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Grind vs. Hustle: A Simple Guide To Telling The Difference

This article is more than 8 years old.

With the evident dominance of digital media and abundant access to resources, America's economy is more do-it-yourself than ever. From emerging entrepreneurs to budding young executives, today's generation takes pride in redefining success and paving their own path.

Though each individual has their own journey, the known formula for success seems universal – work hard, stay committed, perfect your craft, and take advantage of opportunities. Yet, there is an even more common mantra that sets a solid line of differentiation between two types of people - work smarter, not harder.

That invaluable phrase is the foundation for understanding the difference between grind and hustle. To achieve lasting success, and continue conquering multiple missions, it’s important to know which category you currently fit into.

To be great requires an impeccable work ethic, and doing the necessary work is inescapable. This is an adopted truth reinforced by countless legends like Jay Z, Michael Jordan, Derek Jeter and Michael Jackson. However, it’s about the frame of mind a person has while training and putting in the work that dictates the outcome.

Hustlers make the right moves and master positioning, while someone who is a grinder always searches for moves, seeking to master where they’ve forcefully been positioned.

Someone who is a grinder can work tirelessly and see no return. Their sense of fulfillment is found in the chaos of moving at a fast pace, juggling multiple tasks, or simply being busy. However, someone who is a hustler makes sure every effort reaps a valuable return on investment.

Grinders desperately seek opportunity. If a slot opens, they step in without hesitation for the purposing of proving their worth to others. Hustlers put effort into existing opportunities to build on their vision and create additional opportunities with the value they already know they have.

Hustlers are not haters. A hustler respects the process and knows what it really takes to achieve the seemingly impossible, while grinders often hate because they don’t understand how to similarly master the game.

Those who hustle and those who grind often possess equal skill level, connections and muscle - but their movements are different.

When you see individuals given unearned opportunity become the Greek Tragedy, it's often a result of being shown how to take the throne, but not how to sustain success, and ultimately rule the Kingdom.

There are critical qualities that can't be taught that every entrepreneur must master to realize a massive vision.

Graduate from the grind and continue to refine your hustle. That is the difference between an internship and equity - peaking as a boss and evolving into an owner.

Make sure you seek advisement from mentors who are also hustlers that can teach you proper planning, positioning and what moves are really worth making.  The best leaders don't create followers, they create more leaders.

And here's a test: the next person who says they’re on the grind, ask them what do they have to show for the work. That will let you know which category they truly fall under.

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