What Are You “Hustling” for?
I’ve been heavily involved in the social media industry for the past two years. I’ve shot with a few Celebrities I legally can’t mention, many Entrepreneurs, and a lot of the “insta-famous” influencers you look up to.
These are some things I learned from it all.
A lot of advice is given to young people these days on Social Media.
You’ve seen it before…
The photo of the flashy Lamborghini with the hotshot entrepreneur making a phone call. Overlaying the photo are the words, “Never STOP grinding!”
or perhaps the photo of the dude boarding a private jet with three models by his side with the quote, “Hard work pays off”
These messages may have great intentions, but what are these photos actually promoting?
I feel some obligation to talk about this because I’ve been the photographer behind the camera taking these photos.
What turned out to just be a “cool photo idea” started to weigh heavy on my heart when I started asking myself, “What are young kids seeing when they look at these photos I’m taking?”
they may conclude,
“Hey, if I drop out and work hard, I too can have the hot girls, cars and jets.”
or simply,
“Happiness is in the accumulation of things”
Listen…
it’s not about that.
Trust me, up until I reached my mid-20s. That’s all I dreamed about.
The cars,
The homes,
The women,
The parties,
Work to me was just a means to an end
a means to what, you ask?
THE LIFESTYLE.
YES…
Work is a huge component of your life and should be taken very seriously. I hope and pray that everyone finds that one thing they love and work hard at it.
And that’s just it, fall in love with what you do.
Stop chasing ONLY the money.
And if you are chasing the money…
I urge you to ask yourself this question,
“What exactly am I grinding for?“
Is it for the Lamborghini?
the girls?
the jets?
In my opinion, you’re starting down a dangerous and lonely road.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with THINGS.
They are here to add to life.
However, Never let them become the life.
I see this in the business startup world, people will do away with self-care and destroy themselves all for the hopes of one day getting massive payday or exit.
They work years upon years, sacrificing their families, friends and own sanity for what? Money? Fame? Recognition? Cars? Women? Jets? Penthouses?
These things aren’t necessarily bad. Just find out WHY you’re chasing these things.
is it to appear cool for your followers?
is it to appear like you made it?
Really go internal and figure out why you’re going after these things.
Make sure it’s for the right reasons.
There’s more.
In this age of social media and influencers always showcasing the lifestyle, we seem to forget that there’s more to it…
Family
Friends
Love
Giving
Hobbies
Experiences
Downtime
Travels
Personal Growth
Spiritual Growth
These are all components of a good life in my opinion. Focus all your efforts on one area specifically and you’ll quickly become lopsided.
My overall message.
Working hard is important, but what are you working towards?
Is it for the car? the jet? the lifestyle?
Are you working towards that one day when you finally drive past your exes house in that fresh new Lambo and rub it in her face?
if so, please reevaluate it…
Your well-being and mental health is more valuable than any dollar amount.
Your friend, Truman.
@trumylin
