Don't Rise & Grind - It's Stupid!

Find something you love and you will never work a day in your life...

This quote is the most common advice people give to young career seekers. Many years ago, midway through law school, I sought out career counseling at UC Davis. I loved law school but I wasn't convinced I was going to love working in the legal profession. I was asked "what is your dream job?" I replied "to be a college soccer coach."

Somehow we have bought into the notion that we have to "rise and grind." We are told to "grind it out." I don't agree! That isn't a formula for success and great performance. In fact you should stop grinding it out immediately if you would like to be YOUR best!

I get up early pretty much every day and stay late lots of evenings. Coaching NEVER feels like a grind to me. That's because I love what I'm doing. Are there bad moments? Sure. Do I like fundraising as much as I like running a training session? No way!

Here is the key...

I don't try to grind anything out! I don't rise and grind! Instead I LOVE what I'm doing.

Take fundraising for example. It is a big part of my job. I would never want a career in fundraising. That would be a grind. But fundraising for Stan State women's soccer? That's something I'm passionate about because it allows our team to be successful. We raise a lot of money. Not because I bring a "grind it out" attitude to our fundraising projects but because I embrace it!

Unfortunately the #RiseAndGrind mentality is killing performance and success. I believe there is a better way and I believe that better way leads to greater performance, more success and happiness.

What is it? I'll share in my next blog post.