Apr 17
Awake from the Hustling Dream
(And the importance of rest)
A few years ago when I started out to build my side business, I came across “successful” stories online and learnt the term “hustling”. I like Tesla so Elon Musk’s 5 minute time chunk inevitably found footing in my mind. I thought a successful person = busy person.
I was so ambitious that I scheduled myself as “hustling” as possible. So happy-hour turned into opening my MacBook in Starbucks. Weekend kids outing turned into business idea generating. My mind just wasn’t there when building sand castle.
I’m not here to rebuke those successful stories. I admire those businessmen who made it. However, that kind of life is just not for everyone. After a few years living on “hustling”, my focus ability degraded, my body deteriorated: white hair oozes, and dermatitis originally for a 50-year-old grows (I was 30ish). Of course, side dish failed.
I’ve learnt it the hard way and hope you won’t make the same mistake. Take a minute to think. If you were like me, a normal guy, this kind of “hustling” life would drive you crazy.
Time for a change. After trial and error I got the following tips about rest.
If Rest, Rest Relentlessly.
Before, even when I found time to rest, I rested wrongly. This sounds weird. How can a rest be done “wrongly”? But admit it, some people just don’t know how to rest. I used to go home carrying work related thoughts. Also see those sleep deprived, their brains are like racing a Gran Turismo at late night. Rest time was a luxury to some people.
Make sure your mind is cleaned after you depart the office. Discard all analytical thinking. Stop thinking / regretting. I now listen to lofi jazz to reset my mood (clean my brain) when driving home.
Before I’m home, I imagine a bag named “work” being shut behind the door. I can feel fully present at dinner with my family.
If you find difficulty in entering the present moment to rest, there are also plenty of resources online to teach. Personally I find deep breathing or meditation works.
Rest is Free
Do whatever you want during downtime. I used to feel guilty when I was not working. But now, after a long day, I spend child-like hours with my kids. After they go to bed, I will have my video games, manga, music and snacks (don’t get overdose). No guilt. I feel rejuvenated.
Forget about numbers and figures. Not all activities have to be accountable. I used to relate social activity with business connection. But now, I simply enjoy meeting people, hanging out, and talking BS.
I also changed my mindset in body building. It’s no longer result binding. I just enjoy my daily run, muscle build and that’s it. No more metrics to monitor my progress.
To entrepreneurs out there, you’ve already got enough plans. Rest time should be free, that is, no rules at all.
You don’t need to take everything seriously.
Big Chunk for Recharge
The whole Sunday is now blocked. Just follow my heart and family. Enjoy a whole day to reset and recharge.
Turn off your mobile phone. The world keeps turning, without you.
No more project ideas while building a sand castle.
Result
After the changes I self cured. I have more energy and focus to work on my own projects. Skin begins to heal like baby’s. I find myself more “present” when with friends.
Work is important. But to me, knowing how to rest is more important. There is always another chance in business but without health, you are nothing.
