PURPOSEFUL HUSTLE BLOG

In the workplace, how often do you say things are fine when they’re really not? How often do you go along with an idea or initiative, even though you disagree with a few parts of the plan? How often do you keep quiet about a co-worker’s annoying or unproductive behavior? If you’ve ever faced repercussions for speaking up, chances are, you’ll think twice before doing so again. And that’s a shame! Innovations and improvements are often born through dissention. When the workplace settles for “business as usual,” it tends to stagnate. Worse, if the majority continues to make most decisions and set the tone/culture of the workplace, voices are silenced and entire groups of people begin to feel as if they don’t matter. That’s where feedback comes into play.

When it comes to building a more diverse and inclusive workplace, education is key. Workshops, seminars, and training courses are all valid ways to learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), BUT you can also take your education into your own hands and pick up a book. Sure, blog posts and articles can deliver bits of wisdom, but books take a deep dive. They provide a rich wealth of knowledge that you can take and use in your everyday life. There’s a reason some of the wealthiest people in the U.S. (think Oprah, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffett) are also exceptionally well-read. Books can deliver insights and ideas to fuel your hustle. When it comes to DEI-centered books, you have a lot of options (including my own publication, Actions Speak Louder). However, not all DEI books are created equally. We did the research and put together a list of 10 engaging and educational books that cover diversity, equity, and inclusion topics. Pick the ones that spark your interest, find a cozy spot, and start reading!

Whether consciously or not, certain people are often unsupported in their professional development. A company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts should not stop with recruiting a diverse set of people. Rather, it is crucial to nurture diverse talent and provide equal opportunities and support systems for traditionally underrepresented individuals to advance. Why nurture traditionally underrepresented talent?

Let’s say you’re staring down an enormous task. Maybe you’re hoping to write a book, start a nonprofit, switch career paths, or design a new product. When you think about your endeavor, you’re sometimes excited…and sometimes so overwhelmed you want to stress-eat ice cream or take a nap. I understand. Big goals can be daunting, especially if they are particularly meaningful or heart-driven. Instead of being intimidated every time you think about your goal, I suggest breaking the goal down into bite-sized pieces or micro-actions. Studies reveal that when a goal or task is highly specific, an individual is much more likely to achieve it. So, breaking down your big-picture goals is a great way to enable your success.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, a solopreneur, or a volunteer organizer, trust is foundational to success. Businesses are built on trust. Initiatives are started through trust. Trust is an absolute necessity for making progress—for reaching higher and going farther. Part of the reason trust is so integral to success is because we can’t do everything on our own. As a purposeful hustler, you’re ambitious and probably inclined to take on too much work on your own. But the fact is, you can’t grow a business or start a volunteer initiative if you’re the only one behind the wheel. You can’t expand your influence if you only trust yourself to do the heavy lifting. As the saying goes, “It takes a village.”

What sparks a fire in your belly? What energizes, excites, or ignites you? What is your purpose? In my blog, we talk a lot about purpose. I’m a big proponent of identifying your central purpose and, if possible, aligning your purpose with your work. I realize, however, that this isn’t always possible. Sometimes, you simply need a source of income to pay the rent, repair your car, or pay for your kids’ new sneakers. I get it. That’s why it sometimes makes sense to center your purpose around a side hustle.

Modern leadership books seem to be obsessed with authenticity. We’re told to be vulnerable, practice transparent communicate, become more self-aware, and bring our genuine selves to the workplace. All these steps can stretch our comfort zones, and we may begin to wonder if the effort is worth it. Do people really respond to authentic leadership? Does the workplace actually experience benefits from leaders being transparent and candid? In truth, authentic leadership is more than a trend or a buzzword. It is a highly effective approach to leading a team. When you make a concerted effort to be candid, transparent, and a bit vulnerable, you open the door for your team members to do the same. A leader’s actions have the power to influence workplace culture and empower both individuals and teams. Let’s talk about 5 positive side effects that result from authentic leadership.

If you’re like many Purposeful Hustlers I know, you tend to burn the candle at both ends. You juggle work responsibilities with family, volunteering, side hustles, hobbies, and community engagement. If you’re not keeping busy, you feel slightly guilty and immediately fill up any downtime you may have. I definitely support ambition, but here’s the thing: engaging in constant busy work does not necessarily get you ahead. There’s truth in the phrase, “It’s better to work smarter than harder.” And to increase your output—to work smarter—you have to practice a little self-care.

Picture yourself in a team meeting. One of the more vocal team members proposes a strategy to address a current problem, and everyone nods and agrees without question. The team doesn’t consider other options or examine potential issues with the proposed strategy. No one voices an alternative idea. Instead, everyone moves on. This is an example of groupthink. In essence, groupthink involves making a decision as a group without much critical thought, discussion, feedback, or dissention. This term was coined in the 1950s, but was popularized by psychologist Irving Janis, who published a book called Groupthink in 1972 (revised in 1982). Chances are, you’ve experienced some form of groupthink.

When it comes to time management, it’s really about managing yourself, not your time. Time marches forward, whether you want it to or not, and you only have so many hours in the day. Because of that, it’s best to take ownership of yourself, your activities, and how you show up on any given day. Are you mostly engaged in busy work, flipping from task to task? Do you let yourself be pulled around by other people or distractions? Do you often experience burnout or become overwhelmed? Whatever the case, it’s a good idea to improve your self management, so you can improve your time management. Here are 6 ways...