going back to school, owning a business or possibly traveling, just do it.
If you find yourself working and paying bills, but never with enough money to enjoy your savings, then you are simply wasting your time. The only way you can truly focus on your goals and ambitions is not by sitting in a cubicle making other people’s dreams come true.
Work, work and work!
There is no shame in working multiple (legal) jobs and stacking up cash. Having flexible hours and easy cash is the easy way to go to focus on your actual career and save money, but don’t make the slight mistake of staying in any of these jobs because they are easy and comfortable.
If you have a flexible schedule, use your free time wisely; nothing worthy in life will come easy. If you have to work five random jobs to stack up your savings, then do it with your head held high. Be proud of yourself for following your dreams.
Give up luxury.
This one was probably the hardest for me. I created a goal at 15 years old to purchase a home by the age of 18. By 18, not only did I own a property, I made well over six figures.
Young success came with a luxurious lifestyle, and after many years, I realized material things are truly just that. Anything you can save money on, like trading in name brands for knockoffs, trading in that expensive car or buying on a budget, is a step closer to reaching your goals.
Stop spending money on anything that won’t make you twice the money back. Being frugal and humble is nothing to be ashamed of. If you are worried about holding a certain image, then maybe you don’t want it bad enough.
Go into hibernation mode.
This means stay under the radar and live under a rock for a few months to stay focused. Nothing is more distracting than social media, summer parties and spare time to hang out with jobless friends.
When you stay away from the world, you start focusing on what’s really important and what your true vision of life really is.
Stop caring if your family complains about you not being around, or if your friends get mad because you aren’t returning messages. Right now is your time; don’t worry about anyone else but yourself. If your friends are true friends, they will understand and still be around later in life.
Being a hustler is not for everyone; only a small percentage of people have what it takes. If you are content with your life, then do what makes you happy. If you know you have so much more to give, then be ready to hustle because nothing in life comes easy.
