Why We Need to Let Go of the Hustle

Something has been on my mind lately. I hope it will resonate with you, too. Today, let’s talk about the difference between hustling and attracting.

Since the beginning of the year, I’ve been actively engaged in work and taking very little time off. While the Covid situation has certainly impacted my work (since I lead live retreats and that’s not possible under the circumstances right now), I also do a lot of online work. I started doubling down in my online efforts like working with private coaching clients. I found myself quite busy, and in some ways even busier, when we started quarantining and isolation. 

Now that is beginning to taper off and as two of my programs are coming to an end, there is a bit more space in my calendar. It feels really nice, like a deep sigh. Yet there’s a part of me that is compelled to hustle for what’s next, create what’s next, start talking about the next program, create a virtual retreat, make it happen. It’s a frenzied energy that’s constantly asking “what am I going to do now?”. 

But when I get still and check in with my heart, I keep getting the same message: rest and play. It’s gotten me thinking about this idea of hustling versus the more feminine approach of attracting or receiving.

I’m not a big fan of the hustle. I’ve done it plenty in my life, and to a certain degree, it works. What I’m referring to is aggressively, forcefully going after what I want. I have an assertive personality, so it’s easy for me to lean toward what I want in an active way. In fact, it’s taken me a lot of growth work to be able to relax and let go of the “I want that, let me go get it” attitude.

To be more open to something coming to me. 

There’s work involved in attracting and receiving, too. It does take intentionality to be receptive to what wants to come. Over the last several years, I’ve been making much more effort to work in ways that are less effortful. To be more receptive and inviting. Creating a space around me in which things can come to me.

It requires a deep trust that life is going to take care of me, things are going to work out, I don’t have to push so hard, and there are other forces working on my behalf. It’s a much more joyful, playful, light way to manifest and create. Play more, rest more, and when some inspired action presents itself, have the courage and faith to move on it. Anytime I’m feeling tired, burned out, resentful, or stressed—that’s my cue that I need to rest into play.

I only get in that tight, frantic place when I’m feeling a sense of lack or scarcity. When I’m in an abundant place, I feel inspired, motivated, creative, and receptive. 

I’ve been feeling a little pressure to hustle lately. That’s why I’m about to take some time to rest and play. I know this actually produces the most effortless and joyful results ever. I made this conscious decision a few days ago and started clearing my calendar to have time to truly play and rest. I’m putting some projects off for a couple of weeks, knowing that I can circle back to them. As I was doing this, someone in my community reached out and signed on to do some coaching with me. I didn’t do anything except be open and receptive and clear some space for it. That’s been my experience every time I drop the hustle and just become receptive: life starts unfolding in really magical ways.

If you find yourself burned out, tired, or hustling, find some ways to rest and recharge. Go have some fun, and trust that life is going to deliver exactly what you need when you need it.

See you soon!